Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 67: Immortal Body

Yidu, the imperial palace.

The best lamp was lit on the table, with a bright and smokeless flame, illuminating the table as if it were daytime. Xu Jingxing pressed his throbbing temple and put down the documents in his hand.

Compared to the carefree Prince of Rong, Xu Jingxing, who had been the emperor for so many years, had accumulated a sense of maturity and composure between his brows. His appearance resembled that of the Prince of Rong, Xu Jingming, by two or three points, but his features were more solemn, making him look more handsome.

However, this handsomeness was completely overshadowed by a troubled expression.

Xu Jingxing had slightly higher cheekbones, and his cheeks were slightly sunken. He had never drunk immortal wine, and although his face didn’t show much sign of aging, a few strands of white hair on his head were quite noticeable. He always furrowed his brow, giving off an air of seriousness and lack of laughter.

The Yun Dynasty had enjoyed a prosperous era for a hundred years, and even now it didn’t show any signs of decline. However, governing a large country was like cooking a small fish. Xu Jingxing, who didn’t consider himself a naturally gifted talent, almost exhausted his mental energy just to maintain the words “clean rivers and peaceful seas, prosperous country, and contented people”.

Xu Jingxing didn’t have much ambition, but he also didn’t want to be a clueless and incompetent ruler. He had put a lot of effort into punishing corrupt officials and clarifying governance, but just when things were starting to improve, troubles on the border flared up again, causing Xu Jingxing’s head to ache.

“Just a few months ago, a new king was installed, and the Luojiu people started biting everywhere like crazy. Barbarians are still barbarians. Don’t they understand the need for recuperation?”

Xu Jingxing let out a heavy sigh. The old eunuch Lu Fu hurriedly stepped forward and massaged the emperor’s shoulders.

“Your Majesty, didn’t those Luojiu barbarians cause trouble a few years ago? Last time General Liu led the army, he defeated the elite Luojiu troops and killed several of their generals—”

“That’s enough. We both know that General Liu doesn’t have that ability.”

Lu Fu immediately changed his tone. “Your Majesty, didn’t you have someone keep an eye on that person? If it’s really difficult, let the Yushuei Pavilion help deliver a letter. He wouldn’t dare refuse.”

“He wouldn’t dare? What is he afraid of?” Xu Jingxing bitterly smiled. “Previously, Shi Jingzhi was willing to represent a thousand miles of battlefield with a sand table, but it was just because he was bored. That brat never took me seriously.”

While he spoke, there was no fear in his words. Like the Prince of Rong, there was only a faint sense of disgust.

“Why did Your Majesty let him go in the first place?”

Lu Fu cautiously asked.

“That child is ominous. Your Majesty has a compassionate heart; sparing his life and providing him with good food and drink is already the utmost benevolence and righteousness. If it weren’t for Jiang Youyue’s meddling, I would have thought…”

Xu Jingxing interrupted him directly, “Compassionate heart?”

His tone was more self-mocking than sarcastic.

“No, Shi Jingzhi’s remaining lifespan is less than a year. Let him find his own way to survive. If he finds it, I will have a use for him. If he can’t find it, it can also be considered as giving him a way out—keeping that monster by my side forcibly, if I push him too far, I’m afraid that one day when I close my eyes, he’ll smash my skull with a single palm.”

Lu Fu swallowed a mouthful of saliva and didn’t dare to speak further.

“I thought that without Shi Jingzhi, the military commanders could hold on for a few more years of peace. But it turns out that a mediocre gang of Luojiu can manipulate that group of idiots… Jiang Youyue truly found a talented person for me.”

Lu Fu: “I heard people say that the new king of Luojiu is called a ‘Divine Saint’ by the barbarians. Perhaps it’s not that the military commanders lack strength, but that the opposing side has obtained divine assistance. Your Majesty, please don’t get angry and be careful not to upset your dragon body…”

Xu Jingxing snorted coldly. “Lately, you’ve been speaking more and more like Jiang Youyue. Which new king’s ascension didn’t come with that divine-assisted rhetoric? The barbarians are just exaggerating… Even a monster like Shi Jingzhi—he’s just one person with a head and a heart. When he dies, he dies.”

“In recent prosperous years, Great Yun has relied not on the Immortal Assembly, but on the common people. I will send someone to investigate the matter of the ‘Divine Descent’. If Jiang Youyue’s recommendation is not effective, I will question him.”

“What about Jingzhi…”

“Let him do as he pleases. A small faction like the Kushan Sect can’t stir up much trouble.”

Two hours later, at the Imperial Preceptor’s Residence.

“Master, Lu Fu just brought news. Despite consecutive defeats on the border, Xu Jingxing still shows no intention of fully dealing with the Luojiu.”

Jiang Youyue sat in the small shrine of the Imperial Preceptor’s Residence, reporting in a soft voice.

It still had the appearance of the celestial shrine of the Imperial Celestial, but there was no plaque hanging. The shrine was filled with a strong incense, and an opaque curtain hung in front of the altar.

Upon hearing Jiang Youyue’s words, a low murmuring sound came from within the curtain. 

“This Disciple understands.” Jiang Youyue bowed his head. “The Luojiu is not yet worthy of fear. By using them to put pressure on Xu Jingxing, he might develop a sense of crisis. This matter cannot be rushed; we can only watch the will of the heavens…”

Another indistinct murmur arose.

The curtain shook gently, and something protruded from behind it. Jiang Youyue knelt properly on a cushion, slightly lowering his head.

A withered giant hand passed through the curtain, raising its index finger and lightly tapping Jiang Youyue’s forehead.

The hand was so huge that it could almost grip Jiang Youyue’s entire head. The fingers were thin and bony, covered with a layer of dark brown skin, and moved like the fine legs of a spider.

“…This Disciple will keep your teachings in mind, Master.”

After half an incense stick’s worth of time, Jiang Youyue bowed slightly. He didn’t raise his head to look at the owner of the hand, but his tone became even more respectful.

“Shi Jingzhi has his own destiny, and I won’t assist him in finding a way to survive… Is the ‘Immortal Body’ exhausted? This Disciple has brought a new one for you.”

With that said, Jiang Youyue didn’t look for a servant. He straightened his clothes and personally opened the entrance to a secret passage, entering the secret chamber behind the shrine alone.

When he emerged again, there was a wooden cart behind him.

On the wooden cart was something resembling a human corpse. It was tightly wrapped in white cloth inscribed with blood characters, and the cloth was soaked with an unknown liquid, giving it a pale green color.

Only the neck of that thing wasn’t covered by cloth, and a bowl-sized cavity was exposed, filled with dark brown, withered roots. Those withered roots hung lifelessly, and their color was like rotten blood.

Fortunately, the headless corpse didn’t emit a putrid smell. A faint and elegant fragrance of grass and wood floated in the air.

The giant hand grabbed the “Immortal Body” wrapped in the cloth and slowly withdrew behind the curtain. After a while, a faint chewing sound came from inside the curtain, sounding like teeth grinding on fine bones. The fragrance of grass and wood became even stronger, but the candle flames in the shrine didn’t flicker at all, despite the night breeze brushing past.

Throughout the process, Jiang Youyue’s expression remained unchanged, and he didn’t raise his head even once.

“In my opinion, Master is the one worthy of the ‘Shirou’.”

Before leaving the shrine, he sighed softly, speaking to himself.

“It’s a pity that fate is hard to defy.”

At the same time.

After the master and disciple of the Kushan Sect dispersed their golden beads, they returned to the inn in the middle of the night. Unexpectedly, their two servants hadn’t slept at all and had lit three lamps in their room—their eyes bloodshot, waiting anxiously.

The surroundings were too bright that even Lord Bai wasn’t able to fall asleep. The goose demon paced restlessly in the small room, venting its anger.

As soon as the master and disciple entered the room, they were caught red-handed.

“Didn’t I leave a letter? You two should have relaxed and gone straight to sleep.”

Shi Jingzhi laughed awkwardly.

Although they were supposed to be doing something legitimate, for some reason, he still had an inexplicable sense of guilt.

“Sect Master, I have a request.”

Yan Qing sat upright with his hands tightly clenched.

“Su Si has explained it to me. If news of the encounter at the Jianchen Temple gets out, our sect’s path will be difficult.”

“Why, do you want to maintain the reputation of this sword and withdraw?” Shi Jingzhi raised an eyebrow. “I can understand—”

“No. Whether it’s my life, my old friend, or this Sword of Compassion, they were all given to me by the Kushan Sect. If I were to withdraw now, wouldn’t it be the same as burning bridges? “

Yan Qing immediately refused with a quite solemn tone.

“I know that the sect no longer accepts disciples, and I have no intention of pressuring Sect Master to make an exception, but Senior Yin’s martial arts are superb. If possible, I would like to ask Senior Yin to accept me as a disciple. If our sect is caught in a conflict in the future, I can also contribute.”

The young man’s words were passionate, and his eyes were filled with determination. Unfortunately, his target was cold and unfeeling. If he said he wouldn’t give face, he wouldn’t give face.

Yin Ci put away his veil and calmly said, “I won’t accept you.”

Yan Qing: “…”

There was no resentment on his face; only a few hints of a pleading expression, like a young dog being kicked out of the house.

“According to Venerable Juefei’s ‘karmic method’, I can’t teach you. Cultivation techniques must be compatible with one’s temperament, and I am not on the same path as you. I will only lead you astray. If you truly want to achieve something great, you must explore it on your own.”

Yin Ci didn’t hesitate at all. After traveling in the mortal world for many years, he was most skilled at being cold-hearted and cutting off worldly ties.

The remaining bit of goodwill he had left was all invested in the master-disciple relationship at present. He simply couldn’t spare the energy to take care of another person. Furthermore, Yan Qing was a righteous person, and if they became too deeply involved, it would only cause more complications and hinder any progress.

Yin Ci signaled to Shi Jingzhi with his eyes, and the latter immediately understood.

“This is what Venerable Juefei bestowed upon our sect before leaving.”

Shi Jingzhi once again put on his customary kindness. He held the thin book of the “Jade Chime Sword Technique” in both hands as he fabricated a lie.

“He said that this technique is especially suitable for those who wield giant swords, and he wants you to practice it well. If you make a name for yourself in the future, don’t forget the kindness of the Jianchen Temple.”

Yan Qing stood stunned in place. “Sect Master…”

“You’ve laid the foundation in Taiheng, and the foundational cultivation technique of Taiheng is perfect for you. I will teach you the mantra for cultivating inner force, and if you combine it with your sword practice, you will be able to catch up to Su Si within three years.”

“At Su Si’s level, he could thoroughly explain the key points in the manual. A’Ci and I have other matters to attend to, so we won’t interfere in this matter.”

Su Si: “Aren’t you worried that I’ll secretly learn the techniques from the manual, Sect Master?”

Shi Jingzhi smiled brightly. “With your temperament, can you really focus on wielding a giant sword?”

Then he stood up and winked at Yin Ci. “Yan Qing, Su Si can only teach you verbally. So, us two have already previewed the manual and memorized the sword techniques. We’ll demonstrate it to you once, so pay attention—A’Ci, lend me the Hanging Shadow Sword. I’ll give you the flag.”

“Shizun, just demonstrate the giant sword.”

“Lend me the Hanging Shadow Sword.” Shi Jingzhi shook his hand again.

Yin Ci helplessly unfastened his sword and tossed it to Shi Jingzhi. He picked up the Medicine Cures Illness flag and rolled up the flag surface, using it as a substitute for the giant sword.

“Watch closely, this is an offensive move. The first move, ‘Crossing Paths on a Boat’.”

Shi Jingzhi’s sword was like a torrential rain, vaguely resembling Shi Zhongyu’s Green Maiden Sword Technique. Yin Ci counterattacked with the flagpole. His movements were decisive and swift, grand and fluid. His strength was as strong as a thousand jun*, but at the moment of utmost firmness and overflowing killing intent, it transformed into a gentle maneuver, leaving behind a thread of continuous vitality.

*Each jun is about thirty catties or 15 kilograms.

“The second move, a defensive move, ‘Today is Different from Yesterday’.”

Shi Jingzhi changed his attack, using the sword as a knife—each move was sharp and treacherous, directly aiming for Yin Ci’s vital points. The latter responded to the ever-changing attacks with unwavering stability; the flagpole remained steady like an old pine tree in the rain. Occasionally, he moved, with a smooth and steady trajectory, perfectly catching the weaknesses in the knife strikes, turning a bamboo pole into an impregnable barrier.

“The third move.”

Shi Jingzhi’s voice became much softer.

“The final move, ‘Opening Gold and Stone’.”

“Wait.” Yin Ci frowned. “This move is complex. It’s too early to demonstrate it now.”

However, Shi Jingzhi had already made his move.

This time, he used his inner force, and the Hanging Shadow Sword carried an unprecedented murderous aura as it came forward. Yin Ci sighed inwardly and responded to the third move—

The flagpole changed from its previous heavy posture, dancing lightly like snowflakes yet as majestic as a famous river. At the end, within the straight and righteous path of the sword, a warm and compassionate atmosphere suddenly burst forth, as if the wind had stopped and the rain had ceased, leaving behind a profound silence.

This move was completed in one breath, with an overwhelming momentum that appeared extremely exhausting. After completing the set, the Hanging Shadow Sword was decisively knocked away and deeply embedded into the wall.

Yan Qing forgot to breathe, his face turning red, his eyes unwilling to blink.

Su Si, on the other hand, had a solemn expression. “This is a method for dealing with multiple enemies. Injuring a thousand while harming oneself by eight hundred. It should only be used as a last resort.”

However, this time, no one followed up with his remark.

Shi Jingzhi took hold of the flagpole and leaned in towards Yin Ci. The latter furrowed his brow slightly, his face showing a tinge of color due to the intense battle, making him appear less cold.

“A’Ci,” Shi Jingzhi whispered almost inaudibly, “you said you’re not suited to teach Yan Qing, but why do I feel that this move, ‘Opening Gold and Stone’, is quite suitable for you?”

His eyes sparkled, wearing a look of certainty. Yin Ci couldn’t help but lightly flick Shi Jingzhi’s nose.

“Just an empty facade.”

Yin Ci responded nonchalantly.

“…Shizun, you should first remove the Hanging Shadow Sword from the wall. If it’s not repaired before dawn, it will cost you money.”

Shi Jingzhi’s smile suddenly disappeared, and he let out a cold breath. “Yan Qing, remember to fix the wall later. Consider it as tuition for this lesson.”

As Shi Jingzhi turned around, Yin Ci quietly extended his hand and plucked a fine feather from his hair.

It looked like a sparrow feather, with a faint trace of demonic qi… Interesting. Is it a message from a sparrow demon?

Yin Ci didn’t know if Shi Jingzhi had used it to investigate him.

To be honest, Yin Ci himself wasn’t entirely clear about his own past. The memories from that time seemed both real and illusory, ethereal like the reflection of the moon on water and the flower in the mirror*.

*Metaphor for what can be seen but can’t be obtained.

He wondered how far his master would be able to uncover the truth.

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Kinky Thoughts:

I need to make an errata. Previously I translated the Imperial Preceptor [Guoshi] (国师) as the National Teacher. This isn’t quite the correct term as Imperial Preceptor is more accurate.

The Imperial Preceptor is a title awarded by the emperor. They play a crucial role in the education, guidance, and advice given to the emperor and the crown prince, as well as the education and moral development of the royal family. They also serve under the emperor’s authority to protect the religion and guide the state through divinations. You can think of him as the head of the state religion.

This is an important distinction because he plays a role in guiding the nation through divination and not necessarily a “teaching” role.

Previous chapters have been updated to reflect the change but for those who were reading before the change, please note this.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 66: Disrespect

Yin Ci looked at that eye.

In that eye, there was only confusion. As soon as it saw the light, it sluggishly turned and stared straight at Yin Ci. Whether it was due to the stimulation of light or residual consciousness, the eye in the gap slowly became moist, and tears shimmered on the surface of the deformed eyeball.

Unfortunately, the flesh statue had no mouth, and the shrine remained silent.

The eye contact was only for a moment, but it felt endless to Yin Ci.

As a popular belief in the Yun Dynasty, the Imperial Celestial Shrine was considered a highly sacred place. The greatest disrespect within the shrine was the act of occasional theft disguised as reverence—stealing a bit of gold or scattering money and then immediately leaving.

Even the most unruly thief wouldn’t dare to directly violate the statue of the god, fearing retribution.

In fact, the Yun Dynasty didn’t exclude other beliefs. Sects like the Jianchen Temple, devoted to Buddhism, coexisted peacefully with the outside world. Yin Ci had sought answers within the divine path before, but there were thousands of various deities and Buddhas. He wasn’t insane enough to dissect each one of them.

Especially a statue that was in a bustling city.

The shrines were bustling with people, and the statues were imbued with the atmosphere of the mortal world. Who could have imagined that it would be related to such strange events?

[If I hadn’t called you here, this ‘place’ would have been beyond your reach in your lifetime.]

For centuries, he had stopped at numerous shrines, never considering investigating the statues themselves. It seemed that this was just another “beyond reach” place right under his nose.

Yin Ci touched the seam and felt a mixture of emotions.

Who could have expected that the “immortal” he had searched for a hundred years would be found in the form of a slightly smelly flesh idol?

The only “peer” who had outlived the lifespan of a mortal.

Beneath the statue, a row of cushions sat peacefully. The offerings were still fresh, and the incense ashes were still warm. Did the residents of this prosperous city truly know what they were worshiping?

Someone deliberately placed a flesh idol here, but for what purpose?

Since the establishment of the Great Yun Empire, the followers of the Imperial Celestial had been increasing. Thousands of shrines were built all over the country, but how many flesh idols were mixed among them?

The process of creating living human idols in the Yuanxian Village wasn’t fast. How many “Yuanxian Villages” were hidden throughout the Great Yun Empire?

After a long absence, Yin Ci felt his blood turning cold, as if he had touched a spider’s web in the darkness. He couldn’t figure out whether he was the prey, the spider, or simply a strand of wandering spider silk.

Noticing Yin Ci’s lack of reaction, Shi Jingzhi picked up the package and squeezed his way to the back of the statue.

He first saw Yin Ci’s complicated expression, and then he saw the dry eye in the seam. The eye was fixedly staring at Yin Ci, refusing to look away.

Familiarity bred ease. This time, Shi Jingzhi didn’t tremble.

He picked up the fragment from Yin Ci’s hand and mercilessly embedded it back into the seam. Once he confirmed it was sealed, he used the yang fire to seal the cracks, leaving only faint irregular marks that were difficult to notice even upon closer inspection.

The man kept a straight face throughout, showing no signs of pity or hesitation.

“A’Ci, let’s go.”

Without waiting for Yin Ci’s response, Shi Jingzhi hooked his waist and led him away from the shrine.

Yin Ci closed his eyes, allowing himself to be led away.

Outside the shrine, the moon was faintly visible in the sky.

It was early spring, and the severe cold had subsided. It wasn’t yet late at night, so the streets were still lively. Many people had set up stalls, selling various trinkets and snacks. Others had finished work and carried peculiar tools or goods.

The two of them were dressed plainly, and even with their hoods on, they didn’t stand out among the pedestrians.

