It’s just his appearance…
It’s truly hard to compliment.
Fahai sized him up, seeing that he had no ill intent, and was merely borrowing a seat.
So, he nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
The Little Monk breathed a sigh of relief, clasped his hands together, and bowed, “This Little Monk Xuzhu thanks Senior Brother.”
Xuzhu?
Fahai’s eyes flickered; he hadn’t expected to meet such a character here.
He took a closer look at the Monk’s appearance.
Thick eyebrows and big eyes, nostrils pointing skyward, ears sticking out, thick lips…
He was indeed uncommonly ugly.
With such an appearance, who else could it be but Xuzhu?
“That Xuzhu from Shaoshi Mountain?”
Xuzhu paused for a moment, “Senior Brother actually knows my name.”
Of course, I know.
You are an existence even luckier than Duan Yu.
In the original story, he accidentally solved the Zhenlong Chess Game, inherited Wu Yazi’s lifelong Internal Energy, and became the Sect Leader of the Xiaoyao Sect.
Later, he saved the Tianshan Child Elder, who had lost her martial arts, and gained her favor.
Through a series of Destinies, he successively absorbed ninety percent of the Internal Energy from the Tianshan Child Elder and Li Qiushui, joining the ranks of top Masters and taking charge of the Vulture Palace.
Finally, he married the Western Xia Princess, becoming a consort and winning the beauty.
This kind of luck is simply astonishing. While others are Cultivating assiduously, you sail through smoothly.
To be a Monk and achieve this level is considered Perfection.
Now, to meet him here.
Judging by his current appearance, he seems not to have yet received Wu Yazi’s Legacy, and should be on his way to Wuliang Mountain.
Perhaps, what comes next is him solving the Zhenlong Chess Game and inheriting the mantle of the Xiaoyao Sect.
“May I ask Senior Brother’s Dharma name and from which Buddhist Holy Land you hail?”
“This poor Monk is from Shaolin Temple, and my Dharma name is Fahai.”
“So, it’s a Great Master from Shaolin!”
Upon hearing this, Xuzhu immediately showed respect.
In this world, there are many temples.
The places of practice for Monks are far more than just Shaolin Temple.
For example, Shaoshi Mountain, where Xuzhu is, also has many temples, as well as numerous other Buddhist sacred sites.
Even in grasslands and snowy regions, Buddhist temples are widespread.
Shaolin Temple holds an extraordinary position, being the most revered among thousands of temples.
Its standing is naturally much higher than that of Shaoshi Mountain.
This is why Xuzhu felt respect as soon as he heard the words “Shaolin Temple.”
That Senior Brother from Shaolin must be a Monk of high virtue and prestige!
Just then, the Shopkeeper had already brought up the dishes.
Plates and bowls filled the table, looking exceptionally abundant.
“Great Master, esteemed guest, your dishes are all here. Please enjoy.”
The table was full of wine and meat, exuding a rich aroma and looking very appetizing.
Fahai was completely unreserved and greeted Xuzhu, “Come, let’s eat and drink together.”
Looking at the table full of wine and meat, Xuzhu was momentarily stunned.
“Senior Brother, this… this…”
“How can we, Monks, drink wine and eat meat?”
He quickly closed his eyes, his prayer beads turning in his hands, and softly chanted Buddhist names.
“Amitabha…”
As if just one more glance would bring deep Karmic Obstruction.
Fahai, however, snorted indifferently.
“Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the Buddha remains in the heart.”
“As long as Buddha is in your heart, what does it matter if you eat and drink a little? Buddha will not blame you.”
Fahai spoke with ease and casualness, but Xuzhu was taken aback, then fell into deep thought.
Not long after, his expression was complex, and he softly muttered, “That sounds a bit off.”
But he couldn’t refute anything, nor did he know how to respond.
After all, he had never tasted wine or meat and couldn’t judge whether it was truly possible for them to “pass through the intestines” while Buddha remained in the heart.
But no matter what, he wouldn’t be persuaded by Fahai’s rhetoric.
So, Xuzhu turned and quietly said to the Shopkeeper, “Please just give me a bowl of plain rice.”
The Shopkeeper nodded in agreement, finding it somewhat interesting.
This is what a true Monk is like, eating vegetarian and chanting Buddha, maintaining purity and self-control.
Isn’t every Monk like this?
As for that generous Little Master…
Although he was handsome, he didn’t look like a proper Monk.
Drinking and eating meat was one thing, but he also spouted a theory that sounded reasonable but was actually absurd.
How could there be such a Monk in the world?
However, the Shopkeeper didn’t say much and soon brought a bowl of plain rice.
“Little Master, please enjoy.”
