Chapter Four: Mountains

In this lifetime, Su Zhen has never broken a promise, nor has he ever deceived her with even half a word. Therefore, Shui Qingying believes that he will surely return safe and sound, and then, as if nothing had happened, he will give her a faint smile, take her hand, and grow old together.

Su Zhen said: "Oh, Master Yu, your Yunlin Zen Temple has quite the arrogance, actually giving Su a show of force right at the mountain gate."

Master Yu hurriedly intervened before a conflict could arise, saying: "Junior Brother, weren't you giving a lecture in the Arhat Hall? How did you end up here? You should quickly return to continue your studies; do not keep those disciples waiting too long. As for the matter concerning Su, it will be resolved by the Abbot, Senior Brother."

( The prequel of "The Legend of Sword and Fairy", titled "The Spring Mountains in the Morning Chill", has concluded. For the subsequent story of Su Zhen and Shui Qingying, please refer to the main narrative of "The Legend of Sword and Fairy" )

Su Zhen chuckled and said, "Oh, Master Yu, why not wait a moment longer to see if I will smash this plaque above my head?"

Therefore, Su Zhen's visit to Yunlin Zen Temple to challenge Master Yixin undoubtedly leads to defeat rather than victory. He could have easily returned to the secluded and serene Junfeng with Shui Qingying, disregarding the promise made at the Gaoshan Tea House that day, and from then on, live freely and happily together.

Su Zhen said: "Master Yixin, there is a question that has puzzled me for several days. May I ask if you could enlighten me?"

***

Master Yixin, with his slender frame, stood at the stone steps of the Zen hall, respectfully greeting Su Zhen from a distance with his palms together, saying: "Su benefactor, I apologize for not welcoming you properly, please forgive me"

Master Yixin smiled slightly and said: "Benefactor, your boldness is truly admirable. Allow me to speak further; there are no disciples of our temple stationed within the Arhat formation. What supports it is the power of the Buddha and various transformations of the universe. Therefore, Benefactor Su, do not rely solely on force. Only by cultivating a sense of spiritual awareness and understanding the true essence within the formation can one achieve twice the result with half the effort"

But no matter how long this wait may be, she will stand here quietly and motionlessly, filled with anticipation for his return

This Master Yuyou is the chief monk of the Incense Hall at Yunlin Zen Temple, and his status is certainly not trivial. It is difficult for an ordinary person to catch a glimpse of him even after traveling thousands of miles, yet today he surprisingly came out to personally welcome, clearly showing great respect for Su Zhen.

The melodious and gentle evening bell resonates through the twilight mountains, as the Yunlin Zen Temple is bathed in the glow of the dusk. The red walls and green tiles are coated with a faint golden hue by the setting sun, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled tranquility and solemnity. A stone-paved mountain path winds down from the mountain gate, flanked by towering green pines, with the sound of the stream flowing gently, extending deep into the colorful and enchanting clouds of the mountains.

The heavy snowfall that lasted for two consecutive days finally ceased around noon, covering the lush green mountains in a thick blanket of snow, with sparkling icicles hanging from the pine and stone pavilions, shimmering with brilliant light

The tense expression on his face relaxed slightly, but he still asked, "Senior brother, why don't you let me take action?"

Su Zhen was taken aback and said, "What, Master Yi Xin is not fully aware of this matter?"

Su Zhen revealed a mocking expression and said, "With a character like you, the great monk, how can you speak of a three-palm agreement with me? Just go ahead and make your move, and let us see who falls first at the mountain gate"

Su Zhen took a deep breath and silently recited: "Qingying, rest assured, I will definitely return safely. After so many twists and turns, nothing can now stand in the way of you and me. The Arhat formation cannot be formed, the Yunlin Zen Temple cannot be established, and even the countless masters of both the righteous and demonic paths, as well as the passage of time and space, cannot prevent my return"

Su Zhen said: "On that day, I forcefully entered Yunlin Zen Temple because there were individuals from your temple who had come down the mountain to ambush me, demanding that I hand over the 'Xiaohan Chunshan Tu'. Their demeanor was filled with arrogance, and they repeatedly claimed to be purging evil and upholding righteousness. It was then that I realized the grand Yunlin Zen Temple was merely a name, a typical facade of hypocrisy and greed, which justified my intrusion into the temple at https://www.hetushu.com.com"

The several guest monks saw Master Yizheng engage in a confrontation with Su Zhen, and they were immediately filled with urgency and panic. However, Master Yizheng held a very high position in the temple and had a temperament as fierce as fire, so no one dared to step forward to mediate.

