The town's old mayor and representatives of several major surnames escorted a "monk" dressed in red robes as he walked over.
The "monk" has high cheekbones and deep-set eyes, making him look distinctly different from the locals.
As he walked, he held a prayer wheel in one hand and a dark gold box in the other, with a dark red "flower drum" hanging from his waist.
The group did not stop when they passed Zhao Youliang's paper-making shop, except for the "monk" who gave them a meaningful look.
He paused briefly, then whispered, "Om Mani Padme Hum."
Before anyone could react, the paper figures in the shop all let out a terrifying laugh, and even seemed to move towards the door.
It seemed to be a response to this strange "monk," but it was more like a show of contempt and a desire to drive him away.
Zhao Youliang was startled when he saw this. In order not to cause trouble for himself, he quickly closed the door of the paper-making shop tightly.
Only after the town mayor and his entourage, surrounding the "monk," had moved away, and even the "customers" who bought the paper had left, did Zhao Youliang finally speak up to inquire.
"Grandma, was that a foreign monk just now? He seemed so strange."
The old woman, who was knowledgeable and experienced, looked in the direction the "monk" had left and answered softly.
"Silly boy, that master just now wasn't a monk, he should be called a lama."
"A lama of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism."
"It seems they were invited by the mayor and the others to deal with those three evil spirits from last night."
The book subtly suggests that Tibetan Buddhism and monks in mainland China have many differences.
Take this person just now, for example: they usually wear bright red monk robes, which to outsiders look like a piece of red cloth draped over their bodies.
Unlike Han Chinese Buddhism, where gilded robes are only worn on important occasions, as exemplified by Tang Sanzang in "Journey to the West".
According to Tantric tradition, red is the color emanating from the muscles of Shakyamuni Buddha, and it has a blessing power for those who practice Buddhism.
Therefore, the red robes of monks represent the Buddha's compassion for all beings, symbolize life, courage, creativity, and also have the meaning of commemoration and worship.
Besides the color of their robes, the way Tantric lamas "greet" others is also different from what we usually think of monks, like the one we just saw.
The "Om Mani Padme Hum" he mentioned is the six-syllable mantra, also known as the "Six-Syllable Great Bright Mantra".
Dear readers, you can understand this as the "Namo Amitabha Buddha" that ordinary monks often say.
Reciting the six-syllable mantra of Avalokiteshvara can eliminate the suffering of illness, punishment, and the fear of untimely death, increase lifespan, and bring abundant wealth.
Therefore, in Tibetan areas, it is common to see people turning prayer wheels and chanting the "six-syllable mantra".
Furthermore, depending on their beliefs, the "catchphrases" used by Tantric monks for greeting each other also vary.
Besides the aforementioned six-syllable mantra, some people also recite "Amitabha Buddha," and others bless other Buddhas.
In addition, the small box held by the lama is called a Gau box, which is one of the protective ritual implements in Tibetan Buddhism.
It can be used to ward off evil spirits, protect the body, safeguard the home, and bring good fortune.
It contains small clay or metal Buddha statues or scriptures, which are carried on one's person to pray for peace and good fortune.
Besides prayer wheels and gau boxes, other commonly used ritual implements in Tibetan Buddhism include dharma bells, vajras, dharma drums, conch shells, rosaries, and butter lamps.
With Grandma Mi's patient explanation, Zhao Youliang, a "newbie in the workplace," finally got a general understanding.
"Grandma, that lama master must have been very powerful."
"Because he could actually elicit a reaction from the paper figure, and the rogue dog didn't dare to bare its teeth and act aggressively towards him... Ouch, that hurts! Dog brother, let go!"
But before Zhao Youliang could finish speaking, the big yellow dog bit his leg.
Well, the big yellow dog didn't bare its teeth, but he himself was grimacing in pain...
Watching Zhao Youliang playfully fighting and getting beaten up by the big yellow dog, Granny Mi smiled helplessly.
"Hopefully this master has real skills and can subdue those three filthy things."
"Just don't let them continue to harm people..."
Although the town mayor had invited a high-ranking monk, Granny Mi, Shopkeeper Sun, and the old man who drove the corpses were still uneasy.
After spending some more time with Zhao Youliang, they went back to rest and prepare for the night's battle against evil spirits.
After all, more people mean more strength.
Before leaving, Manager Sun specifically instructed Zhao Youliang that he didn't need to come out at night; he just needed to keep an eye on his shop.
Because if the things in the shop were to get into trouble, they would be far more dangerous than those three evil spirits.
Or rather, they are worlds apart, incomparable.
Zhao Youliang nodded repeatedly in agreement, while inwardly smiling bitterly.
I'd like to go and help, but it wouldn't make a difference.
At best, it's like sending those three evil spirits a free takeout meal...
While making fun of himself, Zhao Youliang reopened the paper-making shop and continued business, hoping to make as much money as possible before the shop ruined him.
Leave more for your adoptive father and sister.
Just as Zhao Youliang was sitting lazily at the door, feeling bored, he suddenly felt something crawling up his thigh.
"Holy crap, what is this... Haha, a little dumpling!"
"Oh dear, little dumpling, I'm so glad you're alright!"
"Do you know how worried I've been these past few days? I still couldn't find your house!"
"Where's that zombie that chased you last time? Did you kill it?!"
The little mouse crawled into Zhao Youliang's hand and met his gaze.
The little mouse that lured away the carcass on a stormy night saved Zhao Youliang's life.
The little guy was clearly very smart and could understand what Zhao Youliang was saying.
So it rubbed affectionately against his hands, squeaking incessantly, expressing its longing for him after they were apart.
The man and the mouse talked for a while, each saying their own thing, before Zhao Youliang stood up.
"Little dumpling, wait a minute. I've been saving dumplings for you every day these past few days. I'll heat them up for you now."
Although the little mouse had to wait, the little guy was very clever.
Knowing that with his appearance, standing alone on the street as a "person," he would definitely be beaten up by humans.
There's a saying that goes: "A rat crossing the street is hated by everyone."
So it squeaked and obediently followed Zhao Youliang into the shop.
When the little guy saw the three memorial tablets that Zhao Youliang had set up, he looked thoughtful.
Zhao Youliang was a little embarrassed and quickly offered an explanation.
"You, Brother Huang, and Master Hui all saved my life. I don't know how to repay you."
"We can only offer memorial tablets, hoping that you will all be safe and sound."
After listening to Zhao Youliang's words, the little mouse seemed to become closer to him.
It simply climbed up Zhao Youliang's thigh and onto his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek affectionately.
The ticklish sensation made Zhao Youliang burst into laughter.
The laughter seemed to dispel much of the shop's chill...
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