Daily life at Kiyomori Temple (I)

"Chirp, chirp! Chirp, chirp!"

Hearing the early birds calling, Han rubbed her eyes, still a little sleepy, and gave a small yawn beneath her thin blanket before waking fully. She turned toward Gardenia beside her, only to find that Gardenia was already awake and watching her with a warm smile. Han smiled shyly and asked in a whisper, "Have you been awake long, Gardenia?"

"Not very long. I slept very comfortably beside you, little Han," Gardenia whispered back. "We're not making breakfast today, but it's still time to get up." As she spoke, the young priestess reached out with a slender finger and gently tapped the girl's forehead.

"All right." Han obediently sat up in the bedding and gave a comfortable stretch.

Together, they folded the blankets and put them in the cabinet beside them, then slid open the paper window to let in some air. Startled by the window suddenly opening, the little birds on the branch hopped over to another branch nearby. Han smiled and left them alone, turning back to clean the tatami with Gardenia.

Apart from her master, Gardenia was the only priestess here who knew that Han was not human, and she was also the first priestess her master had introduced to her. Apparently, Gardenia was one of the girls who had studied under him the longest, and she would likely continue following him in the future. This older priestess was considerate and gentle, and had always patiently looked after Han while she was still learning her way around.

Like the paper windows, tatami supposedly came from the distant Tang Country. They were very precious, used only in the homes of wealthy merchants and samurai. Though Kiyomori Temple was only a small Zen temple where priestesses trained, its everyday comforts were remarkably refined.

Gardenia said their master had prepared everything for them, so Han asked no more.

Though she had not lived here long, she had fallen in love with its peaceful atmosphere, as though the troubles of the outside world had nothing to do with them. The priestesses here all held a natural respect and affection for Master Zhiyá, perhaps because of their backgrounds. Some had come from distant villages, determined to train hard and return to protect their homes. The rest had all been rescued by Master Zhiyá. Without him, there was no telling what futures awaited them in this chaotic age of warring states.

Before leaving the room, Han checked the Talisman Paper at her chest. It was still safely tucked in its little pouch, and she relaxed.

Checking whether the Talisman Paper was intact was a task she performed every morning.

Her master had given her this Talisman Paper to conceal her unusual appearance. Now Han looked like a little human girl with jet-black hair, dark eyes, and fair skin.

She did not know how her master had obtained the Talisman Paper, and he had never mentioned it. But the fact that he had left Kiyomori Temple and only returned two days later showed how precious it was. That day, he had folded the Talisman Paper into a small pouch, told her to wear it at her chest, and urged her to take good care of it.

Despite his great strength, her master had returned with dust clinging to his face and clothes and a profound weariness about him, as though his power had been exhausted. It had instantly reminded Han of Kikyo when her spiritual power had nearly run dry. The little girl had silently resolved to treasure it! Once again, she inwardly thanked Kikyo for saving her and her master for taking her in. Without them, her circumstances would probably have been utterly different.

After wiping the tatami clean with dry cloths, the two went out to wash up, then joined everyone for breakfast. The meal was millet and boiled radish. In this era, being able to eat such food regularly was already good enough.

"Thank you for the meal." Once they had finished praying with their palms together, everyone began to eat.

Only the soft clinking of chopsticks and dishes could be heard, occasionally joined by the charming calls of little birds. The breeze passed through the windows and brushed past everyone, bringing a touch of coolness to the summer day. Han's heart filled with quiet happiness, and the sadness Kikyo's departure had brought her gradually faded. Of course, the other young priestesses' kindness and care were another important reason.

"Han, did you sleep well last night? The wind was so strong." Morning Glory walked beside Han and yawned.

"I slept soundly. Didn't you get enough rest, Morning Glory?" Han asked softly.

"No. I think I dreamed that demons had come to trouble the village again," Morning Glory answered quietly. It was a small unease she had always kept hidden in her heart. She was not really seeking comfort. The older priestesses already took good care of her, and they would surely all try to reassure her if they heard this. She did not want to trouble everyone.

Han merely murmured an acknowledgment without adding anything, listening as Morning Glory spoke about her dream and her home village.

Morning Glory was one of the younger girls among the priestesses, not even ten years old. She had left her home alone and come here to study under Master Zhiyá. No one knew how such a small child had managed to travel all the way from that distant village to this little Zen temple by herself.

Apart from stubbornly pleading for Master Zhiyá to accept her, she had said nothing. She had quietly tended to the many small wounds covering her body alone, refusing to let anyone come near her. Only after several months had she gradually begun approaching and speaking with the other girls. Remembering her pitiful state when she first arrived, the priestesses naturally showered her with extra care. As their affection for one another grew, Morning Glory slowly became more cheerful.

