Taking a master

It had been some ten days since Xu Xuan last entered [Deep Abyss].

He was still studying the [Jade Blood Heavenly Heart Art]. This secret art came from antiquity and contained many wondrous principles, modeling itself on the extraordinary forms of ancient sages.

Among the ancient people, many possessed divine marvels: born in response to heaven, with four faces and double pupils, dragon countenances and sunlike brows, great heads and ox bodies, or jade ladles within their chests. These were the extraordinary forms of sages, manifestations of the transformations of heaven and earth.

[Blood Qi] was a tradition everyone condemned these days, almost synonymous with demonic cultivation. Yet the [Jade Blood Heavenly Heart Art] was a grand and righteous path, pointing directly to the hidden workings of the human body and emulating the ancients.

Although the extraordinary forms cultivated through this method merely borrowed the divine marvels of the ancients, each had its own function. With several layered together, they were still immensely powerful.

Xu Xuan had only just crossed the threshold, forming a [Jade Blood Heart]. From this foundation, he could cultivate eight more extraordinary forms, each with its own wonders. When the nine manifestations became Unity, still deeper mysteries awaited. According to Tiantuo, someone who already belonged to the [Blood Qi] tradition could even achieve a special dharma body through it.

With his current Qi Refining cultivation, he could cultivate at most one more extraordinary form. He exhaled a long breath and ended his cultivation session. He was not far from completing the next form, though he did not know which one it would be.

A signal came from the mountain gate's formation. Someone had come to visit.

Green Luo had not received visitors for some time. Wen Xiuyun of the Autumn Gourd School had come once earlier to discuss resisting the monks.

Her mountain gate was also near Dapan, and some monks had gone there, but they had only caused minor trouble. Treasure Gourd Mountain was barren, and the Lotus Temple had little interest in it. The Great Red Abbey had shouldered most of the pressure.

Today's visitors surprised Xu Xuan somewhat. They were actually from the Liu Household.

The Great Scenery Plains and Green Peaks had always maintained an ambiguous relationship, neither close nor distant. Although Xu Xuan participated in some affairs on the Plainlands, he never had to face those disputes directly. The Liu Household's visit now carried some significance.

Meanwhile, Liu Xiaowen had already gone down the mountain to receive them. Seeing that the visitor was Liu Baiyuan, he welcomed him up the mountain with a smile. They had met during the cleansing in the Underground Palace years ago, and their reunion stirred many emotions.

A youth followed behind Liu Baiyuan, seemingly one of his younger relatives. He was only thirteen or fourteen, with delicate features and apprehensive eyes. After offering his greeting, he followed Liu Baiyuan without saying anything more.

Liu Xiaowen noticed this and asked the purpose of their visit. He then led them to the reception hall before going to consult Xu Xuan.

On Azure Sky Peak, Liu Xiaowen reached the True Abode Hall. Just as he was about to ask for his master, he saw Xu Xuan emerge.

"How many people came from the Liu Household?"

"Two in total. Liu Baiyuan brought a younger relative, thirteen or fourteen years old."

Having received his answer, Xu Xuan formed a few guesses and instructed Liu Xiaowen to bring the two here.

A short while later, Liu Baiyuan arrived on Azure Sky Peak. Seeing Xu Xuan, he hurriedly bowed and said in a solemn voice:

"My respects, Senior. I came at my father's command to offer his greetings. May you soon establish your immortal foundation, and may your sword intent follow your will."

Liu Baiyuan spoke humbly, rather like a scholar. He was as handsome and refined as his father, though his appearance differed somewhat from Liu Qiuqi's rakish young-master style.

"There's no need for such ceremony. To have achieved success in Qi Refining at your age, Bai Yuan, you certainly qualify as a fine talent. Our two households are on friendly terms, and seeing you pleases me."

With that, Xu Xuan invited them into the hall. After all, Liu Baiyuan was visiting on behalf of the Liu Household, so proper courtesy could not be neglected.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Liu Baiyuan explained his purpose, his voice somewhat hesitant:

"Senior, we came hoping to send a younger member of our clan to join your abbey, bringing our two households closer together. What do you think?"

Xu Xuan had already noticed the youth standing behind Liu Baiyuan and had his suspicions, but he did not raise the matter himself.

"Taking a master? There are some delicate issues involved that make this difficult."

Xu Xuan considered the various implications. In particular, knowing Red Cloud South's plans, he discerned something unusual in the Liu Household's move.

He did not agree immediately, instead turning his gaze toward the youth. Liu Baiyuan understood and said with a smile:

"Xing Fang, step forward and let Senior have a look at you."

The youth named Xing Fang stepped forward, hope in his expression. His manners were impeccable, and his words respectful.

After examining him, Xu Xuan discovered that the youth actually possessed an eight-inch Spirit Root. That was aptitude touching the threshold of Foundation Establishment, truly exceptional.

Had he found someone like this among ordinary mortals, he would naturally have brought him straight back to the mountain without any concerns. But the Liu Household was a Foundation Establishment aristocratic clan, with far deeper reserves than his abbey. If Liu Xingfang entered his mountain gate, how to teach him and how to regard him would become difficult questions.

