"Amitabha, as a monk, I cannot drink alcohol. Perhaps... I should share the teachings of Buddhism with all of you benefactors instead."
"Oh, Master, since we're already here, why bother with Buddhist teachings?"
"Master, I never expected someone of your age to still have such strong arms."
"Please, benefactor, restrain yourself."
"Oh my, I just gave your arm a little squeeze. How is that improper? Master, tell me, where exactly was I improper?"
"Benefactors, please... do not come any closer to this old monk. Do not..."
Chen Chang'an sat to the side, thoroughly entertained by the spectacle unfolding before him.
Da Huang was a seasoned patron of brothels, so skilled that even the courtesans attending to him were left in awe.
Who would have thought that this big yellow dog was a regular at such establishments?
As for Master Zhengyuan, he was even more amusing.
He was wholly devoted to spreading Buddhist teachings, yet when faced with a swarm of eager courtesans, he stood no chance.
Cup after cup of wine was forced down his throat, and no matter how he resisted, the women refused to let him go.
Master Zhengyuan briefly considered using his cultivation to push them away, but Chen Chang'an's words dissuaded him.
"Master, if you do not enter hell, who will?"
"Only by understanding their suffering can you help liberate them."
"Surely, Master, you can endure this little hardship?"
"How else can you attain Buddhahood?"
If I do not enter hell, who will?
Indeed, one must truly comprehend their suffering to save them.
Master Zhengyuan repeatedly reminded himself of this, gradually surrendering to the moment, accepting everything offered to him.
He became the very picture of compliance!
"Master, your alcohol tolerance is impressive."
"My first time drinking, my first time..."
"Oh, Master, look, I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable here. Could you massage it for me?"
"This..."
"Master~"
"Very well, let this old monk take a closer look."
"Master~"
"Master~"
Amidst the chorus of sweet calls, Master Zhengyuan began to lose himself.
Chen Chang'an found the scene rather amusing.
Truly, a monk of profound enlightenment—his adaptability was remarkable.
Da Huang, while enjoying himself, couldn't help but recall the Third Elder of the Gu Family.
At first, the elder had resisted just as vehemently as Master Zhengyuan, but in the end?
He had fallen deep into indulgence, unable to extricate himself.
Once certain desires within Master Zhengyuan were awakened, controlling them became nearly impossible.
Though he had initially convinced himself that his actions were for the sake of spreading Buddhist teachings and saving sentient beings, he slowly found himself sinking into depravity.
"Hey, isn't it a bit too cruel to drag a monk into this?" Da Huang transmitted his thoughts.
Cruel?
"Since when have I claimed to be a good person?"
"What the Buddhist sect does is none of my concern, but forcing their beliefs on others is hardly righteous."
"If they want to be monks, that's their choice. Why must they drag others into it?"
"If they can recruit others into monkhood, why can't I pull them into debauchery?"
"Tit for tat."
"Besides, doesn’t he seem quite happy?" Chen Chang'an replied with a faint smile.
Indeed, he looked ecstatic—already getting handsy.
Where was the dignified monk now? He had transformed into a lecherous old man!
Chen Chang'an wasn’t in a hurry. Dishes and wine were replenished, and new courtesans cycled through.
For three full days, he sat back and watched.
By now, Master Zhengyuan had been thoroughly corrupted. He no longer needed prompting from the women—he took initiative on his own.
Had Chen Chang'an and Da Huang not been present, who knows what further indecencies the old monk might have committed.
"All of you, leave."
Suddenly, Chen Chang'an waved his hand, signaling the courtesans to depart.
"Hmm?"
"Why are they all leaving?"
"Benefactor, what is the meaning of this?"
Confused, Master Zhengyuan turned to Chen Chang'an.
"Master, how do you feel now?"
"Are the sentient beings suffering?" Chen Chang'an sat down opposite him, smiling.
"They are!"
"Deeply suffering!"
Master Zhengyuan nodded solemnly—though whether he meant the courtesans or himself remained unclear.
"Master Zhengyuan, do you believe you can truly save them, guide them to liberation?" Chen Chang'an asked.
"I’ve pondered this. There are many ways to save someone."
"What we did... was also a form of salvation."
Da Huang nearly burst out laughing at the monk’s words.
This was his idea of salvation?
Da Huang himself was a seasoned patron, but at least he didn’t pretend otherwise. Master Zhengyuan, on the other hand, had once chanted "sin, sin" with every breath. Now?
In just three days, he had surpassed even Da Huang in debauchery.
Da Huang merely enjoyed himself—Master Zhengyuan, however, was all hands.
"Master Zhengyuan, what do you think of me as a friend?"
"Excellent. You are a good man, kind-hearted, pure of virtue."
Having received favors, Master Zhengyuan naturally spoke well of Chen Chang'an—after all, it was thanks to him that the monk had discovered this new world.
Pleased with the answer, Chen Chang'an nodded before getting to the main point.
"Master Zhengyuan, as a monk of profound wisdom, you must have extensive knowledge, correct?"
"I dare not claim such. This old monk is but an ordinary practitioner, unworthy of the title 'enlightened master,'" Master Zhengyuan replied, somewhat guiltily.
"No, no, you are the true enlightened master."
"Willing to descend into hell, sacrificing yourself for others."
"Tell me, Master, have you heard of a certain pearl?"
"Translucent, devoid of any energy fluctuations, yet indestructibly hard."
At these words, Master Zhengyuan’s expression shifted, his gaze turning wary.
"Why do you ask?" he questioned, frowning.
Seeing his reaction, Chen Chang'an’s interest was piqued—it seemed the monk knew something.
"So, Master Zhengyuan is familiar with this pearl?" Chen Chang'an pressed.
"No. It is not a pearl."
"It is... a Sacred Buddha’s Relic."
Sacred Buddha’s Relic?
What the hell?
Since when was my embryonic bead a Sacred Buddha’s Relic?
"The Sacred Buddha’s Relic?"
"Is it in the Temple of Heavenly Sound?" Chen Chang'an asked.
The Temple of Heavenly Sound was the foremost Buddhist sanctuary, revered by all monks. If such a relic existed, it would undoubtedly be enshrined there.
"The Sacred Buddha’s Relic is a treasure of Buddhism, naturally enshrined within the Temple of Heavenly Sound."
"Why do you seek it?" Master Zhengyuan eyed him suspiciously.
"Because it originally belonged to me!"