Although Shi Jingzhi noticed Yin Ci’s abnormality, they both tacitly refrained from further questioning. He simply took Yin Ci to a secluded alley, where he melted a golden candlestick into gold beads, quietly waiting for Yin Ci to regain his composure.

Shi Jingzhi now had full control over yang fire. He gently held the melted gold in his palm, gradually forming small round beads.

In this manner, Shi Jingzhi melted each bead carefully, stealing a glance at Yin Ci. He deliberately emitted an aura of “I also have things to attend to”, behaving calmly and steadily without any sense of urgency.

The shocking discovery left Yin Ci emotionally torn, so this considerate silence felt like a welcome relief. He glanced at the silent Shi Jingzhi, not pretending that nothing had happened but continuing to contemplate on his own.

Shi Jingzhi continued his task with his head down, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

By the time he had sorted out his emotions, Shi Jingzhi had melted the entire golden candlestick into small beads, leaving no trace of its original form.

Seeing Yin Ci regain some vitality, Shi Jingzhi shouldered the package. “Are you done thinking?”

“Let’s go back.” Yin Ci’s tone returned to normal. “Now that the stove is free, I’ll go back and make sweet and sour fish for Shizun.”

However, Shi Jingzhi shook his head and grabbed Yin Ci’s wrist, pulling him back onto the street from the dark alley.

“We’re leaving for the north tomorrow, and who knows when we’ll have a chance to visit a city like this again. A’Ci, let’s wander around before going back.”

Seeing Yin Ci furrowed his brow slightly, Shi Jingzhi added another sentence.

“Your hands are freezing. At least have a hot meal first; this is Master’s orders.” His words brooked no disagreement, but his tone was remarkably gentle.

Yin Ci rubbed his forehead, thinking that this person was just acting on a whim. “Fine, I’ll go with you.”

Shi Jingzhi’s smile grew even brighter. He put his hood back on and pulled Yin Ci to a wonton stall.

The semi-open wonton stall was located on a street corner, filled with people from all walks of life. The orange glow of fire, mingled with the white steam, created a sense of warmth in the cold wind. Several robust men, who had drunk their fill, were loudly arguing by the stall. The white vapor from their words mixed with the steam from the hot food caused most of the customers’ faces to appear hazy.

Although this place was in a bustling city, it had a certain hidden quality, and the stall was unusually clean.

Shi Jingzhi’s eyes were as discerning as ever.

Even if the money he spent came from the offering box in the shrine, he showed no psychological burden. Shi Jingzhi ordered two large bowls of wontons and asked the owner to add extra meat and egg toppings before returning to their seats.

Shi Jingzhi relaxed his demeanor, and coupled with the bustling atmosphere, the cold night felt lively and vibrant.

As Yin Ci continued to watch, his gaze softened slightly.

The eye in the seam faded away from his mind, replaced by a sense of warmth. Sitting among the ordinary stall, the coldness in his bones slowly dissipated, as if an invisible hand had pulled him back to the mortal world.

The wontons arrived, filling the air with a delightful aroma.

The small wontons had thin skin and little filling, just enough to be eaten in one bite. They had a simple and warm flavor. Hot food on a winter night always had a special charm that put one’s mind at ease.

Shi Jingzhi didn’t immediately start eating. He lifted the gauze in front of his hood, and his eyes were filled with a smile as he looked at Yin Ci.

…He hadn’t successfully placated the other person; instead, he found himself being swayed by this young man. Yin Ci was momentarily speechless, unsure of what emotions were stirring within him.

Shi Jingzhi knew well that his own origins were mysterious, and his formidable strength was evident. Yet, he carried himself with unyielding confidence. Sitting comfortably in front of his cheap master, he emanated a benevolent goodwill without appearing subservient, giving off an air of self-assuredness bordering on arrogance.

It must be said that this “arrogance” had initially made Yin Ci wary, but now it seemed somewhat endearing to him.

“A’Ci, if you keep staring at me, the wontons will get cold.”

Shi Jingzhi took a sip of hot soup, sighing deeply.

“Take your time eating, and have your fill. We still have a lot to do later… As for the money, find a place where beggars gather and leave it there. Gold is too conspicuous; we’ll scatter it on our way back to the inn.”

“Why? Is Shizun afraid of reprisal from the Imperial Celestial?” Yin Ci asked.

“Fear? I’ve even hacked that thing up before.” Shi Jingzhi scoffed.

Yin Ci: “…”

He understood now. His master feared only what he couldn’t see or touch. No matter how unreasonable something was, once this person knew it could be chopped, he no longer felt any fear.

Yin Ci suspected that this “unreasonable thing” might even include himself.

Disrespecting ghosts and gods, disrespecting immortals, disrespecting elders, and disrespecting the heavens. Yin Ci always felt that his cheap master shouldn’t be called Shi Jingzhi but should learn from Yan Budu and be called “Shi Bujing*” instead, which would be more appropriate.

*Disrespectful.

“But the money is donated by the common people to the shrine. If we spend it without authorization, won’t it betray those devout believers? Eventually, the money will end up in the pockets of the shrine or the Immortal Assembly. So, I’m just helping the Imperial Celestial by using this money to assist the needy, and in return, I only ask for the reward of two bowls of wontons.”

Shi Jingzhi spoke with righteous confidence.

“These are wontons acquired from the hands of gods and immortals, so eat more, A’Ci.”

Yin Ci had no choice but to stuff a large bowl of wontons into his stomach. When he put down his chopsticks, he even had a slight sweat on his nose.

“A’Ci, actually, I understand. You have been following me without complaints or regrets until now, and this investigation is probably closely related to this flesh idol.”

After Yin Ci finished eating, Shi Jingzhi spoke lightly and cheerfully.

“Playing a role is exhausting; I understand that very well. A’Ci, from now on, you don’t have to deliberately conceal yourself in front of me. Even if I want to figure you out and you don’t want to tell me, I won’t force you.”

His smile became even more pleasant.

“Just as we agreed before, this is a grand competition.”

Yin Ci chuckled. “Shizun, are you still thinking about that ‘exposing each other’s secrets’ competition?”

“Of course.”

Shi Jingzhi reached out and adjusted Yin Ci’s hood.

“I wish you were stronger than I imagined—to understand everything about me sooner… To find me and come to my side.”

“If that’s the case, why not just tell me everything?”

“If A’Ci only had strong martial arts skills and no connections, it’s better not to get involved in this matter. Honestly, I really don’t want to let go of your assistance, and I really don’t want to involve you in something you’re powerless to handle.”

Shi Jingzhi smiled and shook his head, and for the first time, that relaxed demeanor dimmed slightly.

“Let’s go. Let’s each place a copper coin. We’ll meet outside the city gate after three incense sticks.”

“That works.”

After parting ways, Yin Ci didn’t immediately hide the copper coins but headed straight to the postal station.

Before he entered the Buddhist Heart Formation on the mountain, he had requested an investigation into Shi Jingzhi. According to the initial agreement, the messenger pigeons would deliver the letters to Yongsheng. Even if Shi Jingzhi didn’t come voluntarily, he would secretly come anyway.

And now was a convenient time.

Unfortunately, just as Shi Jingzhi had said, his background wasn’t so easy to investigate. Combining several letters, Yin Ci only obtained one clue.

That old man, Sun Huaijin, had seven descendants with the surname “Shi” who were still alive. They all seemed extremely ordinary, and while some were well-off, they couldn’t be considered wealthy. Those with modest backgrounds were just average, leading simple and honest lives, as if they were born and died as farmers.

No matter how he looked at it, none of them would have a peculiar relative like Shi Jingzhi.

However, there was still a discovery to be made—one of the records of a deceased person piqued Yin Ci’s curiosity.

Sun Huaijin had a granddaughter named Shi Chongyu.

Shi Chongyu’s father was a somewhat famous merchant, and he had two sons and two daughters with Sun Huaijin’s daughter. Shi Chongyu was born with a beautiful face and possessed both literary and martial talents, making her quite outstanding. However, her father was conservative and wanted to marry her off early.

Shi Chongyu was stubborn and unwilling to accept her fate. She directly severed ties with her family and embarked on her own journey in the martial world.

She made quite a name for herself on that journey.

Shi Chongyu had a fiery temperament and excelled in spearplay, earning her the nickname “Broken Jade Spear”. Despite her young age, she had gained some fame and was eventually taken in as a disciple by Taiheng. However, the mountains and rivers were vast. People in the martial world came and went. After actively participating as the “Broken Jade Spear” for about five or six years, she disappeared without a trace.

She was self-taught and spent too much time outside to be considered a top disciple of Taiheng. In a world where talented individuals emerged one after another, no one cared about her disappearance. The only rumor left behind by Shi Chongyu in the martial world was that she had “died of an illness in her early twenties”.

And that rumor was more than twenty years ago.

Yin Ci closed the letter and burned it in the postal station’s brazier.

Based on Sun Huaijin’s bloodline, Shi Chongyu was the most likely person related to Shi Jingzhi. Since they would be passing through Taiheng on this journey, this clue was worth investigating.

He had to figure out the twenty-four-year gap between the “Little Mute” and his “cheap master”.

…Not to mention that Shi Jingzhi hoped he would “find him”.

Even if Shi Jingzhi wanted to retreat, Yin Ci would tear through the haze of the years and go to that person’s side.

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The author has something to say:

Fox Shi has learned to genuinely treat people well, delivering a critical hit, while Demonic Lord Yin continues to soften his heart √

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 65: Gap

At sunset, the four of them checked into a small inn near Yongsheng.

This time, Shi Jingzhi didn’t procrastinate. He called Yan Qing and Su Si over and recounted the tragic events that had taken place in the temple in great detail.

Yan Qing had obtained the Sword of Compassion and was feeling quite good. Even if they suddenly had to leave the mountain, he thought the sect master was just acting on a whim and had some urgent matters to attend to. But when he heard the devastating news about Abbot Juefei, Yan Qing stood frozen in place, and his eyes instantly turned red.

Abbot Juefei was only around fifty years old, still in his prime, while Yan Qing had just entered his twenties. To young people, masters like him were like an unshakable wall that would never collapse.

Even if another twenty or thirty years passed, Abbot Juefei would still be happily staying at the Jianchen Temple, waiting for fate.

“I… I thought…” Yan Qing began but couldn’t continue.

What did he want to do? Yin Ci remained silent.

Among the group, Yan Qing had the deepest connection with Monk Juefei. He had wanted to wield his sword and make a name for himself in the martial world, earning the approval of the plump monk. Or perhaps he wanted to do good deeds openly and then visit Juefei, forging a karmic bond with him?

No matter what determination Yan Qing had secretly made, it was destined to have no conclusion.

In the end, Yan Qing didn’t say it out loud. His lips were tightly pursed as he put down the Sword of Compassion and rushed out of the guest room alone.

In contrast, Su Si remained surprisingly calm. He didn’t chase after Yan Qing but watched him leave.

Su Si sat upright, his demeanor unusually composed, and said, “San Zi might not think too much, but I have something to ask.”

Shi Jingzhi showed no surprise. “Ask.”

“Venerable Juefei was cursed ten years ago. Sect Master deduced that Jianchen Temple is the main target of the culprit, and I agree. Although we haven’t informed the Jianchen Temple, I guess Sect Master knows the true nature of the curse.”

Shi Jingzhi remained silent.

Su Si weakly smiled. “Two roots connected, living and dying together. If poisoned, blood becomes the poison’s vessel until death. If burned, blood becomes the fuel, and the body perishes. We encountered the Twin Roots not long ago, didn’t we?”

Back in Yuanxian Village, Su Si was the one who explained it. As the young Patriarch of the Chigou Sect, he had come into contact with many things he shouldn’t have.

The Twin Roots was an evil object that could be broken by the Buddha’s Heart Incense, dispersing its demonic qi.

When the abbot saw them off, he came into contact with the Buddha’s Heart Incense, and the demonic roots within his body would have reacted. Then the culprit could use the guests the abbot saw off to kill him from a thousand miles away with different methods—piercing sword qi through the heart, shattering bones with inner force, or burning him with yang fire.

Once the curse was activated, regardless of whether the intruder was from the Kushan Sect or not, the culprit could use it to kill both Juefei and Juehui.

Shi Jingzhi made a high-profile move by killing Zheng Fengdao and headed to Huilian Mountain. This matter was known to most of the martial arts world, so it wasn’t difficult for the culprit to make arrangements based on this.

However, looking at this point, it seemed that the Kushan Sect was merely being used by someone without much thought. But…

“The timing is just too strange.”

Su Si muttered while gripping the handle of his butcher knife.

“To send off the guests with the Buddha’s Heart Incense, the prerequisite is to activate the Buddha’s Heart Formation. The last time the formation was activated was a hundred years ago, and this time it was activated because of the return of the <Woodless Sutra>… and for the <Woodless Sutra> to return, the Ghost Tomb must be breached.”

“Why did the culprit know ten years ago that the Ghost Tomb would be discovered within Abbot Juefei’s lifetime and destined to be breached? How did they know that during the three-month Sutra Cleansing Session, someone would definitely come up the mountain to meet the abbot? Moreover, the culprit seems to have an excessive understanding of the Jianchen Temple and the Kushan Sect…”

The more Su Si spoke, the paler his face became.

If his speculation was true, this move had been set in motion when Venerable Juefei became the abbot over ten years ago. Afterwards, the culprit patiently waited for the Ghost Tomb to appear in the world and for the martial world to descend into chaos before taking the opportunity to eradicate the Jianchen Temple, the unshakable anchor…

Could an ordinary person accomplish such a thing?

“Sect Master Shi, you still have the ban of the Immortal Assembly on you. What does this mean, exactly—”

“Enough, Su Si. You’re overthinking things. Where in the world would such an exaggerated conspiracy exist?”

Shi Jingzhi showed a comforting and calm expression.

“Abbot Juefei didn’t go down the mountain, and he only received guests several times a year. As long as the news is well-managed, it’s easy to kill during these meetings. Using the Buddha’s Heart Incense as a reference just makes the framing more secure.”

“Ten years ago, I was just a seventeen-year-old kid. Now, wandering the martial world was just a whim. It’s impossible for someone to tailor such a conspiracy specifically for me. As for the ban of the Immortal Assembly, it may not necessarily be related to this matter, and the Twin Roots curse is not unique to an immortal sect… Perhaps the culprit is just a lunatic who is afraid that the world won’t be in chaos and is taking advantage of the chaos caused by the Shirou.”

Su Si wasn’t entirely convinced. “Even if they wanted to cause chaos, why would an ordinary person wait ten years?”

“That’s why I say they’re a lunatic.”

Su Si: “…”

Seeing that the other party was determined not to delve deeper, Su Si had to stand up. “Fine, I’ll go check on San Zi’s situation.”

“Su Si, if you still want to leave the Kushan Sect, now is the best opportunity. Once today’s events spread, the Kushan Sect won’t have an easy time in the martial world.” Shi Jingzhi suddenly spoke up.

Su Si’s footsteps paused.

“Forget it, Sect Master Shi. I don’t fare well outside, and I don’t fare well here either. What’s the difference?”

He smiled, not looking back, and walked out the door.

After Su Si left, Shi Jingzhi relaxed his entire body and let out a sigh of relief. Throughout the whole ordeal, Yin Ci stood by, arms crossed, without saying a word.

Seeing that Shi Jingzhi was in a bad mood, Yin Ci specially borrowed the inn’s kitchen and made some candies. Unexpectedly, his cheap master wouldn’t touch the snacks and wasn’t easily appeased.

Regardless of the situation, Yin Ci didn’t want to force him to speak.

In terms of strategy, Shi Jingzhi wasn’t much inferior to himself. Given the significance of the matter, he should have a grasp of it. If he were to force the question recklessly, it would be disrespectful to the “other master”.

Seeing Shi Jingzhi lost in thought again, Yin Ci placed the candy on the table and poured two cups of hot tea. “Eat.”

His tone was quite impolite.

“A’Ci, you’ve worked so hard… but I have no appetite,” Shi Jingzhi absentmindedly said.

“You hardly ate anything for lunch, and if you continue like this, your body will weaken.”

Without hesitation, Yin Ci reached out and held Shi Jingzhi’s face, forcing him to open his mouth.

“There are many variables ahead, and if your mind isn’t clear and your energy is insufficient, who knows what might happen.”

With that, he mercilessly stuffed a piece of candy into Shi Jingzhi’s mouth.

Shi Jingzhi reluctantly swallowed the candy, finally smiling. “Feeding candy is just like feeding poison. You’re probably the only one in the world who does this.”

The candy was made by Yin Ci, sweet and not greasy, making it easy to eat. Shi Jingzhi slowly ate a few pieces, gradually regaining his appetite. He finished the plate of candy and even asked for two more.

After drinking the hot tea, Shi Jingzhi’s mood noticeably improved. “I want something sweet and sour. A‘Ci, can you make hawthorn cake? If not, how about cherry pork for dinner?”

Yin Ci immediately refused. “You’ve already had enough oily food today. I’m here to nourish you, not to feed a pig.”

Shi Jingzhi: “……”

Shi Jingzhi looked mournful. “Good disciple, at a time like this, you should indulge your master.”

“Fine, but we’ll only have sweet and sour fish for dinner.”

“I’ll assist you, and we can make hawthorn cakes…” Shi Jingzhi, fully embracing his own “object addiction”, persisted.

Yin Ci smiled and watched Shi Jingzhi, suspecting that this person’s begging for food was genuine while his spoiled behavior was authentic.

Shi Jingzhi leaned against the window of the small inn. The evening sun cast a gentle orange color on his ink-black hair. Looking at the now calm Shi Jingzhi, Yin Ci suddenly felt a heaviness in his heart.

If it weren’t for his identity as the “person in white” being discovered and receiving special attention within the temple, in the end, only Shi Jingzhi would be allowed to meet the abbot.

When the time came for the confrontation, no one would stop Shi Jingzhi as the fire raged on.

In that tragic moment, Shi Jingzhi could only tear apart the goodwill extended by Jianchen Temple and kill Zhixing, who would have witnessed the incident, before fleeing together in haste.

Wronged and filled with hatred, his sins would stain him like ink. At that time, would Shi Jingzhi’s inner demon still be as innocent and white as snow?

Faced with the overwhelming accusations and resentment, would he still be able to calmly think and genuinely mourn for Abbot Juefei?

For a brief moment, Yin Ci had a subtle feeling—he was trying to gather the fragments and piece together “people’s hearts” for Shi Jingzhi. However, at the same time, there was someone secretly intervening, hoping to break him even more completely.

…Perhaps it was just an illusion.

Perhaps because he had been thinking about Shi Jingzhi’s matters recently, Yin Ci was feeling a bit chaotic due to his concern.

“The stove in the inn is currently in use, so hawthorn cakes are not possible. How about I accompany Shizun to buy two skewers of candied hawthorns? How does that sound?”

Yin Ci shook his head and began teasing his cheap master again.

To his surprise, Shi Jingzhi didn’t respond with a joke. Instead, he slowly tightened his face, and his eyes brightened.

“A’Ci, show me your true abilities. How long would it take to get from here to Yongsheng?”

Yin Ci was taken aback. “If we don’t bring Yan Qing and Su Si, about half an hour. Why do you ask?”

“I want to go to Yongsheng with you, and we don’t need to bring anything.” Shi Jingzhi narrowed his eyes, and that familiar cunning expression returned. “We’ll go to the city to buy candied hawthorns and secretly eat them without anyone noticing.”

