Zhang Junbao lowered his head and replied, "This disciple does not know."
Abbot Juewen of Shaolin explained: "There is no such thing as a good gathering or a good banquet. Although the Quanzhen Blessing Ceremony is for the benefit of all living beings and is a meritorious deed, things in this world can never go as one wishes."
Abbot Juewen of Shaolin Temple had a hidden meaning in his words. This time, Qiu Chuji, the leader of the Quanzhen Sect, was using his 100th birthday as an excuse to issue a call to heroes to the world. He was not just asking for blessings.
The world is in chaos. Qiu Chuji lamented the natural and man-made disasters, the constant warfare, and the people's plight. He hoped to use this prayer meeting to inspire heroes from all sides to rebel against the Yuan dynasty and save the people from the impending doom.
Jueyuan also replied, "For this prayer ceremony, Qiu Chuji has invited many heroes. Zhongnan Mountain is now a gathering place for great figures. This trip is even more dangerous than the Feast at Hongmen."
Grasshopper, seeing how dangerous Jueyuan described it, yet still urging them to go, thought the abbot had finally recognized their talent and heroism, entrusting them with a great responsibility. He happily exclaimed:
“I understand. So, Master called us two outstanding Shaolin disciples out to accompany Abbot Jueyuan on this trip.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Jueyuan shook his head and said with a deliberately impolite smile:
"Wrong, quite the opposite. It is precisely because you are not good enough, your martial arts are mediocre and have nothing outstanding that even if something happens, it will not be a great loss to Shaolin Temple."
The grasshopper instantly lowered its proud head like a defeated rooster.
"Junior brother, you shouldn't talk about them like that."
The abbot laughed and explained, "Actually, the main reason I sent you this time is because you are usually eloquent and good at dealing with people, and Junbao are all lay disciples, which makes it easier for you to travel."
Zhang Junbao smiled and replied, "I see, I understand now."
"Alright, you may all leave now. Tomorrow, we will set off for Zhongnan Mountain with Jueyuan."
Free novels, ad-free novel website, TXT downloads, please remember Ant Reading Network
------------
Chapter 77 Huangjue Temple
At the foot of Shaolin Temple.
Jueyuan and his two companions walked along the winding path.
The road is lined with lush trees.
Zhang Junbao and Grasshopper both seemed quite excited. Neither of them had ever left Shaolin Temple, the furthest they had ever gone was to a gathering at the foot of Shaolin Mountain.
Along the way, the two looked around, having long heard about the outside world's dazzling and chaotic nature, and they were eager to see it for themselves.
“Junbao, although you are mischievous, you are sensible and know the rules, so I am still very reassured.”
As Jueyuan walked along the muddy road, he earnestly advised:
"What I'm worried about is Grasshopper. You're too shallow in your understanding, and you've never left Shaolin before. This time when you go down the mountain, you must be careful of women and not let your heart be tempted by worldly desires."
The grasshopper, quite unconvinced, retorted defiantly:
"Master, aren't men and women the same? They're all human beings."
Upon hearing this, Jueyuan's tone became serious, and he solemnly said, "Men and women are not the same. Men are like mud, and women are like water."
Zhang Junbao was completely bewildered: "Women are water?"
As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly realized that his words sounded a bit off, so he quickly said, "Ah, no! Women are tigers. If you encounter a woman after you come down the mountain, you'd better stay far away."
"Huh? A tiger?"
"Master, you are so experienced."
"Then we'd better stay away, tigers can eat people."
The two seemed somewhat frightened.
Meanwhile, Li Boyang, along with Liu Bowen, embarked on their journey to Zhongnan Mountain.
"Unique under heaven, unrivaled within the four seas."
Looking at the city wall that was over ten zhang high in front of him, Li Boyang sighed. This is Luoyang, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties.
Zhongnan Mountain is located near Chang'an in Shaanxi Province. The shortest route from the academy is to pass through Luoyang, Tongguan, Chang'an, and finally reach Zhongnan Mountain.
"Is this your first time in Luoyang, teacher?"
Liu Bowen noticed that Li Boyang seemed somewhat amazed and puzzled.
Li Boyang did not answer Liu Bowen's question, but instead asked, "Bowen, as the saying goes, 'to see a leopard through a tube is to see a part of it.' We haven't even entered the city yet, so what have you seen?"
It was approximately 3 PM at this time.
The city gates of Luoyang were not yet closed, and people were constantly coming and going.
Upon hearing Li Boyang's words, Liu Bowen stopped at the city gate and observed carefully.
"The city walls are dilapidated and have been neglected for many years."
The towering city walls of Luoyang, some tens of feet high, bear countless knife marks and traces of burning oil. Several blue bricks have bulged out, making it completely unlike the image of a fortified city.
“The people coming and going looked pale and sickly.”
Ordinary people leaving and entering the city all looked pale and thin, as if they couldn't even get enough to eat.
"The soldiers guarding the city were not paying attention."
The soldiers guarding the city gate leaned against the gate in twos and threes, their helmets almost covering their eyes, and they all looked listless.