Chapter 009: The Heart Sutra of Non-Action (Part Two)
Li Xiaoyang held the copper handle on the left, while the middle-aged man lifted the one on the right. The middle-aged man looked at Li Xiaoyang and reminded him, "This classmate, be careful, it's very heavy. This item is quite old and not very sturdy, so be sure to support the bottom while lifting it."
They are all unique copies, merely an exaggeration by Huang Tiande, yet there are indeed some very valuable items within
At this moment, there was an antique nanmu chest placed at the entrance of the library, and a middle-aged man, resembling a teacher, was looking around anxiously. It was class time, and the library was sparsely populated. Upon seeing Li Xiaoyang approaching, the middle-aged man’s eyes lit up, and he quickly walked over to Li Xiaoyang, saying: "Excuse me, student, do you have a moment? Could you help me with something?"
Li Xiaoyang exerted a slight force; by the age of thirteen or fourteen, he was already able to lift over a hundred pounds of fertilizer with one hand. Thus, this seemingly small box was naturally not a challenge. However, to his surprise, as he lifted it, he felt a noticeable weight despite his effort, which was at least one hundred to one hundred eighty pounds. The box did not appear large, yet it turned out to be quite heavy.
Upon seeing this sentence, Li Xiaoyang felt a bit puzzled. Could it be that someone really treats this Heart Sutra as a kind of practice for cultivation? This Heart Sutra is not a manual for cultivation at all; it contains not a single description of any cultivation methods. The entire text merely expounds on a certain realm and philosophy. Those who have not experienced this realm find it very difficult to grasp the artistic conception it describes.
Director Huang, there is no need to trouble yourself..." Li Xiaoyang quickly gestured that it was unnecessary; moving a box was merely a matter of lifting his hand for him, and Director Huang was indeed being overly courteous
A middle-aged man led Li Xiaoyang directly to the fourth floor. The fourth floor of the Xiaobai Building is a restricted area, marked by a sign at the stairway entrance that reads: "No Entry for Unauthorized Personnel." A robust security guard stood beside the sign, stepping forward whenever an unauthorized person approached, pointing his thick baton at the sign. Those with sense would immediately turn around and leave.
"Hey, hey, hey, be careful." The middle-aged man seemed to doubt Li Xiaoyang's abilities, anxiously calling out, "Be careful, be careful, it's very heavy." As he spoke, he also strained to support the bottom of the box.
Hehe, of course not. These are all rare and precious classics, and damaging them would result in an irretrievable loss. However, these items are primarily studied by scholars in our field. If you are just looking to see them, I can help you scan a copy in a moment.
On one side of the fourth floor, there is a large book restoration room, which the security guards refer to as the restoration room. A middle-aged man, known as Director Huang, led Li Xiaoyang into the restoration room.
From the perspective of geographical location and scale, it is evident that the University of Science and Technology places great importance on this library, which covers an area of over 20,000 square meters and has four floors. Its all-white exterior has earned it a charming nickname—Little White Building
The fourth floor of the library is the rare book collection area, housing various precious books, including ancient texts, unique editions, and original manuscripts. Any book or material with historical research value is organized and preserved here by dedicated personnel. Most of the books have been scanned and uploaded to the library's resource database, allowing the general public to access it via the internet at any time. These original manuscripts are primarily intended for research by experts and scholars. The general public can access the library's resource database via the internet at any time. These original manuscripts are primarily intended for research by experts and scholars
This passage is written at the end of the Heart Sutra. Previously, Li Xiaoyang had only skimmed through it, so he did not notice this sentence. Huang Tiande scanned and printed a copy of the Heart Sutra for him, which he took back to his dormitory, where Li Xiaoyang read it carefully once again
Is it not possible? Li Xiaoyang was greatly disappointed
"Would you like some tea?" Director Huang asked, not waiting for Li Xiaoyang's response. He walked over to the water dispenser in the room and filled a kettle with boiling water, continuing to speak: "A few days ago, a former student came to visit me and brought a box of fine Dong Ding Oolong tea, just in time for you to try."