Yin Ci silently reached out and touched Shi Jingzhi’s forehead.

No fever?

Shi Jingzhi brushed his hand away. “Regardless of the truth behind Abbot Juefei’s matter, we’re definitely being watched. If the four of us go to Yongsheng together, it will leave a trace. It’s better to avoid big cities and head straight for the Mishan Sect—once we enter the city, I’ll send a letter to Shi Zhongyu and borrow the ‘Arrow Horses’ from Taiheng for temporary use.”

“Since we’re going to the Mishan Sect and heading north, we’ll pass by Taiheng. The Jianchen Temple won’t immediately release the news, so I’ll say that the plan has changed, and I can only personally deliver the treasure map, then we’ll ride the Arrow Horses and leave…”

Yin Ci quickly understood his meaning. “And then when the tragic incident at the Jianchen Temple breaks out, we’ll escape on horseback?”

“What are you saying? Master will definitely return the horses in the end! It’s just that without the Arrow Horses, it will take us two months just to reach the Snowy Region in the north. Borrowing it for a little longer shouldn’t be a problem, and Senior Shi will probably understand… I’ll bring her some compensation when the time comes.” Shi Jingzhi’s voice grew quieter and quieter.

Compensation? If Shi Zhongyu believed that they had killed Abbot Juefei, they would probably have to offer their heads as compensation.

“If we’re only delivering a letter, we don’t necessarily have to go to Yongsheng. Do you have any other plans?”

Shi Jingzhi winked at him. “A’Ci, the Twin Roots curse has already appeared, so we must confirm the other clue… Ah, that expression. I knew you still remembered!”

At night, in Yongsheng, two figures gracefully flipped over the wall and entered.

Shi Jingzhi skillfully put on his hood and acted as a runner to deliver the letter to Taiheng. Yin Ci waited in the dark alley, remaining vigilant of their surroundings. When Shi Jingzhi returned, he was about to lead the way when something appeared in his hand—

“Now let’s go.” Shi Jingzhi handed Yin Ci a candied hawthorn sticks and took one for himself.

Yin Ci: “…”

It seemed that this kid’s object addiction was no joke; when he said he wanted to eat, he absolutely had to eat.

Demonic Lord Yin stared at the candied hawthorn stick in his hand, feeling like he had dug a hole for himself. The matter of prioritizing teaching this Sect Master was indeed a heavy responsibility and a long way to go.

As a result, they became the first two thieves in Great Yun’s history to bring candied hawthorns into a shrine.

The shrine of the Imperial Celestial was located in the most prosperous area of the city. The time for worship had long passed, and there were still a few guards in the hall.

The shrine was spacious and quiet. The candlesticks on the table shone with golden light, and the candle flames flickered. The offerings were brightly colored and fresh, as if just picked.

The statue of the Imperial Celestial stood on the shrine—its face neither male nor female, exuding a serene beauty. That face was filled with sadness and compassion, exactly the same as the flesh statue in Yuanxian Village.

Shi Jingzhi dangled from a beam, plucked a hawthorn from the candied hawthorn stick, and threw it towards the door with a click when the guard’s attention was diverted. Masked Yin Ci descended from above and skillfully took down everyone.

“A’Ci, you go check the statue, and I’ll fake the traces of theft.”

Shi Jingzhi took out a cloth from his pocket and wrapped the golden candlestick on the table. He then took out handfuls of copper coins from the offering box and intentionally scattered them on the ground.

Yin Ci, on the other hand, went around to the back of the statue.

He concentrated a bit of sword qi on his fingertips and aimed at the least conspicuous part of the base of the golden statue. Quietly, he cut off a piece of the casing.

Yin Ci had previously tapped on the statue and knew it wasn’t hollow. He only hoped that there would be a regular clay body or some other common filling inside.

However, within the gap he pried open, there was a faint yet familiar smell of blood.

Within that one-finger-wide crack, Yin Ci saw the familiar brownish-red flesh pulp and a deformed eye—it looked somewhat shriveled, rapidly contracting its pupil due to the sudden exposure to light.

The Yongsheng Shrine had stood in this place for over two hundred years. During those two hundred years, the statue had never been replaced.

But that eye was there, still active.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 64: Cause and Effect

Winter was mild, and the sunlight was as clear as tea.

The room was a mess of soft cushions and green plants. The window was half open, and the broken sutras rustled in the wind, creating an atmosphere of eerie calm.

But in the center of this calm, the scene was like hell.

Yang fire wasn’t ordinary fire, and the abbot wasn’t an ordinary person. Wrapped in flames, his appearance remained unchanged, without any signs of decay or blackening. He seemed to be napping with his head down, giving people a glimmer of painful hope.

Juehui sat motionless by the wall, looking like a soulless corpse. The young monk’s face, Shixing’s, was pale, his lips trembling, and his whole body shaking. Shi Jingzhi reached out and grabbed Yin Ci’s hands, which were damp and cold.

Four pairs of eyes were fixed on Abbot Juefei, but no one made a sound. Everyone held their breath, as if waiting for an impossible miracle to happen.

But there were no miracles in this world.

After a while, starting from his feet, the body of Abbot Juefei began to disintegrate.

The living flesh cracked slightly, turning into fine white ashes. Then the ashes burned through, completely dissolving into nothingness. In this way, Abbot Juefei maintained a quiet sitting posture, gradually collapsing from bottom to top, merging into the faint breeze swirling in the room.

Half an incense stick’s worth of time passed, or perhaps half a century.

The ashes burned out, and the golden flames finally extinguished. There were no relics or bones on the bed; only a charred black scorch mark remained.

They had understood the worldly entanglements of a lifetime, looking back without being stained by dust.

Everything happened suddenly, ending silently.

The air became stagnant for a moment. The fact that “Abbot Juefei died” weighed heavily, like a mountain, suspended in the air, unable to land for a long time. Just a little while ago, the abbot was unharmed, smiling and talking with everyone.

Even Yin Ci, who had seen the vicissitudes of the world, was once again filled with bitterness by the impermanence of life.

Seeing the sorrow on Monk Juehui’s face, Monk Zhixing took two steps back. The black scorch mark was like a heavy hammer, shattering his sanity. The young monk was on the verge of collapse, stumbling towards the door, wanting to escape from this place.

“Bang!”

A burst of true qi shot out instantly, warningly hitting in front of Monk Zhixing.

Seeing Zhixing stop in his tracks, Shi Jingzhi expressionlessly withdrew his hand and looked at the black scorch mark.

“You…” Monk Zhixing clenched his teeth, his expression still somewhat dazed. “I’ve seen this golden fire before. You—”

“Zhixing, be careful with your words!” Monk Juehui finally trembled as he stood up, his voice hoarse.

“Master, you know that Yin Ci is the person in the Ghost Tomb in white! He just stopped his companions, clearly knowing what happened. There are many greats in the martial world who can control yang fire, and we have only seen it with the sect master…”

Monk Zhixing spoke quickly, his voice choking. It was as if he could only breathe again when he grasped a certain hatred.

Yin Ci understood that feeling. As despair approached, people couldn’t change their fate and could only futilely grasp at a straw to escape from collapse. The abbot’s death was too sudden, without any warning. The chaos and sorrow of the young monk couldn’t even be soothed by Buddha himself.

He could only turn them into anger and hatred.

Unfortunately, Monk Juefei had anticipated this in advance—

Juefei could have said something else.

As the highest-ranking cultivator in the temple, Abbot Juefei could have realized the cause of death and made it public, allowing the monks to search for the culprit. Even if he didn’t hold onto hatred, with the turmoil in the martial world and the Jianchen Temple on the verge of chaos, he could have left a will and made arrangements after his passing.

But he didn’t.

Abbot Juefei, with all his strength, left a sentence that seemed ordinary and unrelated to others.

[Juehui, Zhixing… What happened today… has nothing to do… with the Kushan Sect…]

…So don’t be blinded by anger and wronged the innocent.

“Senior Brother said that today’s events have nothing to do with the Kushan Sect.”

Monk Juehui’s tone was calm, but his clasped hands trembled slightly.

“Senior Brother Juefei is the most accomplished cultivator in the temple. Do you think his judgment would be worse than yours?”

Monk Zhixing’s eyes turned red.

He opened his mouth, but in the end, no words came out. Zhixing felt as if he had been emptied all at once. He stared blankly into his master’s eyes but found no trace of pacification or deception.

His master had complete faith in the deceased abbot.

Zhixing’s resentment dissipated into thin air. He had to hold back his tears, avert his gaze, and focus on a shattered potted plant on the ground. Sunlight scattered over the green leaves, and Zhixing clung to their vibrant color, not daring to look at the bed.

Juehui tightened his face with a bitter expression, then turned around after a while. “Friend Yin, may I ask about earlier—”

Yin Ci answered straightforwardly, “Before the ignition of the yang fire, the abbot’s life force had already been severed. The abbot had profound cultivation, and he forcibly suppressed it with his physical strength, which is why he lasted so long.”

Monk Juehui fell into silence for a long time.

Finally, he sighed softly. “Amitabha, it would be better for you all to leave the mountain soon, and after you are far away, I will announce this matter.”

Having said that, Monk Juehui walked towards the door but was intercepted by Shi Jingzhi’s burst of true qi.

“Venerable, please stay.”

Although Monk Juehui was also somewhat dazed, he didn’t show the same anger as Zhixing. “Does Sect Master Shi have something else to say?”

“If A’Ci hadn’t noticed anything earlier… I would have approached and taken his pulse, and you, Venerable, would have come closer, concerned about the condition of the abbot.”

Shi Jingzhi released Yin Ci’s hand, slowly clenched his fist, and his voice became solemn.

“I am accustomed to using yang fire. I can use fire to defend against fire, and nothing will happen to me. But if Venerable is concerned, chaos will ensue. Facing such yang fire, your life will also be in danger. The Jianchen Temple will lose two respected eminent monks in an instant, which will undoubtedly greatly weaken its vitality and leave it unable to take care of itself.”

“If that was the case, according to Venerable Zhixing’s perspective, I touched the abbot, and he died in the yang fire, which also caused the death of Venerable Juehui. Even if I claim that ‘I wouldn’t be foolish enough to attack on the spot,’ Zhixing and everyone present would suspect our sect. Who in the martial world would truly believe me?”

Monk Juehui furrowed his brow, lost in thought.

“In that kind of situation, I can’t argue with a hundred mouths. To buy time to escape from the mountain, I would have no choice but to kill Zhixing… By doing so, not only will the reputation of the Kushan Sect be tarnished, but the Jianchen Temple will also see us as a thorn in their side.”

He spoke these words in a straightforward manner. Zhixing had never heard such a blunt declaration of murder and instinctively took a step back.

Shi Jingzhi didn’t even look at Zhixing.

The politeness and smile on his face vanished, revealing a hint of wickedness. Standing in the mess, he exuded an intimidating aura.

“…But looking at the situation, I can’t help but feel that something is not right. If the killer only wanted to trouble the Kushan Sect, they could have targeted ordinary people and framed us with planted evidence. Going to the extent of killing a highly skilled abbot seems like a grandiose plan.”

His tone was nonchalant, and Zhixing couldn’t bear to listen anymore. “Sect Master Shi, what do you take human lives for?”

“Zhixing!” Monk Juehui shouted. “This is the abbot’s room. Are you going to harbor anger here? Sect Master Shi, please continue.”

“The killer not only wants to ensure the Jianchen Temple falls into chaos but also wants to tarnish the reputation of the Kushan Sect, killing two birds with one stone. From my perspective, ‘disrupting the Jianchen Temple’ is probably the most important objective… Venerable Juehui, I have a request.”

Monk Juehui looked deeply into Shi Jingzhi’s eyes. “Sect Master Shi, please speak.”

“Please go into seclusion and completely seal off the temple, cutting off all external contacts.”

Juehui: “Why?”

“Allow me to explain.”

This time, it wasn’t Shi Jingzhi who responded, but Yin Ci.

When Shi Jingzhi released the burst of true qi earlier, Yin Ci already understood Shi Jingzhi’s thoughts. It seemed that the sand table they played with a few days ago wasn’t in vain. His cheap master’s reaction was even quicker now, and his insight into the overall situation was reassuring.

But it was a cold and almost ruthless calmness.

If he let him continue, it might provoke the two monks. Having one villain from the Kushan Sect was enough.

Yin Ci retreated to the door, leaning against it to completely block the two monks’ way out.

He took a deep breath, deliberately giving his tone an air of arrogance. “During the Sutra Cleansing Session, the temple is tightly guarded. If both the abbot and the head monk died simultaneously, it would inevitably cause chaos. It is best to continue sealing off the temple until the chaos subsides.”

Juehui furrowed his brow and slowly pondered. “Are you asking this humble monk to fake his death?”

“If the killer knows that you’re still alive, they might come after you. It’s better to go along with the plan, conserve your strength, and it won’t harm the Jianchen Temple.”

Upon hearing this, Zhixing was stunned.

He looked at Shi Jingzhi for a moment, then turned his gaze to Yin Ci. Amidst his grief and anger, there was a hint of confusion. “If the killer is inside the temple, wouldn’t they be exposed immediately?”

Yin Ci: “No poison can ignite such yang fire, but a formation and curse can. It’s impossible for a master like Venerable Juefei to fail to notice the traces of a formation on his body. From this perspective, it can only be a curse; a highly concealed and malicious curse.”

Juehui suddenly realized. “Senior Brother spends his days meditating indoors. If someone wanted to perform the curse, there would be no opportunity inside the temple.”

Yin Ci nodded without saying more.

Monk Juehui, as the abbot of the Jianchen Temple, naturally had good insight.

The last time Venerable Juefei went down the mountain was at least ten years ago. By excluding this incident, the scope of the culprit could be narrowed down. The perpetrator would definitely not be foolish enough to stay in the temple.

However, the fact that the curse had been planted at least ten years ago showed a level of patience and malice that was alarming. Regardless of the killer’s plan, it couldn’t be something trivial.

Realizing this, Juehui’s pained expression finally relaxed slightly, with a mix of joy and sadness. “Amitabha, as monks, we cannot lie. Sealing off the temple is not out of the question, but if someone specifically asks, it will be difficult for our temple to deceive.”

“Furthermore, if our temple remains silent on this matter and conceals Senior Brother’s last words, Sect Master Shi’s path will become much more difficult.”

Shi Jingzhi interjected, “It doesn’t matter.”

“This is karma.” Monk Juehui’s shoulders slumped a little more. “To sacrifice the Kushan Sect for our own protection and deceive the world, Senior Brother will be the first one not to forgive me.”

Shi Jingzhi looked again at the burn marks on the bed. That black patch didn’t emit the slightest bit of light, resembling a cave leading straight to hell.

He stood silently for a moment, then lifted his robes and knelt down.

Shi Jingzhi’s tightly clenched fist remained unyielding, and his expression remained calm. He looked directly into Juehui’s eyes without any intention of evasion.

“Sect Master Shi?!”

“Venerable, please understand. Let the esteemed masters of the Jianchen Temple suffer this once. The Buddhist path is about purity, not clinging to love, hatred, or enmity. If Abbot Juehui believes in me, this junior will thoroughly investigate the cause of his death on behalf of the Jianchen Temple.”

Shi Jingzhi’s words were solemn and deliberate.

“In any case, this matter has a ’cause’ brought about by this junior, resulting in this unfortunate consequence. I am willing to bear it alone. The methods used by the killer are vicious, and the martial world is currently in turmoil. The Jianchen Temple is one of the pillars stabilizing the martial world and cannot suffer any further harm.”

Juehui was momentarily stunned. “Senior Brother has been contemplating the karmic ties of the world all his life, always cautious about cause and effect. This time, when all of you came to the mountain, he had hoped to sever the karmic ties of the <Woodless Sutra>… Unfortunately, human plans are no match for fate, and we cannot escape the karmic obstacles.”

In just a few sticks of incense, the face of Monk Juehui had aged as if he had grown ten years older.

“Very well, I promise you. This humble monk will bear this karmic obstacle.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Jingzhi stood up.

“Venerable, I will lie. I will spread the news outside that the abbot and you died in the yang fire, and I narrowly escaped from a sudden attack by Sect Master Shi.”

Zhixing, who had remained silent all this time, suddenly interjected. “I already have an unstable state of mind, being scolded by my master and the abbot every day. Now, it’s just… breaking another precept. If it’s only me who remains uninvolved, this matter will surely become my inner demon.”

“Master, according to the killer’s plan, it was originally my role to create chaos. Isn’t this also cause and effect?”

After speaking, Zhixing took a deep breath.

He took out a Buddha Heart Incense from the small table in the abbot’s room, and without waiting for Monk Juehui’s response, he bowed his head directly to Shi Jingzhi. “Sect Master Shi, at present, everyone is in the Scripture Cleansing Hall. There’s no time to waste. I will secretly escort you down the mountain.”

He raised his voice again on his own, with a slight tremor in his tone. “I have decided to tell this lie. Sect Master Shi, please… please don’t die, or else my inner demon will be unbearable.”

This time, he looked directly into Shi Jingzhi’s face, with an unwavering and resolute gaze filled with sorrow.

Shi Jingzhi smiled faintly and then nodded solemnly.

“A’Ci, go and find Yan Qing and Su Si… I’ll trouble Junior Master to guide the way.”

Unexpectedly, roles were reversed, and this time it was Juehui who spoke. “Sect Master Shi, please stay.”

“Venerable?”

“Let his poor monk ask you, even if you have to humble yourself and beg, are you willing to preserve our temple? What are you seeking? Is it for ‘yourself’ or for the ‘greater good’?”

Shi Jingzhi didn’t turn back.

“Of course, it is for ‘myself’.”

He still answered straightforwardly and without hesitation.

With the Buddha Heart Incense, his inner force was restored, and his inner demon was gone. It took several days to ascend the mountain, but it took less than an hour to descend. When they reached the land of the Lord of Greed, Zhixing stopped his qinggong and landed on top of a mountain rock.

“The remaining Buddha Heart Incense is enough for all of you to leave the mountain.”

Monk Zhixing spoke hoarsely.

“There are many people and prying eyes on the side of the mountain. With the sealing of the temple imminent, I apologize for not sending you off personally. Sect Master Shi, I was confused just now and may have said offensive words. I hope you can forgive me.”

Shi Jingzhi bowed in return. “Junior Master, take care.”

Due to the urgency of the situation, Yan Qing and Su Si were confused. They were about to ask questions when they were each grabbed by Yin Ci and quickly left the mountain.

As they had just left, not too far away, there came an extremely sorrowful cry from behind.

Zhixing, the solitary monk, remained alone on the mountain of the Lord of Greed, standing amidst the vast expanse of sky and earth, and finally, he too burst into tears of anguish.

After a few sticks of incense.

In the shade of the mountain, outside the stone gate, the four members of the Kushan Sect stopped in their tracks, panting for breath. After leaving Huilian Mountain, the white snow and green pines remained unchanged. There was no one around, and everything was still serene and desolate.

Yin Ci walked up to Shi Jingzhi and pulled up his sleeve.

Shi Jingzhi had very short fingernails, but now they were deeply embedded in his wound. The wound had burst open, and fresh blood stained the white bandages that wrapped it. Just a moment before Yin Ci discovered it, Shi Jingzhi had tightly clenched his fist, refusing to let go.

