The morning bell rang softly, and the evening drum resounded deeply. Mount Sumeru was bathed in ethereal mists, from the rising sun to the twilight’s last glow, as the heavens shifted with clouds and passing moments, a relentless flow of time that spared no one.
The majestic and resplendent Azure Ethereal Conclave stood proudly on Mount Sumeru, like a compassionate giant gazing upon the world. Countless mortals from all directions gathered every morning, prostrating themselves before the statues of deities in the temple, pouring out their joys and sorrows, seeking divine protection. Millions came and went, day after day, never changing, the ebb and flow of life. Only the golden statues in the temple, the unextinguished lamps at the hall’s entrance, and the curling incense witnessed the passage of time and the vicissitudes of the world.
Gui Li, or Zhang Xiaofan from those bygone years, once again entered the small chamber where the Dharma remains of the wise monk Pu Zhi lay. A full day and night had passed, and not a single sound emerged from the room. During this time, Venerable Master Pu Hong had come to the small courtyard outside, pausing for a long while before leaving with a sigh. Since Gui Li entered the room, Fa Xiang had stood steadfastly in the courtyard, his patience beyond expectation.
No one knew why Fa Xiang stood there, but neither he nor the other monks of the Azure Ethereal Conclave, including Venerable Master Pu Hong, questioned him. He stood alone, resolutely, as if waiting for something.
The setting sun dyed the sky crimson, painting the western horizon with a fiery glow. From afar, the edges of the clouds seemed to shimmer with a delicate gold, a breathtaking sight. The beauty of the world lay all around, only to be seen by those with eyes to see and hearts to feel.
Fa Xiang gazed at the distant sunset, lost in thought. After standing for a full day and night, his refined face showed no trace of fatigue. Instead, a deep, wise light shone in his clear eyes.
“Upon what do you gaze?” a voice suddenly broke the silence beside him. Startled, Fa Xiang snapped out of his reverie to find Venerable Master Pu Hong standing beside him, smiling kindly.
Fa Xiang bowed, “Master, I was gazing at the sunset, lost in contemplation, and did not notice your arrival. Forgive my rudeness.”
Venerable Master Pu Hong smiled, “Do not worry about such formalities. What did you discern from the sunset?”
After a moment’s reflection, Fa Xiang replied, “I have stood here for a full day and night, watching the stars at night and the blue sky during the day. Now, the sun has set, leaving only a faint light. I felt a profound sadness, contemplating the brevity of life and the transience of all things. I wonder, in this vast world, so small and insignificant, what is the meaning of life?”
Venerable Master Pu Hong nodded, “You indeed possess wisdom beyond your years. The fate of all things is predestined, and though they change, they follow an unalterable path. You have grasped a profound truth from the rise and fall of the sun, a truly remarkable insight.”
Fa Xiang bowed respectfully, “Thank you, Master, but your praise is too much. Despite my small understanding, I have more questions. If fate is predetermined and all things must fade, why do countless people strive in the world, entangled in love, hate, and human affairs? The Buddha says to save all beings, yet not all are willing to be saved. Why? Is the Western Paradise, free from sorrow and desire, not enough to attract the masses? I am foolish, please guide me, Master.”
He then lowered his head, bowing and chanting.
Venerable Master Pu Hong gazed at Fa Xiang for a long time, nodding slowly, a smile on his face. He did not answer immediately but turned to look at the sunset. “Is it the sunset you were gazing at?”
“Yes, Master. I saw the fleeting time, the setting sun, and felt a deep sorrow and confusion,” Fa Xiang replied.
Venerable Master Pu Hong smiled, “Soon, the sun will set completely, and even the sunset will be gone.”
Fa Xiang looked puzzled, unsure of the Master’s meaning. “Indeed, Master.”
Venerable Master Pu Hong watched the sunset, the sky darkening, the twilight approaching. “The sun cannot be held back. But tomorrow, will you still see the sunrise?”
Fa Xiang’s body trembled, a thought stirring in his mind, leaving him speechless, his face showing deep contemplation.
Venerable Master Pu Hong turned to him, a gentle smile on his face, and said no more.
