As the dawn broke and the melodious chime of the morning bell resonated through the Sumeru Mountains, it echoed through the misty mountain breezes. This chime had traversed countless eras and would continue to do so in the days to come, day after day.
Standing in the early morning light, Gui Li stood with his hands behind his back, listening intently. He gently closed his eyes, as if savoring the lingering echo of the bell. There was something different about Gui Li; though his appearance had not changed, he seemed almost like a different person. His demeanor and bearing were more composed, with a noticeable reduction in the harshness that once characterized him.
Perhaps, the Buddhist arrays and teachings had indeed taken effect? This question lingered in the minds of many monks at the Temple of Heavenly Sound after Gui Li had awakened.
The day before, when Gui Li awoke again, Master Pu Hong and others had examined him carefully and found no major issues. Even the slight jolts from the previous heavy blow seemed absent. Delighted, Master Pu Hong, as a precaution, asked Gui Li to stay a few more days at the temple. Gui Li, without much hesitation, agreed and remained at the Temple of Heavenly Sound.
In these past few days, Gui Li had become even more silent and reserved. The monks, wary of the one who had enraged the heavens, largely avoided him, except for Master Pu Hong and Fa Xiang, who often visited without reservation. Gui Li, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings, did not leave his room, save for the moments when the morning and evening bells rang, when he would step into the small courtyard to listen.
“Boom…”
The final chime of the bell, trailing with its lingering echoes, hovered in the air above the Temple of Heavenly Sound for a long time before fading into silence. Gui Li slowly opened his eyes. Bathed in the morning breeze, his inner energy surged beneath his calm exterior, as if he were about to take flight. The monks at the temple might not know, but Gui Li was well aware of the change within him.
In that unexpected appearance at the Jade Wall, the legendary fourth volume of the “Celestial Book” from the Demon Sect had appeared. Others might not understand, but as the only one who had practiced the first three volumes, Gui Li instantly recognized it as the key volume he had long sought on his path to enlightenment.
Countless once insurmountable challenges now lay clear before him, revealing a smooth and unobstructed path. He even felt that this road would lead to new realms he had never dared to imagine. As he looked back on his past, there was a sense of transcendence, as if he had attained a new understanding.
Yet, amidst this newfound clarity, a faint sense of loss lingered in his heart, an unexplained and elusive feeling that clung to his mind.
Gui Li stood motionless for a long time, his thoughts unknown to anyone. Finally, he turned and walked out of the small courtyard, leaving it behind without a backward glance.
* * *
He walked down the steps, said to be created by a monk with great vows and immense powers to spread the Dharma. Countless people still walked this path, yet few knew that the one who had created it was now gone.
As he walked, the simple stone steps underfoot felt solid and real. Despite the recent upheaval, the temples and halls on Sumeru Mountain had been damaged, but this humble path remained unaffected, still firmly laid out for all to walk upon.
Gui Li did not ponder the meaning; he merely reflected on the past and the old friends. As he climbed, he eventually reached the small Temple of Heavenly Sound at the peak of Sumeru Mountain.
The door was ajar, and the place was as quiet as ever. Gui Li walked up, and from behind the door, faint voices could be heard. He knocked.
The voices inside immediately ceased, followed by a surprised “Eh?” A moment later, the door creaked open, and Fa Xiang appeared.
Seeing Gui Li, Fa Xiang smiled. Gui Li nodded and asked, “Is the Abbot here?”
Fa Xiang stepped aside, smiling, and said, “Yes, please come in.”
Gui Li entered to find Master Pu Hong seated cross-legged on a meditation bed, smiling warmly at him.
Gui Li approached and bowed, saying, “Master Abbot.”
Master Pu Hong observed Gui Li’s approach, his gaze traveling from head to toe, and finally settling on his feet. He nodded, clasping his hands together. “I see that your cultivation has greatly advanced in such a short time. Congratulations!”
Gui Li raised an eyebrow, remaining silent. Fa Xiang, somewhat surprised, scrutinized Gui Li closely.
After a moment, Gui Li bowed slightly to Master Pu Hong, saying, “I feel deeply uneasy about the destruction of the sacred Jade Wall due to my actions.”
Master Pu Hong shook his head gently, “It is but a small matter, unworthy of mention.”
Gui Li, slightly startled, said, “But the Jade Wall is a treasure of your temple, surely precious?”
Master Pu Hong clasped his hands, “The world turns, and all beings are transient. Who can foresee the future? What is precious today may not be so tomorrow. If you wish, there is a large stone to the right outside the Temple of Heavenly Sound. You may find the truth of the Buddha’s heart there.”
Gui Li nodded, “Very well. But I have come to bid you farewell, Master Abbot.”
Master Pu Hong showed no surprise, as if he had expected this. He nodded, “I will not hinder your departure. However, before you go, I have a few words for you.”
Gui Li said, “Please speak, Master.”
Master Pu Hong continued, “You have faced many trials and tribulations but have overcome them. I sense that you have gained some insight. Am I correct?”
Gui Li, after a moment’s thought, nodded, “Master, you are perceptive. I have indeed gained some insight. Looking back, I have many reflections.”
Master Pu Hong’s eyes gleamed, “You are a wise man. If you have seen through the veil, why not transcend worldly attachments and join the Buddha’s fold? I believe what you seek is ‘tranquility.’ Is that not so?”
Gui Li was silent, then stood up, bowing to Master Pu Hong. “I am grateful for your guidance, Master. I have gained some insight, but I have not seen through the world. To me, worldly attachments are what I cannot sever.”
Master Pu Hong shook his head, “The Buddha says: Form is emptiness! All worldly things, whether joy or sorrow, friend or foe, are but forms that bind the mind and disturb tranquility. Why cling to them?”
