Seeking to Borrow a Treasure

The next day, Zhang Xiaofan found a young monk and explained that he wished to see Divine Monk Puhong. The monk had likely been instructed beforehand; he nodded and led Zhang Xiaofan off to find Divine Monk Puhong.

To his surprise, the young monk led him out through Heavenly Sound Temple's rear gate and onto a narrow mountain path that led toward the summit of Mount Sumeru.

Zhang Xiaofan frowned and asked in confusion, "Is Divine Monk Puhong not in the temple?"

The young monk nodded and said, "That is correct. The abbot and several martial uncles are all people who prefer quiet. They have always lived in the small temple at the mountaintop, which we usually call Little Heavenly Sound Temple."

After hearing this, Zhang Xiaofan asked no further questions and followed him up the mountain.

They walked for nearly half an hour before finally seeing the so-called Little Heavenly Sound Temple the young monk had mentioned.

Little Heavenly Sound Temple was no more than a three-courtyard compound. It stood far removed from the mortal world, surrounded by forests of ancient pines and elegant bamboo. When the mountain wind blew past, the pines stirred and the bamboo swayed, carrying an indescribable sense of secluded grace.

The two passed through the central Buddhist hall, turned right twice, and entered the rear hall, where there were three quiet meditation rooms. The young monk who was leading the way stepped forward and called out clearly toward the door of the middle meditation room, "Abbot, Benefactor Zhang Xiaofan has arrived."

A kind voice immediately sounded from within the meditation room. "Come in!"

The young monk stopped where he was, turned to Zhang Xiaofan, and said, "Benefactor, the abbot calls you in! This young monk will take his leave!" With that, he left.

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