Chapter 419: Similar Words

Usually, Yin Chong didn't particularly enjoy studying. However, with an exceptionally brilliant father and brother, and being quite intelligent himself, his academic performance had always been decent.

Still, Yin Chong always felt pressured. His efforts in studying were mostly to meet his family's expectations and to prevent outsiders from looking down on the Yin family.

Yet, the moment he saw this book with a yellow cover, Yin Chong immediately took a liking to it. Perhaps the key reason was the two incredibly beautiful characters on its cover.

He grabbed the book from the table and casually flipped through a few pages. He found it filled with text, but upon closer inspection, it wasn't just ordinary writing. Many characters formed what looked like diagrams of formations, with various hidden lines and trajectories.

The book naturally held profound mysteries. Yin Chong's engrossment was due to his own extraordinary qualities and because Ji Yuan had specifically created the book for him.

If an ordinary person were to pick up this book, they would quickly become dizzy and lightheaded; pushing on might even lead to fainting.

Yin Chong eagerly turned a couple more pages, captivated. He felt that some of the characters, which resembled formation diagrams, could be systematically combined in all directions. He even conjured images of strong military formations in his mind, finding it both enjoyable and mystical.

"Master Ji, countless people seek my father's calligraphy. I never expected your writing to be so good, far surpassing theirs! Oh, wait, I've seen your previous letters; I forgot. I've known all along that your writing is better than theirs!"

Ji Yuan looked at him.

"You, child, aren't saying this just to flatter me, are you?"

"No, no! I'm speaking from the heart!"

Yin Chong looked up, a sincere smile on his face, while also remembering the original purpose of his visit.

"Master Ji, you haven't finished that scary ghost story from last time. Could you continue it for me?"

"Oh? You're not scared?"

"No, I'm not! I'm a brave man, destined to be a general!"

Ji Yuan saw his earnestness and nodded knowingly, then, as if a thought had just struck him, asked with a hint of doubt.

"I heard someone was too scared to sleep alone last night and went to their elder brother's room?"

"Uh..."

Yin Chong's expression froze. He awkwardly scratched his head and took a drink of water, but Ji Yuan merely teased him and continued.

"Hu'er, remember this: whether it's a corpse, a ghost, a demon, or a devil, it's okay to be scared, but never lose your courage."

"Can mortals contend with demons and monsters?"

Though young, Yin Chong's education and outlook were far beyond those of ordinary people, surpassing even Yin Qing at his age. Sometimes, he spoke like a little adult.

Hearing the question, Ji Yuan's expression turned serious.

"Not all mortals can contend with demons and monsters, but it is possible for some. The demons you imagine are usually the more powerful ones. There are countless spirits, goblins, and ghosts in the world, some so weak you could easily crush them. Even Hu Yun, this fox demon, was once nearly bitten to death by a large yellow dog."

"What? It? Nearly bitten to death by a dog?"

As Yin Chong listened, his thoughts drifted at this point.

"Haha, indeed, right there in Ning'an County. That's why it's still extremely wary of dogs even now. Oh, by the way, it's best if you pretend not to know about this in front of it."

Ji Yuan said this quietly, and Yin Chong instinctively lowered his voice too.

"Understood!"

"Furthermore, never underestimate the myriad of human beings. Being born human is something countless spirits and monsters envy. Not only can skilled martial artists deal with some ghosts, but there are also special individuals who fear no malevolent creature, even powerful ones. In fact, all evil spirits and heretics would give them a wide berth."

Yin Chong was stunned again.

"Master, are you talking about immortals? Can they still be considered mortals then...?"

"When you put it that way, such individuals can indeed no longer be considered ordinary mortals. After all, they have already achieved extraordinary things, and even gods and spirits show them respect."

Yin Chong was filled with curiosity.

"Master Ji, have you met anyone like that? Who are they?"

A playful, amused expression crossed Ji Yuan's face.

