After Yin Ci left, the abbot’s room became quiet for a while.
Juehui’s bitter melon face became even more bitter, and he turned to Abbot Juefei. “Senior Brother, what’s the meaning of this?”
“Juehui, do you know how one becomes a demon? Yan Budu has committed countless evils, but once he enters the Buddha’s Heart Formation, he may not necessarily have an inner demon—both extreme goodness and extreme evil are transparent, with few doubts. But the inner demon itself is an unsolvable problem and an inescapable suffering, asking the heavens for answers.”
Abbot Juefei showed a complicated expression.
“Those who possess an inner demon are either good people turning to evil or evil people attempting to awaken. One must be strong and persistent. The causes and conditions are intricate and difficult to unravel, gathering great karmic obstacles, only driving people towards madness and chaos.”
Juehui understood. “What you asked at the end, is it for the sake of sentient beings? Perhaps Patron Yin has ‘turned from good to evil’. He still has a faint karmic bond that hasn’t been severed. If we lend him a hand, it might be possible to dispel that inner demon.”
“That’s right. However, I haven’t heard of any earth-shattering tragedies in recent decades, nor have I encountered such a formidable master. I truly can’t fathom Patron Yin’s situation.”
Abbot Juefei counted his prayer beads, and his smile was tinged with bitterness.
“Never mind, after I finish writing the introduction letter, you gather the records of Martial Uncle and the Taiheng confidential letter. Tomorrow, I will hand them over together… The Sect Master’s inner demon is significant, but it is clean and pure. For now, we need not worry. However, white is the color most prone to dust. Such is fate for master and disciple to meet.”
Juehui softly chanted a Buddhist mantra.
“Your little disciple, Zhixing, right? Perhaps meeting in the Ghost Tomb was also fate. After tomorrow, have him prepare well and send all the members of the Kushan Sect down the mountain.”
“Yes.”
It was mid-afternoon, and the sunlight was perfect.
When Yin Ci returned to his guest room, the two servants finally snapped out of it and were exuberantly expressing their excitement.
Yan Qing had applied medicine to his injured foot. He wiped the stone sword clean and placed it in the brightest spot, almost ready to offer a few sticks of incense. Su Si, on the other hand, didn’t like the sword at all and complained that it was occupying the sunny spot where he wanted to bask. The two of them laughed and bickered, creating a noisy scene.
Upon seeing Yin Ci enter the room, both of them unconsciously lowered their voices.
Even though Yin Ci didn’t appear much older, considering Yin Ci’s inner demon, Yan Qing and Su Si regarded him as an elder.
Yin Ci didn’t want to pretend and deal with too many people. He quite appreciated their perceptiveness. He put on the appearance of a “senior disciple of the Kushan Sect” and said, “These past few days, you have endured the afflictions of greed, hatred, and ignorance and have also experienced the Sword of Compassion. You have suffered quite a bit. Seeing that the Jianchen Temple is quiet and suitable for recuperation, today, rest well.”
Yan Qing nodded with joy, while Su Si immediately flopped onto the couch. “Finally, a moment of peace and quiet.”
Yin Ci smiled and entered the inner room, closing the partition door.
“You’re back? …Hiss!”
Shi Jingzhi grimaced as he tended to his burned palms. Seeing Yin Ci, he intended to put on a nonchalant facade. However, as he raised his hand, the medicine splashed a bit more, causing Shi Jingzhi to inhale sharply, almost biting his own tongue.
His hands were a bloody mess, making it inconvenient to move, and the distinctive smell of burns permeated the air. Yin Ci simply dragged over a chair and sat beside Shi Jingzhi. “Hands.”
“I’m almost done wrapping it.”
“Start over. Don’t underestimate hand injuries. A slight deviation when facing an enemy is enough to cost you your life.”
Shi Jingzhi hesitated for a moment, then obediently spread out his hands. His fingers were long and powerful, but they were covered in festering burns, which looked quite horrifying at first glance.
