The Arrivals

In the dim forest, Li Huowang's conversation with the abbot of Zhengde Temple continued, though the atmosphere had softened considerably compared to before.

"Who is your Fate Commander?" Li Huowang stared at the old monk before him.

"Fate Commander? We Buddhist renunciants believe in the Buddha, believe in Bodhisattvas, but never in fate."

Li Huowang immediately changed his phrasing. "Oh, then which Buddha do you believe in?"

"Amitabha, Vairocana of the Central Vajra Realm, Akshobhya of the Eastern Fragrant Accumulation Realm, Ratnasambhava of the Southern Joyful Realm, Amitabha of the Western Pure Land Realm, and Amoghasiddhi of the Northern Lotus Realm. Together, they are known as the Five Wisdom Tathagatas."

The Five Wisdom Tathagatas? Were they the Fate Commanders who governed flesh and blood? Or the Fate Commanders who governed childbirth? Li Huowang pondered.

Seeing Li Huowang's frightening appearance, the abbot of Zhengde Temple forcefully pressed his palms together and bowed deeply to him. "Benefactor, saving one life is worth more than building a Seven-Level Pagoda. Please, grant us some food."

"Even if you have grievances against Buddhist Disciples, ordinary people have no grievances against you, do they? Can you bear to watch them starve to death?"

Hearing this, Li Huowang looked again at the abbot before him. "I can give you food, but after I do, you must leave. Go wherever you like, just don't come near Oxheart Village!"

At the mention of food, the old abbot immediately beamed. "Benefactor, what great kindness! My disciples and I shall chant sutras and recite the Buddha's name for you, helping you accumulate immense merit with the Buddha!"

"No need. I can't bear the immense merit from your Buddha."

Li Huowang did not wholly trust these Zhengde Temple monks from Da Qi. He only wanted to use the food to get rid