A foolish master interjected, saying: "Su, you may not be aware. Even with the Abbot's magical powers, he can only control this Arhat formation for three hours. After this period, he cannot guarantee your safety within it. Moreover, there are precedents for breaking the formation in three hours; the Abbot himself once broke out in two hours and three quarters."

Su Zhen, however, displayed an unusual patience. As the sun sank lower in the west and the light in the mountains grew dimmer, there was not a trace of anxiety or impatience on his face. The seven guest monks occasionally cast nervous glances at him, fearing that this notorious demon, known throughout the realm, might suddenly erupt in a fit of rage and cause harm, thereby dragging them into disaster.

A foolish master chuckled and said: "As long as there is Buddha in the heart, why must one shave their head and retreat into the monastic life? Otherwise, if everyone in the world became nuns and monks, where would we, the ones who eat vegetarian and recite the Buddha's name, go to seek alms and fill our stomachs?"

Among the eight guest monks, the one with the longest age is named "Jinghui". He is naturally composed and steady. Upon hearing this, he bowed to Su Zhen and clasped his hands together, saying: "Please, benefactor, wait a moment. I will go and report this right away."

Master Yi Zheng was repeatedly mocked by Su Zhen, causing a surge of anger to rise within him. Without further ado, he raised his right palm and struck towards Su Zhen's face, shouting: "First Palm!"

Master Yu laughed heartily and said, "Rest assured, rest assured, Master Fangzhang will definitely provide everyone with a satisfactory explanation"

However, knowing this, Su Zhen still came, leaving behind such a powerful ally as Shui Qingying at the foot of the mountain, to demonstrate her open-mindedness in coming alone to the appointment, which inevitably earned the admiration of the two great monks seated before her.

The towering mountain gate draws ever closer, and the large plaque above the gate is now clearly visible. In the hazy, mist-like light of the evening, the four characters "Yunlin Zen Temple" quietly shine with a golden glow

Su Zhen stood up and said: "If I ask any more questions, it would seem petty. Since the master was able to break the formation in just over two hours, I am confident that I can do the same. Therefore, I request both of you to lead me into the formation."

He cast a glance at the tall old monk and snorted through his nose, "Has Yunlin Zen Temple become the Avici Hell, where no one else is allowed to enter?"

Master Yizheng glared angrily at the newcomer and said: "Junior Brother Yushi, why do you obstruct me from expelling this demon?"

Su Zhen lightly nodded with her hands behind her back and said: "I apologize for the disturbance"

Master Yixin chuckled and said, "Benefactor, you jest. I have specially prepared a question for you. If you can solve it, then our contest need not be fulfilled. I shall personally escort you down the mountain and sincerely wish you and the Water Fairy a lifetime of happiness, with mutual respect and harmony."

"Wait for my return, and then we shall return to Gathering Cloud Peak, never to be separated again." This was the last sentence left by Su Zhen before departing, and it was the most significant promise of her life

Master Yu chuckled and said, "Su benefactor, you jest. How much could that plaque possibly be worth, that it would catch your eye? If you find it displeasing, I shall break it for you right now." As he spoke, he rolled up his wide sleeves, revealing his plump white arms, and pretended to pick up a stone.

These monks of the Zhike sect are merely the third-generation disciples of Yunlin Zen Temple, holding relatively low status. Therefore, they had not seen Su Zhen's true face that day, yet they were well aware of his great name. Consider that Yunlin Zen Temple has been established for over a thousand years, renowned alongside the Cuixia Sect as one of the leading seven sword sects of the Tianlu Orthodox Path. Has it ever been so humiliated by anyone?

