Chapter 546

Bianji used his silver tongue to trick those wealthy people into becoming his followers, then controlled them, using their resources to strengthen his own power.

"Senior Brother, some things are not as you see them. You should rest for a while; after I finish entertaining these distinguished guests, I will come back to discuss Buddhist philosophy with you."

Bianji glanced at the dejected Xuanzang and strode out.

Jin Shan Temple, Mahavira Hall.

Qin Mu and his party wandered back and forth, admiring the surroundings.

"It truly lives up to its name as the number one temple in the world; the decor and layout here are magnificent."

Wu Meiniang looked up, her eyes full of novelty and shock.

This Mahavira Hall was about thirty feet high and gilded throughout; the golden statue of the Buddha in the center, in particular, was majestic and priceless.

"Indeed, this golden Buddha statue alone is worth a fortune. Not to mention the various decorations inside this Mahavira Hall, all of which are priceless."

Empress Zhangsun also nodded involuntarily.

Let alone searching all of Changancheng, even the imperial palace did not have such a lavish and magnificent sight.

Qin Mu, standing at the very front, did not speak, the depth in his eyes becoming increasingly grave.

Heh!

This was the fine work the Great Tang had done!

The people lived in hardship, yet the temple was this extravagant.

No wonder the Turks could drive straight in!

Li Er was also extremely shocked in his heart.

When I first came to Jin Shan Temple, why didn't I notice these things?

That's right!

Every time I came to Jin Shan Temple, I had no time to pay attention to anything else; I was merely burning incense and worshipping the Buddha.

Looking at it today.

I really seem to have been wrong!

Li Er suddenly felt how foolish the decision he had made back then was.

If he hadn't built so many temples and given these monks so much land, perhaps today's situation would not have come to pass.

The Great Tang's labor force was already limited.

The common people not only had to support the army but also the noble families and the officials; now, they even had to support these monks—it was simply outrageous! Even Li Er felt it was truly too much.

"Amitabha!"

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared before the group.

Bianji was draped in a brocade kasaya, his entire image appearing otherworldly.

Truly, clothes make the man!

Even a dog, if dressed in this brocade kasaya, could look the part.

"Distinguished patrons, this humble monk greets you!"

Bianji took the initiative to bow.

His eyes scanned Qin Mu and his party nonchalantly.

Excellent!

This group looked wealthy; they must be important people!

Bianji was very excited inside.

If he could befriend these people, perhaps he would be one step closer to revenge!

Back then.

In Handucheng.

When the Cui family incited the commoners to riot, Bianji had hidden in the mansion from start to finish and never stepped outside.

Precisely because of this.

He did not recognize Qin Mu at all.

Furthermore.

At this moment, Qin Mu was in plain clothes; other than looking extraordinary in bearing, there were no other distinguishing features to be seen.

"So you are the Abbot!"

Qin Mu nodded slightly, paying no mind to the Bianji before him.

Bianji frowned.

This kid didn't look like an easy one to deal with.

Very well!

The harder someone is to deal with, the more this Abbot enjoys conquering them!

A subtle smile appeared at the corner of Bianji's mouth.

"Amitabha!"

"I wonder if you distinguished patrons have come to Jin Shan Temple to burn incense and worship, or to pray for blessings and fulfill vows?"

Bianji wanted to figure out the purpose of Qin Mu's visit first.

As long as there was a purpose, he would have an opportunity to exploit!

This was Bianji's specialty!

Generally speaking.

Any believer who came to Jin Shan Temple basically came with all sorts of purposes.

Some came to pray for their families, some to burn incense and worship, and others to donate offerings to accumulate merit for themselves.

In short.

No one came to Jin Shan Temple without a reason.

As long as these people had selfish motives, Bianji could use their funds to achieve his own goals.

Becoming the Abbot of Jin Shan Temple was achieved using this secret.

"I've heard the Abbot of Jin Shan Temple is quite remarkable; why don't you take a guess, Master, as to what our purpose is for this visit?"

Qin Mu smiled calmly, his eyes as deep as water, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

Good fellow!

Bianji was completely stumped.

Damn it!

What am I supposed to guess?

Who the hell knows what you're here for?

But if he didn't guess, wouldn't he, as the Abbot of Jin Shan Temple, lose too much face?

Bianji was now in a difficult position.

Especially since some people nearby had come to watch.

His reputation could not suffer any setbacks.

"This distinguished patron, seeing that you have brought so many family members, it must be to burn incense and worship, to accumulate merit for your family."

Bianji had no choice but to take a wild guess.

"Hahaha!"

Qin Mu laughed heartily.

Seeing Qin Mu laugh, Bianji breathed a sigh of relief.

It seemed he had guessed correctly!

"Burn incense and worship?"

"Just because of this Jin Shan Temple, you think I would come to worship?"

Suddenly!

A sharp aura erupted from Qin Mu, pressing down on everyone around so they could hardly lift their heads.

Bianji also instantly broke into a cold sweat.

Who exactly is this kid?

How could his aura be so terrifying?

The onlookers were already whispering among themselves.

Everyone looked confused, not knowing what Qin Mu actually wanted to do. ===== CHAPTER 548 =====