Elevator Dimension Line

Outside the city of Kyoto,

A courtyard located in Higashiyama Ward, this was one of the Tokugawa family's residences in Kyoto.

They also have one in the city, but it's not very big. This place is different. Although it can't compare to the Imperial Palace, it's not far off. The key is that it's right next to the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a famous ancient temple with a long history. It enshrines a statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon and is said to have been founded by Master Cien. Master Cien was also a remarkable figure, as he was Xuanzang's first disciple in Japan.

The mountain where Kiyomizu-dera Temple is located is also known as 'Otowa-yama'.

At this moment, on the mountain path leading up Mount Otowa, two slender women dressed in kimonos were walking at a leisurely pace.

These two were Hoshimi Miyabi and Arisa. They had come to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple after hearing many people mention it.

"Tokugawa Ieyasu's power is truly immense. Kyoto is practically the core of the Emperor's power. I never imagined they would have a garden here that rivals the Imperial Palace. They're really audacious!" Arisa exclaimed.

The two of them had inquired about the details before they arrived, and they had also come from the Tokugawa family compound, but they didn't get close, only taking a glance from afar.

"Tokugawa Ieyasu's current thoughts are obvious to everyone. They have long since stripped the Emperor of his power. Only within the Kyoto area does the Imperial Family still have some restraint, but outside of here..." Hoshimi Masayuki shook his head and sighed at the current state of the Imperial Family.

“This emperor is a coward, he deserves to be replaced by us. Let us show the majesty of imperial power again!” Arisa laughed.

Hoshimi Miyabi smiled slightly and looked ahead. The swaying bamboo forest by the roadside made a rustling sound.

A moment later, the two reached the top of the mountain and found a magnificent temple outside the bamboo forest.

The two came from a side path, and at this time they could see that there were quite a few worshippers on the main road in front of the temple. Although it was not a continuous stream, there were still a few of them.

This also illustrates the peak of Kiyomizu-dera Temple's prosperity.

The appearance of Hoshimi Miyabi and Arisa also attracted the attention of some worshippers. When they saw the two, everyone, regardless of age or gender, was amazed by their beauty.

The two were already exceptionally beautiful, and with the enhancements from the system, they were practically perfect.

Many male worshippers even stood there dumbfounded, watching the two walk past them.

The two entered the main hall, where a statue of Guanyin with a thousand hands stood at the head. Although it had a compassionate face, it gave people a sense of solemnity and majesty.

Arisa nodded. She had seen many Buddha statues like this before, but this one was indeed full of a sense of history and culture.

Hoshimi Miya rarely visits Buddhist statues. Her family only worships their ancestors and has almost no interest in gods. She has also rarely been to any temples. This is one of the few times she has done so.

While the two were worshipping the Buddha statue and whispering about the origin of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, in the back hall of the main hall, an old monk who was sitting on a futon with his eyes closed suddenly opened his eyes and turned to look in the direction of the main hall with a wary and incredulous expression.

"Jiesheng!" the old monk called out.

A young monk strode in through the door to the back hall.

"Master, what are your instructions?"

"Come with me to the front hall!"

As the old monk spoke, he got up and stepped off the prayer mat. The young monk Jiesheng hurriedly stepped forward to help him up.

The old monk seemed to have difficulty walking, and was somewhat lame. With the help of the young monk, he walked towards the main hall.

When the old monk walked around the Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue, the first thing he saw was Hoshimi Miyabi and Arisa standing at the entrance of the main hall. The two were so outstanding that it was hard not to notice them.

However, at this moment, the two were probably heading out.

The old monk, disregarding everything else, called out, "Ladies, please wait a moment!"

(I really don't know how Japanese monks address outsiders, and I'm too lazy to look it up. I thought of using 'female benefactor' but it felt a bit out of place, so I'll just use 'Miss' instead.)

Hoshimi Miyabi and Arisa, who were about to leave, paused and turned around. At the same time, the other female worshippers in the main hall also looked over.

The old monk walked directly up to Hoshino Miya, looked her up and down, and then said, "Do the two young ladies have time? Please come to the back room for a chat."

Hoshimi Miyabi and Arisa were somewhat puzzled by the old monk's invitation, not understanding what he meant.

“Master… is there something you need?” Arisa asked.

"I was meditating in the back hall when I was suddenly drawn by a certain aura. I wanted to find out what was going on, but I didn't expect to disturb you two. Please forgive me," the old monk said, putting his palms together.

"You're not going to talk about us, are you?" Arisa said with amusement.

The old monk smiled slightly, "I can't be wrong. There are too many people here. If it's convenient for you two ladies, why don't you find a quieter place?"

Arisa looked at Hoshimi Miyabi, who glanced at the curious crowd around her, then nodded and said, "Let's go to the back then!"

Hoshimi Miyabi and Arisa followed the old monk through the back hall to a side room.

"Jiesheng, go and pour two cups of hot tea to serve the two ladies."

The old monk gave an instruction, and the young monk bowed and withdrew.

"How should I address you, Master?"

Arisa glanced around at the elegant room, then turned and asked.

“I am Huiming, the abbot of Qingshui Temple,” the old monk said.

"I didn't expect the master to be the abbot. What would the master like to say to us?" Arisa asked with interest.

Hoshimi Miyako, who was standing to the side, also looked at Huiming seriously. She was more perceptive and could sense a faint spiritual power from the high monk in front of her.

After listening to Arisa's question, Huiming looked at Hoshimi Miyabi beside him with a scrutinizing gaze, as if he was organizing his thoughts, wondering how to begin.

“Master, please speak frankly. There are no outsiders here,” Hoshimi Miyabi said.

"May I ask how you should address me, Miss?" Huiming asked.

"Hoshimi Miyabi!"

Huiming turned to look at Arisa, who spoke before he could ask.

"Arisa Kōhōin!"

"Hoshimi Miyabi~ Kōhōin~" The old monk seemed to ponder the two names for a moment, then shook his head slightly, clearly having never heard of them.

"Master!" Hoshimi Miyabi's tone became more serious, seemingly indicating some displeasure.

If you call someone over without saying what it's about, it's bound to make them unhappy.

"I'll be frank!" Seeing the other party's displeasure, Huiming quickly clasped his hands together. "Miss Hoshimi Miyabi must be no ordinary person!"

Hoshimi Miyabi remained silent, simply staring intently at the other person, while Arisa frowned and asked, "What do you mean, Master?"