For a moment, Shi Jingzhi seemed to be filled with guilt as he lowered his head. However, this time, Yin Ci didn’t release any anger towards his self-inflicted injury.

“Shizun, come here.”

Yin Ci, unusually, opened his arms and willingly embraced him—not to face an enemy, nor to study techniques.

“…A’Ci, I don’t really want to cry, and I can’t seem to cry.”

Shi Jingzhi tightly returned the embrace, greedily drawing warmth from the other’s body.

“The actions of Venerable Juefei before his death weren’t only for the Kushan Sect but also to free the Jianchen Temple from conspiracy… But his kindness towards us was genuine, without any falsehood or hidden agenda, and I can’t understand it.”

“I understand.”

“I feel very sad.”

“…I understand.”

Shi Jingzhi closed his eyes and fell silent. He held the embrace even tighter, like clinging pampas grass to a boulder.

The Buddha Heart Formation asked for sincerity, and Greed, Hatred, and Ignorance asked for attachment.

Fortunately, no one asked about joy or sorrow.

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 63: Karma

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.

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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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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 62: Introspection

Abbot Juefei showed the members of the Kushan Sect the highest courtesy. He sighed and got off the bed, unexpectedly deciding to personally lead the way.

The chubby monk adjusted his robe, covering his trembling flesh. Then he turned to Yan Qing, who was pretending to be blind, and said, “The Yan boy, no need to keep your eyes closed. The scenery outside is beautiful. Don’t miss it.”

Yan Qing opened his ghost eyes, looking incredulous.

Abbot Juefei laughed heartily. “Amitabha! Our temple has always had a good relationship with Taiheng. Your Senior Shi knew that the Kushan Sect was coming up the mountain, so she specially sent a letter asking me not to make things too difficult for you. After all, even in our temple, Martial Uncle Kongshi’s wisdom is rarely surpassed. If it weren’t for him being killed by Yan Budu, he would undoubtedly be the youngest Abbot in the history of the Jianchen Temple.”

Yan Qing stood still, not knowing how to respond. Su Si was nervously watching Juefei, his back tensed, ready to act.

However, Abbot Juefei just casually approached and patted Yan Qing’s shoulder.

“As the saying goes, everyone has their own karma. Since Yan Budu can bring the stone sword up the mountain, this karma has been resolved. When you go out later, if any monk violates the precept of hatred, I will throw them into the Buddhist Heart Formation for reflection.”

With that, he winked at Yan Qing.

“The little kid from the small town has grown up so much. By the way, is the apricot pit that I taught you still being used as a toy?”

Su Si: “It was you old bald… Venerable who taught him?”

“Amitabha! I’m not stuck on Huilian Mountain. Every ten or twenty years, I still go down the mountain to travel.”

Yan Qing stood quietly for a while, giving a sincere bow to Juefei. “Thank you, Venerable Juefei, for your guidance.”

“It’s nothing, nothing.” Juefei waved his hand, then turned to Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci. “Both of you don’t need to cover your faces. Make sure to hold your heads up high. When I grab a stick, see which one dares to let go. If any of those little brats dare to violate the precept of lust later… Hmph.”

Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci: “…”

The sutra cleansing was held in the courtyard. Buddhist banners fluttered, and sutras were hung under the warm winter sun. The scent of medicinal incense filled the entire Jianchen Temple, exuding a bitter and soothing aroma.

The gentle breeze rustled the pages of the sutras, creating a mysterious and unique atmosphere.

Juefei led the group of people through the courtyard, deliberately strolling around the yard a few times.

It turned out that the concentration of the monks in the Jianchen Temple was quite impressive. Most people looked at the master and disciple with admiration, while only a few young monks avoided eye contact and continued reciting sutras, not crossing the line.

Compared to beauty, Yan Qing’s ghost eyes had a stronger impact. Two monks couldn’t help but glare angrily at Yan Qing. They were then picked up by Juefei as if they were chicks and thrown out of the cleansing ceremony. “Go, go, go meditate on the peak. You must stay for four hours, no less.”

It wasn’t until all the monks in the courtyard focused on their own practice, treating the members of the Kushan Sect as if they were just four bonsai trees, that Abbot Juefei finally nodded in satisfaction, clasped his hands together, and led the group towards the Pagoda Forest.

The sunlight was warm, and the sky was clear. Although the Pagoda Forest was the resting place for numerous monks’ remains, it appeared tranquil and devoid of any eerie atmosphere.

Monk Juehui, who looked thin, resembling a pole, was waiting in front of the Pagoda Forest. He was accompanied by a young monk who often espoused the philosophy of “form is emptiness”. When they saw Yin Ci, both of their expressions turned serious.

“Don’t mind my junior brother. He’s always overly concerned. Besides the stone sword, there are many other treasures in the underground palace… If your sect’s master and disciple separate, I can barely manage, but if they were to cooperate, I, as an opponent, would surely be no match.”

Abbot Juefei glanced at Yin Ci, speaking openly and frankly.

“Amitabha! Please ignore my junior brother. Consider it giving me face.”

Juefei had few wrinkles on his round face, while Juehui’s face was filled with lines of suffering. Even though Juehui was younger than Juefei, the term “junior brother” seemed out of place when used in reference to him.

After hearing Juefei’s words, the wrinkled Juehui and Yin Ci both lowered their heads and bowed in respect.

The members of the Kushan Sect had no ulterior motives to begin with, so Shi Jingzhi courteously returned the gesture. When they entered the underground palace, as a friendly gesture, he specifically asked Abbot Juehui to follow behind the group.

Upon arrival, Abbot Juefei used the immensely profound Buddhist true qi to strike the door, causing the stone door of the underground palace to slowly open.

The underground palace of the Jianchen Temple was spacious and clean, without a trace of decay. It was cool and well-ventilated, with a faint scent of incense. Large ceramic jars containing the remains of monks were arranged neatly, displaying a sense of solemnity.

At the innermost part of the underground palace, a perpetual lamp was burning, and the implements used by the eminent monks during their lifetime were placed on stone platforms. They were all untouched by dust, exuding a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

The stone sword of Kongshi was placed in the center, leaning against the wall.

The passage of a hundred years hadn’t left any marks on the sword’s blade; it remained in the same state as when it was crafted. The stone sword had a simple and ancient design, with a grayish-blue color and an unsharpened edge. Upon closer inspection, one could see the intricate engravings of Buddhist scriptures on the blade.

From the appearance of the stone sword alone, the group couldn’t discern anything unusual.

The ease on Shi Jingzhi’s face gradually disappeared, and he furrowed his brows. He carefully examined the blade, and his expression turned slightly bitter.

“Troublesome,” he whispered to Yin Ci. “Given Yan Budu’s maliciousness, he most likely employed some sinister means to hide the clue.”

Yin Ci nodded calmly. The implication of Shi Jingzhi’s words was clear—based on Yan Bubu’s usual methods, regardless of the “solution” he had set up, it would definitely not be something that could be tested in a sacred place of Buddhism.

If they didn’t want to cause trouble at the gravesites of the eminent masters and offend the Jianchen Temple, they had to find a way to take the sword away.

“This sword is called ‘Compassion’, made of muyan stone and crafted by Venerable Kongshi himself. The scriptures on it were also carved by him personally.”

Juefei suppressed his smile, and his round face showed a hint of reverence.

“Perhaps you have heard that muyan stone is the hardest stone in the world, inherently extremely heavy and difficult to cut. Apart from Martial Uncle Kongshi, no one has used it to make a weapon… Well, feel free to take a look. Even if you want to damage this sword, it will require considerable skill.”

Shi Jingzhi: “Can Abbot Juefei lift it?”

“Nowadays, I can lift it, but with this old monk’s body size, I wouldn’t have the strength to carry it. It’s a pity, a pity.” Juefei patted his belly with regret.

Shi Jingzhi took a deep breath: “Alright, Su Si. You give it a try.”

Su Si: “Oh.”

But in the next moment, Su Si snapped back to reality. “Wait, why me first?”

Shi Jingzhi had a serious expression. “First strength, then courtesy. First heavy, followed by light*. Perhaps after the sword sees your obsession, it will be more accommodating to all of us.”

*Saying referring to prioritizing strength and force before considering etiquette or politeness.

Su Si looked like he wanted to shout, “If Yan Budu can do it, why can’t I?” Considering that Abbot Juefei was watching, he held back those words, took a deep breath, and obediently grabbed the sword.

He had spent ten years repeatedly evading because of an obsession. In terms of “obsession*”, he might be the most excessive one.

*The term being used is [wozhi] (我执) which means holding onto one’s ego. In Buddhism, it is believed this is the fundamental cause of suffering and the root of ignorance.

Clearly, the stone sword agreed with his assessment.

Just as Su Si grabbed the hilt, he let out a miserable cry. A radiant light flashed, and he was actually sent flying two or three zhang away.

On the stone platform, the sword’s presence instantly became imposing. If it had arms and legs, based on its aura alone, it seemed like it would step down from the platform and give Su Si a good beating.

Abbot Juefei exclaimed, “Amitabha! Young Patron, you’re impressive.”

Yin Ci: “…” After Kongshi, does the strange and whimsical atmosphere become a fine tradition of the Jianchen Temple?

However, Shi Jingzhi’s deduction was correct. Su Si’s obsession outweighed that of an ordinary person, and he truly couldn’t wield the large sword.

Su Si crawled up with a disheveled appearance, and his beautiful face was twisted. He clenched his own cleaver, gritting his teeth. “Tsk, I have my own blade anyway.”

Yin Ci sighed and glanced at Juehui, who had been staring at him. “Let me go next.”

With Su Si in front and Shi Jingzhi behind, even if the sword’s reaction to him was excessive, it wouldn’t attract too much attention.

…He didn’t indulge in greed, hatred, or ignorance. Perhaps his “obsession” wasn’t that strong.

Yin Ci calmed his mind, emptied his thoughts, and took a few steps forward, gripping the hilt of the sword.

This time, the sword’s reaction wasn’t as sharp. It didn’t send Yin Ci flying, but the hilt of the sword was ice-cold, as if it were a thousand-year-old ice. Yin Ci had no doubt that if he continued to hold it like this, his palm would be severely frostbitten in no time.

The stone sword vehemently rejected him.

Before releasing his grip, Yin Ci stubbornly tugged at it. Sure enough, the stone sword was as heavy as a thousand jin*, immovable.

*1 jin = 500 grams = about 1.1 lbs

It was indeed futile to hope for a stroke of luck. His own “obsession” wasn’t as assertive as Su Si’s, and while it could be considered a century-old obsession, it ultimately couldn’t pass the test.

“If I can’t lift it, it seems my enlightenment is lacking.” Yin Ci clenched his fist, concealing the frostbite, and showed no sign of discomfort on his face.

Abbot Juefei looked at him with a smiling expression, not saying a word.

“It’s this junior’s turn.”

Shi Jingzhi handed the “Medicine Cures Illness” flag to Yin Ci, rubbing his hands with a serious expression. With both Su Si and Yin Ci having failed, the situation wasn’t optimistic. If this path didn’t work, they would have to rack their brains to find another way to deal with the Jianchen Temple.

…In other words, they would waste a significant amount of unnecessary time.

Shi Jingzhi held his breath and carefully gripped the hilt of the sword, as if touching a sleeping beast.

However, as soon as his fingertips touched the hilt, Shi Jingzhi immediately vomited a mouthful of black blood. A flash of brilliance from the ban illuminated everything.

The stone sword had its own introspection, and desire was also an attachment.

Shi Jingzhi gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead. His expression was filled with excruciating pain. He stubbornly held onto the hilt, almost masochistically persisting.

Gradually, he not only vomited black blood but also a faint smell of burnt flesh emanated from the hilt. Shi Jingzhi’s whole body tensed up, exerting all his inner force. The pressure was like the collapse of the heavens and the earth, yet the stone sword remained immovable.

There was a moment that Yin Ci didn’t know whether Shi Jingzhi’s determination was a good or a bad thing—compared to his previous chaotic state, Shi Jingzhi was now consciously controlling his desires. His craving and determination had merged into a single thread, and his madness had reached a new level.

Half an incense stick’s worth of time passed, and the oppressive feeling emanating from Shi Jingzhi reached its limit.

Before the stone sword, Shi Jingzhi’s headband cracked, his long hair scattered, and his robe sleeves moved without any wind. Shi Jingzhi’s lips were stained with black-red blood, but his eyes were fixed on the hilt without any intention of retreating.

It was an almost foolish persistence.

This time, Yin Ci didn’t intend to laugh at him.

At this moment, Yin Ci wondered whether this person saw the stone sword in his eyes or his unshakeable destiny.

Shi Jingzhi was undoubtedly holding onto his own vitality. However, the stone sword was merciless. It was like a mirror, reflecting back every burning thought.

“Kid, let go!” Abbot Juefei’s smiling expression vanished as he shouted on the spot.

This shout contained a profound amount of true qi, causing a buzzing sound in everyone’s ears. Shi Jingzhi’s eyes turned dull, and his strength dissipated. Just as Yin Ci thought he was going to let go of the hilt, Shi Jingzhi clenched his teeth and held onto it again.

At the same time, the stone sword emitted a deep humming sound, reminiscent of a temple bell. Despite the pressure from Shi Jingzhi’s imposing aura, it remained in its original position without the slightest movement.

Yin Ci resisted the pressure and took a few steps forward, gently covering Shi Jingzhi’s hand with his palm.

“Shizun, that’s enough.”

Rarely, his voice lacked any playfulness and carried only seriousness.

“Things have come to this point. I will help you find a solution. Do you remember? Excessive pursuit is as bad as insufficient pursuit*.”

*AKA Too much is as bad as too little.

Shi Jingzhi finally averted his gaze. Hesitant, he looked at Yin Ci, and the pain in his eyes gradually settled into ordinary disappointment.

He slowly loosened his grip and replied with a hoarse voice. “Mm, I remember.”

“It’s good that you remember.” Yin Ci held his wrist. Shi Jingzhi’s palm was severely burned, bloody, and mangled, causing Yin Ci to frown.

Seeing Yin Ci’s uneasy expression, Shi Jingzhi emphasized, “I remember to hold back. We agreed that we would continue the sand table battle tonight…”

Yin Ci interrupted him directly. “You didn’t hold back enough, so no sand table tonight. When we get back, I’ll treat your injuries. Since Shizun is enduring so much, you should endure it as well.”

After a moment of silence, Shi Jingzhi hesitated and said uncertainly, “You’re really angry.”

“That’s right.”

“You’re angry because of me.”

Yin Ci glanced at him. “So what?”

“This is the first time I’ve seen you so seriously angry.” Shi Jingzhi continued seriously and awkwardly, “You’re right, we can find another way when we go back… I won’t do this again.”

Looking at Shi Jingzhi’s pale face, Yin Ci couldn’t hold onto his anger after all. “Shizun should rest for a day and seriously consider your ‘extent’.”

“Patron, since Sect Master Shi has been injured by the Buddhist scriptures, let me take over.” Observing the two people talking as if no one else were present, Juehui coughed.

“Thank you, Venerable.” Yin Ci finally let go of Shi Jingzhi’s hand.

A few steps away, Abbot Juefei’s face no longer wore the smiling expression of Maitreya. His brows furrowed as he carefully observed Shi Jingzhi.

Shi Jingzhi sat down on the ground, and Juehui settled behind him. He then focused his concentration, channeling several streams of true qi into Shi Jingzhi’s acupoints. The latter spat out several mouthfuls of black blood, and his complexion, as delicate as gold paper, improved slightly.

After a while, Abbot Juefei sighed. “Sect Master Shi, our scriptures are not so easy to deal with. The scriptures are inanimate objects, and there is no concept of killing. Even if Patron Yin hadn’t intervened just now, I would have had to intervene—if you continue to persist without understanding, your injuries won’t be limited to just superficial ones.”

“It’s my misjudgment.” Shi Jingzhi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and turned his head to glance at Yin Ci, honestly admitting.

“Of the two matters you wanted to ask me, is one of them related to the ban set by the Immortal Assembly?”

“Yes.”

“When the matter with the stone sword is resolved, I can take a look for you. Alright, next.” This time, Juefei didn’t wait for Shi Jingzhi to speak and spoke up directly.

Yan Qing instinctively took a step back. “This junior doesn’t need to try. Even without Senior Shi and Senior Yin, A’Si is much stronger than me.”

Shi Jingzhi’s tone was calm, clearly not holding much hope. “There’s no harm in giving it a try. Yan Qing, you’re the last one from our sect… Lord Bai, with its petite build, can’t possibly lift the sword, no matter how you think about it.”

“After all, this is Venerable Kongshi’s sword. Even if it’s me…”

“Yan Qing, are you attached to fame and fortune, indulgence in alcohol, wealth, and desires? Are you attached to the past, love, hatred, and emotional entanglements?” Abbot Juefei suddenly asked in a stern voice.

“This Junior—”

“Answer!”

“Not attached.”

“Then are you attached to life, old age, sickness, death, joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness?”

“Not attached, but…”

“Since you’re not attached to this and not attached to that, not blaming others, and keeping anger within yourself, why don’t you pluck out those ghost eyes and go with the flow?”

Yan Qing’s expression changed. He was no longer cautious, but his tone grew heavier, as if he had considered this question long ago. “I was born with these eyes and have no other choice. Fate is innocent; it’s other people’s business if they don’t like it. I have not done any wrong, so why harm myself unnecessarily?”

“Neither arrogant nor servile, not bad. Then, let me ask you again, why are you angry?”

Yan Qing let out a long breath and quickly glanced at Su Si. “Because of being ‘powerless’.”

“You’re neither attached to yourself nor blindly trusting sentient beings. Even if you become angry, it is for the sake of others’ thoughts and concerns. Why not give it a try?”

Abbot Juefei’s voice became stronger, containing a hint of a reprimand.

“Just now, you said fate is innocent, but you acknowledge that your bloodline is filthy, which is why you can’t touch this sword?”

Yan Qing fell silent. He looked deeply at Juefei and respectfully performed another serious salute. “This junior has learned from your teachings.”

With that said, before Shi Jingzhi could urge him, Yan Qing took the initiative to walk toward the stone platform.

His breathing became rapid, and his outstretched hand trembled. After a moment of hesitation, he finally grabbed the hilt.

The stone sword remained silent; nothing happened. All eyes were fixed on him. Yan Qing’s palm was sweaty, and his fingers tingled. It took him a while to exert force.

Once he firmly grasped the hilt, he took a deep breath and pulled with all his strength.

A slight cracking sounded.

The sword tip slid across the stone floor—the sound wasn’t loud or pleasant—but it was enough to awaken a dormant karma—traveling through a hundred years of time, it once again came alive in this moment.

Fine dust hidden in the gaps rose, adding a hint of astringency to the air.

Yan Qing never expected to actually be able to lift it. He was startled for a moment and almost lost his grip. The stone sword tilted and struck his instep hard.

Yan Qing cried out in pain, tears almost welling up from the intense pain.

Juefei was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. “You kid, even if you’re not bound by the scriptures, it’s still a stone sword. If you try to lift it with the strength you use for ordinary heavy objects, won’t it slip?”