From Liu Baiyuan's words, he wanted this younger relative to become Xu Xuan's disciple, remain in the abbey to cultivate, and move entirely to Green Peaks. Although Xu Xuan was on good terms with Liu Qiuqi, this was undeniably a sensitive move.

If Liu Xingfang entered the mountain and received the true teachings, what if his heart still lay with the Liu Household? Yet deliberately neglecting him would inevitably harm the friendship between their households.

Xu Xuan hesitated. Liu Baiyuan was sharp enough to anticipate these concerns, and he said with a smile:

"Senior, you can rest assured. Xing Fang grew up in a lesser branch of our household. He has an excellent disposition and has yearned for the sword path since childhood."

"Our household won't interfere much afterward. You may teach him as you see fit."

With that, Liu Baiyuan produced a precious bluewood box, opened it, and presented it.

A thumb-sized ginseng person crawled out, remarkably lively, and bowed in every direction.

"This is a [Ghost-Cap Child], a Foundation Establishment-level [Taboo Wood] spirit. He has marvelous powers of nurturing spiritual growth, gradually improving the earth's qi and raising the quality of spiritual fields."

"This is our household's gift for his apprenticeship. Please accept it, Senior."

After some consideration, Xu Xuan decided to agree. He already had certain arrangements with Liu Qiuqi, and if circumstances changed later, their households would be dealing with each other regardless. If Xu Xuan succeeded in reaching Foundation Establishment, these would be mere trifles.

After all, Red Cloud South still had a planned Demon Calamity to bring about. Drawing closer to the Liu Household was a good thing.

"You're very thoughtful, Bai Yuan. My concern is that my cultivation is insufficient, and I fear I might fail to teach your clan's child properly."

"Since you're so earnest about it, Bai Yuan, let us settle the matter."

Liu Xingfang immediately stepped forward and performed the rites of apprenticeship, unable to conceal the smile on his face.

Liu Baiyuan thanked Xu Xuan. He seemed to have something else to say, but hesitated. Seeing this clearly, Xu Xuan had Liu Xiaowen take Liu Xingfang around Green Luo to enjoy the scenery.

Only Xu Xuan and Liu Baiyuan remained in the side hall.

Liu Baiyuan's expression turned solemn. He rose and bowed, seemingly ready at last to reveal the purpose of his visit. His voice trembled slightly as he said quietly:

"Senior, there is another matter I came to discuss."

"What do you make of the present situation, Senior?"

Xu Xuan's expression darkened slightly. He looked toward the sky and said softly:

"It is as though a great mansion is about to collapse, and we dwell beneath it, never knowing when the rolling logs and falling stones overhead will crush us to pieces."

Liu Baiyuan started slightly. Something seemed to occur to him, and he continued:

"Our household has another source of information, and we have some guesses about what will happen."

"What comes next concerns an individual's cultivation, yet also has nothing to do with it."

His words were vague, seemingly hinting at something. He lowered his voice:

"In what comes next, anyone whose cultivation and attainment match Chen Changqi, Zhu Yucheng, or your Chongyang Sword Immortal of years past will certainly be able to protect himself, provided he does not violate any taboos."

"But protecting one's mountain gate and preserving one's bloodline will depend on whether a great figure in the heavens stands behind one as guarantor."

Xu Xuan understood his meaning, but still did not know why he was telling him this. Liu Baiyuan continued in guarded, hushed words:

"The Chongyang Sword Immortal once won the favor of a great figure. Has that figure issued any decrees to your abbey over the years?"

Decrees. The word quietly struck Xu Xuan's sore spot, but he truly knew nothing of this. His master had deliberately concealed those schemes, seemingly hoping to keep everyone at the mountain gate out of them, yet his end had been miserable.

He did not know which Purple Mansion cultivator harbored goodwill toward them, nor even which True Person had issued the decree that drove his master to his death. Over the years, he and his senior brother Xi Wei had made inquiries separately, but neither had uncovered that faction's identity. They knew only that it was a northern tradition.

"My master never spoke to me about these matters. Even if that great figure once showed goodwill, I fear they only intended to protect my master, not the mountain gate."

A faint disappointment showed on Liu Baiyuan's face, but he quickly concealed it and said quietly:

"Fellow Daoist, do you know which household on the Plainlands is most secure today?"

"Not the Chen Household, nor the Zhu Clan, but the Duan Clan."

"Their Duan Pingdu was born with knowledge, and his origins are extraordinary. When he was born, wondrous phenomena appeared repeatedly: wind and water converged, and the stars shone down upon him. A great figure took an interest in him and guaranteed the Duan Clan's safety."

Xu Xuan recalled the events in the Underground Palace years ago. That household had seemed to revolve around Duan Pingdu. Even after swallowing up the Longevity Monastery's opportunity, he had walked away unharmed.

"You mean we must establish ties with one of those figures before our abbey has any chance of survival?"