He knew that Su Zhen's cultivation was extraordinary, so as soon as he made his move, he unleashed the painstakingly cultivated technique of Yunlin Zen Temple, the "Vajra Subduing Demon Seal," which he had been honing for nearly two decades. Typically, when engaging with disciples from the Tushita Zen Temple, one would need to concentrate and gather energy, allowing the true Qi of Buddhism to circulate through the meridians before achieving any results. However, Master Yi Zheng's skill was indeed profound; he simply raised his hand and unleashed a burst of golden light.

Su Zhen coldly asked, "What if Su is unable to solve this problem?"

Su Zhen said: "Master, you are too polite. I, Su, have come here merely to fulfill our previous agreement. Once I have fought with you, I shall return to my secluded life at Gathering Cloud Peak. From then on, I will pick chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, return home at night after harvesting, and no longer concern myself with worldly matters."

Master Yixin smiled gently and said: "Your cultivation has already reached an extraordinary and saintly realm, and I have long admired you in my heart. It is rare that you can see through the mundane world and from now on put down the butcher's knife to become a Buddha. How could I dare to harbor even the slightest notion of underestimating you?"

As the sound of the bell resonates gently in the mountains, it signifies the time for the Zen temple to extinguish its lights

Master Yixin said: "Why must you be so formal, benefactor? Whatever the old monk knows, I shall gladly share."

After enduring countless life-and-death experiences and numerous moments of joy and sorrow, when one finally breaks free from all the shackles of inner demons and comes together with the other, how could heaven bear to separate them again

Perhaps, it will take another day, a ten-day period, a month, a year

Master Yu smiled wryly and said: "If it were not for Benefactor Su's intrusion into Yunlin, the Abbot would still be cultivating the Buddhist teachings in the Bodhi Rock on the back mountain. For the past decade, all secular affairs of our temple have been entrusted to Brother Yi Tong, while the Abbot has secluded himself in the Bodhi Rock to comprehend the 'Heart Sutra of Prajna without Store,' and has hardly inquired about temple matters."

Jing Hui quickly walked into the mountain gate, disappearing behind a wall of reflection. His identity did not allow him to casually request an audience with the abbot at Yunlin Zen Temple, so he needed to first report this matter to Master Yi, the head of the Incense Hall who manages external affairs of the temple. Thus, the process of relaying the message and waiting for Master Yi to be informed would undoubtedly take a considerable amount of time

The Master Yuzhi, with an unchanging smile, clapped his hands and said, "Please, Su benefactor, come in." He led Su Zhen through the mountain gate.

Su Zhen nodded and said, "I understand, but I do not know what question you have posed, Master"

The dewdrops glistened in the night, quietly dampening her hair, yet she remained oblivious, tightly holding in her hands the betrothal gift that Su Zhen had given her at their parting.

Master Yi Zheng angrily exclaimed: "Everyone else has come, yet only you, this demon, have not!"

Su Zhen suddenly realized: "No wonder I did not see Master Yixin that night; I thought the abbot was too proud of his esteemed status to bother showing himself to me. It turns out there was another reason, and I misunderstood."

Su Zhen's eyes flashed with a cold light as he said: "Is this the Eighteen Arhats Formation, which has trapped countless masters throughout history, renowned alongside the Demon Subduing Great Formation of the Cuihua Sect?"

Three individuals entered the Zen hall and took their seats according to their status. Master Yixin said: "Two days ago, in a battle on the nameless high hill, you severely injured over a hundred masters from both the righteous and demonic paths, causing quite a stir in the heavens and the earth. Even though I am far away in Yunlin, I have heard of it. However, I also heard that you were seriously injured in this battle. I wonder how your condition is now"

Su Zhen felt greatly pleased upon hearing Master Yi Xin's praise of him, and he chuckled, saying: "I have long heard that Master seldom bestows compliments lightly. Today, receiving such praise is enough to comfort me for a lifetime. However, I have only sheathed my sword; I have not said I would lay down my butcher's knife. As for attaining Buddhahood on the spot, I have no such intention. Otherwise, how could I maintain my lightness?"

