Chapter 921: Hinnyo
Li Tiangang’s meaning was perfectly clear. He continued, “Master Hinnyo, if you’ve come as an envoy for the royal family or for the Tenmon Sect, you may spare your words. Punishing war criminals and reclaiming power are Daoist Order’s base conditions. Even if I were to agree, it wouldn’t change anything. The headquarters and the Golden Tower Council wouldn’t accept it.”
The black-robed monk was none other than Hinnyo, the current abbot of Hongan-ji. Pressing his palms together, he said unhurriedly, “What if I speak for myself? What if I speak for others?”
Li Tiangang replied, “If you speak for yourself, choosing light over darkness, then on behalf of the Daoist Order, I welcome you. But if you speak for others and our paths diverge, I have nothing further to say.”
Hinnyo sighed and changed the topic. “I heard that Master Sosen passed at Hisai Castle.”
Li Tiangang’s tone was indifferent as he said, “My condolences.”
Hinnyo’s robes fluttered in the sea breeze. “Daoist Li, if I recall correctly, our first meeting was 20 years ago, right?”
Li Tiangang nodded. “In the blink of an eye, it’s already been 20 years since I arrived in Fenglin. I’ve advanced from a fourth-rank superintendent to a second-rank Deputy Mansion Master, all within the same Daoist Mansion without ever shifting elsewhere. Such continuity is rare across the Daoist Order. But given the special nature of an overseas Daoist mansion and certain networks that must be cultivated for the long term, frequent changes of personnel would indeed be unwise.”
Hinnyo said, “At that time, I was also not yet the abbot of Hongan-ji. In that sense, you and I met when we were nobodies. From then until now, we have shared more than 20 years of friendship. Looking back, it truly stirs reflection.”
Li Tiangang answered, “If not for our friendship, I would not have come to meet you now.”
Hinnyo sighed again. “Alas, today, we each serve our own master. Private bonds must give way to state affairs.”
Li Tiangang frowned faintly. “Master, if you have something to say, just state it outright. There’s no need to beat around the bush.”
“Very well. I shall cut to the chase.” Hinnyo nodded. “I would like to ask you one thing only. You have been rooted in Fenglin for 20 years. Did you fan the flames in this Sonno-joi uprising?”