"Not only have I met them, but you have too."

"I have too?"

Yin Chong was dumbfounded again.

"Indeed. The most prime example is your father, Grand Minister Yin Zhaoxian of the Great Zhen Dynasty. Your father possesses immense righteous qi, and his upright aura purifies everything around him. Evil entities dare not approach him, and petty individuals are instantly recognizable. As long as the Emperor of Great Zhen doesn't act foolishly, your father is the 'Sea-Calming Divine Needle' of the Great Zhen Dynasty!"

Yin Chong stared blankly at Ji Yuan. Seeing the serious expression on his face and the clear, well-like moonlight deep in his eyes, he believed him and murmured to himself.

"My father is that amazing...? Oh, by the way, Master Ji, what is a 'Sea-Calming Divine Needle'? It sounds even more impressive!"

If an immortal cultivator or a deity had asked Ji Yuan this question, he might have brushed it off or evaded it. But since it was Yin Chong asking, Ji Yuan didn't mind and was happy to tell it as a story.

"The so-called 'Sea-Calming Divine Needle' is an extraordinary celestial treasure. When placed in the sea, it can quell tsunamis and massive waves, and its weight is truly immense..."

Clearly, the story of the Sea-Calming Divine Needle captivated Yin Chong more than the previous ghost tales, and he found himself completely absorbed without realizing it.

That night, Yin Chong, who had shamelessly planned to squeeze into his elder brother's room again just yesterday, changed his mind and went back to his own room. He lit an oil lamp and stayed up all night, engrossed in his newly acquired book, "Word Formations."

He found the book remarkable precisely because it was even more engaging than supernatural novels. The combinations of various formation diagrams allowed him to perceive subtle states between them: some as aggressive as fire, others as unmoving as mountains, some profoundly insightful, and others involving intricate, unpredictable maneuvers. The direction and meaning of the characters, combined with subtle distances and arrangement shapes, somehow evoked these feelings.

North of Great Zhen, thousands of miles away, in Tongqiu Prefecture of the Tingliang Kingdom, was the Great Liang Temple. With the New Year approaching, it was even livelier than usual.

Due to the presence of the Great Liang Temple, the people of Tongqiu Prefecture had gradually developed a local custom: during New Year and other important festivals, they would visit the temple to offer incense and pray for blessings. For any ritualistic needs in their homes, they preferred to invite eminent monks from Great Liang Temple.

The Great Liang Temple was bustling with people both inside and out. As always, the monks had assigned staff to maintain order and guide lost pilgrims. They even permitted some vendors, who had a good relationship with the temple, to set up stalls in open areas so that pilgrims could easily purchase food and drinks whenever they wished.

On this particular day, Tie Feng, who had returned to the capital of the Tingliang Kingdom, arrived at Great Liang Temple once more. His main reason for coming was to accompany his mother, who wished to offer incense at the temple for the New Year.

Last night, several influential official families had arrived with carriages and servants clearing the way. Although Tie Feng disliked riding in carriages, he couldn't let his elderly mother walk, so he reluctantly rode with her to Great Liang Temple.

"Whoa!"

"Old Madam, Second Master, we have arrived at Great Liang Temple."

The coachman didn't need to remind them; the lively sounds outside and the flow of people visible through the carriage window already indicated their arrival. Tie Feng quickly dismounted ahead of time to help his mother alight.

"Mother, please be careful, slowly now! You, quickly set up the footstool!"

The elderly lady in the carriage slowly descended with the help of her maid, then looked at Tie Feng and feigned annoyance.

"I'm not so old that I can't walk, your maid Huanhuan can support me just fine. Why do I need you?"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

Tie Feng smiled helplessly but still extended his hand. His mother naturally took it and descended from the carriage with her son's help. Many curious pilgrims nearby looked their way, wondering which prominent family had arrived.

