A young man born in the 1980s is unexpectedly transported to ancient times and awakens as a monk. Before he can adjust, he discovers that he has also become the abbot of a struggling monastery and has been assigned an “Abbot System” with increasingly ambitious goals. The system expects him to master difficult martial arts, rebuild Shaolin's reputation, and eventually lead the wider martial world. He would much rather live an ordinary life, but abandoning the role is not so simple. Reluctantly, he begins strengthening the monastery and discovers that leadership may demand more of him than martial skill alone.
Chapter 23: The Seven Sufferings of Life
“Is this pagoda the so-called miracle? It doesn’t look all that impressive!” The girl in green walked toward the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda. Although she was awed by its majesty, she continued to speak dismissively. “Xiao Cui! You’ve gone too far!” Up until then, the girl in white had never truly scolded Xiao Cui, but this time, even Huo Yuanzhen, walking behind them, could sense her displeasure. “This is a temple, in the presence of the Buddha, and this pagoda is a sacred site. For you to speak disrespectfully of the Buddha here—I’m deeply disappointed. You stay here; there’s no need for you to accompany me inside.” The girl in white shook off Xiao Cui’s hand and walked toward the pagoda alone. Xiao Cui stood there alone, tears welling up in her eyes, yet she dared not say a word. Huo Yuanzhen cast a glance at Xiao Cui, feeling a secret sense of satisfaction. Although his devotion to the Buddha as the abbot might not be particularly deep, he could not tolerate others showing disrespect toward his temple. Huo Yuanzhen hurried ahead of the girl in white, reaching the pagoda first and opening its doors. As dusk was falling, the interior of the pagoda was very dim. After entering, Huo Yuanzhen lit some oil lamps inside. On the first level of the pagoda stood a statue of Guanyin. In his previous life, Guanyin Bodhisattva’s popularity within Buddhism was almost on par with that of the Buddha himself. Known as the embodiment of great compassion and mercy, she was revered for saving those in suffering and distress, and had hundreds of millions of followers. Although Buddhism in this world was not as flourishing as in his past life, Guanyin Bodhisattva was still widely known. There are three types of Guanyin: the most common is the Clear Water Guanyin, who holds a willow branch and a jade vase; the second is the Thousand-Handed Guanyin; and the third is the Child-Bestowing Guanyin. The principal Buddha on the first level of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda is the Clear Water Guanyin. At first, Huo Yuanzhen thought the woman in white was there to pay homage to Guanyin, but to his surprise, after bowing a few times, she did not linger but proceeded directly to the second level. Huo Yuanzhen had no choice but to follow her to the second level, where he lit the oil lamps. The second level is dedicated to Bodhisattva Lingji, but to his surprise, the woman bowed a few times there as well before continuing on to the third level. The third level is dedicated to Amitabha Buddha, with a pair of couplets displayed beside it. The upper couplet reads: “A magnanimous heart can tolerate even the most intolerable matters in the world.” The lower couplet read: “A smile always on one’s lips, laughing at the world’s laughable people.” Amitabha Buddha, also known as The Buddha Who Comes from the East, is quite popular. However, the woman still bowed a few times before proceeding to the fourth level. Next were Manjusri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, Dipankara Buddha, Medicine Buddha, and Tathagata Buddha. The young woman paid her respects at each of these eight levels one by one, finally arriving at the ninth level of the pagoda. The ninth level was the final one, where the principal Buddha was Namo Amitabha Buddha. Huo Yuanzhen followed her all the way here, lit the oil lamp, and did not show the slightest sign of displeasure on his face. Seeing Huo Yuanzhen’s demeanor, the woman in white was secretly amazed, thinking to herself that this young abbot truly possessed great composure—a complete contrast to the man who had been bellowing at the mountain gate just moments ago. In truth, Huo Yuanzhen had his own calculations. It was much like the service industry of later generations: as long as I provide good service, I need not worry that the customer won’t open their wallet—especially since this woman was clearly a wealthy patron, and the offering she would make shortly would surely be substantial. Just as he was lost in these thoughts, he saw the woman in white kneel before the Buddha. Although she had knelt several times before, this time was different—the woman in white lifted her veil. After casting a glance at Huo Yuanzhen, she said, “Today, the Abbot has accompanied me into the pagoda. I implore you to keep my circumstances and the words I have spoken strictly confidential.” Although Huo Yuanzhen’s expression remained impassive, the shock he felt inside was truly beyond measure. Although he had previously imagined the woman in white to be beautiful, that was merely a fantasy and lacked any real visual impact. Now that she had lifted her veil, she was indeed a breathtakingly beautiful and alluring woman, stunning enough to captivate a nation. Compared to the Miss World contestants of later generations, she was only slightly shorter, but in every other respect, she surpassed them. However, Huo Yuanzhen had seen a great deal in his life. As beautiful as she was, it was impossible for her to make Yuanzhen lose his composure. Nodding slightly in agreement, Huo Yuanzhen stepped back a little. The woman felt a quiet admiration. Although this abbot was a monk, he was still a young man—and he was the first person in all these years who had remained completely unmoved by her beauty. The woman in white turned back, first picking up the incense from the table and lighting it. She solemnly bowed three times, then offered the incense, pressed her palms together, closed her beautiful eyes slightly, and prayed devoutly. Inside the stupa, it was completely silent, with only the faint sounds of wind chimes and the crackling of oil lamps drifting in from outside. Huo Yuanzhen stood quietly to the side, waiting for the woman to finish. The woman slowly began to speak. “I, Ning Wanjun, a devout believer, sincerely pray for the Buddha’s blessing. I ask the Buddha to grant my father a speedy recovery. I know my father’s injuries are already very