The Monk That Wanted To Renounce Asceticism

Panda Novel

Huang Ran looked at the One Finger Temple sign above her head and was about to flare up when Zhang Yan pulled him back and said, “Venerable One, may I ask if this is One Finger Temple?”

Fangzheng nodded. “That’s right. Patron, do you have any questions?”

Huang Ran asked curiously, “Venerable One, have you heard of One Finger Monastery?”

Fangzheng smiled. “Of course.”

Brother Nan sneered when he heard that. “Venerable One, don’t you find your mountain peak identical to One Finger Monastery’s? And your monastery… Well, the name of the temple is almost identical. Everyone knows that Abbot Fangzheng is a great hero who saved the world. By doing this, aren’t you making use of the popularity to take an advantage?”

Fangzheng looked up at his signboard and said, “This signboard has been here earlier than One Finger Monastery. This Penniless Monk doesn’t think it’s to steal attention.”

“Haha… your signboard is indeed well made to look ancient… If the signboard is a coincidence, then what about the layout here?” Huang Ran asked.

Fangzheng knew that unless he revealed his identity, there was no way he could explain it. Therefore, he spread his hands and said, “This place was like this to begin with. What else is there to say? Patrons, if you wish to pay respects to Buddha, you can enter. If you are traveling, you can take a look elsewhere…”

With that said, Fangzheng ignored them and turned to leave.

“Sigh… Monk, why are you leaving just like that? We haven’t finished speaking yet!” Zhang Yan exclaimed.

Unfortunately, Fangzheng left without stopping!

“Monk, don’t think that we can’t do anything if you ignore us. We will publicize this!” Huang Ran shouted.

Unfortunately, the monk had no intention of turning back.

“Patrons, if you wish to show Buddha respect, please enter. However, we only have a child-giving Guan Yin here…” Red Boy pressed his palms together and said obediently.

The moment that was said, Huang Ran nearly exploded. He mumbled, “If I remember correctly, One Finger Monastery originally only had a child-giving Guan Yin statue… This One Finger Temple is the same… Can they be any more shameless?”

Although he was very popular, he couldn’t say anything to a child. He could only stomp his feet angrily and yell about exposing them.

Zhang Yan squatted down and said, “Venerable One, let me ask you a question. When did your monastery begin?”

Red Boy thought and shook his head. “No idea. It was here by the time I came here.”

“When did you arrive?” Zhang Yan asked.

Red Boy said, “A year ago.”

“Impossible!” Huang Ran exclaimed. “One Finger Monastery has only been around for two years.”

Zhang Yan gestured for him to shut up and continued asking, “Alright, let’s switch to another question. Little Venerable One, what’s the title of the abbot of your monastery?”

Red Boy grinned. “Fangzheng.”

“F**k!” Huang Ran was taking photos when his hand trembled in anger. Even his phone dropped.

Brother Nan said angrily, “Don’t tell me that your Dharma name is Jingxin?”

Red Boy shrugged. “Ah, how do you know?”

“I can’t take it anymore. I can’t take it anymore. I’m going down the mountain! I’m going to expose this fake temple!” Huang Ran exclaimed.

Brother Nan was infuriated when he heard that. However, he held back and said, “I’m just afraid that the monk here will run away once we leave.”

“Then what do we do? There’s no signal here, and we can’t make phone calls,” said Huang Ran.

Brother Nan said, “How about this? I’ll stay guard here. You guys go down the mountain to report him.”

“Brother Nan, stop teasing us. If we go down the mountain, I’m afraid we won’t be able to come back here. Why don’t I stay guard here and you guys go back?” asked Zhang Yan.

“No, I’m worried if a girl like you stays here alone. How about this? I’ll stay and you guys can go back,” said Huang Ran.

“With that bad temper of yours, I’m afraid that you would beat him up. When the time comes, I’ll have to go to prison to see you,” said Zhang Yan.

Brother Nan said, “How about this? The two of you stay, I’ll go down the mountain and report it myself. This way, Huang Ran will be able to protect you and watch them. As for you, watch Huang Ran and don’t let him mess around… What do you think?”

When Huang Ran heard that he could be alone with the goddess, she immediately raised her hand and shouted, “No problem!”

Zhang Yan thought about it and could only do so in the end.

Brother Nan left. Huang Ran and Zhang Yan stared at each other. Finally, they set up a tent outside One Finger Temple and stayed there.

Nothing happened. They ran into One Finger Temple and took a look at the bodhi tree. Huang Ran sighed and said, “If we didn’t come in advance, they would have completely replicated One Finger Monastery. I might have believed it if I had come when it’s all done.”

Zhang Yan said, “Let’s not talk about other things. This bodhi tree really does look like it… and there’s that Little Venerable One. If he raises a monkey or wolf, the resemblance will be greater.”

The moment he said that, he saw a black head on the wall shrink back. Huang Ran subconsciously rubbed his eyes and exclaimed, “I think I just saw a monkey!”

Zhang Yan said, “Monkey? Impossible, right?”

“Really!” Huang Ran pointed at the wall.

Zhang Yan looked up and saw nothing. She said, “Are you hallucinating? How can there be such a coincidence that there’s a monkey? I even said there’s a squirrel!”

Huang Ran turned his head and saw a fat squirrel secretly looking at them. When he saw them looking over, he immediately hid.

Huang Ran said, “I saw Squirrel!”

Zhang Yan said, “It can’t be? Are you obsessed with One Finger Monastery? Besides, even with a monkey and a squirrel, there’s nothing strange about it. The mountains here have always maintained their original state and there are plenty of animals inside. Therefore, it’s not strange to see it unless you see a salted fish walking…”

“Salted Fish!” Huang Ran suddenly pointed at the door of the backyard. He saw a salted fish’s head shrink back!

Huang Ran had already rushed over!

Zhang Yan was afraid that he would mess around, so she quickly followed him. When they reached the door, Huang Ran stuck his head in, but…

“Amitabha. Patron, a monastery is a Buddhist land of worship that enjoys tranquility. Please do not make any noise.” In the backyard, an elderly monk was sitting there quietly, drinking tea.

The young monk stood by the side, reading Buddhist scriptures.

As for a monkey, a squirrel, or a salted fish, there were none of them…

Huang Ran looked suspiciously at Fangzheng before looking around. “Old monk, do you have any animals in your monastery?”

Fangzheng did not say a word as Red Boy said, “There are often animals coming to the monastery. What’s wrong?”

Huang Ran asked, “Are there squirrels, monkeys, salted fish? And wolves?”

Red Boy thought for a moment before shaking his head. “I’ve seen animals before, but I’ve never seen wolves before. But you say salted fish… Aren’t salted fish for eating?”

Huang Ran shook his head. “No, it’s the kind that can run all over the place!”

Red Boy looked at Huang Ran as though he was a retard, making Huang Ran embarrassed. He waved his hand and said, “Sorry for disturbing you.”

“You haven’t slept well for the past few days. Now, your mind is filled with One Finger Monastery. It’s very normal to see things and hallucinate. Huang Ran, I think it’s better you sleep for a while,” said Zhang Yan.