Reality left Yan Qing a bit dumbfounded. “I…”

“A few days ago, I had an old friend do a divination, and I knew that there would be a destined person on this journey, but I never thought it would be you… Ah, fate is unpredictable, truly unpredictable.”

After laughing enough, Abbot Juefei clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist mantra.

“Sect Master Shi, take the Sword of Compassion and leave. It’s not peaceful outside, and I don’t want to leave any visible traces in the temple.”

Juehui also sighed in relief. “Amitabha.”

Only the young monk stood there dumbfounded, staring at Yan Qing’s strange eyes for a while, then looking at the stone sword. “Venerable, after all, that’s Venerable Kongshi’s…”

Juehui gave him a pat on the back of his head, emphasizing his words, “Amitabha—”

The young monk reluctantly clasped his hands together, muttering to himself, “Perhaps he just moved it slightly.”

“Smack!” “Ouch!”

Juefei regained his smiling expression. “Take it easy, junior brother. Don’t knock the poor child out. It’s good to talk about it, so Friend Yan can rest assured. If it had been just a fluke earlier, Friend Yan’s foot would have turned into minced meat by now. It seems like there’s only a minor bone fracture—a small matter, a small matter.”

Yan Qing: “…”

This abbot was undoubtedly a genius at comforting people. Yan Qing was comforted to the point of almost losing his soul. He painfully pulled his foot out and found that it was already swollen.

On the other side, after confirming that he had obtained the stone sword, Shi Jingzhi’s entire body relaxed, and he breathed a sigh of relief. “Yan Qing, well done. Your monthly allowance will double this month.”

Su Si looked at Yan Qing blankly, with no excitement visible in his eyes. “…San Zi, I told you that you don’t need to worry about these things.”

“I can’t help but worry.”

Yan Qing stared at his injured foot, not looking at Su Si.

“Every time I encounter a crisis, someone with a kind heart helps me out. It was like this when I was a child, it was like this with Taiheng, and it’s still like this with the Kushan Sect. I don’t want to continue like this. Besides, I’m Yan Budu’s descendant after all. I shouldn’t be completely lacking in martial talent… right?”

As he said the last part, he became uncertain.

Abbot Juefei frowned. “Patron, do you look down on our Temple’s Sword of Compassion?”

Yan Qing immediately shook his head vigorously, like a drum. “I dare not. I dare not.”

After making up his mind, he steadied himself and lifted the stone sword. Unfortunately, due to his injured foot, Yan Qing couldn’t gracefully carry the sword on his back like Kongshi did. He had to use it as a crutch as he limped away from the underground palace.

Entering the scripture cleansing hall inside the temple, the expressions of the monks were particularly interesting. Abbot Juefei happily pulled and threw them out one after another—about a dozen monks were sent to meditate outside the temple’s main gate.

After settling the temple disciples, Abbot Juefei felt refreshed. When they reached the room, he drank three bowls of vegetarian wine in a row. “Ah, satisfying!”

Juehui shook his head helplessly. “Amitabha.”

“Sect Master Shi and Junior Yan have injuries, so I’ll make it short. The ban on Sect Master Shi’s body is a technique of the Mishan Sect. The cultivator must be at least an Elder or higher.”

“This technique is extremely complex, and I am powerless to help. It involves the mind and consciousness, and the process of unraveling it requires meticulous precision. A slight mistake could result in mental confusion or even death. If you are not in a hurry to find a remedy, I suggest you go to the Mishan Sect first.”

Su Si furrowed his brow. “Isn’t that walking into a trap?”

Abbot Juefei let out a belch. “Young friend, you are mistaken. The members of the Mishan Sect are scattered and dedicated to metallurgy. They usually stay away from worldly affairs and conflicts. I have a senior brother who is deeply committed to the art of the sect and specifically left the secular world to join the Mishan Sect… Today, I will write a letter of introduction for you. With that, he will most likely be willing to meet you.”

The Abbot looked in a good mood and poured himself another bowl of wine.

Shi Jingzhi: “Why does Venerable want us to go to the Mishan Sect first?”

“Patron’s ban has been alarmed, and it will only become more troublesome. You might suffer from unbearable headaches, and it isn’t considered rare to lose your ability to walk.”

“…” The relaxed expression on Shi Jingzhi’s face instantly tensed up again.

On the other hand, Yin Ci calmly nodded. “Thank you, Venerable, for your guidance.”

“You should return first to tend to your injuries and rest well. There are other trivial matters to discuss tomorrow. Oh, and Friend Yin, please stay for a moment. As a disciple, you should take care of the Sect Master, right? Regarding the response to the ban, I need to discuss it thoroughly with you… Oh, you injured patients should not linger here. Hurry back.”

Juefei waved his plump hands in a disorderly manner, and Juehui immediately understood, escorting the remaining three members of the Kushan Sect out of the room. Shi Jingzhi saw Yin Ci’s calm demeanor and reluctantly followed him out.

Once the door was closed, Abbot Juefei’s previous laziness disappeared. He put down the wine bowl and sat up straight.

Yin Ci remained composed, sitting upright.

“After the Buddha Heart Formation was opened, I arranged hidden monks on various mountain peaks. This old monk is aware of everyone’s inner demons. Juehui has told me everything about the Ghost Tomb.”

Juefei’s voice lost its benevolence and became extremely serious.

“Amitabha, I don’t know the origin of Patron. However, Patron’s inner demon is undoubtedly the most terrifying I have ever seen, resembling the rumored signs of falling into madness.”

Yin Ci stared directly into the Abbot’s eyes and responded in a calm voice. “What is your plan, Venerable?”

He remained seated, showing no sign of hostility. Of all the martial sects, the Jianchen Temple was known for its understanding and accommodating nature, never engaging in rash violence. Juefei even helped him find an excuse, showing no intention of causing trouble for himself.

To rashly show hostility would only tarnish the impression of the monks.

Indeed, Abbot Juefei shook his head. “Those who possess demonic characteristics should, in theory, be confined to the underground prison and isolated from all living beings. However, Patron’s inner demon is quite peculiar, and I cannot discern the cause at the moment. I cannot make hasty judgments… Haa, I feel ashamed that my skills are lacking.”

A hint of desolation appeared on Juefei’s round face for the first time.

“I cannot see the cause and effect of Patron, so I can only rely on sincerity and ask Patron for a guarantee.”

Yin Ci understood in his heart. “No wonder Abbot Juefei readily agreed to the introduction letter. May I ask what kind of guarantee you seek, Venerable?”

“Senior Uncle Kongshi was able to make Yan Budu carry the burden of the stone sword up the mountain, which must have resulted in perfect completion of his merit before his parinirvana*, rather than dying in vain. Yan Budu killed countless people but could ultimately let go of his attachments. As for Patron, being young, there must be a destined cause and effect. It is unlikely that there is no possibility for salvation.”

*Occurs upon the death of someone who has attained nirvana (basically no longer attached to greed, hatred, and ignorance) during their lifetime.

“But from what I’ve seen along the way, Patron’s only thread of karmic entanglement is connected to Sect Master Shi. Sect Master Shi is in poor health and burdened by the ban. Patron must assure me—if Sect Master Shi should unfortunately perish—Patron will still preserve that thread of karmic entanglement and refrain from harming sentient beings.”

As he spoke, Abbot Juefei infused his voice with increasing intensity, each word carrying more weight than the previous.

Yin Ci smiled, and the smile grew increasingly profound. Though his beauty was undeniable, it carried a hint of distortion.

Juehui’s face tightened, and he was about to step forward when Juefei stopped him with a gesture. Abbot Juefei raised his plump hand and frowned at Yin Ci “Why isn’t Patron answering this old monk?”

Yin Ci stood up with the smile still on his face. “Because whether I answer or not, you will still help Shi Jingzhi. The eminent monks of the Jianchen Temple would never resort to threatening innocent lives.”

Rather than an exchange of sincerity, it was more of a test. The Abbot was testing whether he would be willing to follow along, reciprocating goodwill with goodwill. Unfortunately…

“My goodwill can only go as far as ‘not telling lies’. Venerable, I cannot promise you something I may not be able to fulfill.”

Yin Ci walked toward the door, and his tone remained calm.

It was too late.

Juefei’s request was a step too late. If Shi Jingzhi were a boring and mediocre person, or even just as he was when they first met, there would still be time for Yin Ci to withdraw from the situation and calmly fulfill his promise.

But the world was never easy to escape from, nor was it easy to enter.

That person’s vitality burned too purely, shedding layer after layer of his defenses on his own accord. Apart from once again being drawn into danger like a moth to a flame, he seemed to have no other choice.

Twenty-four years ago, he was left in the world by a little mute, gaining a glimmer of clarity by chance but burdening that child in return, ultimately failing it. Now, he made the same promise again—if Shi Jingzhi were to “perish” in front of him…

For him, going mad was easier than death and more dangerous.

“If the situation truly reaches an irreparable point, remember to construct a top-quality dungeon for me, sealing it with muyan stone to isolate me from all living beings, never to see the light of day again… That would be fine.”

Abbot Juefei fell silent for a moment and clasped his hands together. “For ‘Patron’?”

“For the ‘sake of all beings’.”

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The author has something to say:

Sect Master Shi: Thankfully, thankfully. I almost made Lord Bai take action. (×

Demonic Lord Yin: I can’t blame Yan Budu. Monks are indeed troublesome…

Speaking of which, if Yan Qing harbored deep resentment and went to the Ling Sect with his sword, it would surely be satisfying (…)

Provoking Yan Budu √

But if he harbored deep resentment, he wouldn’t be able to lift the sword.

————

By the way, I looked up the term “meat wine” yesterday. I read somewhere that meat-infused alcohol is called “meat wine [hunjiu] (荤酒)” (there is indeed a method of infusing alcohol with fatty meat). I also found another explanation that grain-based alcohol carries karmic consequences, and that’s what “meat wine” refers to… Anyway, “vegetarian wine” should just be fruit wine, so let’s go with that! ε-(°ω° ; )

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Kinky Thoughts:

I mean… 3 out of 4 of the Kushan Sect, especially Shi Jingzhi who suffers from object addiction, have strong obsessions and attachments… They were bound to fail!

Not sure what Shi Jingzhi was thinking lol.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 61: Sand Table

Yin Ci looked at the serious expression on Shi Jingzhi’s face, and the lingering hostility in his bones dissipated.

At first, the man’s probing carried an indescribable sense of oppression, then it turned into half-guardedness and half-curiosity. Now, Shi Jingzhi wanted to openly challenge him, but that initial guard was nowhere to be seen.

Like a fierce beast retracting its sharp claws just as it was about to strike.

Yin Ci didn’t dislike this curious inquiry, and the only trace of resistance dissolved under the thought of “the other person is most likely the Little Mute”. ‘It’s strange,’ he thought. Their way of interacting seemed to have changed very little since he first became his disciple.

Both treated each other kindly, disregarding formalities, yet now he had an inexplicable sense of peace.

“Want to know everything? That’s going to be difficult.”

Yin Ci met Shi Jingzhi’s imposing aura without a care. He deliberately got closer, his voice carrying an undisguised hint of amusement.

“Shizun, how about we have a little competition to see who can uncover each other’s secrets first?”

Shi Jingzhi readily agreed. “It’s a deal.”

After a moment, Shi Jingzhi felt like he was at a disadvantage and added, “A’Ci, since it’s a competition, it’s more fun if we wager something.”

Yin Ci: “…” Yan Budu really set the stage nicely.

“What do you want to wager, Shizun?”

“How about this, if I uncover A’Ci’s secrets first, you have to agree to one of my requests. And if you uncover the cause of my illness first, then I’ll agree to your request… I haven’t thought about it yet, so let’s leave it open.”

After all, it was still the temperament of a young person. Yin Ci went along with it. Finally, he jokingly remarked, “Even if I wanted the Shirou, would you be willing to give it?”

“A gentleman keeps his word, so naturally, I will be willing to give it.”

“Shizun’s ‘object obsession’ doesn’t seem to be that severe.”

Unexpectedly, Shi Jingzhi stubbornly replied, “You said you would ensure my longevity. If you wanted the Shirou, you would have already found a way to treat my condition. A’Ci, you wouldn’t go back on your word, would you?”

Yin Ci suddenly felt like he had dug a hole for himself. He gazed at Shi Jingzhi, and if he were to shake him up a bit, he was sure to uncover a flurry of calculations.

“I did indeed say that.”

Shi Jingzhi smiled even more happily. “Then I have no need to worry needlessly.”

With their banter, a sense of playing chess with a worthy opponent subtly emerged between the two.

Then Shi Jingzhi slowly climbed onto the bed. Despite having a dozen mysteries around him, he stretched his limbs and completely relaxed.

Sect Master Shi’s gaze remained fixed on the canopy above for a while before he turned his eyes toward Yin Ci. “A’Ci, I’ve been thinking about what Yan Budu said.”

Yin Ci leaned against the head of the bed, and his long hair flowed down his back with the ends scattered on the plain fabric. He was in a good mood, enjoying the sparse stars outside the window. He responded promptly, “What did he say?”

“About Su Zhi’s matter.”

Yin Ci pondered for a moment, only recalling Yan Budu’s disparaging remarks. As the person involved, he couldn’t be sure what Shi Jingzhi wanted to discuss, so he silently looked back at him.

“Yan Budu said, ‘If he hadn’t taken over the north, our sect wouldn’t have been so ruthlessly defeated.’ Initially, I only thought that your ancestor was a Demonic Lord, and I never thought in that direction.”

Shi Jingzhi decisively rolled off the bed, retrieving ink, a brush, paper, and inkstones. He spent quite some time painting under the moonlight. Once the ink dried, he also grabbed a plate of dried fruits from the fruit tray and dragged a small table to the edge of the bed.

“If A’Ci can’t sleep, play a game of sand table with me.”

Shi Jingzhi arranged the paper and laid out the dried fruits on the table, looking earnestly at Yin Ci.

Yin Ci was accustomed to his impromptu nature and went along with it, glancing over the paper. Unexpectedly, when he looked, he couldn’t tear his eyes away.

It was clearly an influence map from a hundred years ago. The important strongholds of various sects, significant geographical features, important cities—it was an accurate representation of the map from that time. The lines on the map were beautifully drawn, the summary was concise, and it could even be directly used in military operations.

“Pine nuts represent the righteous sects at that time, soybeans represent Yan Budu, and melon seeds represent Su Zhi.”

Seeing Yin Ci’s interest, Shi Jingzhi happily piled up the dried fruits on the map.

“The Chigou Sect was originally just an ordinary gang in the north, relying on scavenging the remnants of battlefields to survive. Shortly after the rise of the Ling Sect, a disciple named Su Zhi emerged in the Chigou Sect. This person rose rapidly, took the position of the third-generation Patriarch, and completely revitalized the Chigou Sect—”

He brushed the pile of melon seeds in the northwestern direction.

“From then on, the Chigou Sect’s target was not only the remnants of battlefields but also the ancient tombs gathered in the northwest of Great Yun. Whether they belonged to foreigners or compatriots, deserts or muddy lands, as long as it was the tomb of a noble or aristocrat, the Chigou Sect would dig it up.”

“By excavating treasures from the tombs, the Chigou Sect quickly became rich. They committed all sorts of deeds that harmed virtue and were despised by the common people. However, Su Zhi was quite capable and acted swiftly. The Chigou Sect maintained a relatively harmonious relationship with the local people without accumulating grievances like the Ling Sect… A’Ci is a descendant of the Su clan. You must have heard about these things.”

Yin Ci remained composed. “What exactly do you want to say, Shizun?”

“Looking at the surface, the Chigou Sect did indeed seem to be developing in an ordinary direction. But if we consider the Ling Sect as well… Su Zhi’s every move targeted Yan Budu’s most vulnerable points.”

Shi Jingzhi pressed the melon seeds onto each city on the map.

“These territories are all perfectly situated, making it tasteless for the Ling Sect to hold onto them but a pity to abandon them. The main base of the Ling Sect is on Zongwu Mountain, far away from the northwest. If they were to forcibly entangle themselves with the Chigou Sect, they would only be taken advantage of by the martial world in the Central Plains. Yan Budu had no choice but to let the Chigou Sect encroach upon their territory.”

“So what?”

“If Su Zhi hadn’t appeared, the Ling Sect could have torn open a gap in the southwest and encompassed the entire western region. That way, when the righteous sects united to suppress the Ling Sect, they wouldn’t have been so miserable, and Yan Budu wouldn’t have fallen into a disadvantageous position, forced into Zongwu Mountain by Kongshi.”

Yin Ci remained silent for a moment before saying casually, “Perhaps you’re thinking too much.”

“Yes, I can’t be certain. This situation is truly interesting.”

Shi Jingzhi grabbed a handful of roasted beans and threw one into his mouth.

“Come on, you be Su Zhi and the righteous sect, and I’ll be Yan Budu. If I can break through your blockade, just count it as me overthinking things.”

Yin Ci reluctantly took the melon seed from his hand. “Alright, alright.”

“A’Ci, set up your layout properly later. If you’re not serious, I can tell.”

Initially, Yin Ci didn’t take that statement seriously—Shi Jingzhi was just a twenty-seven-year-old young man, and no matter how intelligent he was, at most, he could only discuss military strategies on paper. He couldn’t handle the uncertainties of real conflicts.

But this game with the dried fruit sand table didn’t end quickly.

Yin Ci held the melon seeds in his hand, and a hint of a solemn and murderous aura unconsciously appeared on his face.

Shi Jingzhi had always had a sharp gaze, and this extended to setting up formations. He launched one surprise attack after another, displaying a fierce and ruthless style. Yet, he was also watertight, even surpassing Yan Budu in skill.

Yin Ci had initially planned to lose easily and brush it off. However, Shi Jingzhi’s skill wasn’t lacking, and if he deliberately concealed his abilities, he would indeed be discovered.

Interesting.

It was easy to find soldiers, but hard to find a general. With a unique situation at hand, Yin Ci’s interest was sparked, and he no longer bothered to conceal it. He happily unleashed his skills and engaged in a fierce battle with Shi Jingzhi.

“This isn’t your first time using a sand table, is it?”

Shi Jingzhi curved his eyes. “Elder Brother has peculiar hobbies and often gives me challenging military problems. I’ve been playing with military sand tables for more than ten years.”

“This move is quite impressive. A few years ago, during Great Yun’s border defense battle against Na Luojiu, this was the decisive victory.”

Yin Ci picked up a few melon seeds and casually commented.

“But you’re still a bit inexperienced. If I were to ambush you here, your troops would still be cut off.”

“That’s exactly what I want.”

Shi Jingzhi laughed and placed several beans on the table.

“A’Ci, how about this? I’ll gather the people from the Ling Sect’s main base and make a breakthrough while chaos ensues—”

Yin Ci sneered and pushed the melon seeds he had arranged a moment ago closer. “General, Shizun.”

Shi Jingzhi picked up a bean and took the opportunity to stuff it into Yin Ci’s mouth. “That’s right, I knew it. When Su Zhi chose those bases, he had the intention to suppress Yan Budu… A’Ci, your ancestor doesn’t seem as malicious as the rumors say.”

Yin Ci: “……”

He couldn’t swallow it for a moment, and he didn’t want to spit it out, so he had no choice but to swallow the roasted bean.

