In the beginning, he was ranked alongside An Shigeng as a spoiled brat.

Zhang Xiaoshan, accompanied by two women and a warrior, entered the room as the crowd made way for him.

"The Zhang family of Lin'an Prefecture has donated a golden Buddha statue, weighing 500,000 taels of silver, for this prayer ceremony!"

Hiss...

He drank deeply, and everyone around him stared in disbelief at the golden Buddha held by the black-armored warrior.

You should know that this big guy carried the golden Buddha and jumped from the boat onto the shore.

Even disregarding the distance of ten zhang, carrying such a heavy golden Buddha would probably have resulted in it being pushed directly to the bottom of the water the moment it jumped off the deck. How could it possibly have been brought over?

But then the black-armored warrior tossed the Buddha statue high into the air with the lightness of a pigeon-egg-sized pebble, launching it ten zhang (approximately 33 meters) into the air and landing it on the seven-zhang (approximately 33 meters) high platform above.

With effortless skill, the Buddha statue fell without making a sound or creating any ripples!

The Buddhist masters present were all shocked and wary as they looked at the large, dark-skinned man.

They naturally knew that the Zhang family wouldn't falsify the 500,000 taels of gold, because it wasn't worth it. Everything that seemed fake was just because the black-armored warrior in front of them was too domineering.

Rumor has it that the strength of three bronze-armored warriors is enough to rival that of a Grandmaster, but this black-armored warrior is even more terrifying!

Seeing them today, they realized that what he said was true.

"Young Master Zhang is indeed generous!"

The prefect of Suzhou looked at the gleaming golden Buddha statue and was initially somewhat skeptical.

But after hearing the explanation from his subordinate, the head constable, he realized that the black-armored warrior was an invincible being who could hold off an army of a million men single-handedly.

Moreover, the Zhang family's status, wealth, and reputation mean they wouldn't stoop to faking anything.

"It's nothing. Didn't Manager Hou mention that besides this prayer ceremony, we also need to raise funds for the disaster area to rebuild their homes, purchase improved seeds, tools, and oxen..."

Fundraising?

Everyone froze, looking at Zhang Xiaoshan in confusion.

"Everyone, everyone, it's my fault."

I've been too busy lately, supervising the construction of the Buddhist altar, and forgot to inform everyone about this."

"It was also my fault. I always thought that the head manager had informed me about this matter, or perhaps the head manager also thought that I had done it."

Therefore, Li is willing to take full responsibility for such a serious mistake!

····

Anyone with eyes to see could see what was going on; the Zhang family was setting a trap for them.

They didn't know who the Zhang family's target was, but this definitely made them uneasy. They never expected the young master of the Zhang family to pull this stunt at the last minute.

"What wrong has Young Master Zhang done?"

Since it's about praying for blessings, fundraising for disaster relief is the proper thing to do. Those with money should donate money, and those with supplies should donate supplies. Are we really going to help the people in the disaster area just by talking?

At this moment, a disdainful voice rang out as Madam Wang stepped out from the crowd.

Moreover, with a wave of her hand, two elderly women carried in a rather large box, saying softly:

“Mantuo Villa is near Swallow's Nest, where Young Master Zhang resides. The woman had heard Young Master Zhang mention the fundraising, which is why the Wang family of Suzhou donated 30,000 taels of gold!”

His magnanimous gesture caused everyone present to change their expressions; it was as if he had put them on the hot seat.

One donated 500,000 taels of gold, and the other donated 30,000 taels of gold. They were incredibly powerful, but if they didn't donate, their reputations would be ruined.

"Everyone, the donations are made entirely from the heart, and whatever amount is given is out of goodwill!"

However, the Zhang family will still publicly announce the top ten philanthropists in the fundraising efforts, so that they can be respected and admired by the world.

Regardless of their true intentions, the fact remains that this money can save countless lives; they have truly performed meritorious deeds, which is an indisputable fact.

