Chapter 323: Buddhism

After returning to Yunzhou, Gu Mo's first task was to have the Zither Master set up a spell formation to seal Wang Qingping's primordial spirit within it.

Because forging the Dragon Scale Blade wouldn't be a quick process, and although Gu Mo had erased Wang Qingping's consciousness, her primordial spirit was still intact and could be expelled from the mortal realm by its rules at any moment, eventually dissipating into nothingness.

Gu Mo was currently restraining it with demonic energy, preventing its expulsion from the mortal realm. However, he couldn't carry this unconscious primordial spirit with him indefinitely. Once he left, the primordial spirit's instincts might react, causing trouble.

Therefore, Gu Mo confined it within the spell formation, both to ensure safety and to prevent its dissipation into nothingness.

Afterward, Gu Mo began studying the Heavenly Craftsman's Exquisite Orb and familiarizing himself with the characteristics of the Seven-Colored Peacock.

Meanwhile, Gu Chudong spent every day tinkering with the Gu family's manor.

Time flew by, and soon it was winter.

After winter began, something nation-shaking occurred in Yunzhou: a rebellion broke out.

The rebel leader was a martial arts master, a highly renowned first-rate expert from Dongping Commandery. He gathered over a thousand people to attack a county town, successfully killing the county magistrate, and proclaimed himself "King Yun."

However, this "King Yun" caused no further disturbances, because the Dongping Commandery government office quickly mobilized county troops from two neighboring counties and suppressed the fierce rebel army. "King Yun" himself, while attempting to flee, was captured alive by Yang Qingtong, the leader of the Dongping Martial Arts Alliance.

Although this incident was quickly quelled, its impact was extremely detrimental, even alarming the imperial court.

The current situation in the Qian Kingdom was grim. Although the front lines had gained some advantage after Emperor Qian personally led the expedition, the domestic economy was on the verge of collapse, and the common people's struggle for survival grew increasingly difficult.

Under these circumstances, the court's greatest fear was domestic unrest while the front lines were still in full swing. Therefore, local governments had been vigilant about this, but unrest ultimately occurred.

Every uprising needs a beginning.

The "King Yun" rebellion wasn't extensive, but its nature was extremely significant.

For a time, local governments were on high alert, perceiving threats everywhere.

Linjiang City, Gu Residence.

Outside, heavy snow fell, and Chu Yuan, the Six Gates Inspector for Linjiang City, held a cup of warm wine, his face filled with worry.

In previous years, sharing warm wine and chatting during snowfall was a refined pleasure. But this year was different. As Chu Yuan watched the snowflakes fall, he felt no sense of elegance, because beneath the snow, he saw only the frozen bodies of the dead.

"The Jiang Kingdom faces harsh cold, and the front lines have been forced to halt fighting," Chu Yuan said. "For the soldiers on the front, it offers a brief respite, but for the common people back home, this snow will be deadly. This winter will be incredibly difficult!"

Gu Mo sighed.

It had always been this way since ancient times: whenever there was war, the most unfortunate were always the common people at the bottom.

"Brother Gu, when do you think this war will end?" Chu Yuan asked.

Gu Mo thought for a moment and said, "I'm afraid this war won't stop until there's peace under heaven. Whether Chu Kingdom wins or our Qian Kingdom wins, the war won't cease, because other nations won't stand idly by, nor will they give the victorious nation time to recuperate. They will also join the battlefield. Therefore, it will only end when one nation successfully defeats all others and unifies the realm."

After speaking, Gu Mo paused for a moment and said, "Instead of worrying about the front lines, you'd better focus on maintaining public order in Linjiang Commandery. The 'King Yun' rebellion in Dongping Commandery might just be the beginning. If widespread rebellions erupt domestically, the front lines will collapse without a fight!"

Chu Yuan was silent for a while, then said, "Indeed, this is what the court officials are most concerned about right now. War, at its core, is a drain on lives and resources. The front lines are filled with human lives, and the lives of the people in the rear are becoming increasingly difficult.

As long as people aren't starving, few would risk rebellion and the annihilation of their entire clan. This snowfall has become the last straw for some of the populace. And with spies from the Chu Kingdom secretly instigating, rebellions are bound to occur.

The incident in Dongping Commandery was indeed orchestrated by several Chu Kingdom spies. For now, as long as this snowfall doesn't last for months, it should still be controllable. However, my concern is what comes next. The longer the front lines are drawn out, the weaker the common people's endurance in the rear will become. Should a natural disaster occur, it could truly spark a prairie fire, and become uncontrollable!"

Gu Mo frowned and said, "This is a gamble on the nation's destiny."

