Chapter 99: The Hongan-ji Temple
Yuta looked at the temple, known as the Hongan-ji Temple.
"What a strange name," he thought. He had never heard of this temple before, but since he didn't know much about the place to begin with, he didn't find it particularly odd.
This country has many temples, most of which are privately owned, almost like personal businesses.
"There are not only many deities but also quite a few monks. I wonder if there are shrine maidens as well?" Yuta mused as he stepped inside. He was curious about certain things, like witches and those associated with the mystical.
However, he knew that his idea of finding a witch in a temple was unlikely; he had never heard of such a thing.
Once inside the courtyard, Yuta noticed it was deserted. The area was vast but somewhat run-down, not completely abandoned, though.
The yard was overgrown with weeds, and the buildings appeared to have not been cleaned in years, with only the central path being somewhat tidy, showing a hint of human presence.
Compared to villas, temples like this one should be more expensive. It seemed that the lack of visitors was due to the management issues.
Miu and Sasha had gone to look at properties in another real estate agency, while Yuta was driving around the vicinity to see if he could find a good place. This location was about a half-hour drive from where he had been earlier, situated on the outskirts of the city.
Yuta wasn't planning to buy a house nearby; he had just come in to pray out of boredom.
However, as he approached the offering box in the courtyard, he suddenly heard a chime…
[Ding]
[You have completed the task [Man's Three Treasures: The House]. The next task will unlock in 24 hours!]
"What the heck?!"
He had completed the task just like that? He hadn't done anything at all! He had just walked in!
Yuta had never considered buying a temple; it wasn't even something he could imagine. Besides, wasn't his task to buy a house?
What would he do with a temple? Become a monk?!!!
Yuta was confused about what was happening. He looked around; if he was supposed to buy this place, shouldn't there at least be someone here?
He took out the housing discount coupon from his pocket, which would allow him to purchase a house for only one-tenth of its price.
As he pulled out the coupon, a gust of wind blew, causing the paper to swirl around in the air and slowly drift toward the back of the temple.
Yuta watched as the coupon flew away and carefully ran after it, unsure of what might happen next.
"Hopefully, there won't be any monsters…"
Originally, Yuta didn't believe in gods, but recently he had begun to change his mind.
After coming to believe that there were deities in this world, he also entertained the idea that there might be ghosts and other supernatural beings. It seemed that this country frequently encountered such creatures.
Compared to the bustling city, a secluded temple like this made Yuta uneasy. He even considered turning around and leaving altogether.
What was the point of finding a house if he'd constantly have to worry about such things? He began to regret being so picky in the morning. The villas and apartments he had viewed earlier actually met his requirements quite well.
No matter which option he chose, they would surely be safer than this temple.
As he thought about this, Yuta lost the desire to chase after the coupon.
Just then, a tall monk wearing simple robes and exuding an intimidating presence stepped out.
The monk looked at Yuta, curious about who he was, when he noticed something floating toward him from the sky.
As he raised his hand to catch the paper that resembled a talisman, he felt it was anything but ordinary!
Although he couldn't understand it, the monk sensed a connection between himself and the item in his hand.
"Who are you, and what brings you here?" The monk tightened his grip on the housing coupon, gazing sternly at Yuta, eager to understand the boy's intentions.
Yuta sensed that this monk was not the type who would sell things, so he clearly stated his purpose. "I want to buy a house with a large courtyard. I've been looking for a long time without success, so I came here to pray to the gods in hopes they can help me."
"Buying a house?" The monk furrowed his brow, then glanced at his temple before looking back at the coupon, which gave him a calming sensation, and asked, "Is this item yours?"
"Yes," Yuta nodded.
After contemplating for a moment, the monk asked cautiously, "How much money do you have?"
"Four… hundred thousand." Yuta initially intended to say four million but, not wanting to buy this rundown temple, he quickly said, "Four hundred thousand yen."
Four hundred thousand yen is hardly enough to buy even a restroom in the city, let alone a temple.
The monk found the price rather ridiculous, and just as he was about to send Yuta away, he noticed that the paper in his hand seemed to possess a divine power that washed away all his anger, cleansing his spirit.
Of course, he was a wise monk; why should he cling to these worldly possessions?
He had been so caught up in his own narrow view that he wondered when he would truly understand the essence of Buddhism!
After experiencing this spiritual purification and redemption, the monk realized it was time to bid farewell to his past. He should seek a broader world and undertake more arduous training outside of his temple!
Staying in such a desolate place had not only allowed the temple to fall into disrepair, but it had also caused him to lose the ability to adapt.
Looking at the forlorn temple, the monk felt that this was the enlightenment and insight bestowed upon him by Buddha.
"Can you give this to me? I can exchange my ownership of this temple for it. From now on, this place will belong to you." The monk firmly gripped the item in his hand and, right in front of Yuta, tucked the coupon into his robes, clearly indicating that he didn't want to relinquish it.
Yuta hadn't realized that this coupon worked this way; the one-tenth price referred not to the house price, but to a fraction of his own assets!
"Alright! That's a deal!"
Yuta agreed; paying four hundred thousand yen for a temple was an incredible bargain. Even if he didn't live there, he could sell it at a higher price to someone else or even use it as a garden!
After finalizing the agreement, Yuta went back to gather the money while the monk faced the setting sun, resolutely beginning his journey of self-cultivation.
The monk took only a few personal belongings and some coins, leaving everything else behind. Since he had decided to embark on the path of spiritual training, he felt he shouldn't carry unnecessary material possessions!
Yuta couldn't quite believe he had just bought a temple. After locating Miu and Sasha, he brought them back home without mentioning the temple.
After all, there were already enough rooms in the house, and the motorcycle wasn't much of a hassle, so it seemed fine to stay at home; people didn't come by every day anyway.
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