Listening to Zen at an Ancient Temple, a Single Thought Calming the Heart to Comprehend the Great Dao

On the third day after leaving the village, Shen Hao and Zi Xuan arrived at an ancient temple in the Hongmeng Western Territory. The temple was called Tranquil Heart Temple, hidden among verdant mountains and emerald cypresses. Its blue tiles and stone walls carried an air of timeless simplicity. The stone steps outside were covered in moss, clearly bearing the marks of many years.

The moment they reached the temple gate, they heard a melodious peal of bells drifting into their ears. The chimes were clear and resonant, carrying a power that cleansed the heart. The restlessness in their hearts instantly dissipated by more than half.

Several ancient pines stood in the temple courtyard, their gnarled branches stretching across the sky and blotting out the sun. An elderly monk in a gray robe sat beside a stone table in the courtyard, brewing a pot of clear tea. His beard and hair were both white, and his expression was kindly. When he saw the two enter, he raised a hand with a smile. "Benefactors, you have come from afar. Why not have a cup of tea and rest your feet?"

Shen Hao and Zi Xuan exchanged a glance and both smiled. They stepped forward and bowed to the old monk. "Thank you, Master."

The old monk waved a hand, gesturing for them to sit. He lifted the teapot and poured them each a cup of clear tea. The tea was jade-green, its fragrance curling through the air. Shen Hao raised his cup and took a light sip. A clean bitterness spread across his tongue, then transformed into sweetness that flowed down his throat and into his stomach.

"Fine tea," Shen Hao praised.

The old monk smiled faintly. His gaze settled on Shen Hao, and a trace of understanding flashed through his