Bab 57: Fly on The Wall and Departure
The Monk's eyes shined as he looked at the little fly fearlessly sitting on his fingers.
Normally, the smallest twitch would cause the small flying insect to turn away and flap its wings into the distance. but this time nothing of the sort happened.
The fly seemed to have gained enough intelligence to overcome its base instincts even as the Monk's fingers twitched.
'The Lotus Sutra... It doesn't just inspire a state of thoughtfulness in intelligent beings, but it encourages all living organisms to further develop their intelligence...'
Now, that might have been reaching a bit on the monk's part, but the fly genuinely seemed to buzz in agreement with him.
He felt as if he could understand it to some extent like he could understand the language of Demonic Beasts.
'Sutras truly are heavenly, aren't they? I should use them more sparingly from now on. Let's just hope no one else notices the actual effects of this.'
The Monk slowly hummed before slowly bringing his hands to his sides, the fly buzzed as it took flight and landed on his shoulder seamlessly. It seemed more than fixated on coming along wherever the Monk was going.
The Monk took one last look at the scholars and Royal Family members present, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the king, who seemed to be too closed off in his thoughts to take notice of a small fly buzzing about.
"Well then, I believe I should take my leave now..." The Monk slowly turned to walk off stage, many turned towards him instantly.
"W-wait, Sage Mo! There are still so many things we can learn from you!" Cai Qing was the first to speak out, immediately standing up from his meditative position and walking up front.
The Monk's words had inspired him greatly, the Lotus Sutra's effects were just the thing that Scholars sought after whilst debating with others.
It was a state that allowed for constant inspiration and fostered new ideas constantly or helped develop old ones.
At that point, no one in that room needed any further evidence that Mo Yangling deserved the title of Sage.
Hell, even before he had cited the Lotus Sutra they were sold on him being qualified for the title, just from casual conversation and observing the vast amount of wisdom he held.
"We will have plenty of opportunities to study together my scholar friends..." The monk brought his palms together in prayer as he bowed slightly to the scholars in front of him.
Of course, he now showed a lot more respect than when he had first come in.
He saw them all as pompous jerks and he wasn't wrong at first. But the most admirable quality in humanity was their ability to grow and change, and all of the scholars present showed that ability.
When presented with the undeniable truth of Mo Yangling's intelligence and knowledge, none tried to deny it.
For stubborn old bookworms, it was quite refreshing to see them be accepting of new information and perspectives.
Even ancient cultivators couldn't help but show respect for the millennia of accumulated knowledge and perspectives that Mo Yangling brought over from his world.
Of course, the Monk didn't mind taking credit for the wisdom of the old scholars and philosophers of his world. He took it as his task to also spread it to that world alongside his brand of Buddhism.
But he was not going to be able to do so whilst sitting on a podium within a banquet hall.
The scholars watched as the monk made his way to the doors, whispers trailing behind him like waves. Each was abuzz with theories, reflections, and a hunger to dissect every word Mo Yangling had spoken.
None, however, seemed aware of the peculiar detail lingering near his shoulder... The small fly that had not once wavered from his side, sitting on his shoulder calmly even as he started walking off.
The fly seemed to listen, a quiet intelligence shining in its tiny eyes as it hovered beside the monk. Mo Yangling, casting a quick glance at his tiny companion, a glint of amusement was in his eye as he did so.
But that amusement was tempered by a tinge of caution.
'It would not do for even the scholars to notice the effects of the Lotus Sutra on such an unassuming creature...'
They were wise, yes, but he doubted they would take kindly to the thought of an enlightened fly.
With that thought in mind, the monk straightened, regaining his composure, and resumed his graceful stride toward the exit.
The scholars followed him, step by step like a flock of geese. Curiosity was prominent on their faces, but he offered no further teachings.
The finality in his silence sent a message more profound than any additional words could, and the scholars gradually stopped their approach, all turning to one another with smiles before also bringing their hands together in a martial salute and bowing respectfully.
"Sage Mo, perhaps we will see you at the next Great Debate? It is to be held in the Empire, in around 5 years..." called Cai Qing from behind as he also bowed towards the young Sage.
His voice held an earnest yearning, reflecting the awe and inspiration that Mo Yangling had sparked in him.
The monk turned slightly, a knowing smile gracing his face.
"Perhaps... Wisdom grows in the stillness of waiting as much as it does in the heat of debate. Seek your truths in silence, as well as in the words of others."
A few of the scholars exchanged glances, considering his words. Cai Qing, humbled but satisfied, stepped back, bowing deeply once more.
For him, and the others, the monk's response was a final answer. It was a silent promise that, whether or not he returned, his teachings would echo within these walls.
Mo Yangling turned back to the doors, his leathery palm gently pushing them open as he slipped into the warmly lit-up corridors of the Royal Palace.
The fly, dutiful as ever, was still perched upon his shoulder, sitting there in stillness, almost as if basking in the morning sun. Its once-frantic energy had faded, replaced by calm, perhaps, of the strange transformation that the Lotus Sutra had wrought within it.
Once they were a safe distance from the assembly hall, the monk allowed himself a quiet chuckle, the sound low and thoughtful.
"You're quite the loyal one, aren't you?" He murmured to the fly, which tilted its tiny head as if in response.
There was no answer, of course, but at that moment, Mo Yangling felt the small, subtle bond they shared. A kinship born from the strange wisdom that had found its way into the fly's tiny form.
In this world, where creatures could be awakened and guided along the path of cultivation, even the smallest being could carry a spark of wisdom. The Lotus Sutra, it seemed, had effects that extended beyond even his understanding.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself as he felt the weight of responsibility that came with this knowledge.
The Sutra's influence was profound, and if the scholars or royalty were to realize its true power, then they would surely go crazy for it.
As they walked away from the Banquet Hall, the fly started a sort of gentle buzzing, orbiting him like a tiny guardian around the Monk.
Mo Yangling regarded it with amused respect, finding its presence strangely comforting as if he was looking at a caring friend.
"Well, little companion... Let us continue! Onwards to your new home! I'll make a nice little habitat for you~"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone