Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 639 Knowing one’s heart and one’s nature

As time passed, perhaps Lu Zheng's trip to Quanqiu City in the Di Kingdom served as a deterrent to other forces.

Some of those who had originally escaped were expelled or escorted back to Lu Zheng's side.

Everyone tried their best to maintain a peaceful relationship with Lu Zheng, not wanting to give him an opportunity to come knocking on their door.

The news that Hu Qing's faction had joined Lu Zheng's side quickly spread.

Amidst the shock, many people couldn't help but think of a variety of things.

In terms of sheer size, Hu Qing's forces were quite formidable in this region, so their swift submission to Lu Zheng surprised many.

Some people were still waiting for the Wei Kingdom to put pressure on them, while others actually took the lead in surrendering.

A sense of unease gripped the people, who feared they would become Lu Zheng's next target and were forced to make a choice.

During this time, Lu Zheng also went to Hu Qing's territory, which was just a small area of ​​spiritual energy with not many people, mostly humans or demons with cultivation.

Lu Zheng assigned most of his people to various places to do work and study/reform.

The remaining small group built new towns and roads in the area to connect the other cities under their rule.

Looking at the empty mountain gate, Hu Qing said softly, "I entrusted everyone to you..."

Lu Zheng looked at the town under construction in the distance and said, "You're still in charge of this place. Take a look at the books I gave you; they'll be helpful."

At this point, Hu Qing couldn't help but twitch her lips.

Lu Zheng did give her a lot of books, but they were all unrelated to cultivation, and some of the contents of the books gave her a headache.

Hu Qing couldn't help but mutter, "You've learned so much, and you've reached such a high level at such a young age. I'm starting to wonder if you're a reincarnation of a saint. No, even those saints probably didn't cultivate as fast as you when they were young!"

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Perhaps this is a blessing from God."

Hu Qing raised an eyebrow and said resentfully, "Why doesn't God favor me?"

Lu Zhengdao said, "You are already stronger than many people, but you are a great demon feared by thousands."

Hu Qing pursed her lips. "I feel like you're being sarcastic. Do you want to hear my past stories?"

Lu Zhengdao: "I don't want to."

Hu Qing felt a lump in her throat upon hearing this. Lu Zheng didn't want to hear it, but she insisted on speaking.

"Let me tell you, when I was little I also wanted to be a demon, but my family was destroyed by an enemy country, and I barely escaped with my life. I was only six years old then, and I hadn't even fully transformed into human form yet..."

Lu Zheng raised his hand to stop him, saying, "What's past is past. Besides, it's precisely because you got caught in the rain that you should be holding an umbrella for others, instead of imposing your own suffering on others."

Hu Qing's expression was complicated, and she said quietly, "You really are a great philanthropist. I can't do what you do, and there aren't many people in this world who can do what you do."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Alright, you have a point. But why not let everyone do a little good?"

He couldn't judge others by his own moral standards, but he would try to persuade people to do good, hoping to bring more light and warmth to this chaotic and dark world.

In the distance, a golden light flew swiftly towards them.

Lu Zheng and Hu Qing looked up and saw that two monks were coming together.

One of them was Ku Xin, dressed in an ordinary monk's robe.

The other monk was wearing a golden robe, radiating a brilliant aura of Buddha, exuding an extraordinary presence and the air of a high-ranking monk.

The two quickly landed in front of Lu Zheng.

"This humble monk, Mingxin, greets the two benefactors." The old monk, dressed in a magnificent robe, clasped his hands together and bowed to Lu Zheng and the other man.

Lu Zheng raised his hand in return, then glanced at Ku Xin with a questioning look in his eyes.

Ku Xin hurriedly transmitted his voice, saying, "This is Master Mingxin of the Mind Sect. He is not from the same sect or temple as me."

"The so-called enlightenment and seeing one's true nature—this master's Buddhist teachings are profound, and he has the ability to see into people's true nature. He came from the State of Wei to find you, probably on someone's behalf..."

He painstakingly and quickly gave a concise and to-the-point explanation.

Mingxin went to the demon city at the foot of Qinghuai Mountain but did not find Lu Zheng. However, she recognized Kuxin, who was working in the city.

The two had some prior acquaintance, but since they couldn't refuse, they had no choice but to bring their own people along.

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "So you are Master Mingxin. This junior, Lu Zheng, greets you."

Mingxin wore a kind smile, her bright eyes sweeping over Lu Zheng and Hu Qing.

Hu Qing inexplicably felt as if someone was spying on her inner thoughts, and couldn't help but secretly circulate her internal energy to deal with it.

Lu Zheng remained calm as usual and did not react.

Mingxin looked at Lu Zheng, her eyes flickered, and a hint of surprise flashed across her face.

He couldn't sense Lu Zheng's thoughts and emotions; there was an invisible force hindering him. Clearly, Lu Zheng possessed some extraordinary treasure.

This shows that Lu Zheng's background is indeed extraordinary, because ordinary treasures cannot stop his supernatural abilities.

Mingxin remained calm and slightly averted her gaze.

With a wave of his hand, Lu Zheng set up an exquisite tea table and served tea to his guests.

The four of them took their seats and sat upright in one place, with none of them speaking first.

Seeing this, Lu Zheng said, "Master, you have come from afar. May I ask what brings you here?"

Mingxin smiled and said, "I heard that a kind-hearted young man has come to the Northern Region to save the world and help the people, so this humble monk came to take a look."

Lu Zheng smiled upon hearing this and said, "I wouldn't call myself a bodhisattva. There are many self-proclaimed bodhisattvas in this world, but none of them have a heart like mine."

Three people:......

Goodness, is this a sign of disrespect for Buddhism, or is it just self-praise?
Hu Qing's mouth opened slightly. As a Buddhist, she felt a chill run down her spine upon hearing these words.

She had never seen Lu Zheng speak ill of Buddhism before, so how could he dare to say such things today?

Lu Zheng added, "I am a young man and I speak frankly. I hope you won't take it to heart, Master."

These words were like a final blow.

Even Ku Xin, standing nearby, couldn't stand it anymore. Master Mingxin was not only a high-ranking Buddhist monk but also represented the Wei state government. Did you have to be so impulsive? You really aren't afraid of offending people!
Upon hearing this, Mingxin remained calm and replied softly, "There are indeed some heretics among us Buddhists. I apologize for making you laugh."

As she spoke, Mingxin subconsciously glanced at Hu Qing across from her.

Hu Qing noticed Mingxin's gaze and immediately became a little unhappy. Although she hadn't been a good person before, what did it mean to look at her like that?
Hu Qing couldn't help but glare at me and said, "I didn't boast that I'm a bodhisattva, why are you looking at me like that? I've heard that there are many living bodhisattvas in the Wei Kingdom, but I haven't seen them come to the Northern Region to save the people from their suffering..."

"Oh, some people not only lack that intention, but they are also content to enjoy the offerings from the people, without giving back to them..."

With Lu Zheng backing her up, Hu Qing even dared to speak out against the Buddhist monks of Wei.

(End of this chapter)