The rumble of thunder, the flash of lightning, the howling wind, and the torrential rain seemed to be ceaselessly roaring in his ears. His mind was in a chaotic whirl, muddled and bewildered, making it difficult to discern who he truly was. In the midst of intense pain, he felt gusts of wind and rain sweeping past him, heading toward some unknown destination.
He could hear voices nearby, their words unfamiliar and laced with urgency. “Something seems off with him; check on him quickly!”
A cold hand began to examine him, and after a moment, the voice exclaimed, “How did he get so badly injured?”
Another voice, tinged with anger, replied, “Spare me the lecture. Do you think it’s easy to survive under the sword of Immortalbane Nexus?”
The rest of the conversation faded as a wave of dizziness engulfed him, nearly causing him to lose consciousness. In his hazy state, he could still faintly hear the continuous rumble of thunder in the distance.
The people around him seemed alarmed, and the cool touch of a hand on his forehead brought a momentary clarity. “Oh no, his forehead is burning. He must have a high fever…”
So, he had a fever? This was the last thought that crossed Gui Li’s mind before he once again slipped into unconsciousness, lost to the world.
********
A resonant boom roused him from his unconscious state. His first reaction was to assume it was another peal of thunder. Strangely, though he was somewhat awake, everything around him remained in darkness. He tried to open his eyes, only to find them stubbornly closed, refusing to obey.
A sharp pain then struck, not from his injured chest but from his throat. Instinctively, he moved his mouth, hoarsely whispering, “Water…”
It seemed he was alone, lying helplessly on the ground, with a burning thirst in his throat. His lips moved slightly, and somehow, he managed to shift his body a little. His consciousness seemed to grow clearer.
“Ah!” A voice nearby, different from the previous ones but strangely familiar, called out, “He’s awake! Elder Brother, come quickly, he’s awake…”
The room fell silent for a moment before the sound of hurried footsteps approached. Someone rushed to Gui Li’s side. Struggling to open his eyes again, he found himself unable to muster the strength. Instead, he vaguely saw two figures squatting beside him, with more shadowy figures behind them. The faces of these people were indistinct.
“Water…” he repeated softly.
This time, they understood:
“Quick, bring water, hurry!”
Footsteps scurried back and forth, and soon someone returned, carefully lifting his head and bringing a bowl-like object to his lips.
The cool water touched his cracked lips, and Gui Li’s face twitched. With great effort, he opened his mouth and drank the water slowly. The water, like a sweet spring in a parched land, immediately eased the fiery pain in his throat.
Relieved, a wave of exhaustion washed over him, and he drifted back into unconsciousness.
Those around him were startled, and someone quickly checked his pulse. After a moment, they sighed with relief, “It’s nothing serious. He’s just severely injured and has a fever. His strength is completely depleted, but his life is not in immediate danger.”
The people around him seemed to relax, and one of them looked at Gui Li, sighing softly.
********
During this deep sleep, Gui Li woke up several times, but each time, he would only be briefly conscious before slipping back into unconsciousness. He only remembered that someone was always by his side.
In his hazy state, he saw many people—his parents from childhood, his kind-hearted senior sister, the unforgettable Bi Yao, the elusive Lu Xueqi, and many others. Once, he even thought he saw the monks Fa Xiang and Fa Shan from the Celestial Sound Temple, sitting by his side, chanting scriptures for him.
He smiled bitterly, unsure if his smile was visible. Perhaps, it was all just a dream.
Just like this upside-down life, a dream, a delusion!
What good are the scriptures for me?
In the moments of his fleeting consciousness, he pondered this, and then he fell back into unconsciousness.
********
“Dong… Dong… Dong… Dong…”
A low, resonant bell echoed, drawing him from his deep slumber. The tolling, gradually growing louder, seemed to resonate within his heart.
For the first time, he had no urge to open his eyes. Lying quietly, he made no effort to discern his surroundings or the world beyond.
The vast universe was reduced to the sound of the bell.
“Dong… Dong… Dong… Dong…”
The bell continued to ring, seemingly without end. He listened intently, his breath steady, fully immersed in the soothing sound, unwilling to leave.
How long had it been since he last lay so peacefully, free from worries?
Who knew the burden of such heavy responsibilities and the pain they brought?
But this small respite was short-lived. Footsteps approached, breaking his concentration. The bell, which had been ringing in his heart, suddenly seemed to recede, distant and far away.
Silence, followed by a sigh…
He slowly opened his eyes.
Buddha!
That was the first thing he saw.
A large character “Buddha” hung from the ceiling, surrounded by intricate golden patterns, and further adorned with carvings of five hundred arhats, forming a grand circle. Beyond this, the ceiling was a blue-black border, elevated two feet higher, with square compartments, each decorated with auspicious Buddhist creatures like qilins, phoenixes, golden dragons, and mountain goats.
Despite his lack of knowledge in architecture, Gui Li recognized the craftsmanship as extraordinary. Hanging from the center of the “Buddha” character was a gold chain, supporting an ever-burning lamp. From below, it appeared to be a copper basin, likely filled with lamp oil.
Gui Li frowned and turned to survey his surroundings. The room resembled a meditation chamber in a temple, spacious and dignified. Red lacquered pillars stood at the corners, and the floor was made of blue bricks. The door was made of tong wood, with two red-painted windows on either side. On one wall hung a painting of Guanyin holding a jade bottle, and beneath it was a small altar with four fruit offerings: pears, apples, oranges, and tangerines. Before the altar, a bronze incense burner emitted a light, fragrant smoke.