Their words were vague, but each understood the other. Liu Baiyuan's expression grew sorrowful, and he said softly:

"If you only want to protect yourself, improving your cultivation is enough. But if you want to shelter those around you, the price becomes immense."

"You should make plans early, Senior, so you will have a way out when the time comes."

Liu Baiyuan looked dispirited. Clearly, his clan had endured humiliating compromises that lay buried deep in his heart. Now they had been dug up, raw and bleeding.

Seeing that his emotions were unsettled, Xu Xuan said no more. After a little while, Liu Baiyuan took his leave, leaving behind cultivation supplies that he said were prepared for Liu Xingfang. They were sufficient to carry him to the peak of Qi Refining, an exceedingly generous provision.

After seeing Liu Baiyuan off, Xu Xuan sighed inwardly. He and his senior brother Xi Wei had made some guesses before, but the cruelty of the truth still threw his thoughts into turmoil.

I need to consider how to discuss this with everyone in the abbey.

Wang Xiwei and Wen Si'an had both lived through a Demon Calamity and already had their own assessments. Even if they learned of this, they would not act rashly. Liu Xiaowen, however, was somewhat impulsive. This would have to be explained to him slowly.

How do I tell Junior Sister Si'an how Master died? If she asks who harmed him, how should I answer?

Xu Xuan had concealed this from Wen Si'an for a long time, fearing she would be unable to come to terms with it. He understood her well. Though his junior sister usually appeared cool and aloof, she cherished her bonds deeply. She would never accept the bitter humiliation of their master's death.

Sometimes, when Xu Xuan thought of this at night, heart-devouring pain and fury surged against his organs, condemning his helplessness.

Must I still find a way to establish ties with some great figure?

That would be difficult, beyond his ability to arrange. True Persons were like dragons roaming the heavens, unseen by ordinary people. The only Purple Mansion cultivators Xu Xuan had encountered in his life were the one on Tip-Feng Mountain and the half-dead Tiantuo.

Neither was easy to deal with. A single encounter could cost him half his life.

I'll be going to Mountain Flame City later. When I enter those scripture palaces, cultivators of the immortal path will surely be there too. I can examine the situation and see which faction might find me useful.

Having made up his mind, Xu Xuan resumed secluded cultivation. The appointed day was drawing near, yet Tiantuo still gave no sign of stirring. He had no idea what Tiantuo was busy with.

Elsewhere, on the northern bank of the Li River, an honored guest had arrived at the Lotus Temple's [Little Lotus-Cause Pure Land].

Though called a pure land, it was actually a ruined place. A Dharma Master among the Lotus Temple's forebears had failed in his attempt to reach [Sattva], never attaining diamond, leaving this pure land only half-formed.

Cihai had returned from Dapan to the temple solely to receive this honored guest from the north.

The guest was a young monk with delicate features, dressed in moon-white robes. His cultivation had already reached Hearer perfection, and he could likely ascend to the rank of Dharma Master with ease.

This pure land depended upon the [Lotus Temple], half extending into the Great Void and half sunk in the mortal world. Five-colored precious radiance streamed from it, making it look rather like a fetus trapped in a difficult birth.

Cihai stood with this honored guest at the entrance to the little pure land, gazing toward Green Peaks across the Li River.

"Abbot Cihai, your actions involve too many entanglements. I cannot make out much of the pattern."

"Master Jingyan, you come from the [Great Moonlight Temple] and practice the ancient Buddhas' path of ascetic cultivation. Can even you not discern it?"

"Abbot Cihai, your scheming heart is too heavy. A thousand calculations, ten thousand grudges-the three poisons of greed, delusion, and anger gather within you. Will you still not turn back?"

The monk Jingyan beside him looked over with a compassionate expression and intoned the Buddha's name.

"Master Jingyan, there is no need to persuade me further. What is happening here is the only opportunity for those of us who have never heard the true teachings to glimpse the rank of Sattva."

"The [Great Moonlight Temple] has a seat of Bodhi waiting quietly for you to ascend. How could you understand our sorrow?"

Resentment tinged the old monk's voice as he looked over. Dimly, it seemed that a pair of horns was about to grow from his forehead.

Jingyan said no more. He merely intoned the Buddha's name at length and walked forward barefoot.

There was no precious radiance behind him, nor any faithful followers. Throughout his journey, he had used no spells, simply traveling south.

Direct disciples of the Immortal Sect wanted to duel him with magic, demon kings in the mountains wanted to capture him for pill-making, and ordinary mortals wanted him to grant their wishes. Along his journey, all the affairs of the mortal world and all the schemes of immortal cultivators had circled around a single word: desire.

The few spiritual items he had carried were already all given away. When he first arrived, a woman with a young child had asked him to grant a wish, but he had nothing left to give. She had cursed bitterly:

"What a damned fake monk. Compared with the masters of the Lotus Temple, what are you worth?"

And so he had come, to look at this place. Yet everything was different from what he had imagined.

Continuing onward, Jingyan stepped onto a length of green bamboo and crossed the river.

Would the people on this side be any different?

(End of chapter)