Chapter 196: Concerning the Future Fate of Yumen Pass
As the only temple within Yumen Pass, Zawen Temple also serves as the “venue” for Hong Bian Holy Monk. In terms of area, it is surprisingly modest, not even matching some wealthy merchants’ mansions in the city, despite its transcendent status in Yumen Pass.
However, surrounded by intricately carved patterns of fierce tigers, hunting dogs, bulls, and massive elephants, the temple holds a hidden beauty inside.
Perhaps due to differences in sects, while Zawen Temple shares some architectural similarities with typical Buddhist temples, it lacks structures like the Main Hall, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower.
Entering through the main gate, one is greeted by a vast front courtyard, which occupies roughly two-thirds of the entire Zawen Temple—an unbalanced proportion for common temples.
The courtyard is filled with unique plants: Luoyang peonies, Jianghuai five-pointed maples, Lunans’ Puxianxia cherries, Diannan golden lotuses, unnamed vines, mosses, and even large lingzhi mushrooms and glowing fungi.
Among the myriad of plants and fungi stands a pure white jade incense burner, about the height of a person, covered in slight fuzzy moss. However, this incense burner does not burn incense; instead, it emits damp white mist like a humidifier.
Shen Baiwei had visited the long-sealed Zawen Temple, where she saw a scene of decay, with no unique plants—only waist-high yellowed wild grass and stinking black mud covering the ground, with the incense burner in the courtyard nowhere to be found.
Now, however, those plants that should not exist around Yumen Pass, could hardly survive in this land, are concentrated in this nearly square thousand-square-meter courtyard, evoking a dazed illusion akin to wandering into a botanical garden.
No, even an ordinary botanical garden would struggle to have such a high density of plants and fungi, intricately intertwined.
Some of them even have a natural enemy relationship…. Shen Baiwei thought with certainty, glancing at a red willow entwined with dodder.
Dodder is a parasitic vine plant; typically, other plants parasitized by dodder face the risk of being strangled to d*ath by it. Yet, that red willow not only seems unaffected by dodder but grows impressively strong, adorned with dodder adding a distinct charm.
It’s as if someone is being executed by hanging, suspended in mid-air, not only not dead but laughing and even dancing!
Just outrageous!
Noticing the surprise in Shen Baiwei’s eyes, Lu Yi Bei patted her shoulder, expressionless, saying, “While it’s somewhat unreasonable for these plants to grow together, it’s perfectly normal if they’re in the First Generation Miracle Saint’s territory, right?”
“Don’t ask; just think of it as a miracle! Aren’t you a member of the Miracle Cult? You can’t not understand even this, right?”
“……” Shen Baiwei cast a glance at Lu Yi Bei and remained silent.
She didn’t want to make a sound.
Even under the suppression of God Realm Yumen, the First Generation Miracle Saint cannot spy on the entire Yumen Pass but can easily cover the whole Zawen Temple.
Perhaps, the moment they stepped into Zawen Temple, every move, every breath, even the contraction and expansion of every pore, was already captured by the First Generation Miracle Saint’s eyes.
If not for being unable to escape the clutches of calamity temporarily, she wouldn’t have appeared in such a ghostly place.
It felt almost like being kidnapped!
They continued forward.
Behind that vast front courtyard was a building resembling the main hall, with two long corridors running from both sides of the building, extending backward until disappearing from sight.
Upon reaching the entrance of the corridor, Lu Yi Bei stopped.
“Why aren’t you walking?” Shen Baiwei asked in confusion.
“Walk where? Can’t you show a little courtesy?” Lu Yi Bei pouted, “Though we were invited by the holy monk, have you ever seen guests casually barging into someone’s main bedroom?”
Shen Baiwei, “…” The word courtesy sounded so strange coming from the mouth of calamity.
Just as Shen Baiwei was internally complaining, a figure in a light moon-white robe quietly approached them, clasping his hands in greeting, “Greetings, Miss Shen. Master is currently giving lessons to his disciples and is unable to attend to you for the moment. He sent me to escort you both; I apologize for the inconvenience, and I hope you both will understand.”
Following the voice, they saw a youthful monk with red lips and white teeth, good-looking and elegant.
It was the same young monk who had delivered the invitation to Dai Mu Institute earlier.
However, unlike his previous unfriendly demeanor, he now looked very pleased, sporting a faint smile as if he had achieved great fulfillment in life.
Perhaps he was thinking of something joyful?
Seeing Lu Yi Bei and Shen Baiwei looking at him, the young monk bowed again and made a gesture inviting them, proceeding forward along the corridor.
