"Ding! Congratulations, Host, you've received a lower-tier Buddhist treasure: [Third-Rank Jewel Lotus Platform]."
In the depths of Ethan Shu's system space, a radiant display of colors unfolded. A sacred lotus platform, shimmering with three colors, appeared, rotating gently in splendor. With this lotus platform,Ethan Shu could now traverse the skies, moving above the earth's dust. Whenever he descended, it would be as if the Buddha himself had arrived. Additionally, the Jewel Lotus Platform could ward off evil and offered a measure of defense and protection.
After sweeping for ten minutes and receiving the system's reward,Ethan Shu handed the broom back to Ah Fu, who treasured it as if it were a priceless artifact. In time, the broom swept by the Holy Monk would be regarded as a family heirloom, passed down through generations.
With hands pressed together,Ethan Shu offered a respectful bow to Li Squire, Li Moxuan, and Ah Fu. "Now that the malignant spirit has been subdued, I shall take my leave. It's late; you should all get some rest."
Li Squire, Li Moxuan, and the others clasped their hands in return, personally escorting Ethan Shu to the door. "Amitabha. Thank you, Holy Monk, for your compassion and intervention, saving my household from ruin," Li Squire expressed sincerely, repeatedly bowing.
Even asEthan Shu bid them to stay behind, Li Squire, filled with gratitude, insisted on walking with him for nearly a kilometer. Perhaps it was his way of expressing gratitude, a gesture from a heart too overwhelmed to otherwise repay such kindness.
Once separated,Ethan Shu returned to the inn to rest. Inside, the innkeeper had already hung the Tiger Subduing Arhat painting given to him by Ethan Shu, and indeed, the ominous spirits and shadows drawn by the previous painting had all vanished. The inn was cleansed, without a trace of darkness.
The following morning, the streets of Qingyu Town were lively in a way that hadn't been seen for years. Drums pounded, firecrackers popped, and lion dancers and stilt-walkers filled the roads in a festival atmosphere.
Ethan Shu rose, washed up, and opened the window to see a long line of people outside the inn. With the evil spirits vanquished, the sky over Qingyu Town was bright and clear. The townspeople's laughter and joy were infectious.
The inn's steward knocked on his door, "Holy Monk, are you awake?"
Donning his clean white robes, with only his Vajra Bodhi Beads around his neck and his other sacred items stowed in the system space,Ethan Shu replied, "I am."
As he opened the door, the steward stood there with a joyful smile. "They've gathered to celebrate you, Holy Monk. Li Squire and the townsfolk prepared a small ceremony and would like to follow you up the mountain to pay respects at Huiming Temple."
Ethan Shu paused, feeling a warm rush of emotion. "To offer incense, is it? Very well, let's go."
The steward added, "The innkeeper has arranged a vegetarian breakfast for you."
"Don't keep the villagers waiting. Pack a few buns—I'll eat on the way,"Ethan Shu responded.
Outside, dozens of townsfolk had gathered. Carpenters, blacksmiths, and others were among the crowd, as well as pious believers and those simply grateful to Ethan Shu.
Li Squire had called them together, eager to accompany Ethan Shu In addition to offering incense, they planned to survey Huiming Temple and begin preparations for its renovation.
Ethan Shu led the way, with Li Squire, Li Moxuan, and others following close behind. For the villagers, this was their first time venturing into the Black Mountain. Fear still lingered in their hearts as the area had once been a feared land of mass graves and demons.
Some carried hoes, wary of their surroundings. Li Squire and Li Moxuan, however, trusted inEthan Shu's protection and chatted comfortably as they walked.
Ethan Shu gestured to the gnarled, dark forest. "Black Mountain's vegetation grew twisted and wild under the shadow of lingering evil. But once Huiming Temple is restored, filled with people's devotion, the mountain's aura will shift to one of righteousness."
Li Squire nodded, "We'll spread the word to the neighboring towns and villages. Huiming Temple's reputation will grow far and wide."
"Amitabha,"Ethan Shu replied with hands folded, "thank you, Squire Li."
Venturing deeper into the woods,Ethan Shu sensed something. He turned, his gaze settling on a quiet corner of the forest.
In the forest depths, Clara Ning and Serena Nie floated near a grove, watching the procession.
"Sister, look at all the people on the mountain today," Serena Nie
whispered.
Clara Ning's eyes lingered on Ethan Shu, walking ahead in his white robes. "Who knows what he was up to all those days without a word to us?" she muttered. "Leaving us to worry about him…"
With a teasing grin, Serena Niewaved her sleeve. "Oh, Sister, I think it was only you who was worried!"
"What nonsense," Clara Ning retorted, swiftly turning away to hide her blush. She glided through the forest, ethereal as a fairy.
"Oh, don't go! Let me see if you're blushing!" Serena Nie laughed, chasing after her.
Ethan Shu, catching a faint sense of their presence, glanced back toward the trees.
"Is something wrong, Holy Monk?" Li Squire asked, noticing his gaze.
With a faint smile,Ethan Shu shook his head. "Nothing. Squire Li, Huiming Temple is just ahead."
The morning light filtered through, melting away the last of the winter snow. A stone path twisted up the mountain, leading to the ancient, weathered temple—a quiet, serene place of peace amidst the wilderness.
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