Director Huang handed over a roll of tissue paper, gesturing for Li Xiaoyang to wipe the sweat off his body. This sweat was deliberately forced out; otherwise, it would be truly astonishing to carry boxes weighing one or two hundred pounds up to the fourth floor without breaking a sweat.
Li Xiaoyang's task is to organize the loose pages into a bound volume. Book restoration is a meticulous job, and even this relatively easier work for Li Xiaoyang is not easy to execute well. This compels him to be fully attentive, don disposable latex gloves, and carefully categorize the detached pages.
The more he looked, the more he found it reasonable. Li Xiaoyang suddenly felt a bit reluctant to part with it and looked up at Huang Tiande, saying: "Teacher Huang, may I borrow these ancient texts?"
He had Li Xiaoyang move boxes filled entirely with ancient books, which were donated to Xiaobailou by a solitary elderly man. This elderly gentleman came from a prominent family with a scholarly tradition, having preserved a collection of ancient texts that had been passed down through generations. These texts were well-maintained, but by the time they reached the elderly man's generation, he was the last remaining member of his family. Feeling that his time was limited, the elderly man decided to donate the family heirlooms that had been passed down for over a dozen generations, and thus sought out Huang Tiande.
Upon hearing the praise from Li Xiaoyang of hetushucom.com, Director Huang smiled with great satisfaction.
However, Xiaobailou is not small; it houses nearly one million volumes, a number that ranks among the top in major first-tier universities. Yet, this is not the most remarkable aspect. The greatest feature of Xiaobailou is its extensive three-story digital library, which boasts nearly seven thousand computers arranged in an orderly manner. With a library card, users can access these computers for free and search the library's resource database for the latest materials. Additionally, by obtaining a network usage card, one can freely access the internet.
Alright, then prepare, one, two, three, go
The middle-aged man scrutinized Li Xiaoyang a few more times, and only after confirming that there were no issues did he feel relieved, responding: "Inside are some ancient books, so they are relatively heavy"
Before he could finish speaking, Director Huang interrupted him, saying: "It's no trouble at all. You have done me such a great favor, and I haven't had the chance to thank you yet. Let's have a cup of tea and take a break." Director Huang was clearly an experienced tea master, skillfully brewing tea and warming the cups. In no time, a pot of tea was ready. Director Huang poured two full cups, and a faint, refreshing aroma began to fill the room.
"Hmm, alright." Li Xiaoyang nodded in agreement
After becoming familiar with each other, Huang Tiande somewhat impolitely said: "Xiao Yang, are you free? Would you mind helping me with one more thing, if possible?"
Hearing Li Xiaoyang's relaxed tone, the middle-aged man hesitated and loosened his grip slightly, only to realize that the box was still held securely by Li Xiaoyang. He looked at Li Xiaoyang in astonishment and said incredulously: "Classmate, you are really strong; this box weighs almost 200 pounds."
After swaying unsteadily for a few steps, Li Xiaoyang could no longer bear to watch. He reached out to support the other side of the box's bottom and said, "Teacher, let me do it." With that, he exerted force and lifted the entire box up.
Li Xiaoyang lay on the bed with his lips pressed together, countless chaotic thoughts flashing through his mind. After reading this text on the Heart of Non-Action, he felt a great deal of emotion, much like someone who has achieved some success in a certain field, who one day re-examines themselves from a different perspective, thus gaining new insights
Li Xiaoyang, lost in thought, gradually entered a state of emptiness, unknowingly sinking into a realm of thoughtlessness and tranquility
Huang Tiande looked up at him and said, "No, how could that be? Do you want to borrow it?"
This student, please walk this way, and remember to be careful. Inside are all rare books; if they are damaged, there will be no similar items left in the world. The box also has a lot of history, so please do not break it. If you really cannot hold on, just throw it at me; it won't matter if I get damaged. A middle-aged man at https://www.hetushu.com is leading the way, occasionally turning back to remind them, and even made a joke in the end.
