Bright Temple 2

Li Chengjie stood before the gates of Bright Temple and looked up at the plaque.

The three golden characters "Bright Temple" shone brilliantly beneath the sunlight, their strokes vigorous and forceful, with a faint Buddhist radiance flowing through them. He was silent for a moment, then lifted his foot and walked through the temple gates.

Master Lakong sat cross-legged on a prayer mat, prayer beads pinched in his hand, murmuring under his breath.

Sensing Li Chengjie's aura, he opened his eyes, pressed his hands together, and chanted softly, "Amitabha. Benefactor Li."

Li Chengjie sat down across from him, his gaze sweeping over the temple grounds. The temple was not large, but it had been kept clean and orderly, with the Mahavira Hall at the center, its Buddha statue solemn and dignified, incense smoke curling upward.

The Zen Room and the Sutra Hall stood on either side. Though simple, they carried an air of quiet serenity and peace.

"Has your cultivation here been well, Master?" Li Chengjie asked.

Master Lakong smiled faintly. "Thanks to Benefactor Li's blessings, all is well. Bright City is abundant in spiritual energy, and there are quite a few believers. This old monk recites scriptures and chants the Buddha's name each day, refines pills, and cultivates. The days pass in fulfillment."

Li Chengjie nodded. "That's good. If you need anything, just say so."

Master Lakong shook his head. "Benefactor Li has already helped this old monk too much. This old monk would not dare trouble Benefactor Li again."

Li Chengjie fell silent for a moment, his gaze landing on the Buddha statue. The statue was solemn and dignified, its eyes slightly closed, a trace of compassionate smile at the corners of its mouth. He looked at that Buddha statue for a long, long time without speaking.

Seeing