Chen Chang'an's skepticism caused the old monk's expression to shift.
As he glanced around, the looks from the crowd were a mix of doubt and disdain, as if saying, "This monk is nothing but a fraud, and your Buddhist order is full of swindlers."
No!
He absolutely could not tarnish the reputation of the Buddhist order.
Moreover, he had come here precisely to spread the teachings of Buddhism and expand its influence.
Chen Chang'an was right—a small personal sacrifice for the greater good was not wrong.
Leading by example would help others understand just how virtuous the Buddhist path truly was.
"Very well!"
"This humble monk agrees!"
"If I do not enter hell, who will?"
"Today, I shall accompany you on this journey to the brothel."
"As a disciple of the Buddha, it is my duty to deliver all beings from suffering."
Perfect!
The old monk had finally taken the bait!
Chen Chang'an remained expressionless, his face solemn and dignified.
"Venerable Master, our visit to the brothel is not for pleasure, but to save lost souls."
"Do you understand the weight of your mission? The burden upon your shoulders?"
"Remember—you represent the entire Buddhist order."
"You are sacrificing yourself to illuminate the glory of Buddhism."
"You… are noble." Chen Chang'an spoke with grave sincerity.
Hearing these words, the old monk straightened his back, feeling the immense responsibility of his task. This was no less than marching into the flames of purgatory.
"The benefactor flatters me. This humble monk is merely doing what is right."
"Let us go… and save these lost souls."
"Then let us proceed!"
Chen Chang'an led the resolute monk straight toward the brothel, while Da Huang followed behind, visibly excited.
"Hahaha!"
"A monk going to a brothel!"
"This kid is hilarious—he actually talked the old monk into visiting a brothel?"
"I’d love to go in and see the spectacle."
"You got money?"
"Nope."
"Then what’s the point of looking?"
"I said I wanted to."
"Well, keep dreaming."
Chen Chang'an’s successful persuasion of the monk drew amused reactions from passersby.
However, the brothel wasn’t a place just anyone could enter—after all, it required money, and without it, one couldn’t even step through the door.
"My, what a handsome young master."
"Eh? Isn’t that… isn’t that Venerable Zhengyuan?"
"A disciple of the Buddha, visiting a brothel?"
The madam, spotting Chen Chang'an’s striking looks and refined demeanor, brightened up and hurried forward to greet him personally.
But to her surprise, standing beside him was none other than Zhengyuan the monk.
Lately, Zhengyuan had made quite a name for himself in these parts, and many recognized him.
The madam, in particular, was far from pleased with him.
After all, this old rascal often stood outside the brothel, intercepting potential customers—much to her frustration.
But since Zhengyuan was no ordinary man, she had no choice but to swallow her anger.
Yet now, this same monk who constantly chanted "Amitabha" and lamented "sinful deeds" was actually stepping into the brothel?
Zhengyuan could clearly see the mockery and derision in the madam’s expression, but he stood firm, unshaken by judgment.
He had not come for pleasure, but to rescue the unfortunate women trapped in this den of vice.
"Madam, prepare your finest private room for us."
"And bring over your best ladies—the more, the better."
"Money is no object."
Without wasting words, Chen Chang'an produced a thousand taels of gold.
At the sight of such wealth, the madam’s eyes gleamed. Clearly, this was a man of means—one she couldn’t afford to let slip away.
"Oh, young master, you needn’t worry about a thing!"
"Quick, prepare the finest room for our esteemed guest!"
Beaming, the madam barked orders to her attendants.
"Young master, a thousand taels is generous, but our girls are truly exceptional."
"If you wish for many, this sum might not—"
"No matter. Bring as many as you like. I’ve got plenty to spare."
"Wonderful! Rest assured, you’ll be more than satisfied."
Still grinning, the madam personally escorted Chen Chang'an and his group to their private chamber.
"Who’d have thought that old monk would actually visit a brothel?"
"Hahaha! Seems even Buddhist monks are men at heart."
"All men are the same—do you really think monks are that pure?"
"Exactly! No man is immune to beauty. That’s just human nature."
Zhengyuan’s presence in the brothel became the talk of the establishment, with patrons whispering and laughing among themselves.
Once inside the private room, Chen Chang'an noticed that despite Zhengyuan’s outward calm, the monk was growing increasingly nervous.
After all, as a man of the cloth, he had never set foot in such a place before.
To him, brothels were dens of filth—places to be avoided at all costs.
"Venerable Zhengyuan, isn’t it?"
"No need to be so tense. Remember—you’re here to spread the teachings of Buddhism."
"Positive energy!"
Positive energy?
Yes, yes, positive energy!
Zhengyuan took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain composed.
"Young master~~~~"
The moment a flood of courtesans poured into the room, Chen Chang'an could see Zhengyuan’s composure shatter.
His eyes darted around, unsure where to look, and his feet subtly shifted as if ready to bolt.
In contrast, Da Huang’s eyes sparkled with excitement, drool visibly forming at the corners of his mouth.
"Beautiful ladies… so many beautiful ladies!"
Watching Da Huang’s shameless display, Chen Chang'an sighed inwardly.
Though these women were attractive, they paled in comparison to the disciples of Luoshen Palace, lacking their ethereal grace by miles.
Da Huang really had no standards at all.
"Ladies."
"Your guests are not me."
"One is him—and the other is Venerable Zhengyuan here."
"I’m merely an observer."
As the women began flocking toward him, Chen Chang'an quickly clarified.
His words left the courtesans stunned, Da Huang delighted, and Zhengyuan utterly panicked.
"Young master, this…"
"No questions. I’ve paid, so I decide."
"You, attend to Da Huang—give him your best service."
"The rest of you, focus on Venerable Zhengyuan."
"Remember—be enthusiastic. Pour your hearts into it."
"Venerable Zhengyuan has braved this den of sin solely for the sake of you lost souls."
"Do not disappoint him."
The brothel’s women were sharp—they instantly grasped the underlying message in Chen Chang'an’s words.
The one with gold made the rules, and they dared not disobey.
"Venerable Zhengyuan… here we come!"
Seeing a group of young women charging toward him, Zhengyuan Master's face turned ashen, and he nervously glanced at Chen Chang'an.
"Master, it's time to begin,"
"Show us what you've got."