"Recently, I don't know what's gotten into the capital, but even some princes, nobles, and official families who weren't particularly interested in Great Liang Temple before are flocking here this year. And you've come too, Mother."

"What, I can't come? I am also a devout follower of Buddha and the gods!"

Tie Feng quickly apologized.

"Yes, yes, yes, Mother, you are the most devout. I've already notified Great Liang Temple. After we pay our respects at the Buddha Seal King of Light Hall, we'll go to a monk's hall in the inner courtyard."

As Tie Feng spoke, he waved away his servants and personally escorted his mother and her personal maid towards the main gate of Great Liang Temple, where a novice monk was already waiting. As they were there to offer incense, and everyone was a pilgrim, it was impossible to have servants clear a path and exclude others, especially in a place like Great Liang Temple.

Just then, a deep voice suddenly reached them.

"From what you said, it sounds like the princes, nobles, and officials in the Tingliang Kingdom's capital didn't often visit Great Liang Temple for New Year before?"

Tie Feng frowned and looked towards the source of the voice, spotting an elderly man dressed in a round-collared long gown with an open-fronted jacket over it. Seeing Tie Feng look his way, the old man slightly cupped his hands in greeting.

Observing his meticulous attire, his dignified age that showed no frailty, and his calm yet spirited gaze, Tie Feng immediately recognized him as a person of significance and returned the gesture with cupped hands.

"That's right. In fact, both within the capital and Tongqiu Prefecture, news of Great Liang Temple's eminent monks and their boundless Buddhist teachings has spread widely. Even His Majesty the Emperor intends to visit Great Liang Temple to pay respects to the Buddha. May I ask who you are, esteemed sir?"

The old man smiled.

"My surname is Ying. I heard an interesting story from a friend and came to Great Liang Temple to see for myself."

With that, Mr. Ying stepped forward and strode up the steps leading into Great Liang Temple.

The man's bearing and demeanor were so unique that Tie Feng watched his receding figure for a moment before leading his mother into the temple.

On ordinary days, there were already plenty of pilgrims, but today there were several times more. Even with the help of the Great Liang Temple monks, it took some time for Old Madam Tie to reach the plaza outside the Buddha Seal King of Light Hall.

Here, the crowd was somewhat thinner, and with more monks maintaining order, it was no longer very crowded.

Tie Feng, accustomed to coming alone, found himself sweating profusely while escorting his mother, especially in Great Liang Temple, where status held less sway. He worried his mother might struggle with the dense crowd and stuffy air, but thankfully, the inner courtyard would be much more comfortable later.

"Mother, you absolutely must pay respects to the Buddha Seal King of Light. This, you see, is what the Grand Princess said!"

"I'm not here for fun, of course I'll pay my respects! Huanhuan, let's go in!"

"Yes, Madam!"

The maid helped the elderly lady ascend the steps to the Buddha Seal King of Light Hall, and several monks also came over to offer assistance. While it was said that nobles offered incense just like commoners, nobles were, after all, still nobles.

Tie Feng breathed a sigh of relief, pulled out a handkerchief, and wiped his sweat. Just as he was about to enter, he suddenly saw the old gentleman from earlier standing at the base of the steps outside the Buddha Seal King of Light Hall. Pilgrims bustled past him like shuttles, yet no one brushed against him. The man himself stood perfectly still, calmly gazing at the great golden Buddha statue inside.

Tie Feng, with his own unique bearing, felt a surge of curiosity. He instinctively took a few steps closer and addressed the old man.

"Elder sir, have you also come to the Buddha Seal King of Light Hall? It's not crowded inside; would you like to go in and pay your respects together?"

The old man turned to Tie Feng, a smile appearing on his face.

"Pay respects to him? Haha, no thank you!"

After saying this, the old man turned directly, descended the hall steps, and strode away towards the west.

Tie Feng stood rooted, frowning, watching the old man depart. He then began to recall something in his mind; it seemed someone else had said something similar to him in a similar place.