Chu Yuan said gravely, "Actually, Chu Kingdom is also gambling. Although Chu Kingdom is slightly stronger than our Qian Kingdom economically, Emperor Xiao Zhaolin of Chu is belligerent, and he's fighting on two fronts simultaneously, consuming far more resources than our Qian Kingdom.

If Chu Kingdom faces a major natural disaster, they won't endure either. So, Brother Gu, your point about gambling on the nation's destiny is valid. Although most factors are at the front, the rear can also play a decisive role."

Gu Mo took a sip of wine and said, "I wonder what progress Ji Wusuan has made!"

Chu Yuan asked, puzzled, "Ji Wusuan? The one known in the martial arts world as the 'Number One Diviner Under Heaven'?"

"Precisely," Gu Mo replied. "The Emperor assembled a team for him, specifically to search for the legendary mortal dragon's vein."

Chu Yuan exclaimed in surprise, "The legendary mortal dragon's vein, which grants divine destiny to whoever possesses it? Isn't that just a legend?"

Gu Mo said, "It is real, but whether it truly has such powerful effects, I don't know."

Jiang Kingdom, Pingnan City.

Emperor Qian, having personally led the expedition, had his temporary palace established here after the winter truce.

At this moment, Emperor Qian was reviewing memorials in his room. A guard reported from outside the door, "Your Majesty, General Ye seeks an audience."

"Grant him audience."

Soon, Ye Jinglan, clad in battle armor, entered the study.

Emperor Qian immediately rose, stopping Ye Jinglan from saluting. He pulled Ye Jinglan to sit by the brazier, and asked, "My dear subject, you've worked hard inspecting the army camps these past few days."

Ye Jinglan quickly replied, "It's no hardship, Your Majesty. I returned today specifically to report on the military situation..."

Immediately after, Ye Jinglan briefly described the current situation in the army camps.

After listening, Emperor Qian's expression grew serious as he said, "No firewood, no clothes, no food—we truly lack everything. However, my dear subject, rest assured, I already sent an imperial edict back home, instructing the Crown Prince to raise military supplies. We just need to hold on for another half a month."

Ye Jinglan nodded and said, "Actually, Your Majesty, the lack of military supplies is only a superficial problem. The most crucial issue is Tianma Pass. As long as we don't breach Tianma Pass, our army will remain tied down here, constantly facing the dilemma of needing continuous logistical support. Your humble general suspects that Chu Kingdom intends to wage a war of attrition to exhaust us."

Emperor Qian's brows furrowed, and he remained silent for a long time. Suddenly, he looked up at Ye Jinglan and said, "My dear General Ye, let's wait until spring. If, by spring, Ji Wusuan still hasn't found any clues about the mortal dragon's vein, then I will proceed with the plan to use myself as bait."

"Your Majesty..."

Emperor Qian waved his hand and said, "My dear General Ye, if I speak of the mortal dragon's vein to others, they'll think I've gone mad. But you are different; you know that it is very likely real. If our Qian Kingdom obtains the mortal dragon's vein, then we will have received the Mandate of Heaven. If we continue to fail to find it, it indirectly implies that the Mandate of Heaven is not with me. In that case, I must take a gamble. What is this life to me then?"

Ye Jinglan was silent for a long time, then said, "Since this matter was advocated by Brother Gu, your humble general absolutely believes it. May I ask, what stage is Ji Wusuan at now?"

Emperor Qian said, "I don't know either. The last letter I received was before I personally led the expedition. He had already led his people across the East Sea to another ocean!"

Early December.

Gu Chudong finally completed the renovation of the Gu family's manor. Afterward, he set off with Gu Mo for Chu Kingdom.

For this trip, Gu Mo did not bring Hongyi, as Hongyi was in secluded cultivation.

Over the past few months, Gu Mo, Hongyi, and the Zither Master had spent a great deal of time discussing. Integrating the martial arts manuals from Penglai Island, and finally combining them with Gu Mo's concept of corporeal ascension, Hongyi found a potential path to achieving the Ascension realm with her physical body.

In contrast, the Zither Master's talent was far inferior to Hongyi's. Although Gu Mo instructed him in the same way, the Zither Master simply couldn't grasp it. So, he was left to guard the household, especially to suppress Wang Qingping's primordial spirit, to prevent any mishaps with the primordial spirit should Gu Mo leave.

Departing from Linjiang City for Chu Kingdom, the shortest route was to head north to Mo Bei, then cross the great desert into Chu Kingdom, following the path Crown Prince Li Zhongqing took when he fled back from Chu Kingdom.

