In Li Huowang's memory, most temples were built on mountains, and finding one inside a city was rare.
But that was the least of his concerns right now. What truly captured his attention was the name of the temple mentioned by the worshippers earlier—"Zhengde Temple."
Li Huowang immediately recalled what Zheng Kun had said to Dan Yangzi before his death. They had once been pursued by monks from this Zhengde Temple.
His heartbeat quickened. He had finally found the right place. After all the dangers he had faced, he was here at last.
At that moment, as he turned a corner, the view ahead suddenly opened up.
Clean, polished stone tiles stretched out toward a wide staircase. At the top of hundreds of steps stood a majestic temple shrouded in incense smoke, its crimson walls glowing in the sunlight.
Above the temple's towering gates hung a black plaque with three bold characters painted in red: "Zhengde Temple."
The vertical couplets on either side of the gate read:
"Cultivate virtue, sow the seeds of enlightenment, and attain the wondrous Dharma body.""Clear water reflects the moon; the jade canopy reveals dignity and sanctity."
Under the temple's flourishing incense smoke, the entire structure seemed to be bathed in a divine, ethereal aura.
"Little Daoist, I won't go in with you. Please, take your time. But remember, the curfew in Xijing City is strict. Be sure to return before dark," said Lü Zhuangyuan as he bade farewell.
Taking a deep breath, Li Huowang joined the crowd climbing the stone steps.
As he ascended, following the flow of worshippers, a series of grand halls came into view within the temple grounds.
Standing amidst the throng, Li Huowang paused. He stood still, like a boulder in a flowing stream of humanity, taking in the scene around him.
He had found the temple. But now, a new challenge presented itself—how should he approach the monks here?
Should he openly declare that he was Dan Yangzi's disciple? That seemed suicidal; the monks might kill him on the spot.
Before Li Huowang could devise a plan, the monks of Zhengde Temple approached him first. His Daoist robe made him stand out like a sore thumb in the bustling crowd.
A portly monk with an air of solemnity greeted him, his hands pressed together in prayer. "Amitabha, this humble monk is Jian Dun. It is an honor to meet you."
Seeing the monk's courteous demeanor, Li Huowang quickly returned the gesture. "Venerable Master, I am Xuan Yang. It's my honor to meet you as well."
"Given your attire as a Daoist, I assume you're not here to offer incense and worship. This way, please," said Jian Dun.
Looking around at the lively crowd, Li Huowang nodded and followed the monk through a side gate.
Walking behind the monk, who wore a neat row of戒疤 (jieba, ceremonial burn marks on his shaved head signifying ordination), Li Huowang racked his brain for a way to phrase his intentions.
The pair weaved through the majestic temple grounds, leaving the hustle and bustle behind. Eventually, they arrived at a serene courtyard beneath a golden-leaved ginkgo tree. A stone table and stools sat in the shade.
"Please, take a seat." Jian Dun motioned for Li Huowang to sit. The monk remained calm, slowly rotating a string of Buddhist prayer beads in his hands.
The monk did not ask about Li Huowang's sect or lineage, nor did he inquire further into his background. His calm demeanor epitomized the tranquil detachment of a true Buddhist practitioner.
Li Huowang hesitated briefly before breaking the silence. "Dan Yangzi is dead."
With a loud snap, the prayer beads in Jian Dun's hands scattered across the stone floor.
The rotund monk stood abruptly, his demeanor no longer calm.
At that moment, Li Huowang felt a tinge of satisfaction. His hunch had been correct—the monks of this temple had a history with Dan Yangzi.
"Is what you say true? That wretched Daoist is truly dead? This is a grave matter; please, recount everything in detail."
Since he sought answers, Li Huowang was prepared to provide the monk with sufficient information.
He recounted the events at Qingfeng Temple, omitting only the detail that he had taken possession of the mysterious "Heavenly Scripture."
"Venerable Master, under such circumstances, do you think Dan Yangzi truly achieved immortality?"
Leaning forward slightly, Li Huowang pressed the question. "Or perhaps... did he transform into something else?"
A gentle breeze rustled the golden leaves of the ginkgo tree, adding an eerie cadence to the moment.
The monk's expression turned grave. "You claim that you heard Dan Yangzi's voice in your ears?" Jian Dun pressed him further.
"Yes, absolutely. And it wasn't just an illusion—there were also the abnormal events involving the so-called Joy God."
Li Huowang's eyes darkened as he recalled the harrowing encounter.
"That indescribable Joy God—it was about to crawl out of the darkness and devour me. Yet something hidden within the shadows seemed to pull it back."
"Though I have no concrete evidence, I suspect... that whatever pulled the Joy God back was Dan Yangzi. Dan Yangzi as he exists now."
Jian Dun contemplated for a moment before rising to his feet. "Please wait here. This matter is of utmost importance."
With that, the monk bowed deeply to Li Huowang before hurriedly departing.
Although Jian Dun had not explicitly said anything, his response spoke volumes.
Looking up at the drifting clouds above, Li Huowang muttered to himself, "As expected, Dan Yangzi's story is far from over."
Jian Dun returned sooner than anticipated, clutching a new string of prayer beads in his hands.
"Xuan Yang, please follow me. The Abbot wishes to meet you personally."
The temple complex was vast, and it took several turns before they reached an imposing hall.
Through the open eight-paneled doors, Li Huowang caught sight of five colossal, golden statues of seated Buddhas, each over ten zhang tall.
The statues exuded an overwhelming sense of divine majesty, their serene faces watching over the hall with unyielding authority.
Before the Buddhas, a single figure sat cross-legged on a prayer mat. The man wore flowing robes and a ceremonial hat adorned with five Buddha emblems.
As Li Huowang approached, the abbot's melodious chanting reverberated through the hall, echoing like a hymn from the heavens.
The chanting ceased, and the elderly monk turned slowly to face him.
Li Huowang was startled by the abbot's appearance—not because of his kind and aged face, but because of his eyes.
The abbot had pale pink irises, a distinct marker of albinism, similar to Bai Lingmiao.
"Amitabha, this humble monk is Xin Hui. Welcome."
"I am Xuan Yang. Greetings, Venerable Abbot." Li Huowang bowed deeply before seating himself across from the abbot.
"Abbot, about Dan Yangzi—" Li Huowang began, but was interrupted by the abbot raising his hand.
"Xuan Yang, do you recognize the five Buddhas enshrined in this hall?"
When Li Huowang shook his head, Xin Hui explained with a serene smile:
"In the center sits Vairochana of the Vajra World. To the east is Akshobhya of the Abhirati World. To the south, Ratnasambhava of the Delightful World. To the west, Amitabha of the Pure Land. And to the north, Amoghasiddhi of the Lotus World. Together, they are the Five Wisdom Buddhas."
Li Huowang grew increasingly anxious. The abbot's cryptic explanation seemed unrelated to his urgent inquiry.
"Abbot, can we discuss this later? Please, tell me—what has Dan Yangzi become?"
The abbot folded his hands in prayer and gazed at Li Huowang with profound calm.
"He has become a Buddha."