Snakes' paths crossed everywhere in life.
Old Hui Xian and Little Stone were begging alms in the city. Hui Xian droned on while Little Stone nodded off. One old, one young, each carried a bamboo basket as they walked. Little Stone's held blankets and scriptures; Old Hui Xian's carried a cobra...
"To know what you know, and know what you do not know—this is wisdom."
"Do you still remember how your master taught you to become an eminent monk? Meditation, seated contemplation, begging alms—these are where becoming an eminent monk begins. The road lies not only beneath your feet, but within your heart."
The stallholders stood frozen, dumbstruck. A little mutt was dozing off, while Old Hui Xian kept rambling.
"One flower, one world; one leaf, one bodhi."
"Know thus, see thus, believe and comprehend thus—that is all."
"All is illusion. Fate is forged by oneself, appearances arise from the heart. Bai... White Snake demon? Disciple, your master feels rather weary. Why not rest our feet at that teahouse?"
"Huh? It's Sister Bai!" Little Stone cried joyfully.
Little Stone was overjoyed. In a daze, he recalled the taste of cured pork. How many years had it been? That flavor lingered in his heart like a demon, unwilling to disperse for a long, long time. Yet his master watched him closely and would not let him eat it, saying he had to observe the precepts.
"Master Hui Xian, we meet again."
Bai Yujun grinned at master and disciple. Old Hui Xian's monk's robe was worn and covered in patches, with his big toe sticking out. Little Stone still looked exactly as he had back then, not having grown at all. It was quite strange.
Meeting as guests, becoming familiar in alleyways.
The cobra raised its head to look at this fellow