The resounding toll of the bell echoed once more across Mount Sumeru, heralding the dawn of a new day.
As the sun ascended from the eastern horizon, casting its first rays upon the earth, the mountain path was already bustling with pilgrims ascending the temple steps. In their hands, they carried offerings of incense and candles, their faces filled with devotion. Among them were families with children, who, in their innocence, bounded up the path with energy and joy.
The morning mist lingered, hovering around the outer walls of the Temple of Heavenly Chants, bringing a damp and refreshing air. The early-rising monks had completed their morning rituals and were now diligently sweeping the courtyards, gently pushing aside the fallen leaves from the night before.
The entire Temple of Heavenly Chants exuded a solemn and tranquil atmosphere, bathed in the gentle mountain breeze. The faint, elusive fragrance of the leaves mixed with the air.
The lingering bell tones guided the people below, and circled within the temple, awakening the slumbering souls.
He awoke slowly from his deep sleep.
How long had it been since he had slept so peacefully and awakened so calmly? Even in his dreams, he felt an unparalleled serenity, without any visions, just a profound and quiet slumber.
It was a feeling of such happiness, almost indescribable.
He listened quietly to the melodious bell, as if the sound was not merely reverberating through the vast expanse outside, but resonating within his heart. He even felt as if the bell was tolling for him alone.
As the bell gradually faded, he rose slowly, opening the door and stepping out. He lifted his head, expanded his chest, and took a deep breath.
The moist mountain air filled his being, and a rare expression of contentment appeared on his face. He wished to stand there forever, but at that moment, a voice called out from the courtyard:
“Mr. Zhang, are you awake?”
Ghost Li turned to see Fa Xiang, smiling, standing nearby. He nodded and replied, “Good morning.”
Fa Xiang glanced at him with a smile, “Mr. Zhang, after this period of rest, your injuries have mostly healed. However, it is said that one must be cautious after a major recovery. Mount Sumeru is quite high, and the cold is severe, especially in the mornings and evenings. Please take care.”
Ghost Li nodded, “Thank you for your concern. I will keep that in mind. By the way, do you know if Abbot Pu Hong is available? I would like to meet him briefly.”
Fa Xiang smiled, “That would be most welcome. I was actually sent by my master to invite Mr. Zhang to meet with the Abbot after breakfast.”
Ghost Li paused, “Is there something the Abbot needs to discuss with me?”
Fa Xiang replied, “I am not certain, but it might be about your condition and how you are recovering.”
After a moment’s thought, Ghost Li said, “In that case, I will go and meet the Abbot shortly.”
Fa Xiang bowed, “Please do not rush. The Abbot specifically instructed us not to hurry you. My master is in the small meditation room at the top of the mountain. If you find the time, please feel free to visit.”
Fa Xiang’s words carried a deeper meaning, suggesting that he was already considered part of the Temple of Heavenly Chants. Perhaps, in the hearts of these monks, he was still seen as a part of the temple, having once knelt before Master Pu Zhi.
Fa Xiang turned and left, and Ghost Li watched his retreating back, lost in thought, before returning to his meditation room.
******
As Ghost Li stepped onto the summit, he couldn’t help but pause, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. The Temple of Heavenly Chants, simple and unassuming, stood ahead, with low walls and a small courtyard, bearing no trace of that fateful night.
Looking back, the distant sounds of the temple reached his ears, mingling with the bustling activities and the scent of incense. Perhaps, these people leading peaceful lives were truly happier?
He turned and walked into the small temple, where the silence enveloped him. The only sound was his own footsteps echoing through the vast courtyard.
Reaching the door of the meditation room, Ghost Li stopped and looked toward the back of the courtyard. The narrow path was partially hidden by the wall, but he could see it stretching further. In that final courtyard, all that remained was a blank void, much like a life that begins and ends in emptiness.
He knocked on the door, and soon, Abbot Pu Hong’s calm voice invited him in. Ghost Li entered, finding the Abbot seated on a cushion, smiling warmly.
Ghost Li bowed, “Master, I heard from Brother Fa Xiang that you wanted to see me.”
Pu Hong nodded, “Indeed, but I also heard that you had something to discuss with me.”
Ghost Li pondered for a moment, then replied, “Yes, it’s nothing major. I’ve been here for some time, and my injuries have mostly healed. I do not wish to impose any further.”
Pu Hong smiled, “You are too kind, Mr. Zhang.”
Ghost Li shook his head, “On that day, you and your disciples saved my life, and since then, you have helped me unravel my inner turmoil. I am deeply grateful. However, I am ultimately a member of the Evil Sect, and my continued presence here may harm the temple’s reputation.”
Pu Hong spoke earnestly, “Mr. Zhang, there is something I need to say. Your face and aura show that you are not a wicked person. Your involvement in the Dark Path is due to fate, not your fault. Given your connection with Master Pu Zhi, you are also connected to the Buddha and the Temple of Heavenly Chants. If you are willing to turn back, we will protect you. Even if the entire righteous world comes against you, we will not fear.”
Pu Hong’s words left Ghost Li stunned. He had found peace in the temple, but he was still a man with ties to the mortal world. After a long silence, he bowed deeply, “Master, I appreciate your kindness, but I am a man of the world. I have countless ties and responsibilities. I cannot accept your offer.”
With a heavy sigh, he turned to leave, but Pu Hong called out, “Mr. Zhang, wait.”
Ghost Li asked, “Master, is there something else?”
Pu Hong’s face showed a moment of thought, “If you are willing, I have a request. We believe there is a way to subdue the ‘Bloodthirsty Pearl’ and its malevolent energy.”
Ghost Li was surprised, “What is your plan, Master?”
Pu Hong explained, “The Bloodthirsty Pearl contains a fierce and destructive energy. Behind the temple, there is a place called the Jade Wall, where the Buddha’s power is at its strongest. If you meditate there, we can perform a ritual to suppress the pearl’s influence.”
Ghost Li, after a moment of consideration, agreed, “I will stay there for a few days, but afterward, I must leave.”
Pu Hong bowed, “Of course, Mr. Zhang. We will not hinder you.”
******
The Jade Wall, as described, was in the back mountains of Mount Sumeru. When Ghost Li, accompanied by Fa Xiang and Fa Shan, set out to find it, they discovered the journey was longer than expected.
Ghost Li, curious, asked, “Brother Fa Xiang, why is the Jade Wall so far?”
Fa Xiang explained, “Long ago, the founder of the Temple of Heavenly Chants, while wandering, stumbled upon this Jade Wall. Legend has it that he meditated there for three days and nights, achieving enlightenment and creating the Great Perfection Mantra. This is where the temple’s legacy began.”
Ghost Li was skeptical, but followed, and as they approached, the foggy valley revealed itself. Suddenly, the fog parted, and the Jade Wall, a towering, smooth stone, appeared before them.
The sight was breathtaking. The wall, over seven meters high and four meters wide, reflected the beauty of the surrounding mountains. The monks, including Pu Hong, Pu Fang, and the mysterious old monk, prepared to perform the ritual.
As they chanted, a golden light formed a “Buddha” character, rising into the sky. The Jade Wall, reflecting the light, began to glow, and a pale golden beam enveloped Ghost Li.
Ghost Li, enduring the pain, remained seated, meditating. For three days, the ritual continued, but the Bloodthirsty Pearl’s power resisted, and suddenly, a powerful force erupted, shattering the “Buddha” character.
Amid the chaos, the Jade Wall glowed, and the words “Nature shows no mercy; it treats all things as straw dogs” appeared.
The ritual ended, and Ghost Li, unable to fully overcome his inner demons, left the temple, his heart still tormented by the past and the future.
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