No taboos in the world

Chapter 84: Eight Great Monks, have you ever eaten meat?

Shaolin Temple has thousands of monks, divided into many courtyards and halls.

The Dharma Academy is full of martial monks who specialize in Shaolin martial arts. Only Shaolin monks who have reached a certain level of martial arts can enter the Dharma Academy.

There are dozens of monks of the Xuan generation, but now only eight of them are qualified to enter the Dharma Academy.

They are the eight Shaolin monks who were famous all over the world in the future. Nowadays, these eight monks have already become famous in the world and have begun to replace the monks of the Ling generation to become the backbone of Shaolin Temple.

Today, eight great monks gathered at the Dharma Temple.

The next abbot, Xuanci, who had already been chosen, was not the best in martial arts, but he was very tactful in dealing with people, and the other seven people also recognized him. After all, being an abbot did not require unparalleled martial arts, but he must have the ability to control Shaolin internally and unite other sects externally.

However, Xuan Ci, who looked middle-aged, was sitting cross-legged on a cushion with his eyes slightly closed and a sad expression on his face.

Xuan Ku hurried over and found out that he was the last person after entering the room. He apologized and sat down.

At this time, Xuan Nan, who had taken over as the abbot of Damo Academy, finally spoke.

"Brother, is this trip not going well?"

With these words, everyone's eyes focused. In fact, even if Xuan Nan didn't say it, they could guess something from Xuan Ci's expression. But what puzzled them was that even if he was unable to do it and failed, Senior Brother shouldn't be like this.

Suddenly, Xuanci let out a long sigh, his voice filled with sadness.

When he opened his eyes, the seven monks were all stunned, because his eyes were filled with indelible regret.

"My fellow disciples, this matter... you don't need to know. I went here to defend my country and protect the people, but I didn't expect to commit murder. I have always been proud of my wisdom, but I underestimated the people of the world because of it. I was deceived this time, and I will bear the consequences myself, but I can't let that evil person go."

Xuan Ci ignored the bewildered looks on the faces of his fellow disciples and continued, "Tomorrow I will be heading south, and after what happened, I feel I am not worthy enough to take on the position of abbot. I hope you will understand."

The seven monks were suddenly shocked.

"Brother, why do you say that?" Xuan Nan was the first to refute. "Although I don't know what happened to you, the abbot's position has already been decided. You can take over as soon as you return to the temple. And everyone in the sects and schools knows that you are the next abbot. If something unexpected happens, how will people in the world view Shaolin?"

Afterwards, other monks also tried to persuade him, but it was a pity that Xuanci seemed to have made up his mind and did not say a word no matter how they argued.

"Whoever deceived you, just go and kill him! As the next abbot, you refuse to accept the position because of a small setback. If you really become the abbot in the future, will you also have to resign inexplicably?"

Xuanci's body trembled slightly when he said this. The other monks silently glanced at the monk sitting at the last seat.

He was wearing a slightly dirty grey monk's robe, had a very young face, and had no beard, but his eyebrows were already grey. Although his expression was calm, one could still see a bit of arrogance in his face.

Xuancheng.

Among the monks of the Xuan generation, only eight have achieved real success to date.

Compassionate and silent, saving all living beings from suffering, above the seven monks is Xuan Cheng.

He is known as the best martial artist in Shaolin Temple in the past 200 years and is described by the Sweeping Monk as an "extraordinary" person.

But looking at him now, he doesn't have any skills at all.

Even so, the seven monks did not take him lightly, because it was already generally recognized in Shaolin that Xuancheng would dominate the martial arts world for a decade with his peerless martial arts.

Unfortunately, because he became obsessed with martial arts and was too diligent, the accumulated hostility was not released in time, which eventually led to him going astray. Overnight, his tendons and veins were broken, and all his strength was gone.

This is the most regrettable thing in Shaolin in the past 200 years!
But then again, although Xuan Cheng has lost his martial arts, his intelligence is still there. If he devotes himself to practicing Buddhism, he will surely become a great monk.

What's more, Shaolin did not really give up on him. The senior monks of the Ling generation who had retreated to the second line were trying their best to help him recover.

Xuan Ci remained silent for a long time, and Xuan Cheng couldn't help but frown.

"Brother Xuanci, do we have to ask Master Lingmen to come and comfort you personally?" Master Lingmen is Xuanci's master.

Hearing this name, Xuan Ci was finally moved.

He bowed his head and chanted the Buddha's name, saying, "Brother Xuancheng's words are shocking. This matter is indeed a hindrance to me. Thank you for your advice. However, I still want to go to Jiangnan."

At this time, Xuan Ku said, "Brother, the succession of the abbot is not a trivial matter. You still need to stay in the temple to coordinate. No matter what it is, you might as well let me do it."

Xuan Ci was about to shake his head, but heard Xuan Cheng speak again: "I'll go too!"

"No!" The seven monks refused in unison.

Now that Xuan Cheng has no martial arts skills at all, how can they let him roam the world without worry?

Xuan Cheng frowned: "With Senior Brother Xuan Ku as my companion, what do you have to worry about?"

Xuan Ku smiled bitterly: "Junior brother, you think too highly of me. The Jianghu is so vast, and there are countless strong people. What does my little skill count for?"

Xuan Ci also said: "Junior Brother Xuan Cheng, you should stay in the temple."

Although Xuan Cheng's martial arts skills were completely destroyed, there was no guarantee that someone would still be afraid of him and would secretly kill him. Moreover, why was he going to find someone as scheming and cunning as Murong Bo?
"No." Xuan Cheng shook his head. He looked around at the monks and said, "I appreciate the love and care from you brothers, but since I dispersed my energy, I have been staying in the temple every day. Instead of feeling peaceful, I have become more anxious and irritable. With this state of mind, it is difficult for me to study Buddhism, let alone be an ordinary person. I do not ask to recover, I just want to observe the world and calm my mind. I hope you brothers will understand."