Before long, they reached the meditation room, where two people were already waiting. The man wore a black court cap and a white hunting robe. Since this was his everyday attire, he wore no inner robe beneath it. Below were dark-blue hakama and white tabi socks. His features were delicate, his brows slightly drawn, and he possessed an innate dignity, tempered by the calm gentleness that came naturally from long service to the gods. This was their master, Zhiyá, the lord of Kiyomori.

The girl beside him was extraordinarily beautiful. Her jet-black hair fell down her back like a waterfall, her features were small and lovely, and her lips were naturally red without rouge. Her gentle eyes seemed to hold pools of spring water. Her dark priestess robes did nothing to dim her beauty, instead making her skin appear all the more snowy white. This was Tsubaki, the only one of Zhiyá's disciples who had chosen to study the path of curses. Yet, for some reason, even after Tsubaki chose this path, Zhiyá continued to treat her as he always had. He had previously shown a dislike for the killing curses of dark priestesses, but because it was Tsubaki, he had accepted them.

The girls bowed to their master one after another and took their places below him. Han tucked her feet beneath her, overlapping her toes, and settled into the kneeling posture she had learned over the past few days. She saw that Tsubaki was still standing beside their master. Only when he nodded to signal the start of morning practice did she sit down with him, still at his side. The girls were all accustomed to this.

"Close your eyes and gather your mind."

Their master began his lesson. His steady, clear voice reached everyone's ears on the midsummer breeze, accompanied by the soft rustling of leaves. They listened attentively to every word he spoke, taking notes according to their own understanding. After a long while, Zhiyá finished his explanation, and the girls left in order. Even those who had questions rarely disturbed him, preferring to discuss them among themselves.

Although Kiyomori Temple was called a small Zen temple, it was not actually cramped. On the contrary, its grounds were large enough to rival those of some major temples. Its buildings were arranged in a pleasing layout, and the Many Treasures Pagoda, which housed the books, was visible at a glance: it was the tallest pagoda, five stories high. Its collection was extensive and even included many unique copies and secret teachings. None of the priestesses knew where these books had come from. They had simply been there when the girls arrived. Everyone treasured them sincerely, reading voraciously to enrich their knowledge.

In truth, few people in this era could read. Most who could were nobles, wealthy merchants, scholars, or religious figures who served the gods. Although priestesses also served the gods, those who were literate were mostly court priestesses. Priestesses among the common people chiefly learned techniques for slaying demons and driving away evil.

Han followed Gardenia to the Many Treasures Pagoda, intending to finish the book Zhiyá had previously told her to read. In fact, Han's understanding of this world was extremely limited. Apart from talking with others and learning through oral instruction, these precious books were currently her best means of learning. Zhiyá had taught Han to read at first. Later, when he discovered her exceptional intelligence and extraordinary memory, he entrusted her to Gardenia and only checked on her occasionally.

Their master was very busy himself. He had to teach the young priestesses other subjects, such as the Way of Yin and Yang, Talisman Arts, and Shikigami, as well as guide them in arts unique to priestesses, such as the Kagura Dance. Ever since Midoriko, the most powerful priestess, had fought her great battle against the demons, priestesses had attained an exalted status. Even priestesses among the common people generally held a higher standing than monks and other spiritual practitioners.

Under these circumstances, the priestesses had also begun using their spiritual power as a foundation for learning how to wield other powers. As a man, Zhiyá could not personally demonstrate arts such as the Kagura Dance, but he had collected many journals written by experienced priestesses for his disciples. Drawing on the experience and knowledge gained during his years of travel, he also offered them valuable guidance.

Zhiyá himself had never fought a battle against demons that shocked ordinary people as Midoriko's had, so he was little known among them. Among demons, spiritual practitioners, and priestesses, however, he inspired no less awe than Midoriko, and even far more than some great demons who had long been famous. Han was grateful that such a busy master still found time to think of her.

Summer afternoons were the hottest part of the day, unsuitable for working outdoors or practicing archery. It was better to read or do handicrafts such as sewing. Some practiced writing, but they were fewer still. Brushes and ink were expensive, and the considerate young priestesses rarely used them, even though their master placed no restrictions on their supplies.

Han knelt beside the window, with Morning Glory sitting next to her and Gardenia across the little table. After finishing a book, she let out a soft breath. Morning Glory looked over and, seeing that Han had finished yet another book, widened her eyes, once again astonished by her incredible reading speed. Gardenia was already used to it. She merely smiled, briefly lifted her gaze, and returned to the book in her hands.

