As Lin Heng narrated calmly, everyone outside Qingfeng Temple fell silent.
"So, it's not because there are too many swindlers in Daoism, but because too many of the great Daoists have made sacrifices?"
Xiao Yu murmured to herself, the Daoist's calm words, for some reason, struck her like a thunderbolt, leaving her stunned and unable to calm down.
All the incense burners, regardless of age, showed a complex expression.
"Why does it suddenly feel a bit stifling?"
"Looking at the photo in the frame, so Qingfeng Temple used to have many Daoists?"
"I have a Daoist Temple around here too, and the elders said it was once very prosperous. Unfortunately, when the Divine Land fell into turmoil decades ago, they all went down the mountain to save people. And now? That Daoist Temple has been demolished and replaced with a Temple..."
"Damn, it's the same here!"
"Can't be a coincidence, right? It's the same here too!"
"Count me in, count me in!"
Many viewers in the live stream were astounded to discover that the Daoist Temples in their local areas had the same situation as Qingfeng Temple.
"So this isn't just a coincidence. Daoism has always taken saving the world and subduing demons as its duty!"
"And during that most turbulent era, almost all Daoists across the land went down the mountain to help the world. As a result, Dragon Country Daoist Temples were left nearly empty, this is the root of Daoist Temples' decline!"
"In peaceful times, the Buddhist Sect flourishes, while the Daoist School hides deep in the mountains; in times of chaos, the Bodhisattvas turn away, and the Ancient Immortal sets off to embrace life's vicissitudes!"
"Always stepping up in times of crisis, how can Daoism not decline? Why wouldn't it decline?"
"Damn it, why does it suddenly feel like there's sand in my eyes?"
"..."
Many viewers felt a mix of emotions, especially those who had previously insulted Daoism, they now found themselves feeling uncomfortable.
But there were also many viewers who were filled with disdain about this.
"Well, Daoism, not only made it onto the hot search recently, but now concocts something like chaotic times with Bodhisattvas detached, and the Ancient Immortal embracing life's vicissitudes? This wave of hype, well done!"
"Who doesn't know that Daoism has always liked to spread rumors to mislead people, acting deceitfully, and now they're being sentimental?"
"I actually had a pretty good impression of this young Daoist before, but now, it seems he's no different from a pyramid scheme leader."
"Go on, keep on hyping, for me, Daoism will always be garbage."
"Agreed, damn it, I remember going to a Daoist Temple for incense in the past. Those 'bull-nosed ones' acted so indifferent, but anytime I visited a Temple, from the moment I entered, a master would guide me to light incense and pray to Buddha, their attitude was at least a hundred times better than that of Daoism!"
"Add one, add one, the Temple masters were indeed much more polite, always smiling throughout, unlike the Daoists."
"In a word, Daoism's decline is well-deserved!"
...
Controversy over Buddhism and Daoism has never ceased online. As a number of Buddhist believers entered the live stream, the two sides instantly engaged in a heated debate.
"Take this chance and ask the next question quickly!"
At this time, Xiao Yu heard the voice of her superior in her earpiece, her complexion slightly changed, ultimately she sighed helplessly, looking apologetically at Lin Heng.
"Daoist, there's one more question..."
Lin Heng maintained a calm expression: "Go ahead."
Xiao Yu said, "Regarding opinions on Daoism, we conducted a survey among many netizens and found that many expressed that Daoists are impolite. When visiting Daoist Temples to burn incense, Daoists often seem indifferent."
"On the contrary, Monks in Temples guide incense burners throughout the process, and their attitude is extremely amiable."
"Netizens believe this is one of the main reasons Daoism deserves to be replaced by Buddhism."
"What is your opinion on this?"
As Xiao Yu reached this point, she was already somewhat anxious.
The rise and fall of Buddhism and Daoism has always been a sore point for Daoism, she knew how impolite it was to mention the Buddhist Sect in an interview.
But due to work reasons, she had to bring up this topic.
As she anticipated, as soon as the question came up, the live stream's comments multiplied geometrically.
"Good question, I really want to know, what gives these Daoists the right to be indifferent to incense burners?"
"We go there to burn incense, do they really think we're there to see their attitude?"
"To be honest, I have a good impression of this Daoist. If he could be like the Temple's master, I might consider giving Qingfeng Temple some incense money!"
"I agree."
...
"Daoist..."
Seeing the other party frown without responding, Xiao Yu couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.
However, the next second, this Daoist responded with an indifferent demeanor.
"In our pursuit of Daoism, we seek nothing but naturalness and spontaneity."
"I am not aware of what law the Buddhist Sect follows, nor do I care how they receive the incense burners."
"Anyway, to me, none of this matters."
"The gate of the Daoist Temple is always open. If a layperson wishes to come and burn incense, they are free to do so."
"But if you expect me to please you for this? Then I can only say, burn the incense if you want to."
"Believe in this Dao if you wish to."
At this point, Lin Heng also looked toward the vast number of incense burners.
He spoke calmly, casually:
"And please remember, do not attempt to seek the protection of Daoist Immortals through incense or money!"
"Cultivate virtue and do good deeds in your daily life, refrain from evil acts, and you will naturally protect yourself."
"Also, when burning incense, please do not give incense money. No matter how much incense money is given, my attitude will remain the same, I won't hold the rich in higher regard, nor treat the poor any differently."
"Take the money back, honor your parents, take care of your grandchildren well."
"Earning money is not easy, use it for right purposes to improve your life."
"Let everyone be well-fed and clothed, and live in prosperity year after year. A peaceful world is what Daoism wishes for!"
Lin Heng's voice wasn't loud but it was clearly heard by everyone present.
Each word was stirring, leaving people awestruck.
"No matter how much incense money, no higher regard... no matter how little, no lesser regard? Is this the attitude of Daoism towards incense burners..."
"Why does this feel like a true practitioner?"
Many people looked at one another.
Truly, the Daoists were indifferent to incense burners, but they never targeted anyone specifically, everyone was the same.
What does it matter if you have money?
What if you don't have money?
To the Daoists, everyone was the same!
Don't think that giving more incense money will make a Daoist smile.
To them, it's just burning incense, burn it if you want!
"Take the money back, honor your parents, take care of your grandchildren..."
"Everyone well-fed and clothed, living in prosperity year after year, a peaceful world is what Daoism wishes for?"
"This..."
Everyone on site murmured, repeating the words, looking at the Daoist in shock.
And the viewers in the live stream were dumbfounded on the spot.
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