Chapter 194: Barter

The woman suppressed her anger and said, “Your words are ambiguous. Is it certain, or uncertain? I wish to meet the master and seek his guidance.”

“Namo Amitabha, everything is predestined. If the master doesn’t see the lady, it’s because he can’t provide enlightenment. The master also said that the lady should seek medical treatment from a physician.” the young monk replied.

“But Master Wuzhi can also heal.” the woman insisted stubbornly.

“The master said he cannot cure the lady’s illness.” the young monk reiterated.

The woman gritted her teeth in frustration but then saw a young monk leading a young and beautiful woman and a child towards them. Even though the lady kept her head bowed, her captivating beauty was evident.

She then observed the young monk open the door slightly and allow them to enter. Indignant, she asked, “Didn’t you say the master doesn’t see visitors? How can they go in?”

The young monk explained, “These two are esteemed guests of the master.”

The woman grew even more furious and said coldly, “What, is my status as a princess not as noble as theirs?”

So, she was a princess. That Master Wuzhi was quite something, even able to keep a princess waiting outside.

Chen Feng kept her head down, covering half of Dabao’s face with her hand, and followed the young monk through the door crack into the meditation room. She heard the door close and the young monk’s voice, “Namo Amitabha, before the Buddha, all beings are equal. The term ‘esteemed guest’ spoken by the monk is unrelated to nobility or inferiority…”

Chen Feng and Dabao were led into a side room. In the center was a high table, with a golden Buddha statue placed on top. Adjacent to it was a kang bed, and an old monk was sitting cross-legged on it, playing a game of Go.

Seeing them, he smiled and said, “Namo Amitabha, you’ve arrived. I’ve been waiting for you.”

The young monk placed the food box on the table, and Chen Feng and Dabao both paid their respects to the old monk, saying, “Master Wuzhi.”

Master Wuzhi pointed to a chair beside the kang and said with a smile, “Lady, please have a seat.” Then, he beckoned to Dabao, saying, “Young master, come over so I can have a good look at you.”

Dabao, upon hearing this, quickly walked over to Master Wuzhi with his short legs and said, “Master, are you going to divine my fate? My granny said your fortune telling for my mother was very accurate. You said my mother’s illness would be cured, and it was. Master, can I give this opportunity to my mother’s uncle instead? Please divine where my mother’s uncle is, so we can find him.” He then bowed.

Master Wuzhi reached out and patted his head, then carefully examined his face, laughing heartily, “Young master, you are truly exceptional, not only bright but also compassionate. However, some things cannot be exchanged. Besides, your fate is extraordinary, and I had no intention of divining it.”

He then took a red string with a small jade pendant and placed it around Dabao’s neck, tucking it into his collar. “You and I have a special connection, so I am giving you this token.”

He then instructed the young monk, “Take the young master to the west meditation room for a vegetarian meal. I have important matters to discuss with the lady.”

Dabao looked at Chen Feng, seeming hesitant.

Chen Feng smiled and said, “Listen to the master.”

Now alone in the room, Master Wuzhi didn’t speak, but opened the food box, took out a snack, and savored it with great satisfaction.

He clapped his hands, saying, “Namo Amitabha, this taste is truly wonderful.” Then, with a hint of regret, he added, “If only it were a bit richer in flavor, it would be even better.”

Chen Feng thought to herself that he must have tasted the scent of the swallow agarwood. He had an air of an immortal, with a youthful appearance and rosy complexion. However, once he began speaking, his gluttonous nature was revealed.

The old monk carefully observed Chen Feng and deliberated before saying, “Although I foresaw that you would change the original owner’s fate, I didn’t expect it to bring and unlock that place of paradise. You and it had no connection and shouldn’t have brought it here. I’m not sure why it changed course. As a result, not only will you continuously receive blessings in this lifetime, but it will also benefit those related to you, and even…”

He paused and then chanted a Buddhist verse.

As she looked into his wise eyes and heard him reveal her secrets, Chen Feng felt a chill down her spine. Such an immortal truly existed in this world!

Collecting herself, she felt a sense of joy. According to his words, her life would be smooth sailing, and she would be able to lead her family out of poverty.

She remembered her purpose for coming and said, “Master, your knowledge of Buddhism is profound, and I admire it. I have come to ask you to divine the whereabouts of my uncle, whom I have never met. I wonder if he is still alive.” She then provided Wang Cheng’s birth information.

Upon hearing this, Master Wuzhi’s eyes flashed with calculation. He said, “Namo Amitabha, I don’t divine for just anyone who asks. As you can see, even as a princess, she is not qualified. Unless…” He gave her a meaningful look, and then chuckled.

Chen Feng recalled Golden Swallow’s warning and asked, “Unless what?”

Master Wuzhi held up three fingers and said, “If the lady can give me a swallows’ nest three fingers wide, I will divine for her.”

If it had been a piece of swallow agarwood bark or a leaf or two, Chen Feng felt she could manage. But a swallows’ nest that large, Golden Treasure definitely wouldn’t agree. Then she heard the Golden Swallow’s voice in her mind, “No way, that old bald donkey is asking for a lot. He wants half a bed. That’s not happening.”

Helplessly, she said, “It’s too much for me to handle.”

Master Wuzhi explained, “I need this for treating someone else’s illness, not for myself.”

Chen Feng said, “If it were mine, I’d willingly give it to save a life. But I can’t make decisions about this. Can we make an exchange?”

Master Wuzhi pondered for a moment and said, “Give me a swallows’ nest half a finger wide, and add two leaves.”

Before Chen Feng could respond, she heard Golden Swallow’s voice again, “Just give a swallows’ nest the size of a fingernail and one leaf. I only gave that because of Mom’s influence. It’s beneficial to have a good relationship with that old bald donkey.”

Chen Feng could only say, “I can only give a swallows’ nest the size of a fingernail and one leaf.”

Helplessly, Master Wuzhi said, “Namo Amitabha, so be it. Thank you.”

Afterwards, he got off the kang and left the room.

She was being asked to retrieve something from her space? Chen Feng didn’t move. If there was someone hiding in the shadows, they might mistake her for a monster. Caution was necessary.

She tugged at her sleeve, covering her left hand, and felt something in her palm. Taking it out, she found a bit of green swallows’ nest and a leaf. As soon as these items were revealed, a unique fragrance filled the room.

A little while later, the old monk returned, delighting in the fragrant aroma that filled the room. He reached out to take the items, but Chen Feng pulled back and said, “And what about my uncle’s situation?”

Master Wuzhi said, “I mentioned earlier that I’d need a swallows’ nest three fingers wide to divine for you. As for your uncle, he should still be alive. However, I cannot determine where he is. This is all I can provide in exchange for these items, isn’t it?”