Xuanzang had become lost in the depths of the mountains and did not know which way to go, so he followed the hunter back to his home first.
Liu Boqin lived deep in the mountains. His home was no small thatched hut, but a manor-like compound. As soon as they reached the gate, several servants ran out to greet Liu Boqin.
Liu Boqin had hunted in these mountains year-round and gradually amassed some wealth, so he built a mountain manor here and took in several disciples.
Liu Boqin was still very warm toward Xuanzang, and the two chatted away happily.
Xuanzang enjoyed talking with others. He felt that conversations always brought forth unexpected ideas and gave him plenty of inspiration.
"Master Xuanzang, we live deep in the mountains as well, so there are not many vegetarian dishes here. Please forgive us," Liu Boqin said with a smile during dinner that evening.
"Big Brother Liu, although I am a monk, I do not have so many taboos. I eat meat and drink wine as well. The Buddhist Sect's prohibition against meat and wine is merely a reminder not to let yourself be consumed by too many desires. As long as you can control your own desires, there is no harm in eating such things.
All living beings in this world need to live, and to live, they must eat. Where there is death, there is life; life and death cycle on endlessly," Xuanzang said with a smile.
Liu Boqin and his family were all rather surprised upon hearing Xuanzang's words. This completely overturned their impression of monks.
"Master Xuanzang, aren't you a wine-and-meat monk? Not a true disciple of the Buddhist Sect?" Liu Boqin asked as he looked Xuanzang up and down.
Xuanzang smiled faintly. "This humble monk is Xuanzang of