For a moment, the Zen temple became quiet.

After a long while, Xuan Ci sighed and said, "Brother, can you wait until I consult Master before making a decision?"

Xuan Cheng nodded: "Thank you, Senior Brother."

Turning around, Xuan Ci looked at Xuan Ku and said, "Junior brother, please follow me." After leaving the Dharma Temple, the two monks walked through the shade of the trees and came to an uninhabited place.

Xuanci told him everything that happened at Yanmen Pass.

Xuan Ku's expression kept changing.

Finally, Xuan Ci sighed and said, "Junior Brother, there is no need to capture Murong Bo this time, let alone confront him. I guess he won't wait in Yanziwu, so you just need to track him down and write a letter to me."

"Okay." Xuan Ku agreed. He knew his own abilities and was probably no match for Murong Bo. A rash attack would only lead to bad consequences.

However, seeing Xuan Ci's entire body becoming silent because of this matter, Xuan Ku couldn't help but said, "Brother, actually, I have something good to tell you today."

"Oh? Please go ahead, Junior Brother."

Xuan Ku smiled and said, "I have just accepted a disciple. He has excellent bones and smooth meridians. He has not yet learned martial arts, but he can absorb the medicinal power of a whole pill of Xiao Huan Dan."

Xuan Ci suddenly raised his eyebrows: "Is it really so?"

"I dare not lie to you, brother. The child is still lying in my meditation room. But he has been in a coma for a long time. I am afraid it will take several days for him to wake up."

"Comatose? Why is that?"

"I don't know either, but he is indeed fine. Maybe we can find out something when he wakes up."

Xuan Ci looked strange when he heard this: "Since he hasn't woken up yet, how did you accept him as a disciple?"

Xuan Ku's smile froze, and he said awkwardly: "He... shouldn't refuse."

Xuan Ci shook his head gently: "In that case, then don't alarm others first, wait until he wakes up and then ask his opinion."

"Brother, why don't you go see him too?"

Xuan Ci was very tempted, but the sadness in his heart was hard to dispel, so he declined politely: "Not for now, I am in a state of uncertainty and need to recite scriptures in peace to avoid the breeding of inner demons. I also need to ask the elders of the sect... If you agree to let Xuan Cheng leave the temple, I will trouble you to pay more attention to it."

"This is as it should be. Thank you for being polite. Please go and do your work first. I will take my leave now."

Xuan Ku turned around and walked back, thinking about his little disciple. Even the shock that Yanmen Pass brought to him faded a lot. It was a pity that this matter eventually affected Xuan Ci. He could only hope that Xuan Ci himself could successfully walk out of the shadow.

When he opened the door, Xuan Ku was stunned.

I saw his little apprentice sitting at the table pouring tea and drinking it by himself. And when he looked at him, his eyes and expression did not show much intimacy.

Xuan Ku suddenly felt something was wrong.

As he stepped into the room, a kind smile instantly appeared on his face and he exuded the aura of a great monk.

"you're awake."

Hong Chen nodded slightly, then stood up and bowed: "Junior Hong Chen, thank you very much, Master. It's a pity that I have nothing now, so I can't repay you at the moment, but I will never forget your life-saving grace, and I will repay you generously in the future!"

Xuan Ku looked at the six-year-old child, who was wearing a coarse linen shirt full of patches and looked like a beggar, but thanked him fluently. He felt happy and worried.

The good news is that Hong Chen not only has a natural talent, but one can also tell from his few words that he is eloquent, well-behaved and intelligent.

The worrying thing is that this child doesn't seem to want to stay at all.

really.

After Hong Chen finished his worship, he said, "I have bothered you for so long, Master. It is time for me to leave. I hope you will leave me your Dharma name."

"Hong Chen, huh? You don't have to be polite. Monks are compassionate and don't ask for anything in return. I am Xuan Ku from Shaolin Temple, and I am honored to be the abbot of Bodhi Temple."

Hong Chen's expression became more respectful when he heard this, and he bowed again: "So you are Master Xuan Ku of Shaolin Temple, I am sorry for my rudeness!"

Xuan Ku quickly reached out and helped him up: "No need to bow again, just sit down first. Do you know how you came to Shaolin Temple..." Xuan Ku told him in detail how Qiao Sanhuai sent him here.

Hong Chen suddenly understood, "I see. Then I need to go and thank Mr. Qiao En later."

Xuan Ku liked him more and more because he was grateful to him.

After chatting for a while, he learned that Hong Chen's parents had both passed away and he had been wandering all the way. He couldn't help but feel pity for him, and at the same time felt that his chance had come.

After silently repeating his sins several times in his heart, he finally spoke out: "Hong Chen, I checked your pulse and bones earlier and found that you are born with excellent bones and are a great talent for martial arts. I have never accepted a disciple before, but today I want to accept you as my disciple. I wonder if you are willing to take me as your master?"

Hong Chen was stunned at the right moment.

Xuan Ku smiled on the surface, but he was actually secretly nervous.

After a while, Hong Chen neither agreed nor refused, but instead raised a question.

"Master, have you ever eaten meat? I mean, in this life, from birth to now."

Xuan Ku was slightly startled. Of course he had eaten meat before, because he became a monk after his parents died when he was young.

"I have eaten it." Xuan Ku nodded.

Hong Chen raised his head slightly, staring at Xuan Ku with a pair of clear eyes like a mirror, and said softly: "I haven't eaten it."

(End of this chapter)