Li Xiaoyang was taken aback, glanced at the middle-aged man, and replied, "Oh, alright"
I have received the Heart Sutra from the nameless enchanting fairy for over 200 years. I am dull-witted and still unable to comprehend the realm of unity between heaven and earth as described in the Heart Sutra, which causes me great anxiety. Today, I suddenly realized that my excessive obsession and deliberate efforts are contrary to the essence of the Heart Sutra, and this outcome is the will of heaven. Recently, I have sensed ominous signs, deeply aware that my time is drawing near. I now pass on the Heart Sutra to my descendants, hoping they will remember the way of non-action, act in accordance with the will of heaven, and not force matters. Remember, remember—non-action.
No need to be polite, just consider it a thank you for helping me organize the books. Please speed up, there is still a lot more to do
The cultivation methods of spiritual beasts are very similar to the situations described in the Heart Sutra, which left a deep impression on Li Xiaoyang after reading it. However, someone in his situation is likely unprecedented and will not be seen again in the future. Could it be that there were others in the past who coexisted with spiritual beasts? Or is the wisdom of the ancients who authored this book truly remarkable, capable of deriving unparalleled martial arts from this text, which is akin to the Dao De Jing? Having spent over two hundred years writing this book, it implies that the author must have been at least over two hundred years old. Can an ordinary person live that long? Or is the wisdom of the ancients who authored this book truly remarkable, capable of deriving unparalleled martial arts from this text, which is akin to the Dao De Jing? Having spent over two hundred years writing this book, it implies that the author must have been at least over two hundred years old. Can an ordinary person live that long?
However, the middle-aged man did not have it so easy. Although he managed to lift it, his face turned completely red, and the box involuntarily tilted towards him.
Is it a martial arts manual? Li Xiaoyang was taken aback; this is just too ridiculous.
Thank you so much, I never expected you to be so strong. If I hadn't run into you, I wouldn't know what to do. Thank you again. Following your words, the box was carefully placed in that corner, and Director Huang continued to speak.
Li Xiaoyang felt a stir in his heart; the meaning described in this passage was surprisingly similar to his own process of cultivation. When he practiced, he would release his mind, doing nothing and thinking of nothing, allowing the essence of the rising sun to flow naturally into his being. This process subtly contained the idea of non-action found in this passage. Li Xiaoyang furrowed his brow and flipped back to the previous section, where several powerful characters were inscribed on the page: The Heart Sutra of Non-Action.
"Alright." Li Xiaoyang responded without hesitation. He came to the library merely to take a look at some books, which was not particularly important. Moreover, he quite liked Huang Tiande, so he was more than willing to help him.
Li Xiaoyang felt a sudden tightness in his heart; the box was filled entirely with unique editions. This item was extraordinary, its value immeasurable. Li Xiaoyang immediately sensed that the weight of the box had increased severalfold.
Seeing his strained appearance, Li Xiaoyang truly doubted whether he could hold on.
After coexisting with the flames, lifting seven or eight hundred pounds is no longer a challenge. However, Li Xiaoyang had to put on a somewhat strained appearance, saying, "I used to be accustomed to hard work, and I can barely lift it. If it were any heavier, I wouldn't be able to manage. What on earth is inside? Why is it so heavy?"
Huang Tiande opened the copper lock of the box, and the two of them carefully took out the books inside, laying them on a clean large table. The books were all very well preserved; aside from some yellowing of the pages and occasional signs of insect damage, they were otherwise in good condition. However, most of these ancient texts were bound with thread, and the majority of the binding threads had aged and loosened, giving the books a somewhat fragmented appearance. The books were all very well preserved; aside from some yellowing of the pages and occasional signs of insect damage, they were otherwise in good condition. However, most of these ancient texts were bound with thread, and the majority of the binding threads had aged and loosened, giving the books a somewhat fragmented appearance
The middle-aged man led Li Xiaoyang directly towards the stairs. This time, the security guard did not step forward; instead, he smiled and greeted the middle-aged man, saying, "Director Huang, you have arrived"
Director Huang, tall and slender, appears unassuming but is quite talkative. While savoring tea, he engages in casual conversation with Li Xiaoyang. As they chat back and forth, the two quickly become familiar with each other, and Li Xiaoyang unwittingly reveals all his details.
Li Xiaoyang quickly exerted more strength with one hand while supporting the bottom of the box with the other hand, effortlessly lifting the box up.