A layer of mist quietly rose in her light and graceful eyes, as she slowly extended her delicate hand, her fingertips brushing against the cool Lingxi bracelet, recalling Su Zhen's cold and aloof demeanor, as if it were right before her eyes

Master Yizheng glared at Su Zhen with reluctance, yet could not disregard his senior brother's advice. With a helpless nod, he said: "Yes, I shall return to the Arhat Hall at once. However, senior brother, this demon is notorious for his evil deeds, and recently his hands are stained with even more blood, having even offended our Yunlin Zen Temple. He must not be let off lightly!"

A foolish master glanced at the abbot and whispered to the librarian, "Among those descending the mountain to compete for the map, there is a senior disciple leading the group. You are aware of his temperament, and it will naturally be somewhat awkward for him when facing Master Su."

Su Zhen recognized him; he was the leader among the monks who had descended the mountain that day to ambush her and seize the "Xiao Han Chun Shan Tu," the chief master of the Great Compassion Hall at Yunlin Zen Temple, Master Yi Zheng

Master Yizheng looked up and down at Su Zhen, nodding and saying: "Well, I see that you are seriously injured and unable to fight back, which is not for my own sake. If you can withstand three of my palm strikes, I will take you into the temple"

As he slowly stepped onto the mountain path, and gradually disappeared into the depths of the misty clouds, Shui Qingying's heart seemed to follow him away as well

Su Zhen's injuries had not yet healed, and he could not withstand a direct confrontation. However, due to his personality, he was even less willing to yield or admit defeat. Just as he was about to make a move and retaliate, he heard someone exclaim: "Oh, what’s going on here?"

Suddenly, I heard the voice of a wise master saying: "Su, please come this way"

The master said: "Abbot, Mr. Su, since this is the case, let us take our seats first and then continue our discussion"

Although he spoke with great bravado, both Master Yixin and Master Yuyu, who had cultivated for over a hundred years, could easily see that Su Zhen was merely putting on a brave front. He was only temporarily suppressing his injuries through his solid foundation and various elixirs. However, as soon as he exerted a bit of true energy, it would inevitably aggravate his old wounds, leading to chaotic vital energy and blood, and potentially causing his meridians to rupture, putting his life in jeopardy

Master Yixin said: "I have come to understand the reasons behind Su's visit to the temple, and I have further warned my junior disciples not to send monks down the mountain to compete for the 'Spring Mountain in the Morning Cold' painting. However, the impact of the poem inscribed by the benefactor on the golden Buddha is indeed significant, and I must provide an explanation to the entire temple. Thus, I reluctantly descended the mountain to seek out the benefactor, and I hope Su can understand the difficulties I face in this matter.

Master Yixin said: "Then please, benefactor, stay at our temple for three years; it will not be too late to provide an answer after three years."

Su Zhen also looked towards the newcomer and saw Jing Hui respectfully following behind an old monk dressed in a red robe with golden edges. This old monk had a large belly and a face full of prosperity, with the flesh on his face forming a multitude of smiles. However, his two eyes were very small, almost squinting into fine lines.

What is terrifying comes as it may, while Su Zhen has yet to take action, several monks burst forth from within the mountain gate. The foremost among them, a burly figure with a face full of anger and thick black whiskers curling upwards, upon seeing Su Zhen, shouted: "Well, you demon, you actually have the audacity to set foot in my Yunlin again. Do you really think my Buddhist disciples are easy to bully?"

What he said was so interesting that even Master Yixin couldn't help but smile

Perhaps, it will be in the next moment, when she silently counts to the thousandth frost flower; perhaps, it will be in the faint light of dawn, as his figure approaches her against the rising morning glow

A foolish master, though of a higher status, was born with a smiling face. When he heard his junior brother's reprimand, he did not get angry but chuckled and said: "That was close, that was close! Junior brother Yizheng, your Vajra Subduing Demon Seal has improved significantly, almost knocking me down!"

Su Zhen chuckled and said, "Could it be that Su, having traveled a thousand miles back to Yunlin, would only exchange a few words with the master and then clap my hands to descend the mountain? It is precisely what I have long sought after."

This statement strikes at the sore spot of a certain master, causing his face to flush red as he glares at Su Zhen and declares: "Today, I shall definitely keep you here!"