Yin Ci shook his head. “Even if the root of the ailment isn’t left behind, it will leave scars. If you end up with all sorts of messy scars in the future…”
“‘I won’t be liked by little girls in the future’?” Following a fragment of memory, Shi Jingzhi blurted out.
Whether it was Shi Jingzhi’s illusion or not, when he said those words, Yin Ci’s gaze softened a bit.
He resumed his indifferent demeanor, teasingly saying, “I was originally going to say, ‘It’ll be easy to let the flag slip while holding it in the future’. As long as Shizun doesn’t have a short life, even if hair grows on both hands, there will still be girls who will like you.”
As he spoke, Yin Ci carefully opened the wound, neither too gentle nor too forceful, applying the medicine just right.
Shi Jingzhi’s hands didn’t move. “I see people in the world come and go, but in my heart, there’s only room for a few. I’m not good at handling these things. It’s too much to chew on. If I can make A’Ci happy, that’s enough for me.”
“‘Too much to chew on’? Shizun, be careful not to choke.”
Yin Ci chuckled and carefully wrapped the wound with the well-applied medicine.
“…Alright, don’t move around for the next two days, and don’t use chopsticks either. I’ll make some spoon-friendly meals. Why don’t you take a nap first to rest?”
Shi Jingzhi felt a little disappointed. “No more playing with the sand table?”
“Mm, after all, someone didn’t listen to advice.”
“But you were so focused when playing with the sand table. I’ve never seen you so happy before.”
Yin Ci’s heart softened, and he relaxed a bit. “Let’s talk about it when your hand is better.”
Shi Jingzhi didn’t end up taking a nap after all. He leaned on the table, lost in thought, his face full of contemplation. Yin Ci, bored to the extreme, leaned against the window and admired the scenery—perhaps influenced by Shi Jingzhi’s earlier discussion of the scenery, now that they were in a new place, he couldn’t help but appreciate the view.
Indeed, the view outside the window was splendid. The light illuminated the extraordinary rocks, and the wind swayed the bamboo, truly calming the mind.
“I’ve come up with a brilliant idea.” After a moment, Shi Jingzhi suddenly straightened his back. “A’Ci, Yan Qing has the weakest foundation in our sect, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to teach him directly. Since we both have free time, let’s create a fake secret manual that suits him. We can say it was given by Venerable Juefei and have Su Si help him practice it.”
Yin Ci: “…”
Yin Ci: “Didn’t I tell you to take a nap in bed?” Why are you talking nonsense in broad daylight?
Shi Jingzhi stood up determinedly. “I’m not joking. Although the level of cultivation techniques themselves may vary, they should also be compatible with a person’s nature.”
“Su Si is cunning and overly cautious. He’s naturally gifted with powerful hands, so the Chigou Sect’s Red Chi Hand technique is the most suitable for him to practice. But if we let Yan Qing learn it, given his honest nature, he’ll only end up with a clumsy version. A’Ci, you lack inner force, but your external martial arts are exceptional, making the complex and bizarre Bone Sweeping Sword technique a perfect fit. Yan Qing with the Sword of Compassion—even if he trains hard, he can only learn a scraping technique.”
“The secret manuals that are widely circulated in the martial world may be more suitable for a larger number of people and yield better results. But as you surely understand, such cultivation techniques cannot produce truly top-notch masters.”
Yin Ci: “…Shizun, do you still remember? Yan Qing is just a servant of the Kushan Sect.”
Shi Jingzhi’s expression turned serious. “Venerable Kongshi was a great monk, and we can’t let his sword be disgraced. Sand table battles are battles, and honing techniques through sparring is also a battle. In this way, we can continue our exchanges.”
Right. Yan Qing was given the Sword of Compassion, and this person just wanted to keep playing.
Yin Ci pondered for a while and felt that he was probably a little crazy too. He found Shi Jingzhi’s proposal oddly intriguing. He pushed aside the absurd idea and helplessly said, “Shizun, there’s no need to go to such lengths. You previously mentioned that I should teach him when I have time, so I’ll just teach him directly.”
