Chapter 57 The Loss and Gains of the Sacred Lotus

The abbot stepped forward and said, "Amitabha, may His Majesty enjoy ten thousand years of good fortune and peace."

The Emperor said, “Abbot, you are too kind. Let’s go inside and discuss this further.”

The abbot turned to Wuwang and said, "Take the other benefactors down and make them settled."

Wu Wang: "Yes."

Murong Yu and his entourage were taken by Wu Wang to the guest rooms for accommodation, while the Emperor followed the abbot back to his meditation room.

Abbot: "Your Majesty, please be seated."

Your Majesty: "I have heard that Master Chen has returned to Tianfo Temple?"

The abbot lowered his eyes and replied calmly, "Amitabha, Liaochen has already passed away."

The Emperor: "When did this happen?"

Abbot: "Some time ago, Liaochen returned to Tianfo Temple because he felt that his days were numbered. He has now passed away."

The Emperor suppressed his displeasure and said, "Really? Why so suddenly?"

Abbot: "Amitabha, monks do not lie."

"Originally, I came from the beginning; now, I go to the end. Such is the will of Heaven."

"May Buddha have mercy, Amitabha Buddha, well done, well done."

The Emperor neither understood nor wanted to understand, and casually said, "Please accept my condolences."

Your Majesty: "Has anyone inherited Master Chen's mantle?"

Abbot: "In terms of medical skills, I am far inferior to Liaochen."

Your Majesty: "The Bodhi Sacred Lotus is said to have healing and health-preserving properties. I have been feeling unwell lately. I wonder if your esteemed temple could provide some medicine?"

Abbot: "You flatter me, benefactor. The Buddha saves all sentient beings, and the sacred lotus is no exception."

The Emperor: "Hahaha, well said, well said! Guards, reward them!"

"Although Master Chen is no longer here to refine medicine, obtaining the Sacred Lotus makes the trip worthwhile," the Emperor thought to himself.

The emperor and his entourage took the sacred lotus and then departed.

The ordinary people at the Merit Pool watched as the Sacred Lotus was taken away, but dared not utter a word. They simply knelt and bowed their heads in silence, not knowing whether they were kneeling to pay homage to the Sacred Lotus or to the Emperor.

As the group departed, the abbot clasped his hands together, bowed, and said, "Amitabha."

What was given was a person, and also a sacred lotus.

Just as the abbot was about to turn back, he saw a layer of dazzling golden light flashing on the Heavenly Ladder, heading towards Tianfo Temple, and he stopped in his tracks.

Half an hour later, a handsome young man came gracefully carrying a large wooden box.

The newcomer was dressed in a blue robe, carrying the fragrance of lotus and the fresh scent of grass and trees. What caught the abbot's attention the most was the rich power of merit emanating from the newcomer. In the abbot's eyes, the young man in the blue robe was surrounded by a bright golden light of merit, which softened his features and made his eyes look compassionate.

The abbot bowed deeply and said devoutly, "Amitabha."

Mu Qing returned the bow with a greeting: "Amitabha."

The abbot smiled and said, "This benefactor, would you mind moving to the meditation room for a chat?" Seeing the young man, the regret he felt for the departure of the Holy Lotus vanished, and the abbot looked at Mu Qing with anticipation.

Mu Qing: "It is my great honor."

Mu Qing followed the abbot back to the meditation room, during which she gave a slight smile and nodded to Wu Wang, who was standing beside the abbot.

Wu Wang: "Amitabha, young benefactor, we meet again."

Mu Qing: "Amitabha, greetings, little master."

Two years ago, when Wu Wang first met Mu Qing, he only thought that the young master was good-looking, which made people want to get closer to him.

At that time, he was still young and his cultivation was shallow. Now, looking at the power of merit throughout the young man's body, he suddenly realized that this was the case.

Wu Wang smiled in relief.

Mu Qing followed the abbot to the meditation room and handed the golden lotus in her hand to the abbot: "This was entrusted by Master Liaochen to His Highness the Crown Prince by Wuwang. Now it has been returned to its rightful owner."

Abbot: "Thank you, benefactor. Amitabha. Well done, well done."

The abbot took off the Bodhi seed bracelet that he always carried with him and gave it to Mu Qing. Mu Qing did not refuse and accepted it after thanking the abbot.

After declining the abbot's and Wuwang's requests to stay, Mu Qing donated a large sum of money to Tianfo Temple for incense oil and returned to the Prime Minister's residence.

Crown Prince's Palace