severe, yet he’s still putting on a brave face, not letting anyone see how badly he’s hurt. He’s suffering deeply inside, but he must persevere. I don’t think his persistence is right—clinging to that position holds no meaning at all in my eyes—but he can’t let go. He’s already forgotten how my mother died.” The young woman’s words resonated deeply with Huo Yuanzhen, who listened intently. It seemed this young woman had led a hard life; in her past life, she had come from a single-parent household. “Father always believed that once he perfected his divine martial arts, his injuries would heal. He listened to the words of schemers and even began practicing heretical arts. When I saw him a few days ago, his hair had already turned white, and he was… so terrifying. Buddha, this devotee is so afraid. What should I do? My father and I have relied on each other since I was a child. I don’t want Father to leave me, nor do I want him to become a stranger to me.” “Practicing heretical arts?” Huo Yuanzhen wondered to himself, “Who is this woman talking about?” Over there, the woman, Ning Wanjun, seemed to have become emotional; two clear tears slid down her stunningly beautiful face, and her slender shoulders trembled slightly, evoking pity. “I’m so afraid. I can’t persuade my father—he simply won’t listen to any other opinions. What should I do? I heard of the Buddha’s miraculous deeds here, so I came all the way to ask for His guidance. The Buddha possesses supreme wisdom; please show me the way out of my confusion… sniff, sniff…” As Ning Wanjun spoke, she suddenly broke down in tears. Her sobs grew louder and louder until, finally, she simply collapsed face-down onto the meditation cushion. Her delicate frame curled into a ball as she wept uncontrollably, a sight that broke the hearts of all who heard her. Huo Yuanzhen stood to one side, feeling somewhat at a loss. He wanted to go over and support her, but it seemed rather inappropriate. Yet leaving her to cry like this was no solution either. After much deliberation, Huo Yuanzhen gritted his teeth and approached the young woman. Instead of supporting her, however, he channeled a trace of the Lion’s Roar technique and called out, “Foolish child! Foolish child!” Though it was only a faint trace of inner energy, within the silent pagoda, the sound echoed back and forth, instantly silencing Ning Wanjun’s sobs. Lifting her tear-stained face, Ning Wanjun looked at Huo Yuanzhen with eyes like rain-drenched pear blossoms: “Abbot, what did you say?” “Amitabha Buddha. If you, laywoman, are willing to heed This Humble Monk’s words, please rise so we may speak.” Realizing how she had lost her composure, Ning Wanjun hurriedly stood up, wiped her reddened eyes, and followed Huo Yuanzhen to a chair in the corner of the room, where she sat down. Huo Yuanzhen paused thoughtfully: “There are seven sufferings in life, encompassing all manner of human trials. At this moment, you, my lady, are experiencing one of these seven sufferings.” “Please enlighten me, Abbot, on what these seven sufferings are.” “The suffering of birth refers to the time in the womb, where one is confined in a cramped space, unable to breathe freely, and upon crying out, is met with cold winds and clothing that prick the skin. The suffering of old age refers to the passage of time, the decline of vitality, and the gradual loss of strength. The suffering of illness refers to pain throughout the body and the inability to find peace. The suffering of death refers to either the body aging until life ceases, or death by accident.” Ning Wanjun was captivated by Huo Yuanzhen’s words and asked, “Venerable Abbot, what you say makes perfect sense. What are the other three sufferings?” “The suffering of being forced to associate with those one hates: harboring jealousy and resentment, failing to fulfill one’s desires, and ultimately harming oneself.” Ning Wanjun nodded. “Yes, jealousy is indeed a venomous snake that gnaws at the heart. This devotee has learned a valuable lesson.” “The suffering of unfulfilled desires: eight or nine out of ten things in life do not go as we wish. Often, people cling too tightly to their desires, only to find themselves trapped in a cage, unable to accept their circumstances, which only adds to their suffering.” After Huo Yuanzhen finished speaking, Ning Wanjun seemed to realize something and remained silent for a long moment. Her current situation was precisely one of “unfulfilled desires.” Her expression grew somber, and after a long pause, Ning Wanjun said softly, “Master, you are right. In many ways, this devotee has been too attached, but in many matters, I simply have no choice.” Huo Yuanzhen smiled but said nothing. “Please, Abbot, enlighten me on the final suffering.” “The final suffering is the pain of parting. There is no greater sorrow in life than the separation from those we love. When loved ones depart and we are powerless to stop it, or when our dearest are not by our side, there is the agony of longing. I see you are still young; though you may not yet have experienced the pain of a lover’s absence, I imagine you have already felt the pain of losing a loved one firsthand.” As soon as Huo Yuanzhen finished speaking, tears began to stream down Ning Wanjun’s face once more. She gently covered her mouth with her delicate hand, unwilling to weep aloud. Once this woman began to cry, Huo Yuanzhen found the situation difficult to handle. In his previous life, he could have simply offered her his shoulder to lean on, but now, bound by his status, he could not do so. Still, having spoken at such length just now, he was certain his words must have had some effect. Sure enough, after a while, Ning Wanjun stopped sobbing, rose gracefully, and bowed deeply to Huo Yuanzhen: “Meeting the hated, failing to obtain what one desires, birth, aging, sickness, and death, and separation from loved ones—these are indeed profound truths. This devotee has been enlightened. Abbot, everyone outside says you are someone who can communicate with the Buddha. I have no one else to turn to but you. Please instruct this devotee on what I should do now.” Huo Yuanzhen immediately felt a bit overwhelmed. He’d read a single Buddhist sutra, so he could talk about Buddhist theory to some extent, but when it came to solving someone’s practical problems, he really wasn’t sure he could handle it. Besides, this was supposed to be the Buddha’s job—how on earth had it landed on his shoulders? Huo Yuanzhen looked helplessly at the stunningly beautiful young woman before him, her face full of expectation, unsure how to begin.