Watching the young monk’s back, Lu Yi Bei frowned, lowering her voice to ask Shen Baiwei, “Did you hear that? He said ‘Miss Shen’.”
Shen Baiwei glared at Lu Yi Bei, emphasizing quietly, “For the record, there’s only one Shen Baiwei here!”
“Don’t be so petty!” Lu Yi Bei shrugged nonchalantly, “It’s just a name; if you want, I can share my alias with you! How about Gu Qiqi?”
“……” Shen Baiwei rolled her eyes and turned her face away, ignoring Lu Yi Bei.
Having been cold-shouldered, Lu Yi Bei didn’t mind, shrugging and following the young monk’s footsteps while pondering.
That guy couldn’t have known that the invitation would bring two Shen Baiweis, could he?
Why would that be?
Could it be that guy has been spying on the movements over at Dai Mu Institute?
As Lu Yi Bei pondered, after passing through the first archway of the corridor, she suddenly felt dazed, and when she regained her senses, she realized that she had subconsciously neglected the surrounding scenery, which had undergone a drastic transformation within a mere minute.
As the three passed through the archway, a vast complex of buildings hidden in the rear half of Zawen Temple was fully revealed before them through unknown means.
The complex structure, designed according to the aesthetics of geometric architecture, seemed to be an outstanding work imitating ancient styles crafted by a modern architectural master, creating a subtle sense of temporal disorientation.
Countless stairways and narrow paths were crammed together, linking small pavilions adorned in gold, red, and white, forming a towering nine-layer pyramid. Between those pavilions, various green plants were also planted, resembling a sky garden.
At the top of the high tower stood a massive floating terrace, partially visible due to perspective issues, hiding the specific situation on the terrace.
Complex, exquisite, and delicately crafted…the superb craftsmanship was condensed into this small space.
If someone unfamiliar with the Miracle Cult were to stumble upon this place, they might mistake it for a congregation of a sect that worships nature, while seasoned gamers might suspect that a version of the Z Country elves resides in that tower.
The air was saturated with a nearly tangible spirit energy, exuding an indescribably special floral fragrance that, when inhaled, invigorated the senses, making every limb feel euphoric, and there lingered a sense of joy as if a beautiful dream had come true.
That fragrance was the scent of the original Miracle Flower.
Among the complex of buildings, figures occasionally appeared—some were followers in moon-white robes, some looked like civilians from the city, and others were Longxiang Army Armor Soldiers. Each of them radiated the same satisfaction and happiness as the young monk.
A satisfaction and happiness lacking the flavor of “worldly life.”
It was a lack, not an absence.
It was akin to a fruit-flavored drink made from a small amount of juice and artificial fragrance.
Lu Yi Bei, “……” Why did it feel so chilling?
Everyone has emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness; while a few people can share joy at the same time, the sight of everyone in the same region feeling joy only seems sinister.
The only thing that could create such an atmosphere is likely the scent of the Miracle Flower.
If those people were to emit even a strange sound or make some twisted physical movements, Lu Yi Bei would likely want to grab Shen Baiwei and flee without a second thought.
The happiness and satisfaction derived from the scent of the Miracle Flower, lacking the flavor of “worldly life,” is hardly better than the dreams Meng Meng creates or the treasures sold by the Jade Palace fairy.
“……” Catching a glimpse of a part of the complex of buildings, Shen Baiwei opened her mouth as if wanting to say something, but upon noticing the gaze of calamity drifting toward her, as if frightened, she trembled slightly and obediently closed her mouth.
With the blessing of the original Miracle Flower, it’s reasonable for Hong Bian Monk to build structures surpassing the architectural level of that era… Calamity might say that, Shen Baiwei thought.
Whether it was an illusion or not, she felt calamity seemed to resemble a member of the Miracle Cult more than she did.
However, just as she was fuming internally, Lu Yi Bei leaned in closer, secretly scrutinizing the back of the young monk ahead and whispered in a tone only the two of them could hear, “According to unreliable intel, that guy in the God Realm Yumen also participated in its construction…”
“You mean that guy used the power of the God Realm while building this complex?” Shen Baiwei whispered, tactically referring to the First Generation Miracle Saint as “that guy” to avoid alerting him.
She had seen in the information collected by the Solar Eclipse Society that the First Generation Miracle Saint supposedly also held some degree of control over God Realm Yumen.
“Yeah!” Lu Yi Bei nodded, “To be involved in such a massive project, he wouldn’t do it without some benefits, right?”
The hidden building complex at the back half of Zawen Temple was entirely invisible from outside and covered a much larger area than what could be observed from outside; only the power of the God Realm could achieve such a feat.