After Xuzhu thanked him, he picked up the bowl and began to eat.
Fahai, seeing this, merely shook his head slightly.
Tsk, this Little Monk insisted on not eating meat or drinking wine.
But whether he could maintain his precepts in the future was yet unknown.
In Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, he never broke his precepts despite being pressured by the Tianshan Child Elder in many ways.
Ultimately, however, he became entangled with the Western Xia Princess.
At that time, he didn’t adhere to them as strictly.
But thinking about it, it’s normal.
Xuzhu was fundamentally different from him.
Xuzhu grew up on Shaoshi Mountain, devoted to Buddhism, only wishing to be a true Monk.
From a young age, he received strict precepts, viewing monastic rules as life itself.
Even in the original work, he struggled to come to terms with breaking the precept of lust for a long time.
While Fahai still possessed the same body, the person inside was no longer the original one.
Fahai in his previous life was just an ordinary Mortal, who enjoyed drinking and eating meat, liked wearing beautiful clothes, had some interest in beauty, and was no different from thousands of common people.
Therefore, what Fahai considered commonplace became a huge transgression in Xuzhu’s eyes.
At this time, Xuzhu had not yet welcomed the turning point of his Destiny. He had not unexpectedly become the Sect Leader of the Xiaoyao Sect, nor was he the Master of the Vulture Palace.
Everything in the future seemed accidental, but in reality, it was all due to circumstances.
Now, he only wanted to dutifully Cultivate on Shaoshi Mountain and be a pure Monk.
As for martial arts, he had only practiced for three years, his Aptitude was mediocre, and his progress was slow.
For an adult starting to learn martial arts, without the help of an Opportunity, it would be difficult to achieve Major Achievement in a lifetime.
Xuzhu in the original work met benefactors everywhere he went, experiencing continuous good luck, comparable to having a built-in cheat.
He and Duan Yu were listed as the two “cheat-enabled masters” of the Heavenly Dragon.
Unfortunately, in this life, Fahai came along.
Sorry, Little Monk.
I’ll take your Opportunity.
Fahai ate heartily, with continuous fine wine and delicious food, enjoying himself immensely.
He practically ate until he was glistening with oil, his mouth full of fragrant flavors!
It was so refreshing!
Fahai was so excited he almost shed tears!
Three whole years!
Who could imagine how he endured those three years!
He had eaten vegetarian meals for a full three years!
Three whole years without a drop of wine or any meat, anyone would go crazy with craving!
He didn’t feel it before, but now that he tasted it, he realized that meat was truly delicious!
Just as he was eating happily, a System prompt suddenly sounded in his mind.
“Congratulations, Host, for breaking the precept of drinking. This is your first transgression, and the rewards are generous.”
“The reward package has been issued. Please check it.”
Fahai was delighted.
This System is too understanding!
Getting rewards for breaking precepts is truly a first!
Such a thoughtful System is one of a kind!
Where could one find such a great Dong Xi?
Come on, come on, open them all up and see!
“Congratulations on obtaining a top-grade Cultivate Talent: Clear Dao Heart, photographic memory, extraordinary Comprehension Ability!”
Hmm?
Why does this Talent sound like Wang Yuyan?
Wang Yuyan, with her photographic memory, was able to memorize all martial arts classics under heaven. Although she didn’t practice martial arts, she recognized all kinds of Moves.
Ultimately, she became a recognized theoretical Great Master in the Martial Forest.
Such a Talent is truly Heaven-Defying.
Wang Yuyan couldn’t Cultivate due to her weak body, but Fahai was different.
With this ability, he would be like a fish in water!
“Congratulations on obtaining a top-grade marrow cleansing pill: to cleanse marrow, reshape bones, and strengthen the physique!”
Amazing!
This is a treasure that is hard to buy for a thousand gold pieces!
In the Jianghu, it would be enough to trigger a great battle for it!
“Congratulations on obtaining a Minor Rejuvenation Pill: to enhance Cultivation!”
Fahai calmly looked at the three rewards, his heart already overflowing with ecstasy!
This harvest was truly too bountiful!
In an instant, the newly acquired abilities began to take effect.
Fahai immediately felt his mind clear, his thoughts sharp, and his entire being refreshed.
His understanding of the Shaolin kung fu he had mastered and his own martial arts also became more thorough.
This was the change brought by the surge in Comprehension Ability!
Not only did his understanding deepen, but his learning speed also increased by more than ten times compared to before!
Originally, Fahai’s Aptitude was already exceptionally outstanding.
Now, with this top-tier Talent, he was practically a Prodigy-level existence!
People only had one name for such a person—a monster!