Su Zhen smiled and said, "Master Yi Xin, are you trying to probe into my background? It is indeed true that I am seriously injured, but it is not to the extent that I cannot climb up to Yunlin Zen Temple. Do not blame me for not warning you in advance; if we were to fight later and this becomes a factor, you would be underestimating me, and I fear you would suffer the consequences."

Behind the old monk in red, there were still four monks in yellow robes attending to him, each with a well-rounded forehead, a robust physique, and holding a staff in hand

Master Yu said: "It is also my fault for not explaining clearly to hetushu.com. Su, the benefactor, is a guest invited to the mountain by the abbot. Currently, the abbot is in the meditation hall receiving guests. If you block him at the door, how am I supposed to report to the abbot?"

Su Zhen snorted, "There isn't even a patch of fallen leaves in front of the gate of Yunlin Zen Temple, so don't pretend to be something you're not"

Master Yixin replied: "There is a cliff of pure emptiness behind the mountain of our temple, which has served as a trial ground for the succession of abbots throughout the ages. On the cliff, there exists a Buddhist formation, which I believe you have also heard of its name."

The man in black finished the last level of the stone steps on the mountain path, raised his head to examine the plaque for a moment, and then said to the eight attendant monks standing outside the mountain gate: "Please inform Master Yixin that Su Zhen has come as promised"

Su Zhen waved his hand and said, "Thank you for your kind intentions, Master, but there is no need to trouble yourself further. When I left the tea house that day, I made this agreement with you through a secret transmission, and it should be resolved by me alone. It was my own decision not to let Qingying ascend the mountain."

Su Zhen expressed, "Thank you for your guidance, Master." He walked out of the meditation hall. The moon was bright and the stars sparse in the sky, with the azure clouds drifting. In a daze, he seemed to see a delicate figure appearing in the celestial expanse, a tender and affectionate smile that warmed his heart deeply

Beside the painting, a pair of silver bracelets rests quietly. Shui Qingying knows that they have a beautiful name, called "Lingxi." It is said that wearing one Lingxi bracelet allows one to know the whereabouts of the other bracelet, no matter where one is, simply by gently shaking the small bell on the bracelet.

In Yunlin Zen Temple, there are over a thousand monks, yet their identities are quite easy to distinguish. Monks of the "One" generation, such as Master Yixin, all wear red robes, with varying widths of gold trim indicating different statuses. The second-generation disciples don yellow robes and black boots. As for third-generation disciples like Jinghui, they mostly wear gray monk garments and black boots.

Su Zhen laughed and said, "Master, you truly think highly of me, to only give me three hours."

Master Yixin extended three fingers and said: "If by dawn the benefactor does not emerge from the formation, this old monk will close the formation's eye. At that time, the benefactor will have to endure staying here for another three years"

It was a slender black cloth package, secured with a single silk string. When Su Zhen handed it to her, he said nothing, merely gazing deeply at her, a look that seemed to encompass a thousand words.

In a pavilion at the foot of Yunlin Zen Temple, water stands gracefully and quietly. In the night, eyes as soft and bright as stars gaze longingly towards the direction of the temple, remaining still for several hours.

Su Zhen let out a soft "ha" and said slowly, "Unfortunately, not only have I visited once, but I also left in good order, and I have yet to see anyone capable of keeping me here."

Master Yixin smiled and said: "In the pure realm of Buddhism, how can one recklessly resort to weapons? Would that not become a grave sin for this old monk?"

Su Zhen smiled and said, "She is waiting for me at the foot of the mountain and has entrusted me to express her gratitude to the master on her behalf"

Master Yizheng nodded and led his disciples away

In the deep of night, the north wind stirs gently, and a few new buds have emerged on the willows by the stream

Before the words had left his mouth, a stout figure darted in like lightning. With both palms pressed together in front of his chest, he pushed forward, releasing a gentle golden-hued force that met the Master’s palm strike head-on. With a resounding "boom," the two forces, originating from the same source, collided against each other, neutralizing one another and transforming into wisps of gentle breeze that drifted away.

The heartstrings trembled lightly like water as she lowered her head to gently untie the silk ribbon wrapped around it. Inside lay a rolled-up painting, the "Spring Mountains in the Morning Chill," which countless people yearned for, fighting desperately and risking their lives to obtain.

