"Pfft!"
When people saw Fangzheng in a daze, no longer looking as composed as usual, their impression of Fangzheng dropped like a rock in a river. Yet when they remembered Fangzheng's abilities, no one dared to belittle him.
Of course there were others who were secretly hoping for Fangzheng to stumble. There was no grudge between them but simply because destruction pursues the great.
Zen Master Baiyun was not mad but instead said with a smile, "Abbot Fangzheng, you aren't twenty this year. You happen to be able to enter the lineup of new talent. Your One Finger Monastery has never participated in Baiyun Monastery's Dharma Assembly so you might not be aware of it. It's also understandable that you didn't submit an application previously. Therefore this Penniless Monk is now asking for your opinion. Are you willing to participate in this new talent competition and preach the sutra on behalf of the Buddhist disciples?"