Gui Li breathed deeply, laughed aloud, and turned to leave. He spoke, “Master, you are mistaken. Form is emptiness, but emptiness is also form. You ask me to see through the world, but how can one truly see through it? I am in the world, with its joys and sorrows. You ask for tranquility, but do you know that after seeing through, would I still be myself?”
His voice faded, and he was soon gone. Fa Xiang, after a long silence, said to Master Pu Hong, “Master, you have tried to guide him, but alas…”
Master Pu Hong sighed, “He has grasped the Dao and will likely become the foremost in the world. But such a person, unable to see through his own delusions, must now forge his own destiny.”
Fa Xiang bowed and chanted, no longer speaking.
* * *
Gui Li left the small Temple of Heavenly Sound and, as he exited, paused and turned right. He soon saw a large stone lying on the ground. Examining it, he found it covered in marks, but no writing or carving.
Frowning, he pondered for a moment, then his eyes focused on a particular spot. The stone, weathered over countless years, bore a faint pattern. After brushing away the dust, he recognized it as a shell, now petrified and merged with the stone.
Finding nothing else, he returned to the shell. Was this what Master Pu Hong wanted him to see? What was the meaning?
Recalling Master Pu Hong’s words, his eyes lit up. In the distant past, this mountain might have been an ocean. Compared to the vastness of the universe, human life was but a grain of sand.
Silently, he bowed to the small, tranquil temple and, with a flash of white light, his figure vanished into the sky.
To see through…
Who truly sees through?
The world’s vicissitudes pale compared to the fleeting light of a single moment in one’s heart.
* * *
On the Bamboo Peak of the Azure Ethereal Vapors, some time had passed since the battle. Afterward, Patriarch Dao Xuan had kept a close eye on the disciples of Bamboo Peak, but recently they had been very well-behaved, and the Patriarch’s scrutiny had lessened. In the hearts of the disciples, Patriarch Dao Xuan’s actions, though significant, had been somewhat excessive.
Regardless, the Bamboo Peak had regained its peace. Wu Dayi and He Dazhi’s injuries were nearly healed, and they could now move around freely, though not perform heavy labor.
Thus, following the usual practice, Song Daran and Du Bishu continued to clean the rooms, including the abandoned room of their junior brother. One day, they headed towards that room, chatting and laughing as they entered the courtyard.
Suddenly, a gray shadow darted through the supposed-to-be-quiet courtyard.
Though the shadow moved quickly, both Song Daran and Du Bishu saw it. They dropped their cleaning tools and rushed to investigate, but the shadow vanished without a trace. Searching the entire courtyard, they found nothing.
Exchanging glances, Song Daran frowned, “Did we see it wrong?”
Du Bishu, thinking, suddenly whispered, “Senior Brother, look there.” Pointing behind Song Daran, they saw the window of their junior brother’s room ajar, though it had always been tightly shut.
Song Daran and Du Bishu exchanged a look, then decided to enter. Nervous, Du Bishu suggested, “Senior Brother, could it be… could it be our junior brother…?”
Song Daran’s eye twitched. He was unsure how to face his estranged junior brother, but he steeled himself, pushing the door open with a shout, “Who’s there?”
As the door swung open, a gray shadow leapt from the table to the bed, turning to face them, chattering loudly.
“Xiao Hui!” Song Daran and Du Bishu exclaimed in unison.
* * *
In the Hall of Tranquility, Xiao Hui was eating fruit, scattering pits everywhere. The hall, usually solemn, now seemed comical. Everyone on Bamboo Peak had gathered, even the typically irritable Tian Yisu, who merely frowned and did not explode.
For ten years, Xiao Hui had never been separated from that person. So why was Xiao Hui here, and where was he?
At the entrance of the Moon Illusion Cave on the Sky Piercing Peak, they had seen Gui Li gravely injured by the Celestial Sword. Though rumors said he was rescued, Xiao Hui’s presence here was a mystery.
Xiao Hui ate happily, while everyone else was burdened with questions. The only one equally delighted was Dahuang, the dog, who barked excitedly, circling Xiao Hui’s table, wagging his tail, and licking Xiao Hui affectionately.
Xiao Hui, amused, grabbed an apple and tossed it outside. Dahuang barked, caught the apple mid-air, and returned to the table, dropping it. Everyone was dumbfounded, and Tian Yisu snorted.
Xiao Hui, laughing, jumped onto Dahuang’s back, and they both ran off. Song Daran, after a glance at Tian Yisu and Su Ru, decided to chase them, but Tian Yisu dismissed him, “Let them be. The monkey has lived here for years and won’t leave.”
Song Daran nodded, sitting down.
Tian Yisu, after a moment, asked, “Did you see anyone else?”
Song Daran and Du Bishu shook their heads, “No.”
Tian Yisu, displeased, waved them away. As they left, He Dazhi, noticing the mess, asked Su Ru, “Should we clean up the pits?”
Su Ru, before answering, was cut off by Tian Yisu, “Deal with it tomorrow. Leave now!”
He Dazhi, scared, hurried out. Su Ru gave Tian Yisu a look, “Why take it out on them?”
Tian Yisu, deep in thought, said, “Do you think he’s nearby?”
Su Ru pondered, “He values his feelings. If he wanted to see you, it would make sense, but he likely wouldn’t reveal himself.”
Tian Yisu’s face darkened, then he muttered, seemingly cursing. Su Ru, not hearing, asked, “What did you say?”
Tian Yisu, not answering, walked away. Su Ru, watching him, sighed. As she turned, she saw Tian Yisu slip on a pit. Despite his cultivation, he recovered quickly, and Su Ru laughed.
Embarrassed, Tian Yisu grumbled, “Stupid monkey, I’ll strip your skin next time you eat!”
He stalked off, leaving Su Ru smiling in the pit-strewn hall.
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