After nodding to the two of them, Han left the little table and returned to the aisle. She put the book away and took down another, then happened to notice her master nearby, apparently browsing the texts as well. Tsubaki was not beside him.

Thinking about it carefully, although Tsubaki was deeply cherished by their master, she was not always at his side. Most of the time, she trained on her own. Only when listening to his explanations did she show that particular closeness. Zhiyá noticed the girl then and beckoned gently, so Han walked over with her book.

Zhiyá looked at the book in her hands. Even knowing how exceptionally clever she was, he was still surprised by how quickly her reading had progressed. The surprise soon passed, however, and a pleased smile appeared on his face as he reflected on her diligence.

"You're already reading such advanced books. You're remarkable, Han," Zhiyá praised her gently. The little girl lowered her head in embarrassment. He smiled at the sight, with the warmth and kindness of an elder, then asked, "Have you been able to understand everything so far?" In truth, Zhiyá was not worried. Han got along well with the other girls, and whenever she did not understand something, they would patiently explain it to her.

"Master, does everyone... have all Four Souls in their fullness?" Han thought for a moment before asking. What the other young priestesses needed most now was practical combat training and useful spells. After all, these troubled times left them no leisure to study profound arts. Thus, the girls, the oldest of whom were only thirteen or fourteen, knew little of such advanced subjects.

"No. Very few people truly possess all Four Souls in their fullness." Zhiyá was surprised that Han had already reached the profound subject of souls, though, considering the book in her hands, it was not unexpected. Souls had been studied since ancient times, but no book had ever explained them completely. It was hardly surprising that the little girl was confused. He patiently explained, "The Four Souls are the wild soul, peaceful soul, fortunate soul, and wondrous soul. An ordinary person's soul has only one of these attributes. And you have already met one of the few people who possess all four in their fullness."

"Hmm..." Han thought for a moment, then answered confidently, "Kikyo!" She paused. "And you, Master!"

"You're right about Kikyo, but not me." Zhiyá shook his head, a trace of bitterness at the corner of his mouth. His own soul was probably...

Suppressing his dark thoughts, Zhiyá asked a question to guide her. "Why does Kikyo possess all Four Souls in their fullness?"

"Because Kikyo has love in her heart, and truly wants to protect everyone..." Han did not notice the deeper meaning in her master's words and simply answered naturally. But at this point, she suddenly found herself unable to continue. She did not truly understand that feeling yet. She had merely remembered and repeated what the priestesses had occasionally said. But she did not know what love was...

"Yes. That is the source of Kikyo's powerful spiritual energy." Zhiyá let out a long sigh. Neither the strength nor the purity of Kikyo's spiritual power could be matched by an ordinary priestess. It was also the reason the Shikon Jewel was so powerful: all Four Souls in their fullness...

"Master, what's wrong?" Han was puzzled by the sudden gloom that had come over him.

"Nothing. I merely thought of the Demon Jewel Four Souls, which brings calamity."

"The Shikon Jewel? Didn't the records say it had already disappeared?" Han asked curiously.

"No. The Shikon Jewel will never disappear until its power is exhausted. Yet whenever someone uses it, its power grows stronger. That means it cannot be destroyed, only purified and kept from falling into evil hands. Some demons are probably fighting over the Shikon Jewel right now. Unfortunately, I don't know where it is." Zhiyá sighed deeply.

"Is it a source of calamity like me?" This was something she had vaguely sensed, as though her appearance had brought disaster.

"No, you are different!" Zhiyá smiled, but his denial was firm. "Why would you wonder that? Your power is under your own control. As long as your heart remains steadfast, your power will serve your good intentions. The Shikon Jewel, however, is inherently evil. Only the priestess Midoriko's suppression from within allows it to retain a tenuous purity while it is not being used."

"I see." Han let out a soft breath of relief.

"Now, off you go. If there's anything you don't understand, just come and ask me. I shouldn't be going out today," Zhiyá said.

"Yes, Master. But once the sun is less fierce, we'll probably go out to gather medicinal herbs, edible mushrooms, and wild vegetables," Han said softly with a little smile. This was her favorite part of each day: going out with everyone, helping prepare food for them all, and gathering herbs for those who came seeking help. Every time, it brought her heartfelt joy.

The other young priestesses felt the same. They did not want their master to shoulder every burden and always hoped to do whatever they could for him and for everyone else. Zhiyá knew this and did not stop them. It also allowed them to understand the meaning of helping others.

"Ah, then don't work yourselves too hard," Zhiyá said. The people nearby were all familiar to them, and many had received help from Zhiyá and the priestesses, so they had always treated the priestesses kindly.

"Yes!" Han nodded happily, then bowed to her master and returned to Morning Glory and Gardenia, looking forward to going out with everyone later.