They refrained from spitting directly at Shi Yongxin only out of respect for the Buddha statues enshrined within the temple. As for showing a good face to this man who commercialized Buddhism without any true Buddhist spirit? No way!
Zhang Beixing found his target and, without dawdling, directly approached with Chen Rourou and the others. He greeted Shi Yongxin with an "Amitabha," which served as a hello.
Hearing the commotion, Shi Yongxin turned to look.
Upon recognizing Zhang Beixing, who had recently become a viral sensation online and caused numerous incidents, he was momentarily stunned. Then, with a smile, he extended his hand to Zhang Beixing, saying, "Amitabha. So, it is Benefactor Zhang. A pleasure to meet you! May I ask what brings you here today? Are you here to purchase Martial Arts?"
Seeing Shi Yongxin's reaction, Zhang Beixing was somewhat surprised. He had previously seen Shi Yongxin's greedy and repulsive expressions online and had assumed Shi Yongxin was the same in reality. Unexpectedly, however, Shi Yongxin appeared so amiable and benevolent in person.
No wonder he's worth ten billion! Zhang Beixing mused. This two-faced act of his is truly extraordinary!
But that was all in the past. Especially after the news broke that Shaolin Temple was planning to go public, Shi Yongxin's true character became widely known. No matter how much he feigned respectability now, he couldn't escape the fact that he was rotten to the core.
However, since Shi Yongxin was showing courtesy, Zhang Beixing didn't want to respond with harsh words. So, he said, "I came here because I heard that our Shaolin Temple is the world's number one temple, a sacred ground for martial arts. I have long admired it and came specifically for a visit!"
"Is that so? What you say is indeed true. Our Shaolin is indeed a sacred ground for martial arts. Isn't there a popular saying, 'All martial arts under heaven originate from Shaolin, and Shaolin's martial arts are supreme'? Are you aware of it?"
Shi Yongxin felt not the slightest embarrassment at Zhang Beixing's praise. He even felt Zhang Beixing hadn't said enough and added a couple more remarks. Shaolin truly had the grounds for such confidence! Great Xia's Martial Arts had developed to this stage, and they had undeniably played a role worth forty to fifty percent of the credit, if not the absolute majority. With such a contribution, a little pride was perfectly natural.
Hearing this, a slight smile touched Zhang Beixing's lips, indicating he had been waiting for precisely this statement. He then said, "Haha, is there such a saying? It seems I truly have been ignorant. Since your esteemed temple is so formidable, then Abbot Yongxin, as its abbot, surely possesses skills that are not to be underestimated, right? Coincidentally, I've grown up watching Shaolin kung fu only on television and have never encountered it in real life; I've yearned for it immensely. Might I be so bold as to request some pointers from the Abbot? How about it?"
Because the temple was bustling with worshippers, and Shi Yongxin was standing right at the entrance, their conversation was inevitably overheard by the nearby pilgrims. Now, upon hearing Zhang Beixing declare his intention to challenge Shi Yongxin, the curiosity of every single one of them was piqued. They turned their heads, and discussions about Zhang Beixing and Shi Yongxin erupted:
"Who is this person? What's he doing, challenging Shi Yongxin?"
"You don't know him? That's Zhang Beixing! The tough guy who openly killed two Black Ghosts on a Douyin live stream a while ago and got away with it!"
"Is he that formidable? No, no, Amitabha. Buddha above, I didn't mean he was formidable. I meant... uh... I meant he actually violated the precept against killing!"
"Brother Dan? Why has he come to Shaolin Temple and challenged Shi Yongxin?"
"I don't know. What I'm curious about now is how Shi Yongxin will respond. He just finished saying that all martial arts under heaven originate from Shaolin, and in the next breath, Brother Bei issued his challenge. Hahaha, Brother Bei is really something, putting Shi Yongxin in such a bind!"
.....
People whispered among themselves. Although they deliberately lowered their voices, due to the close proximity, Shi Yongxin could still hear them clearly. His expression darkened. Indeed, just as the onlookers whispered, he had been put squarely on the spot. Now, he was in a dilemma, whether to accept the challenge or decline!
Shi Yongxin glanced at the smiling Zhang Beixing. Is this kid here to cause trouble? he wondered. However, he quickly devised a response. With a smile, he waved his hand and said, "Grandmaster Zhang jests. Although I am a Martial Artist, my strength is merely ordinary. How could I possibly possess the skill to offer you guidance? If you wish, our Shaolin Temple has the Eighteen Arhats. You may challenge them."
He assumed Zhang Beixing would back down at this, knowing that the accusation of bullying the weak—a label that, in this instance, would stick more to Zhang Beixing than to him—was a serious one.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Beixing was well prepared for this. He chuckled and said, "What the Abbot says is true. I will certainly challenge the Eighteen Arhats. But before that, I have another impertinent request, and I hope you can agree to it."
With that, he pulled Chen Rourou forward from behind him and patted her on the shoulder.
Chen Rourou instantly understood. She stepped forward, faced Shi Yongxin, cupped her fist in salute, and said in a clear, firm voice, "Abbot Yongxin, I am Master Zhang's foremost disciple, ranking just below a Pseudo Grandmaster. Since childhood, I have held immense admiration for Shaolin kung fu. It is a rare opportunity to visit today, and I wish to request a spar. I hope the Abbot will grant this junior's impertinent request!"
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