On the other side of the room, where Gui Li lay, was a simple, sturdy wooden bed. The room was modestly furnished, with a round table and four stools in the center. The table and stools were black, with plain porcelain teapot and cups on top.
At that moment, footsteps approached the door. It creaked open, and a young, unfamiliar monk entered, carrying a wooden tray with a new water jug. He walked directly to the table and exchanged the items without looking at Gui Li.
“Who… are you?” Gui Li asked, but the effort caused his throat to ache, and his voice came out hoarse.
The young monk, startled, turned to look at Gui Li. “Ah, you’re awake!” he exclaimed, his eyes bright with joy. “Wait here, I’ll call my elder brothers to see you.”
He started to run out, but Gui Li, with a raspy voice, asked, “Little Master, where am I?”
The young monk smiled, his face innocent and clear. “Here? This is the Celestial Sound Temple, of course!”
Celestial Sound Temple!
Gui Li was stunned, as if struck by a bolt of lightning. The young monk ran off to fetch others, leaving Gui Li lying there, his mind in turmoil.
Celestial Sound Temple…
Doubts and confusion swirled in his heart, but a bittersweet feeling also arose from deep within.
Celestial Sound Temple… Celestial Sound Temple… Pu Zhi…
********
Distant voices and approaching footsteps signaled the arrival of more people. The young monk, answering questions with a cheerful tone, seemed to be running to inform others.
Strangely, hearing their conversation, Gui Li found himself momentarily entranced, forgetting his current situation and past grievances. He envied the innocence and joy of this young monk, perhaps unaware of the sorrows and hatred in the world.
Was youthful ignorance the happiest time of their lives?
The footsteps stopped outside the door. Someone instructed the young monk, “Stay here. Go to the rear courtyard and inform the abbot that Zhang Xiaofan, the benefactor, has awakened.”
The young monk smiled, “Alright. But, Elder Brother Fashuang, you promised to teach me the Great Brahman Prajna. You can’t go back on your word.”
The person outside laughed, “Little greedy one, go now. I won’t go back on my promise.”
The young monk, delighted, skipped away. The door creaked open, and someone paused, taking a deep breath before entering.
It was indeed Fa Xiang, followed by the tall and imposing Fa Shan.
Wearing a moon-white robe, with a clean face and prayer beads in hand, Fa Xiang looked unchanged from a decade ago. He slowly approached Gui Li’s bed, and when their eyes met, both fell silent.
The room’s atmosphere became awkward. After a moment, Fa Xiang smiled and bowed, “Benefactor Zhang, you have awakened?”
Gui Li’s eye twitched, and he coldly replied, “I don’t bear the name Zhang. I have long forgotten that name.”
Fa Xiang’s expression remained unchanged. He gazed at Gui Li and said softly, “You may choose your own name, but do you think abandoning your family name honors the parents who gave you life?”
Gui Li’s face darkened, and he turned away, saying nothing.
Fa Xiang, unperturbed, and Fa Shan, looked at this demonized figure, their eyes full of kindness. Fa Shan brought two chairs to the bedside and said, “Elder Brother, please sit.”
Fa Xiang nodded and sat down, asking, “How are you feeling?”
Gui Li, having already checked his condition, noted that his fractured ribs were now properly set and bound with bandages. The many superficial wounds on his body were also well-treated, and the cool sensation indicated that a potent healing ointment had been applied.
Fa Xiang, seeing no response, smiled, “While you were unconscious, I treated your broken bones. The external injuries were minor, but your internal organs are severely damaged and will need careful treatment. Thankfully, you are strong; otherwise, even a deeply cultivated person might not have survived such injuries.”
He paused, then added, “My little brother informed you that this is the Celestial Sound Temple. Here, apart from a few of us, no one knows of your presence. You are safe. Just rest and recover…”
Gui Li interrupted, staring into Fa Xiang’s eyes, “You saved me?”
Fa Xiang’s smile faltered, and he hesitated, exchanging a glance with Fa Shan. Fa Shan lowered his head and softly chanted a Buddhist prayer.
Fa Xiang turned back, no longer hesitant, and nodded, “Yes.”
Gui Li scoffed, “Don’t tell me you didn’t know the consequences if the Azure Ethereal Conclave found out?”
Fa Xiang replied calmly, “I knew.”
Gui Li sneered, “Then why did you save this demon of the Cult, against your elders’ wishes?”
Fa Xiang looked at him, his gaze curious. “How do you know I acted against my elders’ wishes?”
Gui Li was taken aback, “What do you mean?”
Fa Xiang smiled, “The elders of the Azure Ethereal Conclave are no ordinary men. To keep one of them, like Zeng Shuchang, from exposing our techniques while we treated you, that would require a level of skill I do not possess.”
Gui Li stared at Fa Xiang, who met his gaze with a serene smile. After a long silence, Gui Li closed his eyes, no longer looking at Fa Xiang. Fa Xiang nodded, “You need more rest.”
Gui Li, eyes still closed, asked, “Why did you save me?”
Fa Xiang, after a moment’s silence, said, “I cannot answer that question.”
Gui Li took a deep breath, “Why not?”
Fa Xiang chanted a soft prayer, “You need not worry. When you have recovered, someone will explain it to you.”
Gui Li opened his eyes, frowning, “Who?”
Fa Xiang’s lips twitched, and he hesitated, but finally said, “It’s my master, the abbot of the Celestial Sound Temple, Venerable Master Pu Hong.”
Gui Li was stunned, and after a moment, he realized he would get no more answers. He sighed deeply and lay back down.
The distant tolling of the bell echoed once more, drifting through the air.
“Dong… Dong… Dong… Dong…”
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