“Did I say that? Then let’s pretend I didn’t say it. A’Ci’s strength is profound, and it’s enough for me to be the only one who knows.”
“…”
‘Well, that works too,’ Yin Ci thought. He had lived for hundreds of years and had never done such a ridiculous thing.
The master and disciple decided to take action. They first sent the two servants away, then asked the monks for old paper, ink, and worn-out cloth.
The Sutra Cleansing Session was in progress, and many old scriptures needed repair. They had everything they needed. The monks, with kind hearts, although perplexed, still fulfilled Shi Jingzhi’s requests one by one.
“Let’s call it the ‘White Jade Green Knife’ technique. After all, A’Ci, you have the Bone Sweeping Sword technique.” Shi Jingzhi picked up a pen and generously suggested, “No, the Sword of Compassion is a sword, so let’s call it the ‘White Jade Green Sword’ technique…”
This person’s obsession with tofu and cabbage was alarming. Yin Ci rubbed his forehead. “Tonight, I’ll cook you pearl jade white jade soup. How about changing the name?”
“That’s true; four characters are a bit long. How about the White Green Sword technique? Green Jade Sword technique?”
“How about the ‘Jade Chime Sword’ technique? It is said, ‘Hold the jade hammer, strike the chime, and the sound will be heard in the three thousand worlds*.’ It suits the sword.”
*Metaphorically, this sentence refers to the idea of making a significant impact or achieving a widespread effect that reaches far beyond one’s immediate surroundings or circumstances.
Shi Jingzhi beamed with a smile and swiftly wrote it down. “That’s it.”
The four characters of “Jade Chime Sword Technique” appeared on the paper with powerful strokes.
Immediately, the two of them cleared the space in the inner room and started contemplating the content. Yin Ci picked up a broom as a giant sword, while Shi Jingzhi tied a scroll of paper around his arm as a weapon. They began practicing their moves in a lifelike manner.
Shi Jingzhi had never stopped practicing. After several days, his movements weren’t yet proficient, but he had a solid grasp of the slow-motion techniques. Stepping on the fragmented sunlight of the afternoon, they exchanged moves, resembling a graceful dance of sorts.
Shi Jingzhi turned briskly. “There are only a few major categories of footwork theories. The stone sword is too heavy, so it’s better to use a more agile style that suits a stable mold.”
“Yes, but Yan Qing has a big stride and lacks flexibility… We need to make adjustments here.” Yin Ci supported him by placing a hand on his back and pushing upward, grabbing a handful of his cool and silky hair.
As the sun began to set, the footwork took shape.
The two no longer rotated their bodies or made probing steps but clashed their sword techniques.
“No, the move you just made was too complicated. Yan Qing has a straightforward mind, so big, sweeping motions are better. Here, let me attack again, and you defend and observe.” Shi Jingzhi brandished the paper scroll with a vigorous aura. “This time, I’ll use the Green Maiden Sword technique.”
Swish.
Fire flashed, accompanied by dispersing black smoke. Shi Jingzhi became too immersed in the movements, and one end of the paper scroll ignited with a crackling sound. He quickly shook it off his arm and stomped on it with his boot, narrowly avoiding burning his sleeve.
Seeing him hurriedly extinguish the fire and then retying the paper scroll, Yin Ci burst into laughter.
“Skillful but not delicate. Indeed, the heavy sword techniques don’t require too much complexity. However, this sword is about self-questioning. If the sword technique relies too much on the sword, it’s prone to becoming an obsession. Hmm, I’ll think about it some more.”
“Zheng Fengdao may be a defeated opponent under me, but he has a move that is quite mysterious. Come, A’Ci, let me demonstrate it to you. It might give you some inspiration… Oh, wait a moment, I’ll make the paper scroll longer.”
As the crescent moon rose, the form began to take shape.
“That move just now had some flaws.”
