"How does one obtain a Buddhist Shrine? Aren’t they just assigned directly?"
"The grade of the Buddhist Shrine one receives depends on the Demon Barrier within their heart. The stronger the Demon Barrier, the higher the grade of the Buddhist Shrine they can obtain."
Qing Xin explained.
’Looks like De Ji will only be able to get a low-grade Spiritual Shrine at best this ti...’
"By the way, Zen Master, has there ever been a case at the Joyful Shrine Association where soone failed to obtain a Buddhist Shrine?"
"Well... that has never happened. We are all cultivators of the Buddhist Sect. Through Buddhist Techniques, we inevitably accumulate a Demon Barrier. The worst-case scenario is still a First Grade Spiritual Shrine."
Qing Xin shook his head.
Yang An sighed softly. He had just put on an attitude of being above worldly competition—his main goal was to go with the flow, not to contend, and simply to participate.
And that was indeed the case.
’His loyalties lay elsewhere. It wasn’t like he actually wanted to be a bald donkey, so how could he accumulate a Demon Barrier like these other bald donkeys?’
’Besides, I’ve never been tainted before, so I probably don’t have any Demon Barrier. I wonder if I can squeeze a little bit out, just enough to get the lowest-grade Spiritual Shrine?’
’If I can’t even get a First Grade Spiritual Shrine, as the magnificent Buddha’s Son, wouldn’t that be utterly humiliating?’
Yang An didn’t ask Qing Xin any more questions. The two exchanged a few casual words, and then Qing Xin prepared to take his leave.
"Buddha’s Son, rember this: the ti for Seeking Shrines is the day before the Joyful Shrine Association. Furthermore, during the Association, you must guard your Buddhist Shrine carefully. Do not let others take it from you."
Before leaving, Qing Xin left him with this slightly profound warning.
’This old bald donkey, always being so cryptic. Why don’t you just wait until you’ve entered nirvana to tell ?’
A day passed peacefully, bringing the date to the twelfth of the fourth month, with only three days left until the Joyful Shrine Association.
Late that night, Yang An was, as usual, diligently cultivating the Nine Forces Shocking Dragon and the Celestial Gnomon Body. During this period where he couldn’t practice his main cultivation, this had beco a habit.
After a long period of accumulation, his Nine Forces Shocking Dragon and Celestial Gnomon Body had been built up to an absurd level.
Yang An had no idea what kind of astonishing effect he would achieve if he unleashed the Celestial Gnomon Light and Nine Forces Shocking Dragon now, but he imagined it would be quite extraordinary.
Even during the crisis in the Immortal Origin Land, Yang An hadn’t used them, because he couldn’t bear to.
The Celestial Gnomon Light was one thing, but the Nine Forces Shocking Dragon was a one-ti consumable. Once used, he would have to start accumulating it all over again. Unless it was a truly critical mont, Yang An had no intention of using it.
And just as he was pumling himself with his own fists—THUMP THUMP—a familiar voice suddenly sounded in his ear.
"Disciple!"
Yang An imdiately stopped what he was doing, not at all surprised by the arrival of this voice.
It was the voice of Elder Zhuan Yu!
With the Joyful Shrine Association fast approaching, Yang An knew an event this big wouldn’t have escaped the Golden Thread Pavilion’s notice. Elder Zhuan Yu contacting him now was definitely about the Association.
And just as Yang An had expected, the first thing Elder Zhuan Yu asked about was the Joyful Shrine Association.
In Elder Zhuan Yu’s perception, Yang An was still just an ordinary monk of low standing.
"Are you aware of the Great Virtue Temple’s Joyful Shrine Association on the fifteenth of the fourth month?"
"Reporting to Master, your disciple has heard so rumors and knows so of the details."
"Good, good, good. This is a rare opportunity to act openly. You’ve been lying low for so long, you must be champing at the bit. It’s ti for you to show what you can do. Your master has a mission for you."
’No! I don’t want to!’
Yang An remained silent, not responding.
Silence is a form of silent protest.
But as an undercover agent for the Golden Thread Pavilion, what else could he say?
"By the way, before I tell you the mission, your master wants to ask you sothing."
"Please speak, Master."
"Your master has heard that you’ve been promoted to Gami and have even beco an Attendant Monk to the Great Virtue Temple’s new Buddha’s Son?"
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