freenovelworld Chapter 1922 Abbot Yuantong
Chapter 1922 Abbot Yuantong
The footsteps drew closer, steady and rhythmic, carrying the composure of someone long accustomed to being in a superior position.
Following the sound of footsteps, everyone saw at the end of the path that the young monk they had seen earlier was respectfully leading the way, followed by an old monk who looked very old.
The old monk wore a crimson robe with gold-embroidered patterns of blessed land. He was slender, yet gave the impression of being as upright and steadfast as a pine tree.
Her face was exceptionally clear and beautiful, with wrinkles like the rings of an ancient tree, etched with the marks of time and wisdom.
Surprisingly, the old monk's long, snow-white eyebrows drifted casually across his cheeks as he walked.
Her eyes, though small, were clear and bright, seemingly able to see into people's hearts with every blink, yet they remained calm and undisturbed, carrying a sense of detachment and compassion born from having seen it all.
In his hand, he twirled a string of lustrous sandalwood prayer beads. As he walked, his robes billowed and his long eyebrows fluttered, exuding a dignified and solemn air that brought peace to those who saw him.
This is Abbot Yuantong of Pudu Temple.
He walked to the gate of the courtyard, but did not rush in. Instead, he glanced at Zhang Long and Zhao Hu, who stood like guardian deities, stopped, put his hands together, bowed slightly, and spoke in a calm and clear voice, like the sound of an ancient temple bell.
"Amitabha! I am Yuantong, the abbot of this temple! I was unaware of your presence and have failed to greet you properly. Just now, Jueming rushed in to report that a government official had appeared in the backyard... I wonder what his purpose is?"
His gaze swept calmly over everyone in the courtyard, lingering briefly on Li Xiangnan and Guo Qian's faces. His eyes were deep, devoid of joy or sorrow, as if this opening was merely a routine inquiry, and he would leave once he finished. His words carried no scrutiny or wariness.
But it was precisely these words and statements that made Li Xiangnan and Guo Qian feel a slight chill, sensing that this old abbot was not so simple.
Guo Qian glanced at Li Xiangnan, who, as the official representative, stepped forward and politely clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute.
"Master Yuantong, excuse me! I am Guo Qian, the captain of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Municipal Public Security Bureau, and this is our criminal investigation consultant, Comrade Li Xiangnan. We are here today on official business!"
Li Xiangnan had already explained how to communicate with the abbot, so Guo Qian finished his initial greetings and continued explaining without pausing.
"As you probably know, Master, the Mu family on Nanchizi Street next door was involved in an explosion a few months ago, which shocked Beijing. Because it involved a murder case, it is still unsolved, and some clues are being sorted out!"
"Today, during our re-examination of the site and surrounding environment, we discovered that your temple is only one alley away from the Mu family's residence, and the buildings are from similar periods. Considering the complexity of the bombing case and the possible historical factors, we would like to review your temple's architectural drawings and repair records over the years, especially those concerning the structural evolution of the area adjacent to the Mu family's residence, to see if we can find any overlooked connections or rule out some unnecessary speculations. This is also to more comprehensively clarify the case, and we hope the abbot will grant us this favor!"
Guo Qian's words were reasonable and logical. He pointed out that his purpose was related to the Mu family bombing case, which was a major case that shocked Yanjing and everyone knew about it. Moreover, he cleverly followed Li Xiangnan's advice and focused the investigation on "architectural connections" and "historical evolution", completely covering up the core issues of the secret passage and hallucinogenic drugs!
Abbot Yuantong listened quietly, slowly turning the prayer beads in his hand, his face still calm and composed.
He nodded slightly and said, "So it's about the Mu family's past. I was deeply shaken by that calamity that day, and I sighed upon hearing it! May Buddha have mercy and grant the departed one a swift ascent to the Pure Land!"
After saying this, he turned to look at the ruins of the Mu family, his gaze carrying a hint of deeper meaning.
Li Xiangnan and Guo Qian exchanged a glance, both noticing the seriousness in his expression.
"Assisting the police in investigating cases is simply our duty!"
Abbot Yuantong turned around, pointed behind him, and continued, "Our temple was originally built in the previous dynasty. It has been repaired many times over the past hundred years, and the temple site has been moved several times. Today, there is still a primary school and residents living in our temple..."
His tone was full of sighs, as if he had witnessed the vicissitudes of Pudu Temple. "Although the records on the blueprints are from a long time ago, fortunately, the abbots of each generation have tried their best to preserve them, so they are quite complete!"
Guo Qian and Li Xiangnan exchanged a glance, a surge of joy welling up inside them.
"However, the temple's scripture library manages such documents and books, and there are usually special people in charge. Today, however, we are on a day of chanting and fasting, and the monks in charge of the library are probably busy in front of the hall... If you wish to consult some of the materials, you will probably have to wait a while until this old monk sends someone to summon them!"
