Chapter 1: The Monk and the Rescue
A bald-headed child exclaimed loudly, and then, with a flourish, clapped his hands down onto the surface of the water, instantly stirring up a rush of clear waves that surged towards the child who had just splashed water at him
Wuwu ... ...
Senior brother... I really didn't... There is indeed the sound of crying," Wang Qingguo said, her eyes filled with urgency, on the verge of tears
The old monk said coldly, and then left on his own, his figure flickering and disappearing, leaving the three young monks staring at each other in bewilderment
"Master, it is not that the disciple does not understand the gravity of the situation, but something truly serious has occurred." Li Housheng said, fearing that his master would not believe him, he added, "After the evening class today, the three of us planned to find an open area to verify today's practice, but suddenly we heard a low, mournful cry. I remember Master once said that it was the mountain spirit in the forest, extremely malevolent, which is why I risked my life to run back and report to you, Master."
At this moment, there was no movement to be found anywhere. The bright moon hung high in the sky, its reflection shimmering in the stream, sparkling with the undulations of the water.
However, two of the children remained engrossed in their playful scuffle, unaware of their surroundings
A small bridge over flowing water, with withered vines and crows at dusk
It is a baby
"So, you only heard the sound of crying, but did not see anything?" the old monk asked, his brow slightly furrowed.
It turns out that several of them were young monks from the Tianlong Temple on the mountain. After a day of practicing their daily lessons and feeling fatigued, they thought about coming out to play
However, Wang Qingguo and the other person were following behind him, panting heavily and saying nothing
In a moment, the two of them were bustling about, with one chasing while the other dodged, creating quite a lively scene
After all, they are still just children. Even with their training over the past period, the several dozen miles of rapid advance is still difficult for them to endure
What does it mean to be flustered and panicked? As my foremost disciple, how can you lack even this level of composure? How can I expect you to promote and elevate my esoteric teachings in the future?
Li Housheng spoke while signaling to his junior disciple behind him, clearly indicating that they should step forward to explain
"Verification? I see it as going to have fun, right?"
Alright, Zhang Xiaohua, it turns out that not only does your name sound feminine, but your thoughts are also like those of a woman. You actually dare to splash water on me. Watch my Mighty Vajra Palm
... ...
However, the child in the middle who just spoke to mediate the situation suddenly had a change in expression, as if he had thought of something extremely terrifying
Master, help! The mountain spirit has come out
Wow! Li Housheng, you are being unreasonable. Just because you entered the field before me and have a slightly higher cultivation level, you bully me like this." The youth named Zhang Xiaohua was displeased, waving his hands wildly, causing splashes of water to spray.
At this moment, the old monk, following the words of Li Housheng, flew alone through the mountains, and with a few leaps, he had already reached the foot of the mountain, arriving at the place they had previously mentioned where the mountain spirit appeared
Yet after it departed, the gentle stream was gradually enveloped by that low, murmuring sound
Zhang Xiaohua, Wang Qingguo. You two scoundrels, just now I asked you to explain, why has each of you turned into a mute...
Once again, a wave of low sobs came through, making the midsummer water suddenly feel a few degrees cooler
Once again, a wave of low, mournful cries emerged, and the old monk sat upright, concentrating intently to listen. Between the throbbing of his ears, it seemed as if he were employing some kind of technique, making the sounds even clearer.
Upon hearing Wang Qingguo's words, both Li Housheng and Zhang Xiaohua changed their expressions.
"No, Master, that sound is truly identical to what you once described about the mountain spirit. I am certain that it is indeed the mountain spirit causing trouble. It must be related to the incident a month ago when the Lin family village, several dozen miles away, was reduced to ashes overnight. I believe their lingering resentment has summoned the mountain spirit's appearance." Li Housheng said
Before the Zen room, the voice of Li Housheng erupted, filled with rage, followed by two piercing screams
As Li Housheng burst into the Tianlong Temple, he headed straight for his meditation room. This place was not only where he practiced his daily meditation, but more importantly, at this hour, his master should be comprehending the Dao under the starlight
At this moment, a faint sound of weeping reached their ears
The only difference is that within this deep valley, there are sounds of laughter and the splashing of water from impacts.
The old monk leaped up, and by the time he stood, he had already cradled the infant in his arms
The cry was very low, resembling that of a baby, yet it carried an eerie hint of the supernatural
The old monk moved swiftly, even running across the surface of the water, walking on the waves. In just a few steps, he had already reached a stretch of water where lotus leaves were floating by.
At this moment, an old monk in front of him glared with fierce eyes and began to scold him
The monk spoke coldly, his gaze serious, displaying a strong sense of displeasure
Wow wow wow
"Wang Qingguo, what nonsense are you talking about? Where is there any sound of crying?" Li Housheng's expression changed, he stopped his actions and looked towards the little monk he had pulled down earlier.
... ...
Hmph, though young, you understand quite a bit of reason. You three, wait here while I go investigate the matter. I will return to punish you then
There is nothing unusual? Yet, above this place, there indeed were living beings that once floated by; that trace of vitality cannot be mistaken. The old monk's brows furrowed slightly, solidifying into a knot.
"Hey! Senior brother and junior brother, stop fooling around. The sun has already set, and the water in the pond is getting a bit cold. We should head back quickly. If Master finds out that we sneaked down the mountain, we might end up standing in place again." Another bald-headed child came over and shouted at the two.
Only Wang Qingguo and Zhang Xiaohua, still somewhat timid, pretended not to see, deeply lowering their heads, remaining silent.
The setting sun and the bright moon face each other in the sky, during this midsummer dusk, with the sun and moon sharing the same space, creating an even more tranquil and delightful atmosphere
Li Housheng knew that he could not hide anything from his master. However, Wang Qingguo and Zhang Xiaohua were disappointing, which truly frustrated him. Yet, despite his frustration, he understood that it was no longer possible to conceal the truth.
Three little monks, full of energy, hurriedly climbed up from the water, quickly put on their clothes, and ran towards the direction of Tianlong Temple as if they had seen a ghost
His gaze rested above the water's surface, no longer lingering for a moment, flowing downstream
The old monk instantly determined that the sound of crying was not that of a mountain spirit, but rather that of a weeping infant. The deepness of the cry was due to the fact that the child had already cried itself out of strength
"Senior brothers, junior brothers, have you heard... what is crying..." said the young monk
Wow wow wow
After Li Housheng and the other two rolled and crawled, they finally reached the mountain gate of Tianlong Temple half an hour later, as if they had exhausted all their strength, shouting for help.
At present, I will truthfully recount the matter of the three of us running to play by the creek, not regarding that crying sound as a mountain spirit, yet it has remained unchanged.