Nyepa led Qu Zan out of the Evil-Subduing Institute.
Nyepa said, "Do you know why I asked you to gather those four items?"
"I do not, but you must have a deeper purpose, Lama."
"You will also need those Four Ritual Objects when practicing the esoteric arts. You might as well gather them all at once and kill two birds with one stone."
"Oh, I see. You truly do plan far ahead, Lama," Qu Zan said sincerely.
Nyepa turned to Qu Zan and said, "You should be able to gather all four Four Ritual Objects, shouldn't you?"
"Searching Mìdì for various offerings and materials is also a form of cultivation. Reading scriptures alone cannot make you a true Knowledge Monk."
This was the benefit of having someone above him. He could gain early access to many essential teachings and avoid a great many detours.
"Yes!" Thoughts turned in Qu Zan's mind as he considered how to find the Four Ritual Objects. He already knew where to get a lotus: Master Duo'erna's courtyard.
Lotuses bloomed in her steaming Hot Spring courtyard...
As for the other three, he should be able to obtain them by spending some secret silver.
After parting with Nepa Lama, Qu Zan returned to his own room in the Monks' Quarters.
He had only just entered when someone knocked softly at his door.
Qu Zan opened it and found his senior brother Rinchen, who lived opposite him.
"Junior brother, where have you been lately? Why haven't you shown yourself for days?" Rinchen looked worried.
"Good fortune and blessings, senior brother!" Qu Zan pressed his palms together and said, "The Lama sent me out on an errand recently. Thank you for your concern."
"That's good. I thought you'd encountered a ghost and something had happened to you." Rinchen breathed