Shen Baiwei raised an eyebrow, with an ironic tone, “Is that so? Did you also receive kickbacks when you participated in the Siye Society’s operations?”
“Kickbacks?” Lu Yi Bei shook her head, “That’s hard to say.”
What’s the big deal about kickbacks?
Wasn’t Agent Lu of Huacheng Siye Society always trying to find ways to directly misuse the entire project funds, necessitating a report to those unrelated? Lu Yi Bei thought.
Hard to say? Perhaps she didn’t dare to say? Shen Baiwei mused.
She suddenly realized that even though she couldn’t communicate with those from the “past,” she could talk with calamity!
Indeed, not only did she want to communicate with calamity, but she could also share her feelings of annoyance.
Having bottled up her thoughts, she finally found an outlet, and suddenly felt a comfortable relief akin to using a restroom.
As they grew closer to the uniquely shaped tower, they could hear chanting coming from the enormous floating terrace above.
“……The root and stem of the precious tree and its leaves, connecting the entire body with sweet dew, fragrant aromas filling the world, precious flowers always red and pure……”
“……Fragrance enveloping the world, pure and without defect, saturating the life sea without barriers, the holy beings delighting in the enchanting fragrance……”
When Lu Yi Bei and Shen Baiwei reached the base of the tower, led by the young monk, the chanting on the huge terrace abruptly stopped.
Immediately, a figure floated down from the immense terrace, resembling a falling snowflake.
The individual was none other than the rumored holy monk who had invited them here—Hong Bian Monk.
There is no mistaking it!
Although he said nothing and did nothing, the moment he appeared in their sight, his ethereal demeanor instantly shone like a bright light, easily coloring everything around him with his “shade.”
With every inch closer, one experiences a different kind of pleasant sensation than a moment before.
Such a person, appearing within Zawen Temple, who else could it be but the First Generation Miracle Saint?
Would the First Generation Miracle Saint allow someone to appear in his territory who looks even more divine than he does?
At least the King of Urban Legends won’t allow such a character to appear in Huacheng.
As soon as Lu Yi Bei realized the identity of the newcomer, a flicker of surprise flashed through her eyes.
Although she had long known that the predecessor of the Miracle Cult, the Zoroastrian clerics, were entirely different from Buddhist monks, she still subconsciously thought, under the influence of her preconceived notions, that the so-called Hong Bian Holy Monk should have a shiny bald head.
However, the person now before her wore an exotic moon-white robe, cascading deep brown hair, and had a fair, handsome face, indistinguishable in gender, not resembling any monk she had in mind.
Lu Yi Bei, “……”
Why did he resemble a younger version of Fang Ji? Does every Miracle Saint look like this kind of male idol? Did they invite us over for some group activity?
As she internally grumbled, staring at the figure, the young monk called out, “I have seen the Master. I was just about to report to you! The two Miss Shen have arrived.”
That guy must be…… Lu Yi Bei squinted her eyes at the figure, then grabbed Shen Baiwei’s arm.
Ready to reload!
However, just as she grasped Shen Baiwei’s wrist, a white, slender finger gently rested on the back of her hand.
It was Hong Bian’s hand.
Sensing the gesture, Lu Yi Bei shivered, almost reflexively striking Shen Baiwei with a heart-piercing blow, sending Shen Baiwei off on her way.
But before she could act, she saw Hong Bian’s other hand lay on Shen Baiwei’s shoulder, radiating a soft golden light, enveloping her body.
Lu Yi Bei, “???”
What is this? Is this boss also capable of keeping a save point?
Just as she felt confused, Hong Bian smiled and said, “Ladies Shen, please don’t be agitated. I invited you here just to discuss a few matters concerning the fate of Yumen Pass…”
Chapter 197: I Had a Dream
“Splash—!”
Accompanied by the pleasant sound of water, two half-filled tea cups were pushed in front of Lu Yi Bei and Shen Baiwei by a pale, slender hand.
The deep red tea swayed, creating ripples, releasing a rich fragrance.
“Premium Zhengshan Xiaozhong, please give it a try!”
Here was the tea room on the top floor of the nine-story tower, about thirty square meters, with a smooth polished hardwood floor spread throughout, and the tea table placed near the window, offering a view of the lush vegetation outside. After stopping Lu Yi Bei from attacking Shen Baiwei, Hong Bian led them here.
They had no choice!
Without Mrs. Wang Meili’s leftover hot pot, Lu Yi Bei would have struggled to contend with the comparatively weaker Haze God among the cataclysm-grade beings, let alone the First Generation Miracle Saint, a top-tier cataclysm-grade being.
