Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

The two strolled along, stopping frequently to enjoy the beautiful scenery, chatting and laughing as they immersed themselves in it.

As the sun gradually climbed to its zenith, noon quietly arrived.

At that moment, they arrived at the foot of Huangjue Temple Mountain.

Looking out from afar, Lingyan Temple stands solemnly amidst green hills and clear waters, like a kind old man looking down upon all living beings.

The square outside the temple was teeming with people, and the sounds of noise, hawking, and chanting mingled together, creating a vivid and complex scene of everyday life.

As soon as you step onto the bluestone steps leading to the temple, you can feel the surging crowds.

Men, women, young and old, all kinds of people, shoulder to shoulder.

The farmers, dressed in coarse linen clothes, wore simple and honest smiles, perhaps praying for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest in the coming year.

The high-ranking officials, dressed in fine clothes and surrounded by a large retinue, walked with their heads held high, their jade pendants and sachets swaying gently with each step.

The young ladies in their chambers, holding fragrant handkerchiefs, moved with light, graceful steps, their maids carefully protecting them, afraid that their mistresses might be jostled by the crowd.

At the temple entrance, devout men and women lined up in a long queue, their eyes filled with awe and anticipation.

On the other side were numerous small vendors, with stall owners selling incense and candles shouting loudly as they skillfully arranged various incense and candles, their stalls filled with wisps of smoke and fragrant aroma.

The food vendors were extremely busy, with hot oil sizzling in the pans, frying the dough into golden and crispy pancakes that looked incredibly tempting.

The vendor selling candied hawthorns carried a straw target covered with bright red candied hawthorns, attracting children who gathered around, crying and begging their parents to buy them.

The scene outside the temple is full of life and people's expectations for a better future, like a condensed picture of human life.

Lingyan was speechless: There are just too many people.

She doesn't believe in Buddhism; she just heard that the vegetarian food at Huangjue Temple was delicious and came for lunch, but she didn't expect it to be this crowded.

Lu Yanqing held Lingyan gently in his arms as if she were a precious treasure, ensuring that she would not be jostled in the slightest.

If this weren't a royal temple, he would have already used his lightness skill to enter.

But for now, all we could do was follow the bustling crowd and push our way in.

As the crowd moved slowly forward, he suggested softly, "There are too many people. Why don't we come back another day?"

Ling Yan shook her head.

He insisted, "I have never given up on this in my life. Now that I'm here, I will never give up halfway."

Besides, it's just that there are too many people and it's a bit crowded; it's not a big deal.

Seeing her insistence, Lu Yanqing didn't say anything more.

He simply focused more intently on protecting her as they walked, until the solemn and ancient gate of Huangjue Temple came into view.

The two then entered the main hall, where a solemn and dignified atmosphere immediately enveloped them.

The hall was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, a fragrance that seemed to cleanse the soul of its dust.

Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows and adding a touch of mystery to the hall.

A colossal golden Buddha statue stands tall in the center of the main hall, its compassionate face overlooking all living beings.

In front of the Buddha statue, several oil lamps burned quietly, their flickering flames illuminating the abundant offerings on the altar.

On both sides of the main hall, rows of Arhat statues are arranged, each with a different posture. Some have glaring eyes, some have smiling faces, and some are deep in thought. Each Arhat statue is lifelike.

Neither of them were Buddhists, so they did not offer incense or pray.

They simply added some money for incense and left the main hall to have their vegetarian meal in the back courtyard.

I must say, this vegetarian meal truly lived up to its reputation; it was incredibly delicious, unlike anything I'd ever tasted before.

After the two had lunch, Lingyan was quite satisfied.

Then he took Lu Yanqing to the back mountain of the temple.

This place is tranquil and mysterious, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world, as if it were isolated from all of it.

Ancient trees tower all around, their dense branches and leaves intertwining to form a natural green canopy that filters the sunlight into dappled patterns that fall onto the ground.

Everything here seems so natural and harmonious, free from worldly disturbances, only the bounty of nature and inner peace.

Unfortunately, this tranquility was suddenly shattered.

Because it is unusually quiet here, even the slightest sound will be amplified infinitely.

So when the two heard the unspeakable loud noises between the man and woman, they were a little unsure how to react.

hiss!

That's incredibly bold!

Someone actually dared to do such a thing in a royal temple.

Moreover, judging from their conversation, the two were not in a proper marital relationship, but rather having an affair.

Choosing a place like this for an affair is truly something else.

Lingyan and Lu Yanqing didn't bother them; what business was it of theirs what other people's affairs were?

So the two quietly left the place, and then, just before leaving Huangjue Temple, they encountered Master Jianhui, the foremost Buddhist master of the time.

He wore a kasaya, his figure as tall and slender as a pine tree, as if he had become one with the world and nature, harmonious and serene.

That thin face was resolute and extraordinary, with facial lines as hard as if carved by an axe, and every angle exuding determination and composure.

Her eyes were deep and unfathomable, clear, bright, serene, and peaceful, as if they could penetrate layers of mist and see the true meaning behind all things in the world.

That gaze was so pure, devoid of any restlessness or distracting thoughts, filled only with compassion and peace. A single glance from it could stir ripples of tranquility in one's heart.

His broad forehead was full and smooth, and the ordination scars on his head were clear and neat, shimmering with a sacred radiance like Buddha's light under the golden sunlight.

He possesses a composure and solemnity beyond his years, exuding an extraordinary aura that makes people unconsciously hold their breath and feel awe in his presence.

Master Jianhui is already thirty-seven years old this year, so why does the person in front of him look younger than Lu Yanqing?

Are all spiritual practitioners like this?

Or is he the only one who is like this?

Just as her thoughts were racing, she heard the person opposite her speak.

His gaze was deep, as if he could see through all the fog in the world.

He gazed at Lingyan quietly, clasped his hands together, and said softly, "Benefactor, this humble monk observes that your aura is detached from the turmoil of this world, as if you come from another realm untouched by worldly dust."

His voice was calm and gentle, yet it stirred up a storm in Ling Yan's heart.

Amazing!

It's amazing how you can tell she's not from this era.

Lu Yanqing was filled with doubt.

What does it mean?

Another world?

Before he could think further, Lingyan replied frankly, "Master, you have excellent insight. Buddhist teachings are truly profound. You were able to see that my thoughts and ideas are incompatible with this world and do not belong to this realm."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yanqing suddenly realized what was going on.

That’s what it meant.

Master Jianhui did not expose her; his gaze was calm and kind.

With an all-knowing wisdom, he said, "Everything in the world has its cause and effect. Your current encounter must be the arrangement of fate. Since you are here, make the best of it."

Lingyan smiled and replied, "Master, there is no need to worry. I have already calmly accepted this matter and am at peace with it. I am not worried about anything or feel resentful."

Master Jianhui shook his head slightly, looking at her as if penetrating her soul and reaching the depths of her heart, and said: "Benefactor, you only accept it superficially, or you can only force yourself to accept it. In reality, have you truly integrated into the current world? Have your thoughts remained unchanged?"

Lu Yanqing looked at Ling Yan, frowning and remaining silent.

Ling Yan smiled slightly.

No rebuttal was offered.