At the same time.
At the foot of White Cliff Mountain.
Su Xiaoluo was leading over two hundred young fans up the mountain.
Since that night's live stream, many viewers expressed a strong desire to witness the charm of that young Daoist in person.
In response, after careful consideration, Su Xiaoluo decided this was an opportunity to help the Observatory Master make the Daoist Temple flourish!
So today, even before dawn, she organized her followers and headed to White Cliff Mountain.
Looking at the temple, which has withstood a hundred years of storms, the young men and women showed excitement and thrill in their eyes.
...
"Junior Brother Lin!"
Returning to the Daoist Temple.
Wang Yuan and Wang Sheng enthusiastically approached as soon as they saw Lin Heng.
Seeing Lin Heng holding a bundle of strange things, they both looked curious:
"What are these?"
Unfortunately, Lin Heng did not answer but gazed intently at the monk robes they wore, asking back:
"What's with you two?"
Wang Yuan and Wang Sheng exchanged a glance, the former clasped his hands together and said with a smile:
"We have both converted to the Buddhist Sect!"
His tone carried a hint of pride.
Lin Heng took a deep breath: "What about Lingxi Daoist Temple then?"
As far as he knew, after the old Observatory Master's death at Lingxi Daoist Temple two months ago, Wang Yuan took over as Observatory Master.
Seeing Wang Yuan now in monk robes made Lin Heng have an ominous feeling.
And the facts proved him right.
Wang Yuan said: "Oh, the Daoist Temple has been demolished, and the Abbot plans to build a new temple on its original site."
His tone was calm, his face indifferent.
"As for the fellow disciples, they've all joined us and entered Zen Spirit Temple!"
Wang Sheng nodded and smiled on the side.
Lin Heng was silent for a while, becoming gradually indifferent, and said impassively:
"Oh, congratulations to both of you."
Wang Yuan and Wang Sheng exchanged a mysterious smile: "We should be congratulating you!"
Lin Heng slightly raised his eyebrows.
Wang Yuan finally explained their intention: "Junior Brother Lin, your achievement of slaying an Evil Ghost with a Magical Artifact two days ago has reached the Abbot!"
"He is very pleased with you and believes you have great potential."
"He especially invited you to transfer to Zen Spirit Temple!"
"Me?"
Lin Heng laughed.
"A Daoist transferring to the Buddhist Sect?"
He was amused by the absurdity.
Wang Yuan, seeing this, spoke earnestly: "Why not?"
"Daoism has long been in decline, with no believers left. Look at Buddhism; there are countless temples across the nation!"
"Believers are found in nearly every household!"
"Joining such a prosperous Buddhism is a blessing for us!"
His tone was full of admiration for Buddhism, even slightly flattering.
It seemed he was trying to please the old monk behind him.
Unexpectedly, Lin Heng directly shook his head.
"Sorry."
"Everyone has their aspirations; if you wish to join the Buddhist Sect, that's not my concern, and perhaps it is indeed a blessing for you."
"But it won't be a blessing for me!"
Lin Heng had no fondness for Buddhism.
It could be said that Daoism's descent into decline was largely due to Buddhism's oppression.
Master Qingxu had suffered bullying from monks several times in the past!
Even the untimely death of the elder from Lingxi Daoist Temple two months ago might be related to Zen Spirit Temple!
So, Lin Heng could hardly imagine.
Wang Yuan, who was raised by that elder since childhood, would turn to the Buddhist Sect after taking over Lingxi Daoist Temple?
Thinking back, he had planned to send some Magical Artifacts to Wang Yuan for support.
Now, it seemed rather laughable.
"Junior Brother Lin, don't be so resolute!"
Lin Heng's disdain made Wang Yuan a little angry; he frowned and said:
"Don't you want to hear the terms?"
Lin Heng sneered, too lazy to respond.
Wang Yuan was slightly annoyed, but after glancing at Elder Kong Wen, he took a deep breath and forced a smile:
"Junior Brother Lin, I know you're reluctant to leave the Daoist Temple, but you must look forward!"
"Entering Zen Spirit Temple has no downside."
"Especially for people of our status, do you know that my Junior Brother Wang Sheng and I, after joining Zen Spirit Temple for just half a month, are now candidates to become Model Masters!"