How to resist? Just a moment ago when Hong Bian stopped her, her premonition didn’t even kick in until his hand rested on her hand.
Faced with the authority of a calamity-level ancient creature from a thousand years ago, she could hardly recklessly anger him—who knows what “miracles” he might unleash, and everyone might find themselves in trouble.
Moreover, as the First Generation Miracle Saint and one of the controllers of God Realm Yumen, he indeed had the capability to influence the fate of Yumen Pass; he had mentioned wanting to discuss matters concerning Yumen Pass’s future, and since Lu Yi Bei came to change its fate, there was no reason not to show up.
If negotiations could resolve the problem instead of a battle, that would surely enter the realm of calamity!
……
Glancing at the hot tea on the table, Lu Yi Bei and Shen Baiwei seemed to share some unspoken understanding, refraining from unnecessary movements.
It’s best not to touch the tea served by those from the past! Shen Baiwei thought.
Who knows what the First Generation Miracle Saint has added to this black tea? Is this something one would dare to drink casually? Lu Yi Bei thought.
Despite their appearances, these Miracle Saints may seem outstanding in looks and demeanor, yet inside they are all dark. She learned this lesson once from Fang Ji, and she could not afford to trip in the same place twice.
Noticing that the “Ladies Shen” were unmoved, Hong Bian smiled and shook his head, “It seems you both harbor some animosity toward me? However, I believe there may be some misunderstandings involved.”
“In fact, we might share similar goals.”
Shen Baiwei, “……” Oh, what a lie! My goal is entirely different from calamity; how did you manage to align with us?
As Shen Baiwei remained silent, Lu Yi Bei silently took a deep breath, steeled herself, and spoke, “Oh? Is that so? But I heard that you have been spreading rumors in Yumen Pass, even provoking hundreds of Longxiang Army Armor Soldiers to betray the Nanling County King during this Shaman Queen’s war?”
Although she was indeed concerned about Hong Bian’s attitude towards them, the fact that he was willing to sit down calmly with them indicated that they were at least not in immediate danger.
Then let’s talk!
If the Black Emperor could converse, why couldn’t the First Generation Miracle Saint?
Let’s talk it out hard!
Upon hearing Lu Yi Bei’s words, Shen Baiwei looked at her sideways, her eyes slightly widened.
How dare calamity?!
Speaking such things in front of the First Generation Miracle Saint was akin to pointing at a mafia godfather and saying, “You’re breaking the law; do you know?” in a suicidal manner!
As she felt startled, Lu Yi Bei added, “Sorry, I tend to speak bluntly. I heard this from Xia Lianqing and Long Bang; since you brought it up, I just said it.”
It was all from Xia Lianqing and the others, oh! It has nothing to do with Bei Bei.
Witnessing calamity’s exquisitely unfair skill of shifting blame, Shen Baiwei couldn’t help but twitch her lips.
“Ha-ha.” In light of Lu Yi Bei’s somewhat offensive remarks, Hong Bian merely chuckled lightly, “It seems this Miss Shen is indeed the flame.”
Flame? What the heck does that mean? Lu Yi Bei frowned, but before she could voice her confusion, Hong Bian continued, “Miss Shen, have you ever considered that all my actions were actually arranged by your County King?”
“You mean to say you are in cahoots with the Nanling County King?” Lu Yi Bei asked in astonishment.
“Of course.” Hong Bian smiled ruefully. “You underestimate the charm of this County King too much; he is a natural leader. Without his orders, I could not command his subordinates, let alone sway their minds.”
Pausing for emphasis on the unbreakable bond between him and the Nanling County King, he added, “You, the Duolong Commanders, and the girl Xia from Dai Mu Institute may not know, but the County King has not only given me the opportunity to meet him but also saved my life…”
“Years ago, while being pursued by enemies and severely injured, I crossed thousands of miles through the desert from Horasan to this place, barely hanging on. Fortunately, the County King came to my rescue, and I was able to be reborn.”
As he spoke, he walked up to the tea table by the window, pausing there, gazing down at a withered wild grass protruding from the crevice of the windowsill.
Then, as his fingertip brushed over it, the withered grass sprouted anew with greenery.
Watching that miraculous resurrection, Hong Bian recalled the moment he lay dying, hearing a call, mustering the strength to open his eyes and seeing that heroic figure smiling gently at him.
As the Miracle Saint, he had created numerous miracles of resurrection, but the only experience of “reviving” he endured was the result of someone else’s intervention, leaving him to marvel at the wonder of fate.
Hong Bian’s claims were hard to ascertain, and Lu Yi Bei frowned, nudging Shen Baiwei with her elbow while lowering her voice, “What do you think?”