Did that obedient Little Mute twist into someone cunning?

“And your formations are extraordinary, inherited from your ancestor?” Shi Jingzhi looked at the map filled with dried fruits. “There are so many arrangements that I never even thought of… I didn’t misjudge after all.”

Shi Jingzhi crushed a pine nut with a crack. “Incomplete meridians, Sweeping Bones as swift as the wind, and a strategic genius. Even if Su Zhi is still alive, that’s all he would be.”

Yin Ci pretended not to hear and stretched lazily. He wasn’t afraid of Shi Jingzhi’s wild guesses about this matter.

Immortal wine didn’t extend one’s lifespan. Su Zhi wasn’t an immortal. Even if he drank immortal wine like water, he couldn’t possibly live until now. There had never been a person in this world who was immortal or never aged. Even if Shi Jingzhi were to guess endlessly, he would never uncover the truth.

Sure enough, Shi Jingzhi pressed against the map, muttering to himself, and his speculations became more and more outrageous. “A’Ci, was Su Zhi your great-grandfather? Grandfather? …Your father?”

“It’s time to sleep, Shizun.”

Shi Jingzhi was still looking at the map. “You go to sleep first. I’ll continue looking for a while longer. I have a feeling that there might be a turning point.”

Yin Ci got off the bed directly and forcibly dragged his master back onto the bed. “Tomorrow, we have to meet with the Abbot. Are you going to meet him with a pair of black eyes? Playing around is just playing around, and the point is to feel comfortable. If you haven’t had enough fun, I’ll continue accompanying you tomorrow.”

Shi Jingzhi paused at the words. “The point is to feel comfortable?”

“Yes. Everything should be done in moderation, as excess is detrimental.”

“Then, A’Ci, are you feeling comfortable?”

Seeing Yin Ci hesitate and his expression gradually becoming complicated, but not denying it, Shi Jingzhi felt satisfied. He imitated Yin Ci’s tone and said, “Then, let’s sleep. If A’Ci hasn’t had enough fun, I’ll continue accompanying you tomorrow.”

As a result, the next day, Shi Jingzhi had a bit of bruising under his eyes. This person secretly got up in the early morning and sat in front of the map for over an hour.

Yin Ci, upon seeing the bloody handkerchief Shi Jingzhi spit into, couldn’t help but want to beat him up. But when he looked at Shi Jingzhi’s smiling face, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

In the end, he only made breakfast for three people and asked a monk to fetch a vegetarian meal from the temple, specifically for Shi Jingzhi. Sect Master Shi held a plate of specialty buns from the Jianchen Temple and looked at the golden pancakes in front of the others, feeling speechless.

Yin Ci was always capable of being ruthless when necessary. “Since Shizun doesn’t cherish his own body, why not practice asceticism like the eminent monks? Who knows, it might actually be effective.”

Shi Jingzhi took a bite of the bun, calmly asking, “…Are you genuinely concerned, A’Ci?”

Yin Ci sneered coldly, not falling into the fox’s trap. “I asked the monks, and they said they will only have salt porridge and boiled greens for breakfast tomorrow.”

Shi Jingzhi immediately shut his mouth, holding his breath and attentively eating his breakfast.

Yin Ci had heard a few things about the current Abbot of the Jianchen Temple, but he had never seen him in person. He only knew that the monk was a senior martial brother of Monk Juehui and went by the Dharma name “Juefei”. Juefei was highly skilled in martial arts and secluded himself to an extent that surpassed previous Abbots. According to the saying in the martial world, unless the world was in chaos and the mountains and rivers were crumbling, the Abbot would not come down from the mountain.

Monk Juefei even abstained from attending the martial arts grand event several years ago.

Such a person was difficult to deal with, no matter how one approached them. Yin Ci had made ample preparations, but he never expected—

“Ah? Martial Uncle Kongshi’s stone sword? It’s fine if Sect Master Shi wants to see it. Just take a look. After all, it’s just lying there. It won’t make any difference if you take a glance.”

Monk Juefei sat cross-legged on the bed, drinking a bowl of vegetarian wine, and hiccupped again. The four members of the Kushan Sect sat in a row on meditation cushions, unsure of how to react.

The Abbot’s room was spacious and filled with cushions. The gaps between the cushions were stuffed with various flowers and plants, giving it a lively atmosphere without a hint of worldly detachment.

Politely speaking, Monk Juefei had a resemblance to Maitreya*, with earlobes that seemed like they would touch his shoulders and a round face filled with a cheerful expression. To be more straightforward, this person was excessively fat, indifferent to everything, and seemed too lazy to move even if the heavens were collapsing.

*Regarded as the future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology.

If not for the sense of profound inner force emanating from him, Yin Ci would have thought they had come to the wrong place. Contrary to the rumors, this Abbot was not only reasonable but also too easy to talk to.

“Oh, there’s something else… Ah, Martial Uncle Kongshi’s remains. Sect Master Shi, now that we have some rapport, there’s no need to hide it from me. With the exchange for the ‘Woodless Sutra’, I’m sure you can see more than just the stone sword. Even if you want to see me running naked around the temple, I’ll agree to it.”

Shi Jingzhi stumbled, “…Venerable Abbot, there’s, there’s no need for that.”

He hadn’t completely recovered from the influence of Venerable Kongshi, and the presence of the Abbot in front of him left him dazed and with slightly vacant eyes.

Monk Juefei burst into laughter, his voice booming like a bell, shaking the core of those present. He tapped his chubby knee with his thick finger, and his eyes narrowed and was filled with a mischievous smile, making it hard to tell who he was looking at.

“So, Sect Master Shi deliberately brought up the matter of the remains to meet with this old monk. There must be other matters you wish to discuss, right?”

Shi Jingzhi took a deep breath, adjusting his emotions. “I have indeed come this time with two matters to seek guidance from Venerable Abbot. If the Venerable can provide clarification, I am willing to assist the temple in retrieving the remains of Venerable Kongshi.”

“Ah, at such a young age, why beat around the bush? I believe that Sect Master Shi genuinely wishes to find the remains of Martial Uncle Kongshi, while the other matters are just secondary—did Yan Budu hide the clues with Martial Uncle?”

The chubby abbot slightly opened his eyes, pinpointing Shi Jingzhi’s intentions in just a few words.

“How did Venerable Abbot come to know?”

“The stone sword of Marital Uncle Kongshi was brought back by itself. After the disappearance of Martial Uncle Kongshi for nearly a year, it suddenly appeared at the entrance of our temple. If it were anyone else, they would undoubtedly come to the temple to claim credit or at least give a greeting. The only person who would do such a thing is Yan Budu.”

Monk Juefei made two light clicks with his tongue while his gaze toward the crowd filled with a near-loving expression.

“Yan Budu is a cunning and ruthless person. He wouldn’t send the sword back to the temple out of goodwill, nor would he be foolish enough to provoke with it. It can only mean that he concealed the clues related to the burial site. The Jianchen Temple has strict rules, so you wouldn’t be able to inquire freely. Coming to see me now, you also want to know about the events of that year, right?”

“Yes, I was presumptuous and disrespectful earlier, offending Venerable.”

Shi Jingzhi immediately changed his tone, displaying a sincere attitude.

“Enough, enough. All beings are connected by the three poisons of greed, hatred, and ignorance. Those who come are all due to fate.” Monk Juefei waved his hand. “Regarding the records of Martial Uncle Kongshi, I will have someone send them to you. Now, about the stone sword—it is in the underground palace beneath the pagoda in the back mountain. You are free to take a look if you wish. If you can move it, you may take it away.”

This time, Shi Jingzhi was genuinely astonished. “We can take it away?”

The sword of Venerable Kongshi, no matter how one looked at it, was a treasure of the Jianchen Temple. It wasn’t uncommon for eminent monks to be generous, but being excessively generous was suspicious.

Monk Juefei’s face was full of smiles as he clasped his hands together. “Amitabha, I assure you; no one will hinder you.”

“However, on this sword, Martial Uncle Kongshi personally inscribed 108 verses of Buddhist scriptures, aimed at examining the mind. The heavier the attachment to the ‘self’, the heavier the sword—Martial Uncle Kongshi had high self-standards. Just moving the sword to the pagoda required a team of thirty people from our temple.”

“In a hundred years, this sword has never found a worthy individual. If Patron can truly take it away, it would be a fortunate occurrence.”

---

The author has something to say:

-Stage One –

Fox Shi: Time to get up for morning practice; Demonic Lord Yin: ? Something is wrong with you.

Demonic Lord Yin: Prepare breakfast. ; Fox Shi: It’s handy having a disciple.

-Stage Two –

Fox Shi: Time to get up for morning practice; Demonic Lord Yin: ? A kid can teach.

Demonic Lord Yin: Prepare breakfast.; Fox Shi: My disciple is so kind.

-Stage Three –

Fox Shi: Time to get up for morning practice; Demonic Lord Yin: ? You vomited blood and didn’t sleep well.

Demonic Lord Yin: Prepare breakfast.; Fox Shi: A’Ci is so good, I need to find a way to make him happier.

Now let’s guess Stage Four (×

————

By the way, it’s not a bug that Yan Budu was able to move the sword when he returned it (…

Also, according to Journey to the West, monks at that time could drink some vegetarian wine, but meat-based wine (made with meat as an ingredient) was absolutely not allowed.

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 60: The Human Heart

The Jianchen Temple was situated in the middle of Huilian Mountain, built on a solitary peak, and was adjacent to a gigantic waterfall.

The temple had black-tiled red walls, exuding a solemn and ancient atmosphere. Surrounding it were rugged rocks and proud cedar trees. Combined with the waterfall resembling cascading snow, even without hearing the sound of bells or sutra chanting, one couldn’t help but feel a sense of tranquility.

Once they entered the central range of the solitary peak, the effect of the Buddha Heart Formation disappeared. The four of them felt invigorated and climbed the winding stone steps in one breath, reaching the front of the temple.

As speculated earlier, the Jianchen Temple still held gratitude towards Shi Jingzhi for returning the “Woodless Sutra”. Despite the sorry state of the disciples of the Kushan Sect, the monks still opened the temple gate and invited the four inside.

The one leading them was even a familiar face.

The young monk who they had met in the Ghost Tomb came to guide them. Just as he was about to say to Shi Jingzhi, “Form is emptiness”, he caught sight of Yin Ci and choked on the words, “Emptiness is form”.

“You, you… You’re the one who killed Lu Fengxi, the white…”

“A’Ci is my disciple, not an evil person.” Shi Jingzhi pulled Yin Ci behind him. “There are reasons behind it; Young Master*, don’t panic.”

*Xiao Shifu (小师父).

Can he really not panic? Not to mention Lu Fengxi, this Patron even wore the white jade hairband that belonged to Zheng Fengdao. The young monk observed the two with suspicion and felt that the Kushan Sect was even more sinister than the Ling Sect.

Fortunately, after defeating the three Lords of Greed, Hatred, and Ignorance, Yin Ci appeared to be the most dignified. Although he had many questions to ask, the young monk didn’t want to trouble the esteemed guests and had to let it go.

“Amitabha. The ritual just started not long ago, and the seniors are all busy. Please forgive us for now.”

The young monk bowed to the four of them.

“With the Buddha Heart Formation outside, it was hard work for all of you to come out of the formation. This humble monk will lead you to rest first… After the busy day is over, Venerable Juehui will personally receive all of you. There is vegetarian food in the temple, and if you are not accustomed to it, there is a guest kitchen available.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Jingzhi almost shed tears.

Setting aside these past few days when he had to make do when cooking or eat cold leftovers, even within the mind realm, he and Yin Ci hadn’t eaten anything for a month. Their mouths were so bland that birds could nest in them.

Seeing Shi Jingzhi’s distraught state, Yin Ci understood his thoughts. “We’ll cook for ourselves.”

The young monk still maintained some caution toward the “person in white” Yin Ci. After leading them to the guest rooms, the young monk left quickly, presumably to report the matter to Venerable Juehui.

However, the Jianchen Temple showed no intention of meddling in worldly affairs, and with the prior kindness of the Kushan Sect, Yin Ci wasn’t worried about the senior monks gossiping. He openly entered the guest kitchen and prepared a table of vegetarian food.

Shi Jingzhi simply collapsed onto the bed in the guest room. After days of tension, his nerves finally relaxed, and he couldn’t even be bothered to lift a finger.

The Jianchen Temple, as the number one temple in the world, had elegant and spacious guest rooms.

The four members of the Kushan Sect were given two rooms by the monks. They gathered in the outer room. Even though they were in the mortal realm, the interior was well-decorated.

Outside, there was the sound of flowing water and bamboo groves, while inside, a faint scent of sandalwood filled the air. The cushions and bedding were simple in material but elegant in design, soft and clean. The windows were clean, and no matter which window one looked out from, the view of the garden and the mountains could be framed like a painting.

The afternoon sunlight slanted into the room, devoid of snake scales, shackles, white thorns, or head lamps. Everything was warm and gentle, as if they were in a heavenly realm.

Yan Qing was at the window, checking their luggage. He had calmed his hidden anger and appeared even more composed than before. When the sunlight from the temple shone on his red eyes, they appeared clean and transparent, without a trace of wickedness.

Su Si wore a serious expression and kept pacing in the room, disrupting the rare tranquility.

Su Si’s movements made Shi Jingzhi dizzy. “Su Si, if you have something to say, just say it.”

Su Si hesitated for a moment. “Let’s wait for Brother Yin to come back and discuss it during the meal.”

That was undoubtedly a wrong decision.

When the vegetarian meal was served, its colors were bright, and its fragrance filled the air, making one’s mouth water. As Shi Jingzhi took a bite, he felt overwhelming happiness and almost achieved enlightenment on the spot. The atmosphere around Shi Jingzhi exuded a Buddha-like aura, and it took Su Si quite a while to bring his soul back.

“Sect Master.” Su Si gritted his teeth. “Did you hear what I said? Sect Master!”

After the suppression of his inner demon, the identity of the Chigou Sect’s young Patriarch was completely exposed. He no longer bothered to conceal his hostility, and his displeasure was written all over his face. He stared at Shi Jingzhi, who was engrossed in slowly savoring his food, and it seemed like he wanted to use his chopsticks as a weapon to cause trouble.

Shi Jingzhi calmly swallowed the tofu meatball in his mouth. “Su Si, silence at meals and rest*.”

*When eating, he does not converse. When in bed, he does not speak. (食不言寝不语) Saying from Confucius referring to not speaking while eating or sleeping. It’s meant to portray proper etiquette, emphasizing the importance of savoring food and having a peaceful sleep without distractions.

Yin Ci calmly added, “Shizun, Su Si mentioned that you have a ban from the Immortal Sect.”

Poor Sect Master Shi almost met his demise at the hands of a tofu meatball. Seeing that Shi Jingzhi was about to choke on it, Yin Ci casually pushed a cup of warm tea towards him.

Shi Jingzhi drank the tea in one gulp, and his mind finally returned to the matter at hand.

“An Immortal Sect ban?”

“Yes,” Su Si said in a deep voice. “Before the Lord of Greed, you and Brother Yin… Senior Yin was focused on the battle, so it’s normal that you didn’t notice. That ban only flashed briefly, and I caught a glimpse of it.”

“When I was in the Chigou Sect, I learned a bit about it and saw similar formations. They were all malicious enchantments that manipulated people’s minds. These formations are complex and not something ordinary people can do.”

“Sect Master, have you really not offended anyone from the Immortal Sect?”

Upon hearing this, Shi Jingzhi wasn’t as surprised as before. His memory gaps, unexplained headaches—it was clear that someone had deliberately tampered with his memories.

Su Si helped him eliminate other possibilities. It now seems that the person behind the scenes was undoubtedly connected to the “Immortal Sect”, the Mishan Sect.

Shi Jingzhi pondered for a moment and changed the topic. “You’re in such a hurry to bring it up. Do you want to seek assistance from the Jianchen Temple?”

“Yes,” Su Si admitted decisively. “The Buddha Heart Formation and the Nightmare Breaking Technique are both formations that affect the five senses of the human mind. The Jianchen Temple has always excelled at such techniques. Since we need to inquire about the whereabouts of Kongshi and the stone sword, it’s better to seek advice from the eminent monks along the way.”

Shi Jingzhi stroked his chin. “That sounds good, let’s do that.”

Su Si let out a sigh. “There’s one more thing. You all have witnessed the manifestation of my inner demon. I… speaking only in terms of formalities, I am indeed the young Patriarch of the Chigou Sect.”

He put down his chopsticks and sat up straight. When Yan Qing heard this, he also solemnly put down his bowl and looked at Shi Jingzhi.

The relatively relaxed atmosphere gradually became tense.

“However, I don’t acknowledge this identity, nor will I return to the sect. If the Sect Master deems it inappropriate, I won’t take San Zi with me forcefully. In these recent days, I…”

Su Si clenched his teeth; his struggle was evident. He was never someone who liked to bow his head, but now the soft words were stuck in his throat, unable to go up or down, making him look quite embarrassed.

Shi Jingzhi glanced at him and remained calm. “Oh, this matter… It’s not urgent for now. Come, let’s all eat. A’Ci has made the dishes, and they won’t taste good if they get cold.”

Su Si was taken aback and held his breath on the spot. He and Yan Qing exchanged a hesitant glance, feeling as if a huge boulder was about to fall, making it difficult for them to swallow their food and their hearts pounding.

However, Shi Jingzhi remained composed and continued to eat earnestly.

“I say, Sect Master Shi, you don’t really mind?”

After finishing the vegetarian meal, the post-meal tea was served. Seeing Shi Jingzhi with a full stomach, planning to leisurely drink his post-meal tea, Su Si finally couldn’t bear it any longer.

“We have encountered many troubles on the road, and I’m grateful that you didn’t press me for answers. But now it’s different—now you should know that the Chigou Sect won’t give up on tracking me. By leaving me in the Kushan Sect, it’s equivalent to openly challenging the Chigou Sect!”

Su Si’s tone even carried a hint of subtle resentment.

“So what?” Shi Jingzhi held the tea cup in both hands and replied calmly. “As long as we hold the two treasure map Buddhist beads, it’s like openly challenging the entire martial world. Didn’t I say before, Matron Wuxue already has a dislike for me. When there are too many fleas, if they won’t bite, it doesn’t matter.”

“Besides, if their young Patriarch is serving as a subordinate in a small sect, Matron Wuxue probably wouldn’t dare say anything. With an illegitimate status like this, considering the Chigou Sect’s character, they would only try to hinder us covertly. We just need to avoid the shadows, and we’ll find a way.”

Being let off so casually, Su Si’s gaze became complicated. “…Sect Master Shi, your protection of me must not be purely out of kindness, I presume.”

He no longer concealed those dark thoughts and brought them directly to the surface.

“Naturally not. This Sect Master is a practical person. Your martial arts are considerable, and you don’t even require a monthly salary. Where else can we find such a good deal?”

Shi Jingzhi responded confidently, appearing completely sincere.

Su Si: “…”

All his worries and questions turned out to be in vain. It seemed that the ban from the Immortal Gate didn’t affect Shi Jingzhi’s mood for eating and drinking tea. In this person’s eyes, the grudge of being the leader of the top demonic sect was worth no more than a few hundred coins of monthly allowance.

Compared to that, Matron Wuxue’s logic seemed more like that of a normal person.

