"What would you like to eat?" Gustave led his new guests toward the ship's well-stocked refrigeration units. "The ingredients are all here—I can prepare anything you can name."
Ning Caichen and Fahai exchanged uncertain glances before the monk spoke first.
"Benefactor Gustave, do you happen to have noodles?"
"Of course! Master Fahai, would you prefer a bowl of vegetarian noodles?"
"Please forgive my request, but I would actually prefer meat noodles," Fahai replied with calm directness.
"Meat noodles?" Ning Caichen's voice carried shocked disbelief as he stared at the monk. "Master Fahai, you're a Buddhist monk—how can you eat meat?"
Before Gustave could respond, Fahai turned to address the scholar's confusion with patient explanation.
"Brother Ning, not all monks follow the strict vegetarian path you might expect. Take Jinshan Temple, where I currently reside—the monks there engage in rigorous physical training. Without meat to sustain their bodies, they would exhaust themselves and become ineffective in their duties."
He gestured to himself with serene confidence. "Though I'm not technically a warrior monk, I have embarked upon the cultivation path. While I can absorb spiritual energy from heaven and earth, my physical form still requires proper nourishment."
"The Arhat Jianglong was reincarnated years ago and became a monk at Lingyin Temple under the Buddhist name Daoji. I remember his teaching: 'Wine and meat may pass through the intestines, but Buddha remains in the heart.'"
Fahai pressed his palm against his chest with gentle emphasis. "Most Buddhists known to the world follow rigid dietary rules, but I believe as Zen Master Daoji taught—true Buddhism resides in the heart, not in empty adherence to regulations. Without Buddha in one's heart, even perfect rule-following cannot achieve enlightenment. With Buddha in the heart, one can reach enlightenment even while eating meat and drinking wine. The key lies here."
Gustave listened with genuine interest. This version of Fahai was remarkably different from the rigid, rule-obsessed monk of traditional stories. Whether influenced by Jigong or developed through personal philosophy, this Fahai possessed an open-minded wisdom that completely subverted expectations.
Ning Caichen stood speechless, his scholarly mind reeling from the monk's articulate argument. When he finally recovered enough to formulate a response, he found no grounds for refutation and could only offer a rueful smile.
"Master Fahai, I was indeed trapped by superficial appearances. Please forgive my presumption."
"Your willingness to recognize this shows wisdom," Fahai replied with genuine approval. "Many never achieve such self-awareness."
"Brother Ning, what about you?" Gustave asked, noting the scholar's thoughtful expression. "Noodles or rice?"
"Brother Gustave, I'm rather short of funds," Ning Caichen replied with obvious embarrassment. "Perhaps just a bowl of plain noodles would be appropriate."
His discomfort was palpable—here was a monk eating meat while he, a layman, could only afford vegetarian fare.
"Brother Ning, you're worrying unnecessarily," Gustave assured him. "Despite the fancy appearance, my prices are quite reasonable—maybe slightly higher than average establishments, but nothing outrageous. Besides, it's just a bowl of noodles. I can certainly afford to cover the cost."
This appeared to be the standard version of Ning Caichen—the perpetually impoverished scholar struggling to make ends meet.
"Brother Ning, our meeting represents fate," Fahai interjected with characteristic generosity. "Allow me to treat you to this meal. Benefactor Gustave, please prepare two bowls of meat noodles!"
"Two bowls of meat noodles it is," Gustave confirmed. "Feel free to sit anywhere you'd like—inside or outside. I'll have your food ready shortly."
With his guests settled, Gustave returned to the kitchen to assess his options. The previous night's pork stew had left him with an excellent rich broth—perfect as a noodle base with some additional seasoning and ingredients.
For the meat component, he maintained a supply of perfectly braised beef that only needed slicing. A couple of boiled eggs would complete the protein, creating a harmoniously balanced bowl.
While Gustave worked, Fahai and Ning Caichen selected a table on the ship's deck, positioning themselves to enjoy the panoramic ocean view.
"Master Fahai, your generosity overwhelms me," Ning Caichen said with a formal bow. "I swear to repay this kindness when my circumstances improve."
"Think nothing of it," Fahai waved dismissively. "As I mentioned, our meeting represents destiny. Since we seem compatible, there's no need to worry over a simple meal."
"Master Fahai's heart and mind are as vast as the ocean itself," Ning Caichen replied with genuine admiration. "I apologize for my earlier rudeness in questioning your practices."
Compared to the monk's magnanimous spirit, he felt petty and small-minded. Fahai had not only forgiven his presumptuous comments but offered to pay for his meal—such nobility of character was rare.
"Please, Brother Ning, such formality isn't necessary," Fahai insisted, helping the scholar to his feet. "It was truly a minor matter."
After exchanging a few more polite words, both men settled into comfortable observation of the distant seascape.
"I hadn't noticed before," Ning Caichen said with growing concern, "but isn't that ship flying a skull and crossbones flag? Could they be pirates?"
He'd initially dismissed the Red Force as simply another large vessel, but closer inspection revealed the unmistakable jolly roger of a pirate crew.
"Brother Ning, while that ship does fly pirate colors and its crew carries the aura of those who've seen battle, I sense no evil intent from them," Fahai replied calmly. "If they were truly dangerous, the villagers behind us would have fled long ago. Yet look—they continue their normal daily routines."
His response demonstrated the deeper perception that came with spiritual cultivation, seeing beyond surface appearances to underlying truth.
"Master Fahai, there's clearly no one visible on that ship," Ning Caichen protested with confusion. "How can you sense their nature? And what village?"
"My cultivation has progressed to the point where I no longer rely solely on physical sight," Fahai explained patiently. "I perceive with the heart rather than the eyes. The crew of that vessel sleeps peacefully in their cabins, and the village lies on our other side. If you doubt this, go see for yourself."
Ning Caichen immediately rose and crossed to the deck's opposite railing. Sure enough, Windmill Village spread out before him, with several residents visible on the streets near the beach, talking and laughing in obvious contentment.
"Master Fahai truly possesses profound wisdom," the scholar declared with complete conviction. "I am thoroughly convinced!"
"Come and eat!" Gustave's voice interrupted their philosophical discussion as he appeared with three identical bowls.
The noodles nestled in rich, milky white broth, topped with glistening slices of tea-colored braised beef. Two perfectly boiled eggs accompanied the meat, while fresh green vegetables provided color contrast. The presentation was both appetizing and artistically pleasing.
"Brother Gustave, your noodles look absolutely delicious," Ning Caichen observed with obvious appreciation.
"Benefactor Gustave speaks truly," Fahai agreed.
"Please, try my cooking before offering praise," Gustave replied with satisfied pride.
Both guests lifted their chopsticks—Ning Caichen selecting a piece of beef while Fahai gathered a portion of noodles.
"This is incredible," Ning Caichen declared after his first bite. "Brother Gustave, your braised beef is perfect. The flavor has penetrated completely while maintaining ideal texture—firm but not tough. The quality of this beef reveals your exceptional skill."
"The noodles themselves are equally impressive," Fahai added with genuine appreciation. "They possess perfect elasticity while absorbing the broth's essence. Each bite delivers memorable satisfaction. I've sampled noodles in many places, but in my opinion, Benefactor Gustave's cooking represents the pinnacle of culinary art."
"You're both too kind," Gustave replied with warm pleasure. "But please eat while everything's hot—noodles are always best when steaming."
As they shared their meal, Gustave began explaining the nature of the Bamboo Staff and the Gate of All Worlds, introducing his new guests to the reality of interdimensional hospitality and the unique mission that had brought them all together.