In addition, this is a grand Buddhist event where eminent monks accumulate immeasurable merit. Therefore, all donations raised will be made public to demonstrate the extent of the merit accumulated by these masters!

Real hammer!

The Zhang family, who seemed to be on good terms with Buddhism, suddenly turned on them.

Chapter 226 The Results of Master Mingchen's Fundraising

"Amitabha Buddha, this is a very good deed!"

The first person from the Buddhist community to come forward in support of Zhang Xiaoshan was Master Wangyou. With a pair of dull, old-fashioned eyes and a calm expression, he showed no signs of being a high-ranking monk; he looked more like someone who had vandalized a Buddhist temple.

However, among those present, he was the one of the most respected and virtuous!

He was never one to put on a show, and the Zhang family's prestige above them was beyond question.

"Indeed, our prayers are just empty talk; donating real goods is the real solution."

Cultivating oneself, practicing Buddhism, or engaging in spiritual exercises—without a heart dedicated to saving the world, all such practices are nothing but illusions, ending in nothingness in old age!

Amitabha!

The words of Zen Master Wuse were so powerful that even the eminent monks couldn't refuse them.

Faced with this immense pressure, many Buddhists immediately felt that this trip had been a huge loss.

Although monks are supposed to be detached from worldly desires, if they donate too little, haha...

All things considered, these temples were not poor monks. Of the '480 temples of the Southern Dynasties' that have survived, those that have survived are the cream of the crop!

"Amitabha Buddha, this must be Master Mingchen. How is Abbess Fuyuan?"

"Master Fuyuan?"

Mingchen looked at the person who spoke, and it turned out to be a monk in his forties or fifties, who looked like Maitreya Buddha.

He appeared to be all smiles and kind-looking, but his eyes held a cunning and treacherous glint. Ming Chen knew at first glance that he was being tested.

However, she is the Purple-Robed Dragon King, who was originally known for her wisdom in the Ming Cult. How could she possibly be fooled?

"Haha... Fuyuan is naturally the Divine Nun of the South Sea."

"This humble monk met the Divine Nun on the cliff of Qionghai years ago. I never imagined that thirty years later, she would have taken in such an outstanding figure as Master Mingchen."

"Master, you flatter me. Apart from my close friend Master Lingyin, my master has not set foot in China for sixty years. How could he have come to Qionghai thirty years ago?"

Everyone looked at the fat monk Xing Pang after hearing Master Mingchen's words.

The monk's attempt to test them failed, and they were clearly outmaneuvered.

The burly monk, who resembled Maitreya Buddha, scratched his bald head and chuckled:

"Is that so? Perhaps this humble monk has mistaken you for someone else."

Everyone looked at Master Mingchen, and even at first glance, Yuan Kong and Zen Master Wuse nodded, thinking to themselves:

What an otherworldly person!

Not to mention the crowd who were completely awestruck, their pupils almost sunken in.

Among the most beautiful women in the world, Suzhou had a famous courtesan, whose beauty astonished the world.

But compared to this seemingly otherworldly person, he was not only inferior in appearance, but also far inferior in temperament.

After all, not everyone can pull off 'baldness'!

"Venerable Zen Masters and Dharma Masters, the time has come, please!"

"Amitabha!"

The group went up to the Buddha platform, as Master Mingchen had been invited and had a spot on the top floor.

Moreover, due to the Zhang family's connections, he was placed at the very front, standing only beside a few Zen masters, holding an extremely prestigious position.

Sitting barefoot, she smiled as she picked up a flower.

The moment he sat on the lotus platform, it was as if a Buddha had manifested on the lotus, giving everyone a sense of awe and reverence for being in the Western Paradise.

"Amitabha! What a wonderful Tantric Mahayana Buddhism!"

The Zen masters exchanged glances, surprised that Master Mingchen was practicing Tantric Buddhism and had already achieved some success.

Even the Maitreya Buddha before him showed a hint of shock and astonishment in his expression.

This is a closely guarded secret of Tantric Buddhism!

"Boom!"

