The Monk That Wanted To Renounce Asceticism

“Impossible. What kind of person is Nguyen Thiên Tinh? How can ants on the ground garner his notice? He’s famous for never caring unless he needs something. He does everything to benefit himself. He definitely has a reason for targeting the monk! And for him to appear in person, it must be for some important goal as well.”

“Then what is the goal?”

“Hell would I know? Let’s just watch. I have a feeling that this monk will be in trouble.”

…

All of this landed in Fangzheng’s ears. He frowned slightly as he had a feeling that he had fallen into a maelstrom.

Almost at the same moment, Ong’s heart clamped up as his eyes turned red. He was just short of rushing forward.

Fangzheng coughed dryly and gave a Buddhist proclamation. “Amitabha. Patron, the results aren’t out yet, so aren’t you being too opinionated?”

Fangzheng’s extremely loud Buddhist proclamation instantly suppressed Ong’s rage. It jolted him to his senses, allowing him to see all the bodyguards and their bulging pockets behind Nguyen Thiên Tinh. He subconsciously lowered his head and stood behind Fangzheng.

This person was the one who had given the order to capture him and kill his family⁠—Nguyen Thiên Tinh!

Nguyen Thiên Tinh clearly didn’t mind Ong and might have even forgotten him. However, he did sweep his glance at Ong’s overreaction without paying him any mind. All his attention was on Fangzheng.

Nguyen Thiên Tinh said with a confident smile, “I never make opinionated decisions. If I say that you aren’t in it, you aren’t.”

Just as he said this, the security personnel member said, “Sorry, Venerable One. The invitation list doesn’t have your name. Please leave or you might affect the entry of others.”

The security personnel spoke very politely without making any impertinent remarks just because Fangzheng wasn’t on the list. It made many people nod in secret. As expected of a religious summit. Their security staff members were cultured as well.

Fangzheng was taken aback. The invitation letter he received hadn’t been fake! The notice the county sent him hadn’t been fake either, and Jing Yan wouldn’t have lied to him!

Then, how could his name be struck off the list without reason?

At this moment, Nguyen Thiên Tinh said loudly, “The religious summit is an annual meeting in Vietnam. On this day, people from all over the world cast their sights on us. There are always people who will try to rub off of its fame and walk the red carpet to show off. It’s quite understandable.”

With that said, Nguyen Thiên Tinh and the two men behind him laughed. Some of the reporters knew Nguyen Thiên Tinh and knew what he was capable of. It was difficult to get in his good books usually, so with this opportunity before them, all of them started clapping! As for taking photos? It was best not to report such obvious bullying. Otherwise, their currying favor would only backfire.

Ong’s face flushed red in anger, yearning to beat up the darn bastard.

Nguyen Thiên Tinh adjusted his collar and said, “Venerable One, don’t be angry. I’m only talking about people without invitation letters who come here to embarrass themselves. I’m not talking about you.”

By saying this out loud, it was equivalent to pointing out that Fangzheng was the target of his tirade.

Everyone immediately laughed themselves into a bunch when they heard that.

However, there were people who didn’t laugh⁠—the Chinese reporters. They wore looks of anger, but there were also sneer on their faces! Others might suspect that Fangzheng was only a cheat who didn’t know divine powers, but as members of the media, they had first-hand news. Fangzheng was a truly capable living Buddha! To fight one? That was basically having a death wish.

However, none of these people stood forward to inform the rest. Besides, even if they did so, what was the point? Would anyone believe them? Also, they didn’t believe that Nguyen Thiên Tinh hadn’t investigated Fangzheng prior to his arrival. Information about Fangzheng was all over China. What they knew, Nguyen Thiên Tinh definitely knew as well. For him to do this meant that he didn’t believe it at all. Therefore, they would only end up snubbed if they stepped forward and might gain the reputation of bullying a fellow Vietnamese national among the local reporters. In that case, they decided to just stand by the side and watch the development.

With the laughter subsiding, Nguyen Thiên Tinh said, “Venerable One, are you not leaving?”

Ong glanced at Fangzheng. As long as Fangzheng gave the signal, he would immediately charge over and bite the bastard to death!

However, he realized that Fangzheng’s eyes appeared as limpid as a lake. His gaze was unperturbed by whatever Nguyen Thiên Tinh said. There wasn’t a single reaction.

Although Ong was impressed, he still couldn’t take this lying down. He decided that if Nguyen were to continue antagonizing Fangzheng, he would risk his life and teach him a good lesson.

But at that moment, Fangzheng smiled and pressed his palms together. “Amitabha, thank you for the heads up.”

Upon hearing that, many people laughed. Even the Chinese reporters frowned.

“Haha, this monk is really a wimp. He’s been denigrated so badly, but he’s still able to smile and thank the other party. Haha!”

“This is the first time I’m seeing someone actually offering the right check when struck on the left cheek.”

“Chinese people are so cowardly!” someone said, but he was instantly met with numerous angry glares. However, he wasn’t afraid one bit. Instead, he shot a glance as though saying: “Am I wrong?”

Unable to say anything, all of them glared angrily at Fangzheng.

Ong looked at Fangzheng with a dumbfounded look. He never expected Fangzheng to be such a wimp! He kept signaling to Fangzheng as though he was saying: “Master, don’t be afraid! Just snub him back! I’ll just fight him at worst!”

Unfortunately, Fangzheng didn’t react at all. It left Ong so exasperated that he wanted to leave.

Nguyen Thiên Tinh never expected Fangzheng to have such a reaction. He immediately laughed. “This is the living Buddha that’s famous across China? Haha, you really don’t live up to your reputation! To think the Jing family found a wimp like you. There’s no need to thank me. Just scram!”

“You!” Ong almost rushed forward when he heard that, but he was stopped by Fangzheng.

Fangzheng remained unfazed as he said with a smile, “Patron, thank you for giving This Penniless Monk a heads up. Then, This Penniless Monk shall also give you a heads up. Patron, did you bring an invitation letter?”

“Tch, ignorant monk! Mr. Nguyen is a famous person in Vietnam. How can he not have an invitation letter? See this? What is this!?” A lackey beside Nguyen Thiên Tinh took out a red invitation envelope and pushed it forward, almost to the point of smacking it on Fangzheng’s face!

When Ong saw this, he sneered as murderous intent erupted in him. It gave the man such a fright that his hand turned limp, ultimately failing to smack Fangzheng in the face.

Fangzheng didn’t retreat as he stood there calmly as though he knew that the man couldn’t hit him. He was extremely staid like a mountain, towering and immobile.

Only then did the man react. Having been shocked by Ong’s glare, he blushed red with embarrassment. He stiffened his neck hoping to set the record straight. He yelled, “Monk, see this?”