Shen Baiwei shot a glance at Lu Yi Bei, turning her face away silently.
She chose not to look!
She was simply an innocent bystander who was forcefully brought here and didn’t want to be embroiled in this mess.
Noticing Shen Baiwei’s lack of reaction, Lu Yi Bei shrugged nonchalantly and turned to Hong Bian, pressing further, “Then what’s his reason for doing this?”
Even if there was a matter of saving a life, he probably wouldn’t betray the Nanling County King. Nonetheless, such actions would still cost the Longxiang Army a substantial amount of combat power; there had to be a convincing reason, right?
“That’s a long story,” Hong Bian smiled as he explained, “In short, out of some special reasons, the Shaman Queen has been somewhat wary of me.”
“Were it not for the discord I showed with the County King, she wouldn’t have dared to invade Yumen Pass recklessly.”
“…”
So it’s a trap set to catch the turtle in the jar?
However, this guy sure knew how to act, deceiving not just Xia Lianqing and Long Bang but also a multitude of Longxiang Army Armor Soldiers.
I have about seven percent of that skill! Lu Yi Bei thought thoughtfully.
Just as Hong Bian stated, when his relationship with the Nanling County King was amicable, the Shaman Queen and her various tribes, though appearing aggressive as if an army was at the gates, usually made a lot of noise but little action, commonly raiding on a small scale rather than actual war.
This time would likely be the County King finally deciding to take action against the Shaman Queen after long preparation.
It’s like having a vicious robber with a group of criminals constantly loitering at your door; though nobody gets hurt or killed, they might engage in petty theft or extortion—a person with a bit of temper couldn’t stand it forever.
But…
Just from this perspective, this guy doesn’t seem like the culprit responsible for sealing Yumen Pass for a thousand years and trapping countless lives, right?
This guy must be hiding some critical information! Lu Yi Bei thought.
“Additionally, it is essential to set up an unusual force within the city capable of striking at a critical moment during the Shaman Queen’s army’s invasion, and the only place capable of hiding so many soldiers within the city is me,” Hong Bian continued.
As he spoke, he raised his hand, opening his palm. A brilliant flower with overlapping petals in golden light solidified and dissipated in his hand, leaving only a faint floral scent.
She originally wanted to ask why only this place could conceal many soldiers, but seeing Hong Bian’s somewhat ostentatious gesture, she chose to remain silent.
Asking would be pointless since the answer would undoubtedly involve “miracles”!
The First Generation Miracle Saint, if he couldn’t miraculously hide hundreds of Longxiang Army Armor Soldiers beneath the Shaman Queen’s nose, what was the point of being a Miracle Saint?
Having gathered information about the unknown authenticity of the situation from Hong Bian, Lu Yi Bei suppressed her doubts and steered the conversation back on track, asking, “So, holy monk… let’s discuss the fate of Yumen Pass? You invited us here… uh!”
Lu Yi Bei was abruptly stopped midway as Shen Baiwei delivered a sharp twist to her waist.
Turning to look, she found Shen Baiwei glaring at her fiercely, as if to remind Lu Yi Bei, “You’re the one who got invited; I’m the one who was coerced!”
Why did it feel like a well-mannered pet suddenly biting? That’s why one shouldn’t casually raise a strange pet! Lu Yi Bei mused, shifting aside slightly and continuing with Hong Bian, “Earlier we were talking…”
“Talking about my invitation for you two to discuss Yumen Pass’s future fate,” Hong Bian said.
“Ah, right! It’s about that.” Lu Yi Bei nodded, “I’m curious as to why you believe we can have any influence over the future of Yumen Pass? Or how did you even notice us?”
“Because…” Hong Bian smiled and shook his head, “You might not believe it, but the reason I invited you is that I had a dream earlier, and I’ve always believed that dreams carry strong symbolic meanings…”
As Hong Bian spoke, Lu Yi Bei and Shen Baiwei’s thoughts suddenly became hazy, the visuals began to fade, then disappeared from view. The sound of Hong Bian’s voice grew increasingly vague, until only a soft mumble remained, like someone murmuring in a half-dream state.
Shortly after, as their consciousness temporarily sank into darkness, strange images began to emerge before their eyes.
They saw a snake.
A snake with a head resembling a water buffalo and a body like a dragon, lacking a mane, claws, and scales, its shadow indistinct, like a giant snake formed from dense mist, coiling around a fortress standing amidst the yellow sands.
On the head of that giant snake stood a figure enveloped in flames, adorned with a dazzling crown, wielding a sword…