“Oh? Shizun, you dare to criticize.”
“Flaws are flaws, and when it comes to theories, I won’t lose to you. Watch closely, A’Ci. I will defeat your style within ten moves. The Sword of Compassion isn’t a real broom. It’s quite wide.”
“Ten moves it is.”
Their robes intertwined, and their steps were like the wind. The two engaged in a non-lethal battle, with paper meeting feathers yet still exuding a sense of heaviness. Shi Jingzhi lacked experience, and his theoretical knowledge couldn’t withstand actual combat. On the ninth move, Yin Ci shamelessly executed a reverse move, causing Shi Jingzhi’s footwork to falter, and he toppled backward.
Yin Ci rolled up his sleeves and hooked his hand, swaying over to Shi Jingzhi’s side. He supported his teetering master. “Admitting defeat?”
Shi Jingzhi brushed aside the hair falling in front of his eyes, his face filled with a spring breeze. “Your move was too cunning, not in line with the Jade Chime Sword technique. It’s you who lost.”
“Verbal games have no place on the battlefield. How about we have another round?”
“Certainly.”
As the stars rose and the moon set, they carefully refined their techniques.
The two of them battled fiercely for half a day and a night, exploring three sword styles. It wasn’t until the eastern sky began to brighten that Yin Ci realized something was amiss—
He had fallen into Shi Jingzhi’s trap. Engaging in combat and honing techniques was incredibly fascinating, and he had become entranced, unaware of how much time he had spent with this person in absurdity.
Shi Jingzhi neatly hung the final “manual” to dry and stitched it into a booklet. While using inner force to bake the fake manual, he cast a sidelong glance at Yin Ci with a clear sense of triumph in his eyes.
“Did A’Ci have fun?”
“Actions contradicting words should be punished. Shizun, let’s have breakfast together at the temple tomorrow.”
Shi Jingzhi’s smile instantly disappeared as he tightly clutched the thin manual, letting out a lament, “I haven’t eaten dinner tonight!”
“Who asked Shizun to be so engrossed?”
“That’s not true. It’s mutual.”
The two bantered back and forth for a while before finally sharing a smile.
Finally, the faint light of dawn arrived.
Shi Jingzhi woke up as usual at the hour of the tiger, only to find a broom lying across him. He sneezed and patted Yin Ci’s hair, feeling at ease as he went back to sleep.
Neither of them managed to get up on time in the end. Master and disciple lay on the bed, sprawled in disarray.
Unfortunately, peaceful times were never meant to last.
In the morning, Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci were led by the temple steward to meet Abbot Juefei.
“I have prepared the introduction letter and placed it together with the records of Martial Uncle Kongshi. During the temple Sutra Cleansing Session, it is inconvenient for us to accommodate guests.”
“After lunch, Zhixing will burn incense from the Buddha Heart Formation to send you off. The incense of the Buddhist Heart Formation breaks the bonds of greed, hatred, and ignorance, so you don’t have to worry; just leave the mountain as usual.”
Abbot Juefei pointed to the young monk who espoused the phrase “Form is emptiness.”
“There’s also a confidential letter from the Taiheng Sect, entrusted to me by Shi Zhongyu. She mentioned in the letter that Sect Master Shi had made an agreement with her in front of the Ghost Tomb to have our temple serve as a witness for the exchange of the treasure Buddhist beads.”
Juefei sighed.
“The Jianchen Temple was originally unwilling to get involved in this matter, but due to our close relationship with the Taiheng Sect and Sect Master Shi’s favor towards our temple, you should seize the opportunity and obtain the evidence quickly to resolve this trouble. It can be considered an act of merit.”
Yin Ci looked at Shi Jingzhi with some surprise.
Did he plan this move back at the Ghost Tomb?
The Taiheng Sect was righteous, and the Jianchen Temple kept their promises. If the Kushan Sect was willing to exchange, the Taiheng Sect could obtain the two map beads without bloodshed. Even if the Kushan Sect went back on their word, the Taiheng Sect wouldn’t suffer any loss, so Shi Zhongyu would certainly not refuse.
