"The divine physician's benevolence truly warms the apricot grove, his miraculous hands and compassionate heart bestow kindness without seeking reward. Such a vast and benevolent spirit is unparalleled in the world!"
The people who were rescued were filled with immense gratitude and reverence for Ji Mo.
They were all devout Buddhists, and now they regarded Ji Mo as a living Bodhisattva who alleviates suffering, their hearts sincerely cherishing his kindness.
Unbeknownst to them, a different kind of faith power emerged from the blissful plateau, enveloped by Buddhist resonance.
Above the firmament, Buddhist light shone, and terrifying Buddhist energy surged like a tidal wave, attempting to purge this anomalous faith power.
However, this strand of faith power, like a blade of grass breaking through the soil, remained vibrant and indelible against the onslaught of wind and rain.
Furthermore, it was growing stronger.
Deep within the blissful plateau.
A bronze ancient bell hanging in the Little Thunderclap Temple seemed to sense something. It vibrated violently, its sound like thunder, ringing a full nine times.
A colossal golden Buddha, seated in the Grand Hall of Heroes, was startled and suddenly opened its eyes.
Its Buddha eyes were as brilliant as the great sun, emitting astonishing immortal radiance. Its terrifying gaze swept across the entire blissful plateau.
After a long while.
The golden Buddha found no anomalies and, holding a precious lotus, began to calculate with its fingers.
"Strange, I did not foresee any issues, yet why do I feel uneasy?"
The golden Buddha frowned, unable to fathom it. Then, with a gentle smile, it said, "Formless and nameless, therefore without dust."
It chanted a Buddhist mantra, its heart regaining peace, and slowly closed its eyes.
The precious lotus in its hand flashed with peculiar black patterns before disappearing.
The Buddhist aura emanating from the golden Buddha became increasingly chilling.
...
The next day.
The temple that specialized in delivering "fated individuals" opened its doors once more.
A portly monk walked out with a cold expression, contemplating which well-off fated individual to fleece today.
However, as he stepped out of the entrance, he was stunned.
The scene that should have been bustling with crowds was gone. Only a sparse handful of dispirited individuals stood before the temple.
Moreover, these people were not prostrating with the usual piety, nor were they humbly imploring the masters within the temple for healing.
These few dozen were the unfortunate ones who refused to believe Ji Mo and had personally destroyed the herbal pills that could cure all ailments. They were now stuck waiting for the masters to treat them.
"Where are the other fat sheep...?"
The monk was astonished, nearly letting slip his true thoughts.
In his eyes, these believers seeking medical treatment were simply fat sheep to be slaughtered.
Now that the fat sheep were gone, their source of wealth would disappear.
Someone in the crowd replied, "Master, yesterday a divine physician healed them all, and for free, without seeking any reward."
"Yes, not a single coin was taken, and he didn't even leave his name. He is truly a living Buddha!"
Others chimed in, deliberately praising Ji Mo highly while emphasizing that the divine physician did not accept payment.
They hoped that upon hearing this, the monk would follow suit and treat them for free.
"What? Someone dared to be so reckless and steal our Little Thunderclap Temple's business."
The monk was furious, his body exuding murderous intent.
To cut off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents; such a grudge is irreconcilable.
Furthermore, the other party treated people for free, which not only smashed their rice bowls but also harmed their reputation.
"Business?"
The people present could not believe their ears. Wasn't it about the Buddha guiding fated individuals? Why was it business in their eyes?
Their faith began to crumble, and they questioned, "Master, does our Buddha not save all beings? Why has treating us become business?"
The monk snorted, "The Buddha saves all beings, but the Buddha also needs incense offerings. You wouldn't begrudge a little incense money, would you?"
"Incense money? Of course, it should be given."
Someone wisely took out over ten immortal crystals and respectfully handed them over with both hands, "Master, this is a small token of my sincerity. If you can thoroughly cure my stubborn ailment, there will be more incense money."
More than ten immortal crystals were already a considerable fortune for a Celestial Immortal seeking treatment.
However, the monk did not even spare them a glance. He knocked them over with a palm and roared, "This little amount? Are you trying to beg? Who would treat you for such meager immortal crystals?"
Due to his bad mood, the monk dropped his pretense and spoke the brutal truth.
There was no such thing as the Buddha guiding fated individuals. Without money, one could not expect treatment.
These words pierced the hearts of everyone present.
Some could not bear it, their faces filled with indignation, and they shouted, "Our Buddha is merciful. You are all ascetics, do you only recognize wealth and have no compassion in your hearts?"
"Hmph, dare to defile my Buddha, and do not blame this humble monk for sending you to the Western Paradise."
The monk's figure dispersed, and he instantly appeared before the man, striking him with a palm that sent him flying, spitting blood.
The man coughed up blood, his face pale. His faith in the Buddha had completely collapsed.
Seeing this, the others glared at the monk, but they dared not speak out. This was the territory of the Little Thunderclap Temple. If they didn't want to die, they could only endure and compromise; otherwise, there would be no good outcome.
"If you have money, show your sincerity generously. If you don't have money, get lost."
The monk surveyed the crowd, revealing his true colors.
He no longer pretended, stating directly that as long as the incense money was sufficient, everything was negotiable. If one was unwilling to offer enough incense money, it meant they were not pious, and naturally, they would not receive treatment.
The crowd looked bitter, facing the fierce monk. They recalled the divine physician from yesterday who bestowed kindness without seeking reward. In comparison, they finally understood the nobility of Ji Mo's character.
The difference between them was truly worlds apart.
Their faith began to shift, turning towards Ji Mo.
Ji Hanhan was unaware that he had inexplicably gained a group of loyal followers.
He and the Four-Unlike-Four continued their journey towards the Little Thunderclap Temple.
As they approached the Little Thunderclap Temple, the Four-Unlike-Four also sensed something was amiss and said disdainfully, "How ironic. Even the Little Thunderclap has abandoned the light and embraced darkness. So, Buddhas fear death too!"
Its divine sense was incredibly sharp, and it had already detected a trace of darkness.
It was clear that the Little Thunderclap Temple was no longer upright and had become a lackey of darkness.
This dark aura was very distinct, indicating that it wasn't just a few individuals who had turned to darkness, but a vast number of beings.
It was certain that most of the people in the Little Thunderclap Temple had completely fallen.
"If the Little Thunderclap Temple is no longer righteous, then it has no reason to exist."
Killing intent flowed in Ji Mo's eyes.
Since the Little Thunderclap Temple had indeed become a lackey of darkness, it was highly possible that they were involved in the incident of harming the Great Immortal Kong Xu. He would definitely avenge Great Immortal Kong Xu and send the Little Thunderclap Temple to hell.