I changed the world.

Page 180

Wuzhong has been known as one of the most prosperous cities in Southeast China since ancient times, along with Linzhou. It was only in the last hundred years that it was gradually surpassed by Songjiang, but it is still a top metropolis in the Jiangnan region.

Jicaotang is located in Lijiabang on the banks of the Wu River. This is the traditional core urban area of ​​Wuzhong, a place where every inch of land is precious. This area is home to many financial institutions and branches of some large companies. Every day, you can see well-dressed white-collar workers rushing to and fro on the street.

Luxury cars that are rarely seen elsewhere can often be seen on the streets, and this area is known as one of the areas with the highest concentration of luxury cars in the Empire.

Despite its name, Jicaotang is not actually a thatched house, but a meditation room located on the 23rd floor of Yunhe Building.

This meditation room is extremely discreet and does not receive ordinary guests; all services require advance booking.

However, within certain small circles of Wuzhong's high society, Jicaotang enjoys considerable fame, especially its mysterious owner.

Legend has it that he was a highly accomplished master who was proficient in both the Xuanmen and Futu sects, and was even a Zugu, or the Futu sect's Tantric Living Buddha as commonly known.

However, this master rarely received outsiders, supposedly because he was focused on his spiritual practice and did not wish to be disturbed. Of course, being compassionate, he often received visits from friends introduced by regular customers. In such cases, he usually couldn't refuse and would help these guests resolve some problems. Naturally, a substantial "offering" was always required to get the master's help. The master wouldn't actively solicit it, but how could you refuse?

According to word of mouth within certain small circles, this master is knowledgeable in astronomy and geography, has uncanny foresight, and is proficient in feng shui and divination. Whether it's choosing auspicious dates for weddings and funerals, arranging feng shui formations for home renovations, or even helping you overcome business difficulties, the master can act as a go-between...

Of course, at the strong invitation of some "disciples", the master would occasionally take time to attend some high-level gatherings, and when he was in high spirits, he would perform some magic tricks for the people present, such as "turning an empty basin into a snake" or "breaking a paper money into a chopstick", which would always elicit cheers from the audience.

That evening, two men dressed in sharp official uniforms arrived at the entrance of Jicaotang. Both men wore gleaming leather shoes, carried briefcases, and had sharp and capable expressions.

"Greetings, gentlemen. My master is currently in seclusion and meditating, and does not receive visitors. If you have any business, please register and make an appointment in advance." A young receptionist dressed in a monk's robe sat at the front desk. After looking the two of them up and down briefly, he raised his palms in greeting.

"Greetings, young master. I am Yuan Shen, a senior agent from the Special Crime Investigation Bureau of the Imperial Ministry of Justice. This is my identification. I have come here today out of admiration to pay a special visit to Master Chaba Aose. Please grant me your permission." The leader of the men in black said with a smile, while taking out an identification with a black cover and opening it in front of Xin Hao. On the left page of the identification was a silver badge with a shield, scales, ears of wheat and two crossed longswords, while on the right was his photo, name, rank and number.

"So it's Commander Yuan in person..." Upon hearing Yuan Shen's identity, the young clerk's eyes narrowed slightly, and he appeared somewhat nervous. He quickly bowed to Yuan Shen again and cautiously inquired, "May I ask what brings you to my master, Commander? I would like to inform my master of this matter..."

"Oh, we have heard that you possess great magical powers and are extremely skilled in exorcising evil spirits. We greatly admire you and have come here to seek your help in this regard."

Upon hearing this, the clerk's expression visibly relaxed, and he smiled as he said to the two men, "My master has a unique secret in this area... Please stay here, I will go and inform my master."

"Please, young master..."

Led by the host, the two entered a quiet room containing a tea table and several armchairs. The host first brewed tea for them and invited them to sit down before leading them into the inner courtyard.

As Yuan Shen sipped his tea, he surveyed the surroundings. The place was filled with a strong religious atmosphere. Large thangkas hung on the walls beside them, depicting complex mandalas, religious symbols, pagodas, flames, and other elements that Yuan Shen could understand or not understand.

On the other side of the wall, there are oil lamps, offerings, statues, and other items, as if some kind of offering is being made. The surrounding decorations incorporate many traditional elements, many of which can even be seen as having been dismantled from old buildings. Displayed here, they naturally create a rustic and mysterious atmosphere.

A faint scent of sandalwood wafted from a bronze incense burner inlaid with gold on one side of the room.

Besides, there were many photos hanging on the wall behind them. Yuan Shen had noticed these photos as soon as he entered. Many of them were photos of him with famous religious figures or social celebrities, which seemed to suggest that this master was an extraordinary person with a wide circle of friends...

"Brother Shen, do you think... this master we found is reliable?" Li Huai, Yuan Shen's partner, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and whispered.

"Who can say for sure... We have to try it to see if it's reliable or not..." Yuan Shen squinted, not looking at his partner, and lowered his voice as well, saying, "The higher-ups think there are hidden talents among the common people, and some famous masters might actually have real skills. And since something like this happened, it's a good opportunity to test them out..."

"Hopefully this master really has real skills, so that we brothers can also save face..."

"Given all the rumors surrounding this master, even if some are true and some are false, there must be some truth to it. If he has any real cultivation, this trip won't have been in vain..."

"Yes, after all, these cultivators are too mysterious, and it's impossible to figure them out in a short time."

The two drank tea for a while, and when the teacups were almost empty, unhurried footsteps came from outside the quiet room. Then, a middle-aged man with a bald head, a short beard, and silver-rimmed glasses, dressed in a silk Tibetan-style robe, walked slowly in from outside the door. He had a scholarly air about him.

"This must be Master Chaba Aose, right?" The two quickly stood up and went to greet him. Yuan Shen smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "I have long heard that you are proficient in many schools of thought and have great supernatural powers. We hope you will not blame us for our abrupt arrival."

Chapter 304 Seeking Professional Help

Before coming here, Yuan Shen had reviewed the information about the master in front of him. This Master Chaba Aose's real name was Wu Naiguang, a native of Jian'an Province. He had tried some business in his early years, but his business luck was not good, and he did not succeed. Instead, he incurred some debts. Later, in order to escape his debts, he went to Tibet for two years. His whereabouts during that time are now unknown. However, after returning, he claimed that he had received a hidden treasure and was the reincarnation of the Fifth Chari Rinpoche. He visited many Rinpoches and masters in Tibet, studied the classics of various schools of Tantric Buddhism, and was widely praised... During this period, he changed his name to Chaba Aose.

After that, the master visited many Taoist temples and monasteries, especially some renowned Taoist masters, and made some generous donations during that time.