This move by Shi Jingzhi seemed to be an attempt to take control of the exchange.
However, the Kunshan Sect had exclusive possession of two precious treasure map Buddhist beads. Once they were exchanged, they would lose their only advantage. Now that Shi Jingzhi knew about the “key”, it was understandable that he wanted to borrow the power of Taiheng to find the “lock”…
Seemingly seeing through his thoughts, Shi Jingzhi turned his head slightly and smiled, silently saying, [Yan Budu would never arrange such a cheap thing as ‘complete the treasure map and gain the Shirou’ on his own. There must be more than one clue. It’s better to make an agreement with Taiheng first and find a favorable opportunity for the transaction.]
Yin Ci: “…” He almost forgot that this person was undoubtedly a true counterpart to Demonic Lord Yan.
“Amitabha.”
Abbot Juefei spoke slightly louder.
“Besides that, there is one last thing. Taiheng entrusted our temple with the safekeeping of the treasure map and specially sent a Tranquil Heart Pill. This item calms the mind and settles the spirit; it is a treasure of Taiheng. I don’t want to borrow external items, so I hereby present it to Sect Master Shi as a gift… It can also be considered as a resolution to the connection between our temple and the <Woodless Sutra>.”
“Thank you, Venerable.”
Shi Jingzhi accepted the prepared package and bowed in return.
“I will present the topography of the treasure map to Taiheng before I leave. This junior will now take his leave first.”
“Go on, go on. I’ll have someone bring some good food for lunch,” Juefei said with a smile. “Oh, take this Buddha Heart Incense with you first…”
Just as Abbott Juefei had just taken out the Buddha Heart Incense from a small table, his words suddenly stopped. The room was still filled with bright sunlight and lush greenery, but there was a hint of ominous coldness.
Abbot Juefei’s skin gradually turned red, with bulging blue veins.
Then, his immense inner force suddenly erupted. It swept uncontrollably through the surroundings, turning the serene and peaceful room into a chaotic mess in an instant.
“Senior Brother!” Juehui shouted loudly. Monk Zhixing stood frozen in place, too shocked to move.
Before Abbot Juefei’s smile could fade, his round face twisted and contorted as if he had discovered something extremely horrifying. He grabbed the edge of the bed with one hand, breathing heavily like a bull, losing his serene Maitreya-like appearance.
“No… you… go quickly.” Monk Juefei’s eyes bulged out, staring directly at Shi Jingzhi as he intermittently said, “Juehui… don’t come… near…”
Shi Jingzhi didn’t leave. He was about to approach and check Juefei’s pulse when Yin Ci stopped him in his tracks.
“A’Ci?!”
“Don’t.” Yin Ci stared directly at Juefei. “Trust me. Don’t go.”
In the blink of an eye, he not only stopped Shi Jingzhi but also coldly pulled Shi Jingzhi’s flag, forcefully pushing Juehui away from in front of the bed. Monk Juehui, in a state of urgency, unguardedly crashed into the wall in the distance.
Only then did Abbot Juefei reveal a faint smile.
Using his last bit of strength, he sat upright at the edge of the bed and closed his eyes.
“It’s good as long as you’re safe. It’s good as long as you’re safe. Juehui, Zhixing… What happened today… has nothing to do… with the Kushan Sect…”
He couldn’t finish his sentence.
A golden fire erupted from Abbot Juefei’s body. Amidst the surging flames, Juefei sat motionless like a bell, without struggling or screaming.
That yang fire was the same as Shi Jingzhi’s yang fire, blazing and pure, unable to be extinguished by water or soil, burning relentlessly.
The author has something to say:
Hold the jade hammer, strike the chime, and the sound resonates throughout the three thousand worlds. From the “Qi Yuan Tu Jing” (Illustrated Sutra of the Wilderness).
This arc has now concluded~ (；ω；)
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