Gu Mo and Gu Chudong traveled at an astonishing speed.

Although the siblings stopped frequently to admire the scenery along the way, they were essentially flying while traveling. Thus, in just ten days, they reached Nanling Commandery, Tongzhou, where the Great Guangming Temple was located in Chu Kingdom.

On this day, Gu Mo and Gu Chudong arrived at a market town.

The market town was bustling. Buddhist culture was highly prevalent, with monks visible everywhere. Even shops on the streets displayed Buddhist flags. Stalls were laden with smooth bodhi bead bracelets and wooden plaques carved with scriptures. Old women were seen clutching prayer beads, softly chanting Buddhist mantras.

However, Gu Mo and Gu Chudong were already accustomed to it. Ever since they reached Tongzhou, they had felt a strong Buddhist presence. The closer they got to the Great Guangming Temple, the more pervasive the Buddhist atmosphere became.

This was a normal phenomenon. Just like Luzhou in the Qian Kingdom, where Mount Longhu was located, Taoist culture flourished, with everyone from aristocratic families to commoners believing in Taoism. Similarly, Tongzhou in Chu Kingdom was dedicated to Buddhist culture.

The Great Guangming Temple held the same status in Buddhism as Mount Longhu did in Taoism: both were preeminent sects with a thousand years of heritage. Their local influence surpassed even that of the imperial court.

"Brother, where is Ye Chen?" Gu Chudong asked.

Gu Mo shook his head and said, "His previous letter only stated that we would meet in this market town. We haven't been able to communicate since we left, so I don't know if he's arrived yet. But it doesn't matter; we'll walk around the town, and if he's here, he'll surely find us."

When Gu Mo had parted ways with Ye Chen in the Northern Zhou Kingdom, they had agreed that Gu Mo would contact Ye Chen upon arriving in Chu Kingdom. So, after determining a rough departure date, Gu Mo sent Ye Chen a letter. Ye Chen then replied, agreeing to meet in this market town before heading to the Great Guangming Temple together.

"Ye Chen always told me he was very well-connected in Chu Kingdom, saying he'd arrange everything perfectly for me once I arrived," Gu Chudong said. "Considering he's a famous man of destiny in the martial arts world and the third-ranked expert in Chu Kingdom, he probably wasn't bragging, right?"

Gu Mo chuckled softly and said, "I can't say for sure about other things, but given his standing and reputation, we should have no problem enjoying ourselves in Chu Kingdom..."

"Big Brother!"

Before Gu Mo could finish his sentence, a disheveled and dirt-smeared beggar suddenly darted out from the side, blocking Gu Mo's path.

"My friend... the beggar..."

To Gu Mo and Gu Chudong's bewildered expressions, the beggar pushed back his hair, revealing himself to be Ye Chen.

"Waaah... Big Brother... it's me! You're finally here! If you hadn't come, I would have died here!"

Ye Chen sobbed, his face streaked with snot and tears, expressing profound misery.

Gu Chudong asked blankly, "Ye Chen, did your family... go bankrupt?"

"No," Ye Chen said. "Oh, Sister Gu, how could I go bankrupt? The one thing I'm not short on is money, alright?"

Gu Chudong looked Ye Chen up and down, her face full of doubt. "I really can't tell," she said.

"Alas," Ye Chen sighed sadly and said, "My current state is truly a matter of being forced into it!" As he spoke, Ye Chen looked left and right, then quietly beckoned, "Come on, come on, Big Brother, Sister Gu, follow me."

Afterward, Ye Chen led Gu Mo and Gu Chudong to a mountain outside the town.

He impatiently dug out a roasted chicken wrapped in lotus leaves from a pile of mud, saliva uncontrollably dripping from his mouth. Resisting his reluctance, he tore off two chicken legs and offered them to Gu Mo and Gu Chudong, saying, "Eat, Big Brother, Sister!"

Gu Chudong asked, puzzled, "Ye Chen, this chicken... was it raised on heavenly treasures and earthly wonders?"

"No, it's just a regular chicken," Ye Chen said.

"Then why the pained expression, as if you're giving up something precious?" Gu Chudong said. "You didn't really go bankrupt, did you, to the point you can't even afford a chicken? If you really are bankrupt, just say so. That way, I can prepare and hide my wallet better!"

Ye Chen was speechless.

Gu Mo smiled and said, "Alright, enough joking. Ye Chen, what's going on?"

Ye Chen sighed and said, "After I made plans with you, Big Brother, I rushed to this market town to wait for you. But I never imagined that the people of Nanling Commandery have become so fanatically devoted to Buddhism. No one is allowed to eat meat."