Li Xiaoyang held a cup, mimicking Director Huang's manner, and brought it to his nose for a sniff. Instantly, a rich aroma of tea surged to his senses, invigorating him immediately, and he couldn't help but exclaim: "Good tea!" Li Xiaoyang did not understand the nuances of tea tasting, but he knew that tea which could impress even those unfamiliar with it must indeed be good tea
In the morning, during the two elective classes, Li Xiaoyang went directly to the library empty-handed. He was accustomed to self-study; as early as high school, he had completed the courses for the first and second years of college through self-learning, and his pace of study had already surpassed many. After coexisting with the Flame, his intelligence had significantly improved. Although he could not be said to have a photographic memory, once he noted something down, it was generally difficult for him to forget it. This ability, when applied to learning, naturally led to great success.
Director Huang, whose full name is Huang Tiande, is the head of Xiaobailou and also a visiting professor in the History Department at the University of Science and Technology. Although the university does not offer an archaeology program, Huang Tiande is a highly esteemed figure in the domestic archaeology community, having led several large-scale archaeological projects. He is particularly fond of the environment at Xiaobailou, which is why he has taken on the role of visiting professor at the university. However, he does not teach courses there; instead, he spends most of his time at Xiaobailou overseeing the restoration and preservation of rare books, while also managing library affairs.
"Hmm, and the books." The middle-aged man smiled and nodded in response: "Xiao Li, you have worked hard"
The middle-aged man smiled and quickly called out, "Come, come, help me move this box inside, would you?"
The cedar wood box is quite old, appearing to have been around for some time. Its corners are all edged with brass, and the handles on both sides are also made of brass. On the front, there is a brass lock about the size of a half palm, intricately engraved with exquisite patterns, though its surface has lost its luster. The tarnished traces on the brass edging, the brass lock, and the cedar wood body all indicate that it has endured a long passage of time. Just this box alone would hold considerable value in the antiques market.
He hurriedly organized the remaining parts as well. This book is a handwritten manuscript, consisting of only about ten pages. Li Xiaoyang skimmed through it and found that it was not the legendary martial arts manual, but rather something akin to Laozi's Tao Te Ching. It expounds on a certain philosophy, yet unlike the Tao Te Ching, which is vague, it is more detailed, using specific examples and methods to illustrate the concept of "wu wei er you wei" (action through inaction). Many of the ideas within align with the cultivation methods of spiritual beasts. It is more akin to Laozi's Tao Te Ching, expounding on a certain philosophy, yet unlike the Tao Te Ching, which is vague, it is more detailed, using specific examples and methods to illustrate the concept of "wu wei er you wei". Many of the ideas within align with the cultivation methods of spiritual beasts.
Li Xiaoyang quickly skimmed through the content on the pages, then carefully compared it with the earlier sections, grouping similar content together. As he was organizing, he suddenly saw a phrase written on one of the pages: The great way is non-action, ... embodying the heavenly heart, following the mysterious intention ... ... the heart resides in righteousness, acting without action and following the natural energy of heaven and earth ... ... .
It was a simple task. Li Xiaoyang was just about to go inside, as it was on the way, and quickly responded, "Sure, no problem"
"Just put it there," Director Huang said, pointing to a corner.
It turns out it is all books, no wonder it is so heavy. Li Xiaoyang shook it a couple of times, but there was no sound from inside the box, clearly packed very tightly
Li Xiaoyang, who was already disappointed, suddenly brightened his eyes upon hearing the last words: "Really? Director Huang, thank you so much."
The library of the University of Science and Technology is situated at the innermost part of the campus, where there is a small grove filled with various lush trees. The library is located in the center of this grove, surrounded by a variety of trees. Entering it feels like stepping into the countryside, far from the hustle and bustle, tranquil and natural. This is already the most beautiful environment at the University of Science and Technology.
"It's fine, teacher, I can manage on my own." This middle-aged man appeared to be struggling and on the verge of letting go, which made Li Xiaoyang feel anxious; it would be easier for him to carry it himself.
"No need to be polite, it's just a small effort." Li Xiaoyang responded courteously, knowing that Director Huang was merely being polite. As a distinguished director, he could easily find someone to assist him; Li was merely fulfilling his duty.