Chapter 645 - 416: The Prodigal Son Harbors a Secret, Master Tao Exposes the Fraud Publicly - Longevity Chronicles - NovelsTime

Longevity Chronicles

Chapter 645 - 416: The Prodigal Son Harbors a Secret, Master Tao Exposes the Fraud Publicly

Author: Longevity Chronicles
updatedAt: 2025-08-01

Tao Qian and Yunrong, having both cultivated the "Taizhen Yun Yu Map," naturally reached a state where their hearts resonated as one.

Seeing her husband looking over at the young man, Yunrong immediately transmitted a message explaining:

"An hour ago, Zhen Ci'en came to seek me out, with pleasant gestures seeking advice. I applied the Sublime Dharma and secretly probed his thoughts, which conveniently allowed me to learn more about the Zhen Family's situation and the state of affairs here in Suzhou City."

"This person, named Zheng Yin, is the Young Master of the Zheng Family, an esteemed lineage of Suzhou."

"This man is extraordinarily handsome, with high natural Talent. He and Zhen Ci'en have been childhood sweethearts and betrothed from an early age."

"However, in recent years, since this man started to take charge of the Zheng Family affairs, the family's wealth mysteriously and swiftly declined, losing more than half of its billion-dollar fortune, leading many noble families in Suzhou City to regard him as a profligate son."

"Therefore, Zhen Shiliang, the Master of the Zhen Family, secretly harbored intentions of breaking off the engagement. It was only due to Zhen Ci'en's repeated objections that it did not happen."

"As for that Zhen Shiliang, he's nothing but a short-sighted fawner."

"Now that Cheng Arhat and Demon Buddha Temple have turned Qiantang Province into an Earthly Buddha Country, to show his loyalty, he has given himself a moniker: 'Buddha Slave Layman.'

"In all of Suzhou, behind his back, they all call him Zhen Nu'er."

"Of course, no one would dare to call him that to his face, for the Zhen Family wields great power. Furthermore, Zhen Buchi, their only son, has taken Kongchan as his teacher, making the city of Suzhou almost synonymous with the Zhen Family."

With a few words from Yunrong, Tao Qian instantly understood the situation with Suzhou and the Zhen Family.

His gaze then naturally turned to the figure at the very front of the crowd, a majestic-looking middle-aged man.

This man, having fathered a group of daughters with exceptional beauty like Zhen Ci'en, naturally had an extraordinary appearance himself.

With a visage fair as jade and a dignified and refined demeanor.

Dressed in a magnificent embroidered robe, he held a wooden fish Magical Treasure in his hand, chanting Sanskrit incantations in sync with his thoughts.

After glancing at these two, Tao Qian also took a moment to survey the entirety of Suzhou City and its surroundings.

Quite to his surprise!

The city bustled with people coming and going in orderly fashion, with the cries of street vendors never ceasing.

The docks outside the city were even livelier, with merchants from all directions gathering and conducting trade. On the river, one could see fishing boats as well as mechanical boats adorned with images of Buddha and Arhats, ceaselessly coming and going.

These scenes of prosperity, showing no sign of calamity, were starkly different from what Tao Qian had seen previously in the New Moon and Tiannan Two Provinces.

Despite this, there was no trace of Joy in Tao Qian's eyes. He thought to himself:

"Qiantang Province indeed now bears the title of an 'Earthly Buddha Country,' which looks better than the crude ways of families like the Gao Family, but only by so much."

"Prosperity is merely a facade. In secret, it is still the same as what I saw in Changle Village previously. The Demon Buddha monks can freely demand from the people, enjoying the best dusbin and devouring souls."

"Or there are those nobles and high officials attached to Cheng Arhat and Demon Buddha Temple, spirit monsters posing as merchants, who still manage to deceive Mortals and exploit them without limit due to their Extraordinary Power."

While these thoughts crossed his mind, the young ladies and maidens of the Zhen Family had already disembarked from the Treasure Ship.

In the past, they would have had to put on a show.

Now, embarrassed by their ugly appearances caused by Tao Qian, they all rushed into their palanquins, urging the bearers to take them home.

Tao Qian and his wife, who were none other than the child of Buddha Wu Gou and Miao Yin Bodhisattva, a divine couple proficient in the deep Buddhist Law and heaven-reaching Mana, were being escorted by the Zhen Family people together with all the city's nobles, urged to board a Hundred Treasures Incense Chariot, built at great expense using countless spiritual material treasures.

This chariot was not only pulled by more than a dozen Dragon Beasts, it also showcased a spectacle of bright rainbows and auspicious clouds, with sweet rain generously falling. Atop it waited several Heavenly Girls with solid and dignified bodies, ready to welcome the two "True Buddhas."

Neither Tao Qian nor Yunrong had ever experienced such a parade.

Therefore, they both showed a hint of surprise on their faces.

In fact, both of them had underestimated the reputation and strength of their current assumed identities.

Having reached Profound Cavernous Mystery, they were able to take Buddha Treasure from within the Black Bo and Flower Staff under the protection of a host of demon monks, with a True Master behind them who was on the verge of a Daoist Transformation. Master Shenxiu, the Free Buddha Son, would serve as a stepping stone for them.

In the eyes of the crowd in Suzhou City, they truly were great pillars to rely on.

If they could please them, the benefits would likely be substantial.

After Zhen Ci'en introduced various individuals to them, her father Zhen Shiliang stepped forward, complimenting them with a smile, and then said:

"Yesterday my daughter informed me that she had encountered a stroke of luck and met with the two True Buddha Bodhisattvas. She received guidance and gifts from you. It is truly a Blessing for my Zhen Family and the entire city of Suzhou that you have chosen to stay here."

"We were unprepared for this occasion, but fortunately, Shipi Arhat once graced Suzhou and bestowed upon my Zhen Family a 'Hundred Treasure Buddha Chariot.'

"We have never used it before, but now it serves a perfect purpose."

"If the two True Buddha Bodhisattvas don't mind, please board the treasure chariot, so that millions of mortals in the city may get a glimpse of the Buddha's countenance."

After he finished speaking, an old monk with a face full of wrinkles and a sycophantic smile stood out beside him.

His monk's robe was of a peculiar style, bearing traces of both the Buddhist Sect and remnants of the old dynasty's official wear.

This person was the Lord of Suzhou City, Zhou Xiangrui.

According to his official rank, he was in charge of including Suzhou City, three large cities, and more than a dozen markets and counties. His position in Qiantang Buddha Country was not low.

However, here, he too had to wait for Zhen Shiliang to finish speaking before he could continue.

"I, Zhou Xiangrui, a humble monk, am honored to see the face of Buddha today."

"Kongchan Arhat has already decreed that whoever meets the two True Buddhas must provide them with proper hospitality and not be negligent."

"It is also heard that the two of you have entered the world looking for talented individuals to take under your wing."

"This coincides nicely, as Suzhou City is a historically renowned city in the Northern Land, a land of exceptional people. Since ancient times, it has been a treasure land that produces Talents."

"Many noble families within the city, known for their piety towards Buddhism, have sent forward their most distinguished offspring to welcome the True Buddhas."

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