Chapter 1350: So Much Merit

Fangzheng was enjoying himself, but One Finger Monastery was becoming more and more lively.

Originally, it could only be considered a small tourist location in China. Now, under the influence of Li Daguang, Yalman, and the others, it had become a world-cla.s.s attraction.

Many foreigners didn’t know of the five A-grade tourist attractions, but they knew One Finger Monastery. Their purpose in coming to China was to visit this miraculous monastery.

Of course, One Finger Monastery didn’t disappoint them either. The otherworldly scenery left the entire world amazed.

As the popularity increased, One Finger Monastery’s monks became busier…

At the same time, the government had sought out Fangzheng many times, planning to make One Finger Monastery a full tourist attraction. They could then make an entrance at the foot of the mountain to sell tickets.

However, Fangzheng rejected him.

“Patron, This Penniless Monk’s place is really only a monastery. It’s not considered a scenic spot…” Fangzheng looked at Qi Dongsheng, who had already been promoted to Black Mountain City’s mayor, and smiled.

Qi Dongsheng said, “Abbot Fangzheng, look. Behind us is Mt. Tongtian. I’ve already gotten people to look at Mt. Tongtian. There are quite a few good scenic spots there. There are waterfalls, ancient trees, and mysterious rocks. If we really do a good design, the scenery here won’t be any worse than those A-grade tourist attractions. But the problem now is that our Black Mountain City is too remote. There’s no need to mention Songwu County. Without fame, there won’t be any tourists… I just want to use One Finger Monastery’s popularity to tie everything together so as to give business to the other attractions. This way, the surrounding villages will be able to leverage on it…

“By doing this, it’s a blessing for the citizens. It’s a matter of great merit, don’t you think so?”

Fangzheng shook his head and said, “Patron, whatever you do is good, but One Finger Monastery can’t be made a scenic spot. The monastery is a monastery. If it becomes a scenic spot and needs a fee, wouldn’t that disappoint the devotees?”

Qi Dongsheng said, “Master, don’t worry about that. Entering One Finger Monastery won’t cost anything. Would that work?”

Fangzheng said, “Then what happens after you leave your post?”

Qi Dongsheng was speechless…

Fangzheng’s thoughts were very simple. When one was far away from authority the powers that be would not intervene. In this lonely rural area, he could make decisions himself. If he wanted to grow garlic, he could do so… Once his place became a scenic spot, it would be the land of the local government. The government could do whatever it wanted.

That was a completely different concept…

Furthermore, even if Fangzheng trusted Qi Dongsheng and made One Finger Monastery a scenic spot, how many years would Qi Dongsheng remain in Black Mountain City? If he were to be transferred away one day, what would happen to One Finger Monastery if the new mayor had other motives?

Upon hearing this, Qi Dongsheng fell silent as well…

When Fangzheng saw this, he picked up a teacup and took a sip. Only then did he say, “Patron, do you think this world is big?”

Qi Dongsheng was taken aback. “Oh, it’s big. How isn’t it big? I’m not afraid of being laughed at by you, but I haven’t traveled half of China to this day. I’m talking about provinces, not county cities.”

Fangzheng said, “This Penniless Monk has never been to those places either, but is it really that big?”

Qi Dongsheng thought for a moment before shaking his head. “On second thought, it’s not that big. In today’s society, planes and high-speed rails, one can go anywhere. Master, why are you asking about this?”

Fangzheng put down the teacup and said, “That’s right. It’s big if we measure using footsteps. Using technology, it’s very small. Then, what if we measure it using the number of people?”

Qi Dongsheng immediately understood what Fangzheng meant. “Earth looks big, but there are too many people. The natural resources are almost at maximum.”

Fangzheng looked up at the distant village and said, “When This Penniless Monk was young, there was a forest over there. Streams flowed through the forest. In summer, we could bathe in them or catch fish and frogs. There were a few wild fruit trees in there. When autumn came, the children would run over to pluck them…”

Qi Dongsheng looked over as well and said, “Master, this can’t be helped. In order to develop, humans have to sacrifice some things.”

Fangzheng shook his head. “That’s right. It’s understandable for humans to use natural resources in order to survive. The laws of nature include the survival of the fittest…”

Qi Dongsheng nodded as well.

At that moment, Fangzheng slowly looked up. “But nature has never taught us to waste resources.”

Qi Dongsheng was stunned. “Master, what do you mean by that?”

Fangzheng slowly got up and looked into the distance. “That’s the scenic spot at Changbai Mountains. Over there is Zhuque Mountain…”

The area he pointed out—apart from Changbai Mountain—didn’t belong to this land. He was just pointing in a general direction.

Fangzheng named more than ten scenic spots in one breath. Then, he turned back and asked Qi Dongsheng, “There are so many scenic spots. Isn’t it enough for tourists? Do you have to strip away the territory of other living beings? Humans won’t die if they go to fewer places, but if they occupy more land, it will cause a large number of lives to go extinct. Is that really good?”

The moment he said that, Qi Dongsheng was stunned. He then said, “This…”

Fangzheng said, “Patron, This Penniless Monk knows that you are doing this for the good of the local citizens. However, over-development isn’t a good thing. Money is a good thing for people, but from This Penniless Monk’s point of view, money is sometimes a b*stard. He will make people lose their minds. For the sake of money, he will use every means possible. If you can develop this mountain today, you will be able to develop that mountain tomorrow.

“What about the bears, wolves, wild boars, and other animals in the mountains? All of them have to run deeper into the mountains. The resources in the mountains have become extremely difficult because of the large number of wolves and little amounts of meat. Now, they are going to fight for territory… Sigh, let them live.”

When he heard this, Qi Dongsheng sighed and said, “I was wrong. I’ll take my leave first.”

Fangzheng pressed his palms together. “Amitabha. Patron, take care.”

Qi Dongsheng left…

After sending Qi Dongsheng off, Fangzheng pressed his palms together and gave a Buddhist proclamation to the distant mountains. “Amitabha…”

Then, Fangzheng raised his teacup again and quietly sipped his tea. He looked at the scenery as though he had already fused with the natural world. At that instant, he entered the Dao once again.

At the same time, Fangzheng said to the System, “System, shouldn’t This Penniless Monk try his hand at the draw after so long? This Penniless Monk did not receive the reward previously.”

The System said, “Of course. You can get a full reward now.”

“That amazing? It doesn’t seem like This Penniless Monk has done anything, right?” exclaimed Fangzheng.

“It’s true that you didn’t do anything. But don’t forget that your medical skills are spreading. Your engraving skills are spreading. Your good deeds in Vietnam have continued to benefit the locals… You’ve done many things. The merit you earned back then was back then. However, the merit earned is a small and steady stream. Two months have pa.s.sed and your merit is almost reaching a million. How is it? Are you surprised?” asked the System.

Fangzheng was truly shocked when he heard that. “That much?”

“It’s indeed quite a lot. In a year or so, a million merit points. If this continues, it won’t take long. In another ten thousand years, you will be able to renounce asceticism,” congratulated the System happily.