Forget it. Su Si frowned. In any case, he had done all he could, and if these lunatics in the sect disbanded, he could simply take his friend and run away.

With that in mind, Su Si calmed down. The four members of the Kushan Sect sat down, drinking tea and having their meal, displaying an air of peace detached from the mundane world.

However, this peace was shattered in the evening by the arrival of Monk Juehui.

Monk Juehui still had that shriveled appearance, full of bitterness and deep grudges. As soon as he entered, his gaze lingered on Yin Ci for a long time, but ultimately slowly shifted away, not asking anything.

“Amitabha. Have the Patrons disregarded the Buddha Heart Formation and specifically climbed the mountain at this time because of some difficulty?”

Facing an outsider, Shi Jingzhi remained tight-lipped. He smiled and greeted, “I came here this time to borrow Venerable Kongshi’s stone sword.”

“…Oh?”

Monk Juehui raised his head, and finally, some expression appeared on his withered face.

“Martial Uncle* Kongshi’s remains have not been returned, so how does Patron know that the Stone Sword of Compassion is in the temple?”

*Shishu (师叔) Title given to a junior brother of one’s master (lit. Master’s younger brother).

“I received news about Venerable Kongshi’s remains. The sword is not in the place where he was buried; perhaps your esteemed temple has retrieved it.”

After observing Shi Jingzhi for a while, the monk with the bitter face smiled and said, “Amitabha. Once the treasure map Buddhist beads were revealed, masters from all over the world fought fiercely over news about Yan Budu. Who would have thought that after a hundred years, we could still unearth clues about Marital Uncle Kongshi.”

Shi Jingzhi replied, “Venerable Kongshi was one the Greats of his time. It must be the will of heaven for this to happen.”

Monk Juehui lowered his head and solemnly folded his hands in a prayer gesture to Shi Jingzhi. “Patron, you have shown kindness to our temple before, and your request to view the stone sword is not excessive. However, the matter of Martial Uncle Kongshi is of great importance, and I cannot make the decision alone. It must be determined by the Abbot*. Please rest here for the night, and I will report to the Abbot tomorrow.”

*This is referring to the head of the temple. In Chinese, the word is [Fangzhang] (方丈) meaning “one square zhang (equals to ten square feet)”, referencing the size of Vimalakirti’s stone room.

“Thank you, Venerable.”

It was night, and Jianchen Temple was tranquil. The night scenery was peaceful, and Shi Jingzhi, wearing a sleeping robe, leaned against the window in the inner room, enjoying the view.

Strange illness, the Shirou, natural desires, worldly bonds. Everything was returning to normal, but as Shi Jingzhi pondered over it, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

Just as he settled his thoughts, Yin Ci’s behavior became unusual. Shi Jingzhi thought he must have realized something when he saw the end of Kongshi and Yan Budu. However, after a few days passed, his disciple still maintained the same thoughtful appearance.

In recent days, Yin Ci had indeed been very kind to him. Shi Jingzhi could tell that the concern was genuine, even to the point of being excessive, bordering on a strange indulgence.

He should have been satisfied with this. However, Shi Jingzhi had a feeling that this kindness was imposed from above, not of his own accord.

…It was like Yin Ci had decided on their fate without consulting him, as if they only needed to reach this point.

Shi Jingzhi didn’t know what he wanted, but he was clear that what he wanted wasn’t something of this degree.

The thought flashed through his mind, and Shi Jingzhi suddenly felt like laughing. It was truly a cycle of karma—an unsatisfactory retribution. He had initially shown Yin Ci an inexplicable kindness, and now the same kind of favor was being returned to him in the same form. Yet, as the one being “cherished”, he felt uneasy all over, without any sense of happiness.

Was the human heart truly so complex?

“A’Ci,” Shi Jingzhi suddenly said.

Yin Ci was maintaining the Hanging Shadow Sword when he heard the words and raised his head. “What?”

“At first, I was kind to you without reason. Did you think that person must have had some problems in his head to behave so inexplicably?”

“…I did.”

“With your abilities, A’Ci, I estimate that you have already used various means to investigate my background and situation.”

This time, Yin Ci remained silent. Shi Jingzhi’s words weren’t a question and denying it would be pointless.

Smiling, Shi Jingzhi approached, his back to the moonlight streaming through the window, and caught hold of a strand of Yin Ci’s hair.

Yin Ci furrowed his brows. Even though his back was facing the light, his eyes were still incredibly bright—so bright that it made him uncomfortable.

“A’Ci, listen carefully. Now, I’m going to do the same thing. While searching for the Shirou, I will do my best to investigate your background, origins, and your inner demon.”

This was bad.

Yin Ci suddenly realized his own negligence. His Little Mute had long ceased to be the same person he was years ago. Shi Jingzhi cautiously opened up a bit to him, but he hadn’t let go of his deeply guarded thoughts.

He couldn’t help himself but make a mistake.

In the past century, faced with such situations, Yin Ci would always come up with a fabricated background to prevent the other party from digging deeper. Just like back in Yuanxian Village, lying was always easy for him.

However, such bullshit about having “drunk immortal wine” almost slipped out, but Yin Ci swallowed it back himself.

He looked at those bright eyes and remained silent for a long time. Shi Jingzhi intentionally brought it up, so his master knew exactly what he was doing. Had this fox finally noticed?

…Had he realized that, regardless of the reasons, he could no longer deceive him as he had done in the past?

With his heart being openly placed in his hands, there was only one answer he could give.

“What’s the matter, Shizun? Are you coming to capture me? I can promise you right now that no matter what your fate may be, I will be there with you until the end. My affection for Shizun is not a lie.”

Yin Ci placed the Hanging Shadow Sword down and smiled in response.

“Even if Shizun knows the truth, the current situation won’t change.”

Seeing that Yin Ci didn’t casually deflect the question anymore, Shi Jingzhi’s smile became even more radiant, his eyes forming crescents.

“Why wouldn’t it change?”

This time, he took the initiative and played with Yin Ci’s hair for a while.

“The human heart is multifaceted, and seeing is believing. In the past month, I have come to understand Yan Budu even more than you.”

“Since A’Ci has seen my vulnerable side, I also want to see A’Ci’s. What kind of person you are and how you ended up here, I want to know.”

“I need to know.”

---

The author has something to say:

Fox: It’s impossible for a son, and it’s also impossible to be a son in this lifetime.

Demonic Lord: But you’ve already been one.

Fox: ???

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 59: Promise

Yan Budu died tragically. The fish demon eye on the smoking pipe fell into the grass, and the heart sank into darkness.

Then the darkness shattered, and the ground disappeared beneath the two.

The small magic circle ceased to operate, and the desolate graves on the hillside vanished. The scenery in front changed from Zongwu Mountain to Huilian Mountain, with rolling clouds and mist below and an abyss spanning thousands of feet.

The inner demons returned to their place, and the human head lamp lit up, revealing the white thorns once again.

The transparent stone platform shook, on the verge of collapse. Yin Ci borrowed the last bit of strength, clutching Shi Jingzhi, and rolled back to the edge of the cliff. Shi Jingzhi stared blankly into the void, as if desperately trying to recall something.

This time, when the two landed, Yin Ci didn’t treat Shi Jingzhi as a cushion. He intentionally turned his body to the side, and his back hit the stone surface, causing his head to buzz.

On Zongwu Mountain, Yan Budu left behind numerous crucial clues.

For example, he did indeed hide the Shirou; for example, even with countless maps, they still needed a “key”; and furthermore, Yan Budu really had contact with immortals—after all, he was a generational master and wouldn’t mistake a mortal who had drunk immortal wine for an immortal.

But at this moment, Yin Ci couldn’t delve into those clues.

The spider mole the size of a copper coin on Yan Budu’s chest was dark green, identical to the one Shi Jingzhi had.

Both of them were extraordinarily talented, stubborn and ambitious, and they were both afflicted with a rare and consistent disease that was rarely seen in the world. Could this be a coincidence?

And Yin Ci had also seen Yan Budu’s appearance when he was “determined”.

Over twenty years ago, Kushan had gathered in different valleys. Before his Little Mute died, he too had black veins all over his body, with black blood oozing from his mouth and nose, and a persistent high fever. Even a gentle touch would elicit a heart-wrenching scream.

[When I was a child, I had a high fever once, and this thing appeared afterward.]

…Could all of this be a coincidence?

Impossible.

Yin Ci lay at the edge of the cliff, not getting up immediately, nor allowing Shi Jingzhi to rise. He wrapped one arm around Shi Jingzhi’s waist, firmly imprisoning him against his own body.

Shi Jingzhi stared blankly at Yin Ci with an expression that was still dazed and absent-minded.

The shadow hand moved, futilely grasping the white thorns. The thorns, full of sharp spikes, caused piercing pain to assault him from all directions, but Yin Ci had no intention of letting go.

The two spent a month together in their minds, but only a few sticks of incense had passed externally. The sun hadn’t moved much from its position, the sky was clear, the breeze was chilly, and everything remained the same.

Yin Ci coldly observed Kongshi passing away and Yan Budu’s self-destruction. Having witnessed all the myriad phenomena of the world, he thought he had long grown accustomed to being detached from worldly matters. But now, unexpectedly struck by his own past, his throat suddenly felt sour, choking back countless words.

It turned out that his “human heart” hadn’t had a chance to completely rot away.

Indeed, he had considered it before. If his Little Mute had survived, he would be this old. Who could have imagined that his casual thought would now become a reality—a strange illness as the catalyst, fate as the thread, as if he had captured the lingering soul of twenty-four years ago.

However, there were still several doubts. The Little Mute had seen his face, but Shi Jingzhi didn’t recognize him. Yin Ci had witnessed the Little Mute’s bones being devoured, yet Shi Jingzhi stood there unscathed. Yin Ci knew he wouldn’t be easily deceived, and Shi Jingzhi’s mysterious origins and shattered humanity indicated that someone had deliberately orchestrated this.

What exactly did Yan Budu mean by “fixed desire”? And whose shadow lurked behind this “strange illness”?

Yin Ci closed his eyes for a moment, and when he spoke again, his tone returned to its usual state. He painstakingly confirmed the final question—

“You said you had a high fever at the age of three and then developed this strange mole. How much do you remember about the time of the fever?”

Shi Jingzhi frowned. “Not much. I even forgot what happened before the fever. I only know about the fever itself from what others told me.”

Without needing any prompting from Yin Ci, Shi Jingzhi continued on his own.

“Now that I think about it, the symptoms are quite similar to those of Yan Budu… But I’ve never heard of this ‘fixed desire’, and he definitely knows more about this condition than I do.”

Unfortunately, Yan Budu had already been buried in the mountains, and his bones were probably nowhere to be found now.

Shi Jingzhi had likely also thought of this point. Although he was excited by the new clues, he remained calm and didn’t become ecstatic.

“A’Ci, we’re safe now. Let go of me first.” Shi Jingzhi patted Yin Ci’s arm.

But Yin Ci didn’t release his grip.

Even if the clues on Yan Budu’s side had been severed, it didn’t matter. Even if Shi Jingzhi couldn’t remember the past, it didn’t matter.

The person was already by his side, and he would find a way to uncover the truth of that year. Yin Ci’s hand clutched the back of Shi Jingzhi’s head, his fingers deeply buried in the black hair, holding the other person tightly against his chest.

He lay there between heaven and earth, gazing directly at the sky.

To him, the Little Mute wasn’t a game to pass the time. That child was more like a nail, anchoring the last trace of his soul in the mortal realm. Although Yin Ci didn’t consider “living like this” a fortunate event, it was still far better than being deeply engulfed in madness and immersed in killing and calamity.

He had once made an unfulfilled promise to the Little Mute, and now he had a chance for redemption.

In the chaotic mortal world, in the midst of darkness, he once again touched a fragment of destiny. His long-dormant heart contracted, and a dull pain emerged.

Back then, the innocent child could never have had the intention of playing tricks on him. So, no matter who was behind this matter, daring to deceive and snatch someone from him through deceitful means would surely come at a cost.

If it was a mortal, they would be killed. If it was an immortal, he would make sure that immortal fell into the mortal realm.

As he was pressed into Yin Ci’s embrace, Shi Jingzhi finally noticed that something was wrong with Yin Ci. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I’m thinking about Shizun’s illness,” Yin Ci replied, still gazing at the sky.

“We can talk about that later. If you’re tired, rest here. I need to go check on Su Si and Yan Qing… A’Ci?”

“Yes,” Yin Ci didn’t release his embrace. “With the two of us working together and having clues in hand, we will definitely be able to uncover the mystery behind this strange illness.”

After speaking, Yin Ci lowered his head and lightly brushed his lips against Shi Jingzhi’s forehead. His gaze passed through the person in front of him and looked at the figure from twenty years ago.

[Little Mute, even though you can’t express your wishes, This Seat* promise you a worry-free life and longevity of a hundred years.]

*[Ben zuo] (本座) Term when referring to oneself in a formal and authoritative manner, often used by individuals in positions of power or high authority.

Yin Ci’s lips curled into a smile.

Just as Shi Jingzhi was thinking Yin Ci truly lived up to the title of “the immortal who sends people off for their last journey”—

“…Shi Jingzhi, I promise you a worry-free life and longevity of a hundred years.”

Even if he had to defy destiny once again—he not only wanted him to live a few more years, he wanted him to have a peaceful and natural end.

Shi Jingzhi gasped and pressed his temple.

At the moment he heard those words, his mind was filled with falling red leaves and piercing pain. It seemed like something wanted to break free, but couldn’t find a way, causing his head to ache.

So he could only grin and play it off. “Good disciple, you don’t need to promise me a hundred years of longevity. Ninety-nine is enough.”

Yin Ci’s gaze became complex, and he smiled as he released him. “That works too.”

An hour and a half passed.

The master and disciple treated the injured servants. Their role as healers emerged, finally waking up the two unconscious individuals buried in the snow.

Yan Qing and Su Si’s inner demons hadn’t disappeared, but they had at least returned to normal. However, their wounds were real, adding to the dire situation of the Kushan Sect.

Su Si continued to touch his wounds and grumble. As for Yan Qing, when he woke up and saw the pale thorns all around, he thought he was still dreaming. He simply closed his eyes, turned over, and continued to pretend to be unconscious.

When Shi Jingzhi saw those eerie eyes, his emotions became complicated.

After a while, Shi Jingzhi cleared his throat and spoke with an extremely stern tone. “Yan Qing, if you don’t get up now, I’ll deduct your monthly allowance.”

Yan Qing instantly sat up in shock, looking even more upright than Shi Jingzhi’s flagpole.

As everyone woke up, Shi Jingzhi crossed his arms and put on a show of being self-important. “A’Ci and I have already defeated the Lords of Hatred and Ignorance, so you don’t need to worry anymore. However, the Buddha Heart Formation is quite troublesome. Once you’ve rested well, we should enter the Jianchen Temple as soon as possible to catch our breath.”

Yan Qing nodded obediently, treating Su Si as usual, as if the inner demon ordeal had never happened. Su Si, on the other hand, scratched his cheek and occasionally glanced at Yan Qing, his face turning red.

In the end, his vigilance defeated the idea of “being honest for a while,” and he asked with a serious tone, “Sect Master, what exactly is all this on the ground? Can you please explain?”

Shi Jingzhi appeared amiable and replied without hesitation, “They are the remnants left behind by the Lord of Hatred and the Lord of Ignorance.”

Yin Ci was momentarily stunned but couldn’t help bursting into laughter. He momentarily forgot himself and only thought about the Little Mute. He almost forgot about this person’s fox fur.

How wonderful, he couldn’t help but think.

Although Shi Jingzhi was broken, he didn’t sink into gloom or become reclusive. That vitality remained the same as before, and Yin Ci could still hold his hand, catching a glimpse of that glimmer of light.

There was still time for everything.

The sun gradually set, and the night passed without incident.

The spells left behind by Yan Budu had ceased, and apart from their own inner demons, there was nothing else blocking their path. The mountain road stretched ahead, and Shi Jingzhi took the opportunity to briefly explain the events of the mind realm, providing an account for the purpose of this journey.

The surroundings were calm and peaceful, and his single disciple wasn’t missing, so Sect Master Shi was filled with gratification. However, compared to before, his disciple had undergone some subtle changes—

Since they left the small magic formation, Shi Jingzhi couldn’t help but feel that Yin Ci’s gaze towards him was a little off. The Buddha Heart Formation had once again taken effect, and his disciple’s inner demon hadn’t moved, yet his eyes didn’t darken anymore.

But whenever they set off, Yin Ci would still naturally grab his wrist and hold it neither lightly nor heavily. From this perspective, the “disciple regaining his sight” seemed like his own illusion once again.

However, this feeling was comforting, and Shi Jingzhi didn’t want to ask about it. He allowed Yin Ci to lead him.

Yan Qing hadn’t experienced the mind realm for that month, so he was still accustomed to the current situation. Supporting Su Si, who had a snake tail, he couldn’t help but feel something was amiss. “Since we have clues, why do we still need to go up the mountain?”

“Although A’Ci and I saw the cave and desolate graves, Zongwu Mountain is too vast to search inch by inch.”

Shi Jingzhi spoke cheerfully.

“Venerable Kongshi of the Jianchen Temple was an eminent monk. Over the years, the temple has never given up on searching for his remains. When it comes to the location where Yan Budu and Venerable Kongshi had their final battle, no one knows better than the Jianchen Temple.”

“That’s right,” Yin Ci added, “And there’s something I’m particularly interested in—Yan Budu took away Venerable Kongshi’s sword but didn’t bring it back to the tomb. Yan Budu would never do useless things…”

“…That stone sword probably has some secrets as well. Besides, he arranged the clues at the entrance of the Jianchen Temple. It feels like something is missing if we just get the clues and turn back halfway.”

Shi Jingzhi smiled and continued the conversation.

“When it comes to Yan Budu, even the slightest clue is worth a try.”

Upon hearing this, Su Si’s movement paused. He looked at Shi Jingzhi’s back, and his face showed a pensive expression.

“A’Si?” Yan Qing, who was pulling him up the steps, was the first to sense that something was off.

“I was lost in thought for a moment.” Su Si furrowed his brows slightly. “Let’s go. We should go to the Jianchen Temple first… Don’t worry, I won’t hide anything from you anymore.”

---

The author has something to say:

Demonic Lord Yin: I was just pretending when I said I was blind.

Fox Shi: ?

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<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 58: Making a Move

When Yan Budu woke up again, night had fallen.

The monk’s stone sword had returned to its original position. Kongshi sat upright in front of the bonfire, using an iron bowl to simmer something. Just like the past dozens of days, the cave was dim, filled with the light of the fire, and at a fixed time, the person always remained in a fixed position.

The difference this time was that a pleasant fragrance wafted in the cave.

After being domineering and arrogant for so many years, Yan Budu had tasted all sorts of miraculous medicines and strange herbs in the world. He instantly recognized the smell of this thing—

“Ice peak snake lotus… Truly worthy of an eminent monk. Heaven has given its blessing that even such a legendary object can be found.”

This thing was extremely rare, growing in the deep mountains during severe winter. It could be called a holy medicine for treating internal injuries. Zongwu Mountain wasn’t a place of great vitality, yet it could produce such a thing thanks to the ancient formation.