These words made Li Xiangnan and his companion feel a chill in their hearts.
Master Yuantong did not refuse outright, but he did not immediately agree either. He gave a reasonable and impeccable procedural reason.
Li Xiangnan had been observing him.
Catching the look in his eyes when he looked at the ruins of the Mu family, and the melancholy in his tone when he mentioned the abbots of the past, I had a slight guess in my mind, so I stepped forward and spoke with utmost sincerity.
“Thank you for your trouble, Master! We understand the rules of the temple, but the case is urgent and we cannot afford to delay any possible clues! We wonder if you could do us a favor and allow one or two of our colleagues to conduct a simple investigation in the backyard or nearby area while we wait for the monks in charge? Of course, we will only do comparisons and research and will not disturb the monks’ meditation.”
He made a compromise, seemingly harmless request.
This was a clever move, both laying the groundwork for retaining people in the future and observing the abbot's reaction to the survey.
Abbot Yuantong paused slightly as he twirled the prayer beads, then looked up at Li Xiangnan.
Those clear eyes seemed to see right through people's hearts, yet they held no aggression whatsoever.
He thought for a moment, remained silent for a while, and then calmly said, "Benefactor Li is deeply concerned about the case and has been very responsible. I admire you! This Buddhist sanctuary should not be disturbed. However, the world is full of troubles, and cause and effect are cyclical. Your presence here today is also a matter of fate!"
These words are cryptic, seemingly an implicit agreement, yet also containing a hidden meaning.
He glanced at Li Xiangnan and continued, "Since it's about investigating a case, I'll make an exception this time!"
Master Yuantong beckoned to his disciple: "Jueming, you stay and keep these two company!"
He looked at Guo Qian.
Guo Qian immediately waved his hand and dispatched Xiao Gan, who had some knowledge of architecture, and another quick-witted scout, Xiao Liu, whom he had arranged beforehand: "Xiao Gan, Xiao Liu, you two follow Master Jueming and, within the scope permitted by the temple, cooperate with Consultant Li to conduct preliminary surveys and record information! Note that you must strictly abide by the temple rules and not trespass into important areas such as monks' quarters and the main hall!"
"Yes, Captain Guo!" The two men stepped forward in response.
Jueming looked at the abbot with some trepidation. Seeing the abbot nod, he put his palms together and replied, "Disciple obeys!"
Having arranged this step, Li Xiangnan continued, "Master, reviewing the blueprints is probably not something that can be done in a short time! To avoid repeatedly troubling you, I wonder if you would allow us two comrades to stay at your temple for a day or two longer, until the monks in charge have assisted in completing the systematic review process before we leave? Of course, we will arrange our own food and lodging and will not be a burden on the temple!"
Li Xiangnan moved forward step by step, intending to leave his "eyes" in a legitimate way.
Upon hearing this, Abbot Yuantong gave Li Xiangnan a deep look, his gaze seemingly discerning all of Li Xiangnan's plans, yet he did not reveal them.
He sighed and said calmly, "When you get to the bottom of things, you often only create more trouble! Everything has its own destiny and its own cause and effect, so we should just let nature take its course!"
"Since the police officers deem it necessary, this old monk will not stop them. However, the temple is simple, offering only vegetarian food and coarse tea; please do not find it offensive! Jueming, later you will take the two benefactors to find out about the guesthouse, and do your best to provide them with what they need!"
"Thank you so much for your understanding, Master!" Li Xiangnan and Guo Qian thanked him repeatedly.
The level of cooperation from Abbot Yuantong exceeded their expectations.
But this excess only made Li Xiangnan's nerves even tighter.
The old monk was too calm, too insightful, as if he had everything under control, yet as if nothing concerned him.
Could it be that the secret passage has absolutely no connection with this old abbot or Pudu Temple?
But that’s not right!
How was this secret passage, with its massive scale, constructed?
Even if you were to use it, you would have to find a way to avoid the monks in the temple!
Something is wrong, something terribly wrong.
Seeing that Jueming was about to leave with Xiao Gan and Xiao Liu, and that Abbot Yuantong was also leaving, Li Xiangnan became a little anxious.
We need to find a way to keep the abbot in check and get more information from him.
"Benefactor Li, Captain Guo!"
At this moment, Abbot Yuantong suddenly stopped at the door and turned to look at Li Xiangnan and the other person.
Li Xiangnan was overjoyed. Now, no matter what he said, he would have to find an excuse to keep the person here.
"Abbot!" He nodded slightly.
"This old monk has something to say, but I don't know if I should say it!"
Li Xiangnan's eyes narrowed.
He keenly sensed something unusual in those eyes!
shock!
Even if it wasn't the abbot who built the secret passage, he probably still knows who did it!
He even uncovered more conspiracies and knew who Little Buddha was.
Li Xiangnan was shaken, and his sharp, eagle-like eyes immediately fixed on the other person's face.
"Master Yuantong, please speak!"