Ye Chen said, eating the roasted chicken, "Eating even a single bite of meat here in Nanling Commandery now is like breaking a heavenly taboo; you'd be beaten to death by the common folk."

Gu Mo asked, puzzled, "Surely not? Believing in Buddhism isn't the same as becoming a monk, is it? And even monks wouldn't prohibit others from eating meat, would they?"

Ye Chen said, "Indeed! But Nanling Commandery is that crazy now. Not only do all households practice vegetarianism and chant Buddhist scriptures, but they also forbid others from eating meat. From officials to ordinary commoners, it's all the same. Moreover, you absolutely cannot speak ill of Buddhism, or you will certainly incur public wrath.

Big Brother, you know I can't live without meat. I can't go a single meal without it. Don't you think I'd be driven insane living here? I agreed to meet you here, and this market town is dozens of miles from the nearest other market town. People there seemed to still be able to eat meat, at least when I arrived.

I was worried I'd miss you if I went too far looking for meat, so I had no choice but to stay in this town. To eat meat, I could only pretend to be a beggar. Otherwise, if someone recognized me, Ye Chen, stealing chickens and dogs, wouldn't I be laughed to death by my martial arts peers? To save face and to eat meat, this is the only way I could be.

Every time I tried to steal a chicken, I'd get beaten. Money was no good either. Anyway, those commoners simply do not allow the killing of living things. As soon as someone shouts, they all swarm and attack!"

As he spoke, Ye Chen swallowed hard, then still offered a chicken leg to Gu Mo, saying, "Big Brother, have some. You're going to the Great Guangming Temple now, and the closer you get, the less chance you'll have to eat meat!"

Gu Mo frowned, puzzled, "Has Nanling Commandery always been like this?"

Ye Chen shook his head and said, "No. Although Buddhist culture has always been prevalent in Nanling Commandery, at most, there were just many Buddhist believers and more temples—it wasn't this fanatical.

Now, in Nanling Commandery, it's no longer a matter of mere belief, but of fervent faith. Everyone has a fanatical devotion to the Great Guangming Temple and to Buddhism. I feel that if the Great Guangming Temple were to rebel and raise the banner, the common people and officials of Nanling Commandery would unhesitatingly follow suit.

I had heard from many martial arts acquaintances before that the Great Guangming Temple was expanding rapidly, and that it might trigger a martial arts dispute. I hadn't paid much attention, but now it seems to be far more than just a martial arts dispute. If we're not careful, it might lead to a change of dynasty."

Gu Mo asked, puzzled, "The Chu Kingdom court isn't intervening?"

Ye Chen said, "It's strange, but the court truly seems to have had no reaction to such a significant change in Nanling Commandery. And it's not just the court; at first, there were some rumors in the martial arts world, but gradually, those also died down.

Logically, when the Great Guangming Temple first made moves, some in the martial arts world grew alert. Now, they've practically taken control of the entire Nanling Commandery. It should clearly cause a much greater stir in the martial arts world, yet, surprisingly, no one mentions it anymore.

If I hadn't come here myself, I wouldn't have realized that Nanling Commandery has become like this!"

Gu Mo asked, "When did this begin?"

"Last year... the second half, I think!" Ye Chen said.

"Brother," Gu Chudong said, "Is there anything abnormal about those commoners? Have they been controlled by some mental secret technique?"

Gu Mo shook his head and said, "If it were a mental secret technique, I couldn't possibly fail to notice it. Besides, whose mental secret technique could be powerful enough to control an entire commandery?"

"Pure brainwashing?" Gu Chudong asked in surprise.

Gu Mo nodded and said, "As of now, it appears so."

"Then what exactly does the Great Guangming Temple intend to do?" Gu Chudong asked.

"We'll have to ask Master Liansheng," Gu Mo said. "Based on my understanding of Master Liansheng, he wouldn't do this for personal gain."

"Probably not," Ye Chen said. "Aside from instigating the people to believe in Buddhism and the Great Guangming Temple, I haven't found any other anomalies. Those commoners are no different from usual, except for the added rule of not allowing meat.

The Great Guangming Temple hasn't used this opportunity to extort money or exploit the people. On the contrary, they've opened granaries and distributed large amounts of food to aid the commoners. Especially this year, as the court heavily taxed for the war, and with this year's heavy snow, many people in Nanling Commandery survived only through the Great Guangming Temple's relief efforts."

Gu Mo said gravely, "Then let's go ask."

Immediately, Ye Chen quickly finished the chicken, then ran into the woods to change his clothes. Afterward, the three of them set off towards the Great Guangming Temple.