The top-grade marrow cleansing pill and the Minor Rejuvenation Pill were both rare Spirit Medicines in the world, and he must find the right time to consume them.
As Fahai was eating by himself, he heard low conversations from the surrounding crowd.
“Do you know that Congbian XianSheng has invited Masters from various sects to solve the Zhenlong Chess Game this time?”
“I’ve heard about it. Major sects like Wudang and Shaolin have all taken their seats.”
“Not only that, some outstanding figures whose names are on the innate ranking have also received invitations.”
“That Nan Murong of the Gusu Murong Family is said to be among the invited.”
“This person comes from an illustrious background. Rumor has it that he is not only highly skilled in martial arts but also has profound attainments in Go.”
“That’s why he was invited to try his hand.”
“Even Duan Yu, the Prince of the Dali Duan Family, is among them.”
“Congbian XianSheng has truly put a lot of effort into solving the Zhenlong Chess Game.”
“This chess game has been set for thirty years, and no one has been able to solve it. With so many wise men gathered this time, perhaps someone can truly solve it.”
“It’s not impossible. With heroes gathered now, there will always be capable individuals who can accomplish this.”
Fahai listened to these discussions, feeling quite unimpressed.
The Zhenlong Chess Game, which Wu Yazi spent three years devising, had remained unsolved for thirty years.
Did these people truly have such capability?
Especially Murong Fu, who was proficient in chess, would be more easily trapped within it.
His mind was too heavy, and his specialization in Go made it difficult for him to glimpse the great Dao.
Murong Fu had outstanding Talent, but his entire focus was on the great task of restoring his kingdom, even to the point of obsession.
He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, sacrificing everything if necessary.
Overthinking made it difficult for him to concentrate singularly.
It was precisely because of this that he failed to solve the chess game in the original work.
However, what exactly was the origin of the so-called innate ranking?
Why did everyone have such confidence in Murong Fu just because his name was on it?
Fahai turned to Xuzhu and asked, “Xuzhu, why do they think so highly of Murong Fu? Is it just because he made it onto the innate ranking?”
Xuzhu showed a puzzled expression, “Senior Brother doesn’t know about the innate ranking?”
Logically, it shouldn’t be so.
Fahai, being a Shaolin Disciple.
Shaolin is the paramount authority of the Martial Forest, enjoying extremely high prestige, and can be called the towering peak of the Jianghu.
As a Disciple of such a sect, how could he be completely unaware of this?
Moreover, the innate ranking had already spread throughout the Jianghu, and countless people were keen to discuss it.
Even Xuzhu, a Little Monk who had only recently started practicing martial arts, had heard a little about it.
He often heard it mentioned during his few descents from the mountain.
Logically, Senior Brother should know.
Fahai’s expression was slightly awkward.
Judging by the situation, this innate ranking was indeed extraordinary.
But he had indeed never heard of it.
He Transmigrated here three years ago and was immediately accepted as a Disciple by the Shaolin Abbot.
Because of his outstanding Aptitude, his Master had him enter seclusion for Cultivation for three years.
For three whole years, he had been quietly Cultivating in the temple, never stepping foot into the mundane world.
Fahai had never left Shaolin, so he naturally didn’t know what this heavenly pride ranking was.
He smiled slightly, somewhat frankly saying, “This is my first time leaving the mountain, so I am indeed unfamiliar with many things in the Jianghu.”
“No wonder.”
Xuzhu nodded, then explained:
“The innate ranking is compiled by Tianji Tower specifically for Innate Realm powerhouses.”
“Tianji Tower has always been known for knowing everything under heaven and enjoys great prestige in the Jianghu. The rankings they produce are also widely recognized.”
“The innate ranking lists many Masters who have reached the Innate Realm.”
“Anyone who can make it onto the ranking is no ordinary person; they are great figures renowned throughout the entire Martial Forest.”
Fahai listened, then thoughtfully said:
“According to you, where does Murong Fu rank?”
Xuzhu pondered for a moment before replying, “Murong Fu’s Cultivation is profound, having reached the Innate Late Stage, ranking twentieth.”
Twentieth?!
Fahai’s wine cup trembled in his hand, and he spat out a mouthful of wine!
What’s going on, twentieth?!
Murong Fu could actually make it into the top twenty?
Did he deserve it?
Fahai shook his head and sighed, “Even such a person can make it onto the ranking. It seems that Tianji Tower and the innate ranking are nothing special.”
From the original work,
Initially, Murong Fu was as famous as Qiao Feng, referred to as “Nan Murong, Bei Qiao Feng.”
But in reality, Murong Fu was merely a person with only superficial accomplishments.
His reputation stemmed more from his illustrious Family background.