Suddenly, Master Mingchen flicked his fingertip, and a petal flew toward the bronze bell, which was nearly seven zhang away.

Most people only saw the petals fall, but the experts present knew that it was the Shaolin Flower-Picking Finger technique, and at a distance of nearly seven zhang, it was at least the pinnacle of the Flower-Picking Finger technique that could ring the bronze bell.

Boom!

With a resounding, deep bell, the heavy, muffled sound echoed for miles around.

In an instant, it was as if a blow to the head had awakened everyone from their reverie.

"How come this bronze bell is ringing even though no monks are striking it?"

"Yes, and the sound was loud and deafening."

"Could it be that the Bodhisattva has manifested his power?"

···

"Amitabha! Master, what a fine finger strike you have! Even Master Xuandu and Master Kuhai of Shaolin are far inferior to you in terms of skill!"

Master Yuankong was shaken. Those who had thought Mingchen was good-looking and that he was a 'fake monk' felt a strange sense of guilt.

Tantric Mahayana Buddhism requires enlightenment, and the "flower finger" gesture requires skill and arduous practice. Would someone with such a level of attainment need to pretend to be a "fake" monk?

They were already among the most accomplished Buddhists; they simply couldn't recognize the true Buddha.

"This humble monk has been practicing under my master since childhood, cultivating both Buddhism and Taoism, and my martial arts are mainly based on 'formlessness'."

"That last finger flick was a clumsy attempt by this humble monk, lacking the essence of Buddhism and leaning more towards Taoist style. I hope you esteemed masters will forgive my poor execution."

“Amitabha, is the Dharma Master mocking us for not recognizing the true Dharma of Buddhism?”

This humble monk once witnessed Zen Master Xuandu's flower-offering gesture. Compared to you, Master, my skill and spiritual attainment are far inferior. Why should you be so modest?

"Amitabha!"

Mingchen's popularity soared to its peak in an instant.

When ordinary people learned the truth, they were even more incredulous, and their eyes were filled with fanatical faith.

This caused the Zen master Maitreya Buddha to reveal a wry smile.

They were testing Ming Chen this time, and at the same time recruiting believers for their White Lotus Sect, but they didn't expect to do all the work for Ming Chen.

We don't say that good looks equal justice!

In later generations, stars with perfect looks and top-notch singing and dancing skills will inevitably be wildly popular.

Moreover, in Jiangnan, where there are 'four hundred and eighty temples in the Southern Dynasties', Mingchen's existence is absolutely unprecedented. Even Madam Wang did not detect the slightest trace of the 'Minor Formless Skill'.

First, Madam Wang's character was not refined enough;

Secondly, Mingchen's finger embodies both Buddhist spirit and Taoist aura.

Unless you experience it firsthand, you simply cannot perceive the subtle differences.

Even the great monk Maitreya was extremely wary of its power.

He was one of the ten protectors of the White Lotus Sect, and the great monk was also known as Wusheng, which means "rebirth in the Pure Land".

Not to mention his Buddhist martial arts skills—Lion's Roar and Indian Buddha Finger have reached the level of Juesheng and Xuanci, respectively—he also possesses the White Lotus Divine Skill, making him the strongest among the Zen masters present.

But after that single finger strike, Wusheng realized that he was no match for Master Mingchen.

Even without mentioning the distance of seven zhang, it still contained such terrifying finger force.

With just this one skill, she surpasses him.

Moreover, the skill in the "flower-picking finger" technique is extremely deadly.

At the start of the waterborne Buddhist ceremony, Zhang Xiaoshan was standing next to the Prefect of Suzhou, the great Confucian scholar Xi Yi, and the three of them chatted about everything under the sun.

The prefect's mastery of Confucian classics, Mr. Xi Yi's lofty ideals, and Zhang Xiaoshan's broad knowledge...

For a moment, they were filled with admiration for each other.

Among them, Zhang Xiaoshan was the youngest, yet he was the most knowledgeable, which greatly surprised both Mr. Xiyi and the prefect.