As the sky grew darker, the moon rose in the east, its light like water, illuminating the world.
In the tranquil moonlight, the Azure Ethereal Conclave stood serene and beautiful, though no longer bustling as in the daytime, it exuded a quiet, peaceful charm.
On the summit of Mount Sumeru, in the small courtyard of the conclave, the two monks stood in silence, the mountain breeze gently ruffling their robes.
********
It was uncertain how long they stood there, until the moon reached its zenith. Suddenly, a soft laughter echoed in the courtyard.
Fa Xiang’s face lit up with joy. He stepped forward, looking up at the moon, its brilliance shining on his white robe, like frost and snow.
Fa Xiang laughed, turning to Venerable Master Pu Hong, who had been standing by his side, and knelt down, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Master. I understand.”
Venerable Master Pu Hong’s eyes filled with pride. He placed a hand on Fa Xiang’s head, saying three times, “Good! Good! Good! Your intelligence is rare, but more importantly, you have a unique insight into Buddhist teachings. Of us four brothers, your Uncle Pu Zhi was the wisest, but he strayed from the path, seeking immortality and ending in a miserable state. Your enlightenment today is a blessing for you and our conclave.”
Fa Xiang looked puzzled, “Master, I don’t quite understand.”
Venerable Master Pu Hong shook his head, “These years, I have been consumed by worldly affairs, hindering my spiritual growth. After your Uncle Pu Zhi’s death, I considered retiring, but without a successor, I could not abandon the legacy. Now, with you, I can rest assured.”
Fa Xiang was shocked, kneeling again, “Master, you cannot leave us. I need your guidance, and the conclave cannot function without you.”
Venerable Master Pu Hong chuckled, “Child, all things must come to an end. But I am not in a hurry to retire. Everything must be settled first.”
Tears welled in Fa Xiang’s eyes, but he composed himself, standing by his master’s side.
Venerable Master Pu Hong looked up at the moon, “Let us check on that young man.”
Fa Xiang was puzzled, “What do you mean, Master?”
Venerable Master Pu Hong continued, “Regardless of right and wrong, all must find a resolution.” He walked towards the small room, followed by Fa Xiang, who felt a growing tension.
Inside, the “Jade Ice Plate” glowed, and nothing else had changed. Pu Zhi’s Dharma remains sat on the plate, and opposite him, Gui Li, or Zhang Xiaofan, sat in meditation, his back to them, gazing at Pu Zhi’s face.
Venerable Master Pu Hong took a deep breath, “Young man, have you decided?”
Gui Li slowly turned, his face pale and weary, as if aged by a hundred years.
Venerable Master Pu Hong bowed, “Amitabha!”
Gui Li stood, but staggered, catching himself just as Fa Xiang moved to help. Though weakened, he stood tall, “Master, bury his Dharma remains.”
Venerable Master Pu Hong and Fa Xiang were taken aback. Gui Li, his voice hoarse, explained, “Though we only met once, I called him ‘Master.’ He saved me, yet harmed me. Without him, I would not exist. Let him rest in peace.”
A chill emanated from his hand, the fierce power of the Bloodthirsty Pearl. “I have felt this power for years, and I understand now,” he said, turning to leave, coughing.
Venerable Master Pu Hong and Fa Xiang bowed, “Your kindness is moving. We will follow your instructions. Is there anything else you wish to say?”
Gui Li paused, then turned, kneeling before Pu Zhi’s remains, “Master, may you rest in peace.”
He left, and Venerable Master Pu Hong and Fa Xiang stood in silence, “He is truly wise and kind. Amitabha…”
Turning to Pu Zhi’s remains, Venerable Master Pu Hong saw them begin to crumble, turning to dust. The pain on his face vanished, replaced by a contented smile.
“Brother, you can finally rest,” Venerable Master Pu Hong said, tears in his eyes.
As the dust fell, the Jade Ice Plate shone brightly, and a strange force filled the room. The dust flew, and the plate floated, circling Gui Li, who stood outside, his face wet with tears.
The plate circled him thrice, then stopped before him. As he watched, the plate shattered, the dust sparkling in the moonlight, scattering into the wind, disappearing into the night.
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