However, the main reason why the ice peak snake lotus was rare wasn’t the harsh growing conditions or the scarcity in quantity, but the lotus snake that accompanied it.

As miraculous as the effects of the ice peak snake lotus were, the lotus snake was equally poisonous. They liked to gather in groups with a number equal to the petals of the ice peak snake lotus, ranging from tens to dozens. The snowy mountain was already dazzling, and these strange snakes were transparent all over and extremely fast, making them quite formidable.

Not to mention the monk who was content and desired little, even if Yan Budu had the opportunity to see the ice peak snake lotus, he might not be willing to take it.

However, no matter how difficult the situation, it seemed that nothing could change the expression on Kongshi’s face. He casually took the legendary object and boiled it with his expression unchanged, as if it were just a strangely shaped mushroom.

Today was obviously the day when they became enemies.

“You’re quite something, Kongshi, being able to escape from the lotus snakes. It seems that I can have a good fight in tomorrow’s battle…” Yan Budu struggled to catch his breath, still not letting up on his taunting.

Whether it was because he was tired of leaning against the wall or not, Yan Budu sat back in front of the chessboard. With one hand supporting his body, even with a face full of illness, he still had a hint of elegance.

Yan Budu suddenly collapsed in the afternoon, leaving the chessboard with a half-finished game. He didn’t scatter the chess pieces, but just leaned against them lightly.

Kongshi finished brewing the medicinal soup and walked over calmly. He sat in front of Yan Budu, placed the stone spoon in the bowl, and handed it to Yan Budu. “Please use it, Patron.”

“Venerable, previously when I was weak, you fed me spoonful by spoonful… Why is it that even the lotus snakes have moved for me, but now there’s this distance between us?”

Kongshi’s voice was gentle as if his words carried a light breeze and faint clouds. “Amitabha, I have other matters to attend to. Patron lacks diligence in nurturing the body, but the distinction between light and heavy can still be made.”

Yan Budu was already accustomed to the monk’s evasive response. He snorted, picked up the iron bowl, and drank the medicinal soup in one gulp.

The medicinal soup had been cooled with snow, making the temperature just right. As the warm medicine entered his body, a surge of heat spread throughout his limbs and bones. Yan Budu’s bloodshot eyes relaxed, and his furrowed brow showed a hint of relief.

Despite his arrogance, Yan Budu wouldn’t waste time for nothing. He immediately sat on the straw cushion in front of the chessboard to adjust and heal his injuries.

This time, Kongshi didn’t help him like before.

Kongshi continued to sit on the other side of the chessboard with his hands clasped together as he silently recited sutras.

After half an hour passed, Yan Budu coughed up a mouthful of blood again. The strange blood threads seemed to gather, slowly receding from his limbs. His face still lacked color, but at least his body no longer trembled and convulsed.

Only then did Yan Budu breathe a sigh of relief and turn his gaze towards the opposite side, only to freeze in astonishment.

The monk’s hands had always been beautiful, with slender fingers and distinct joints. Previously, when he clasped his hands together in prayer, they were truly pleasing to the eye.

But now, they didn’t look as appealing.

Kongshi’s hands were completely exposed from his sleeves. The edge of his left palm had two small, pitch-black holes—the whole left hand, along with the arm, had swollen and turned bluish black with twisted veins.

A snake bite wound.

Yan Budu quietly observed the wound for a while. His face gradually transformed from a relaxed expression to a twisted smile, then into unrestrained laughter.

He seemed to have encountered the most amusing thing in the world, laughing so hard that he coughed repeatedly, struggling for breath.

“Venerable, is this the cycle of fate? Is this karmic retribution? Why do I feel like it’s a stroke of luck for me?”

The venom of the lotus snake was extremely toxic, and once bitten, even severing the limbs would be useless. Kongshi immediately administered treatment and possessed profound skills to suppress the snake’s poison with inner force, which allowed him to survive until now.

Unfortunately, delay could only be delayed.

With his profound inner force and close coordination with Kongshi’s true qi, there was a slight possibility of purging the snake’s venom and saving his life.

But within the vast Zongwu Mountain, extending for hundreds of miles, only the two of them were present. The only one who could save Kongshi was Yan Budu himself.

Could there be a more marvelous situation than this?

“Baldy, do you know what I’m thinking?” Yan Budu asked.

Kongshi ceased his recitation, calmly looked at Yan Budu, and replied, “Patron is thinking about how to tempt this humble monk with greed, hatred, and ignorance.”

“Correct. Since I have nothing better to do, I will explain it to you in detail.”

Yan Budu’s face was adorned with an extremely bright smile; the smile, blending with the blood vessels all over his body, sent a chilling sensation to anyone who saw him.

“I have figured out your precious and formidable Nightmare Breaking technique long ago. I can break the formation and leave the mountain on my own… I was considering whether to strike from behind. But this level of ‘betrayal’ wouldn’t catch Venerable’s attention.”

“Then I thought, why not pretend to be defeated by you and let you leave the mountain. My disciples have been waiting outside, ready to poison you when the opportunity arises. I could bring you back to our sect and slowly reeducate you. But Venerable has a strong character and probably won’t yield easily. If, by any chance, I accidentally kill Venerable, wouldn’t that be a loss?”

“Finally, I thought, why not go with you to the Jianchen Temple and then risk my life to kill the leader, that old bald donkey, in front of you? That would surely change your expression, wouldn’t it?”

“…Who would have thought that the plans of men are no match for those of the heavens. The arrangements of the heavens are even more intriguing than what I had imagined.”

Kongshi remained motionless as a mountain. “Patron has the strength to speak so many words. The reputation of the ice peak snake lotus is well-deserved.”

“Venerable, are you truly foolish or pretending to be foolish? Now, you’re not merely feeding yourself to the tiger, but actually returning it to the mountain.”

As the potency of the medicine increased, Yan Budu’s profound skills allowed his blood-red eyes to shine like ghostly flames. He reached out his hands, cupping Kongshi’s cheeks, forcing him to make eye contact.

“The head of the Jianchen Temple, sacrificing yourself to save me—truly an audacious move. Come, look at me closely—this talk of karmic retribution is nothing more than a hopeless struggle of the weak; a complete self-deception.”

As the snake venom spread and the vitality in Kongshi’s eyes gradually faded. He slightly raised his head, neither breaking free from Yan Budu’s grip nor averting his gaze; his eyes were as calm as an ancient well without a ripple.

A composure that irritated others.

“When I leave this place, I will kill countless people and set their flesh on fire when I return to Huilian Mountain. But it’s different for Venerable. If Venerable survives, he could save thousands of lives… It’s not very cost-effective, trading one life for another.”

Yan Budu attempted to find hatred, confusion, or regret in Kongshi’s eyes.

But he found nothing.

“Think about it. When I spread this news, how much infamy will the Jianchen Temple bear among the ‘vast multitude of sentient beings’? …If you truly care about all beings, why not kneel down and beg me? If I’m pleased, perhaps I’ll grant you some inner force and let you leave the mountain alive.”

He once again tried to find hesitation, worry, or entreaty in Kongshi’s eyes.

Yet, he still found nothing. The suffering of the mortal world rolled by, but those eyes remained untouched by the slightest dust.

Kongshi’s cheeks grew cold, and his complexion became somewhat grayish.

The venom of the lotus snake was extremely poisonous, turning the internal organs to mush and causing unbearable pain. Although the monk should have been in excruciating agony, that annoying calmness remained undisturbed, without a ripple.

The two of them remained in a stalemate.

Yan Budu knelt on the chessboard, bowing down with one leg while his hands cupped Kongshi’s face. The two were so close that it seemed they were about to kiss, yet frozen like an ice sculpture caught in the wintry wind, suspended in mid-air.

Kongshi calmly gazed back. There was a moment when Yan Budu felt that he was not facing a living being, but a stone-carved Buddha.

This person was simply incomprehensible. Yan Budu couldn’t see through him, couldn’t understand him.

Even though he looked down at the other’s face from above, he faintly felt a sense of pity.

After a brief silence, Kongshi spoke again. It wasn’t a plea for mercy, but a gentle conversation. “After just taking the medicine, your meridians are weak. It’s better to sit up straight and continue cultivating.”

“You…”

The surroundings grew colder, and the color on Yan Budu’s face finally faded. For the first time, he failed to disguise his thoughts and let them show on his face.

It shouldn’t be like this.

He had seen too many people who understood righteousness, weeping and begging for mercy as death approached. Even if ordinary people met their deaths bravely, death came swiftly. Yan Budu understood better than anyone the terror of a slow approach to death.

But he couldn’t find a trace of fear in Kongshi’s eyes—not even a shred of it.

Yan Budu suddenly shuddered. His gaze toward Kongshi became increasingly suspicious and uncertain.

“I won’t save you.”

He mumbled, his lips trembling.

“It’s useless for you to wait here, and it’s useless to pretend everything is fine. I haven’t had some bullshit enlightenment, don’t you understand? I won’t help you. I never intended to save you from the beginning.”

Kongshi remained unmoved, continuing to recite sutras as before.

“You will die here with your corpse exposed in the wilderness, unattended, cursed for a hundred years. You…”

Yan Budu didn’t even blink his eyes. He released his grip on Kongshi’s face and licked his lips. His tone revealed a slight wavering.

“…You’re a monster. Are you truly an emotionless and heartless stone?”

Kongshi halted his silent recitation and casually replied, “I confess, this humble monk enjoys eating apricots. It can be considered a preference shared by some living beings.”

If it weren’t for the decay and darkness on his left arm, based on his tone alone, this monk seemed like an ordinary person with no concerns.

Yan Budu slowly returned to his straw cushion; his face devoid of any trace of a smile.

Undoubtedly, Kongshi saw through his agitation. “Amitabha, Patron’s state of mind is unstable. It would be better for both of us to continue this game and steady our minds.”

Yan Budu had nothing to say.

Facing a game that was nearly halfway through and a monk who was about to die, he had exhausted his efforts and racked his brain, but he couldn’t find any words more cruel. Countless interrogations and threats, in the presence of this stone-like monk, turned into bluster and empty intimidation.

“Patron, it’s your turn to make a move.”

Yan Budu stared blankly at Kongshi.

The monk’s expression was gentle, just like on the day they first met, the moment Yan Budu stepped into the cave.

After a moment, Yan Budu seemed to have realized something.

He slowly smiled again, revealing a hint of bitterness in his smile. “So that’s how it is. A whole month, with thoughts and emotions exchanged… It was all in vain. I was the one who went too far.”

He had exposed his true intentions and worked so hard, but in the end, it was all self-indulgence. In the presence of this person, there was no such thing as closeness or distance in human relationships.

“Kongshi, from the beginning, the ‘me’ in your eyes was never really ‘me’, was it?”

After a month had passed, all that calmness and gentleness were just projections of the formless sentient beings in this person’s eyes.

Whether Yan Budu was a three-year-old child or a hundred-year-old elder, whether he had hidden motives or was naturally wicked, he was nothing more than an ordinary stone in this person’s eyes.

From the moment Yan Budu stepped into the cave, Kongshi’s attitude had never changed even a bit, not one bit more or less.

Indeed, equality among all sentient beings!

“People all say that I am the most heartless one. But now it seems that you, Venerable, surpass me in that aspect.”

Kongshi smiled faintly. “Patron, you overestimate me.”

Time passed unhurriedly, cruelly silent.

Yan Budu rested his elbow on the stone chessboard while his ten fingers ran through his hair, no longer the confident and spirited self from before. He didn’t make a move and just clenched his teeth, remaining silent.

“…Patron, if you can’t think of a way to break the stalemate, this humble monk has a suggestion.”

The monk lowered his head slightly, as if observing the game that was already more than halfway played.

“Speak your mind.”

“Patron, why not try doing one good deed? One should be enough.”

Yan Budu sneered coldly. “Nonsense. Instead of wasting time thinking about such pointless things, it’s better to save your breath and live a little longer.”

Whether in the game or outside of it, the battle between black and white, good and evil, was deadlocked and difficult to determine. Faced with an opponent without any flaws, how could he win?

Oh well, Yan Budu thought with a sense of confusion. In any case, he couldn’t give up on attacking.

After pondering for a while, Yan Budu tightly gripped the blood-stained stone chess piece. “Venerable, I…”

But before he could finish his sentence, he immediately fell silent.

It was too quiet.

The silence was not from the cave itself. The fire continued to burn, and the sound of the storm could be faintly heard from outside the cave. The iron bowl still held a bit of medicinal soup, and the stone sword quietly leaned against the corner. The edges of the monk’s robe trailed in the dust, stirring up a bit of brownish-gray dirt.

Everything was in its place, but the sound of Kongshi’s breathing had disappeared.

The monk remained calm, his palms joined together in prayer. He sat in front of the chessboard, still like an ancient, solitary peak that had stood there since time immemorial.

Yan Budu slowly released the chess piece. It made a slight sound as it touched the chessboard; a sound that, against the backdrop of the silence, was as loud as thunder.

In the end, they never finished this game. Just like the passing of countless days and nights, it was nothing more than a fleeting illusion, without a beginning or an end.

Yan Budu sat expressionless in front of the chessboard, motionless, until the long night was about to end and the snow reflected a faint light.

“You, monk, couldn’t you at least wait for me to finish this move?”

Finally, he stood up, muttering to himself almost inaudibly.

“When an eminent monk passes away, there are often signs. But now, looking at it, it’s just a pile of dead flesh, rotting away.”

After that, Yan Budu never spoke again.

The night gave way to dawn.

Yan Budu chose a sunny slope nearby and dug a crude pit with his huge sword, burying Kongshi on the mountainside. He didn’t erect a tombstone, only placing the stone chessboard to serve as a marker. When he left, he didn’t even look back.

Although the world was vast outside the cave, this time Yan Budu didn’t keep his audience waiting for long.

The winter snow melted, and the seasons passed.

In the blink of an eye, the mountain was still a mountain, devoid of snow in all directions, only revealing stretches of desolate grass. The makeshift grave that could hardly be called a grave was covered by weeds, making it difficult to discern.

But Yan Budu remained the same.

He was still wearing the clothes from that day. His face was no longer marked by dark blood vessels, restoring his previous enchanting appearance. The previous sense of despair seemed to have been nothing more than an illusion. He still wore that arrogant expression of self-importance.

However, he now had a jar of wine and a roasted chicken in his hands.

“After descending from the mountain, I encountered many extraordinary things.”

Yan Budu sat cross-legged, deliberately dividing some wine and meat as an offering to the monk. He casually rambled on, as if they were still having a conversation in front of the chessboard.

“I even met an immortal, believe it or not. Unfortunately, they couldn’t stand my demon fish eyes, so I can’t show you any images.”

As he spoke, he coughed up a mouthful of blood and then drank it down with a bowl of wine.

“On that day, you asked me about my plans after ascending to immortality. Now that I’ve seen ancient immortal villages and magnificent celestial palaces, I have to say, those immortals are more boring than I imagined…”

The stone chessboard stood alone, and the wine flowed slowly along its edges. Silence pervaded the surroundings, only interrupted by the sounds of insects chirping in the grass.

Yan Budu laughed—a laugh filled with unparalleled recklessness.

“They gave me a fantastic toy, you know. I had been longing for it, but when I finally got it, it was rather underwhelming. It’s better to leave it for the younger generation to fight over and to see the true faces of the immortals. It will surely be a sight to behold, stirring up the heavens and the earth, quite exhilarating.”

“As for the Ling Sect, I have taken care of it. I have arranged everything regarding the other clues, including my precious tomb… When I built the tomb, I didn’t leave a way back. Now, clearing away the monsters and reducing the killing intent is even more difficult than setting up traps.”

“In another hundred years, a group of people will come rushing about. But even if they find the place, all they will discover is a lock.”

Yan Budu waved his sleeve, and a jade-colored object flew away with the wind. It deeply embedded itself into the stone chessboard, creating a hole like a final move. The unfinished game from the past finally reached its conclusion, just as it was in the beginning.

But this time, it was Yan Budu who took the initiative to set up the formation. Three cycles of calamities; a draw.

“The key—I left it with you. You can see with your own eyes how those younger ones tear each other apart. It seems that you, Venerable, have accumulated great merits. A hundred years from now, you might even be one of the ones they fight over.”

Having said that, he fell silent again, as if waiting for a response.

But of course, no one answered.

Gradually, the wine was finished, and only a skeleton remained of the meat. Yan Budu stretched lazily and gazed at the blood-like sunset.

“After consuming the ‘Shirou’, one can ascend to immortality in a single step. But in this world, no one understands themselves better than I do. After achieving immortality, in a few months, I will surely be in the embrace of soft jade and sweet fragrance, completely forgetting about that wretched cave.”

“However, I can no longer find a second cave. So, slowly forgetting about it seems like a waste.”

Yan Budu lit his smoking pipe and leisurely exhaled white smoke.

“Lastly, regarding your suggestion of ‘doing a good deed’. As long as I remain myself, regardless of what I give, if the recipient is an upright person, they are destined to have an unfavorable end.”

“One good deed requires a clear reputation. Venerable, in the end, you still want to save me… How beautiful.”

As the sky darkened, the flame in the smoking pipe gradually extinguished.

Yan Budu stood up, gazing at the stone chessboard in front of him. His smile was arrogant, and his crimson eyes were full of vitality, undiminished from years past.

“In this lifetime, I, Yan Budu, have killed countless people without regret. Witnessing death without saving, I have no regrets. You believe in reincarnation, but I do not. Heaven and earth are vast and distant, if I can’t see it, then I can’t see it.”

“But if you don’t repay that favor, it will weigh heavily on my heart. With your good moves, I have my wicked solution. Watch closely, Kongshi. Today, I will perform the greatest ‘act of kindness’ in the world.”

With those words, it only took an instant.

Without hesitation, a sharp sword qi surged forth. It pierced Yan Budu’s own body, piercing through his heart, and scarlet blood splattered.

Yan Budu was a person who struck ruthlessly, without mercy, even towards himself.

“What a pity…”

He spat out his final breath of blood, silently laughing.

“…My immortal tomb took quite some effort.”

The sword qi shattered the fabric on Yan Budu’s chest, and a few round apricots rolled into the pool of blood. At his heart, along the edges of the black-red hole, a dark green spider-shaped birthmark lay quietly, gradually being covered by the fresh blood.

The Ghost Tomb remained vacant for ten years, and his half-life of immortality came to an end. A generational prodigy met his demise, ultimately becoming a tomb without a coffin or a burial mound.

Night fell, and the mountains remained.

The stone chess board lay peacefully in its original place, surrounded by overgrown weeds, with a gentle breeze brushing past.

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The author has something to say:

In the end, a Demonic Lord is still a Demonic Lord, and an eminent monk is still an eminent monk.

The onion skin of the fox, quite perilous.

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Kinky Thoughts:

The title of the chapter is (落子) which means to make a move (in Go). It has a double meaning in this context in that Kongshi died before they could finish their Go game, and Yan Budu returned to his grave both to make a move (finish the Go game) and actually make his move in the real world (his “act of kindness”).

I really love this chapter. I have to say it beautifully articulates how both “evil” and “righteousness” can be cruel. Yan Budu is evil in his actions and disregards human life, while Kongshi treats everything indifferently in that they are all equal in his eyes (with no feelings, emotions, or attachment). Truly beautiful!

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