Where She Came From

Hearing Master Pushan speak of a saint who had cultivated through nine lifetimes, Xu Chunniang was startled. She shook her head.

"I know very well that I am only an ordinary person. Other than having this extra stretch of memories, there is nothing special about me. I hope Master can clear up my doubts."

"One who is within the game does not know the game; by the time one understands, one is already outside it."

Master Pushan reached out, caught a fallen leaf blown over by the wind, and smiled faintly.

"In reincarnation and rebirth, you and I are both among all living beings. The sea of suffering has no shore—why not use oneself as a raft? Only by transcending life and death can one reach the other shore."

"If one cannot transcend it, one will sink forever into the sea of suffering, never to find liberation."

Listening to Master Pushan, Xu Chunniang only felt as though she were surrounded by misty mountains and fog.

The Buddhist teachings the master spoke of were far too obscure. She could not understand them very well.

She bowed deeply. "I hope Master will speak plainly."

Master Pushan shook his head slightly. "This is your tribulation. You must comprehend it yourself. The secrets of Heaven cannot be revealed; this old monk can only go so far."

"Female benefactor, do not forget where you came from."

With that, he pressed his palms together in salute and simply left.

Tribulation... where she came from...

Xu Chunniang seemed to grasp something. She stood for a long while, gazing in the direction Master Pushan had gone.

After waiting for some time nearby, the coachman saw the sky growing ever darker and drove the carriage over.

"Third Miss Xu, it is getting late. We must return to the city.