"Oh?" Lin Heng was slightly surprised.
As far as he knew, the Buddhist Sect had a strict hierarchy.
Newcomers could only be called Novice Monks.
Upon reaching the age of twenty and gaining some understanding of Buddhist Dharma, one could take Bhikkhu Precepts and become a Bhikkhu Monk.
Five years after becoming a Bhikkhu, fully understanding the Precepts, one would have the chance to become a Model Master Teaching Disciples!
After the Model Master comes the Senior Dharma Teacher.
And then, Elder, Abbot!
Wang Yuan and Wang Sheng had been at Zen Spirit Temple for less than half a month and could already become candidate Model Masters, which explained their pride in joining Buddhism.
At this point, Lin Heng was intrigued, half-smiling as he said:
"Then what position would I get if I join Zen Spirit Temple?"
Wang Yuan and Wang Sheng glanced at each other, showing a touch of envy in their expressions, speaking firmly:
"Senior Dharma Teacher!"
"Oh?"
Lin Heng raised his eyebrows, somewhat unexpected.
Seeing Lin Heng's expression change, the two displayed joy.
"What do you think? Isn't it a much better prospect than being a poor Observatory Master?"
Lin Heng laughed lightly, his tone indifferent:
"Too bad, being a monk doesn't interest me."
"Alright."
"I still have cultivation to attend to, so I won't entertain you two gentlemen any longer."
After saying this, Lin Heng turned to head back to the temple.
Wang Yuan, seeing this, urgently said:
"Lin Heng, think carefully!"
"Don't think just because you have a Duster Magical Artifact, you're destined for greatness!"
"I'm not afraid to tell you, Zen Spirit Temple has plenty of Magical Artifacts, and Elder Kong Wen just promised to reward us with a First Grade Magical Artifact!"
"Also, though I don't know where you got your opportunity, I must tell you, without guidance from a Great Cultivator, relying on yourself alone, you won't progress much!"
"On the contrary, Zen Spirit Temple is full of experts; Junior Brother Wang Sheng and I have been there just half a month, and we have already learned breathing techniques, with hopes of officially stepping into Qi Refining!"
Mentioning these, Wang Yuan and Wang Sheng's faces were full of pride.
Yet, they didn't notice.
Behind them, Elder Kong Wen kept his gaze fixed on the bundle of Magical Artifacts in Lin Heng's hand.
Upon sensing the aura of a Fourth Grade among them.
Elder Kong Wen's heart was like a stormy sea!
And Lin Heng, hearing Wang Yuan's pride in the so-called First Grade Magical Artifact and breathing techniques, was both laughing and crying inside.
Evidently, Wang Yuan and Wang Sheng didn't realize.
They might have missed out on the greatest opportunity of their lives!
"Alright, each to their own; Buddhism is great, go if it pleases you."
"Since I've inherited Master Qingxu's Dao tradition, my duty is to rejuvenate Qingfeng Daoist Temple as my life's work."
"Not interested in Zen Spirit Temple."
Lin Heng wore an air of calmness.
Yet his words were somewhat harsh in Wang Yuan's ears.
It must be noted, he too inherited Daoist Ling Feng's tradition, yet he chose to sell the Daoist Temple and switch to the Buddhist Sect.
"Lin Heng!"
Wang Yuan's tone was a bit angry: "You can't see reality."
"Nowadays, Daoism's reputation is tainted, and everyone shuns it."
"Buddhist believers are in every household, the trend between Buddhism and Daoism has long been set!"
"Do you really think that with a mere Duster you can revive Qingfeng Daoist Temple?"
"I tell you, Zen Spirit Temple's strength is beyond your imagination, no matter how many evil spirits you slay, in the eyes of the public, you'll never be as revered as a Buddhist elder!"
"Just like now, besides us, has a single believer come to your temple to offer incense?"
Wang Yuan's tone was firm, every word filled with conviction.
However, just as he finished speaking.
The sound of a commotion arose from the nearby path.
"Look, Qingfeng Daoist Temple is right there!"
"Wow! Finally, we get to see the incredibly handsome Observatory Master!"
"So excited, so happy!"
"I want to be the first to offer incense, don't fight me for it!"
"Charge!!"
Amidst the clamorous, eager voices, a crowd of hundreds surged forth.