As it was the time for the evening class, the temple was filled with the fragrance of incense and the echoes of Zen sounds, adding a few more layers of tranquility and solemnity to the Buddhist atmosphere. Su Zhen followed behind Master Yu, walking slowly for about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, and arrived in front of a secluded and serene Zen hall.

Unfortunately, an unexpected complication arose due to a certain master, almost leading to a deadlock between both parties

Master Yixin's face bore neither joy nor sorrow as he looked towards Su Zhen and said: "I wonder if the benefactor has any further questions"

Su Zhen coldly laughed and said: "Great Monk, I must say that you have become quite muddled, daring even to criticize the Abbot."

The bright moon hangs in the sky, the ancient bell seems to narrate a tale, as the water gently lifts a灵犀 bracelet to my eyes, its surface quietly shimmering with silver brilliance, and in the haze, there appears his silhouette.

Master Yixin smiled and said, "I merely exchanged a few casual words with the Water Fairy at the tea house that day; how could I dare to express my gratitude?" He then turned to Master Yuyu and said, "Junior Brother, I would trouble you to make another trip down the mountain and invite the Water Fairy to the temple as well"

Su Zhen snorted and said, "Stop wasting words, how many hours are you giving me?"

The sound of the bell from the Zen temple resonates in the quiet of the deep night, with the melodious and ethereal echoes drifting across the vast mountains and fields

A man in black walks slowly along a quiet mountain path, listening to the chirping of birds and the gurgling of the stream, while behind him, a round sun gradually sinks. The snow-capped mountains stand tall, and the evening glow fills the sky, as he strolls leisurely, lingering in the breeze.

Master Yixin said: "Indeed, the Arhat formation consists of eighteen small formations interconnected, with the first one resonating and communicating with the others. However, each small formation conceals different Zen insights and Buddhist principles. The old monk knows that the benefactor is well-versed in the art of Qi Men Dun Jia, but if one cannot restrain the demons of the heart and comprehend the Buddha's mind, I fear that this formation will be difficult to navigate."

Su Zhen dismissively remarked: "A person who has renounced the world to pursue spiritual practice should not easily lose their temper; even if they possess wisdom, it must be limited. That day, I had already experienced your remarkable skills, and it seemed that the one who suffered defeat was indeed the master. Since you are still unwilling to give up and wish to engage again, I, Su, shall gladly oblige."

At this moment, one cannot help but be entranced

A foolish master thought to himself that after the commotion you caused in the temple, it would be a miracle if no one sought trouble with you. Yet, he still smiled and clasped his hands in greeting to Su Zhen, saying: "It is the poor monk who arrived a step late, resulting in this misunderstanding. Su benefactor, please be magnanimous and forgive me."

Despite the relentless passage of time, the bright moon rises from the treetops to the zenith, yet the figure of Su Zhen still does not appear on the empty and desolate mountain path, but in Shui Qingying's heart, there is not a trace of wavering.

Upon hearing the name of the man in black, the eight guest monks simultaneously changed their expressions. A few days ago, Su Zhen had single-handedly stormed into Yunlin Zen Temple, injuring several masters of the Buddhist sect, and even inscribed insulting words on the Golden Buddha, which had already become a sensational event throughout the temple

Master Yixin revealed a genuinely relieved smile and said: "It turns out that you and the Water Fairy have finally achieved harmony, which is truly commendable. However, I wonder where the Water Fairy is now"

Master Yizheng stamped his foot and said: "How could the abbot be so foolish as to invite such a demon to the mountain?"

The water is light as I lift my gaze towards the distance, where the towering mountain temple can be faintly seen in the pitch-black night, standing as a silent observer that has witnessed the vicissitudes of a thousand years, quietly surveying the myriad stories of the human world

Su Zhen vaguely felt that the situation was likely not as simple as Master Yixin and Master Yiyu had described. It might involve the internal power struggles within Yunlin Zen Temple. Otherwise, even if Master Yixin was secluded at Bodhi Rock to comprehend the Heart Sutra, he would not have been completely unaware of this matter beforehand, nor would it have been possible for him to have an altercation with Master Yizheng outside the mountain gate.

If heaven has feelings, it will also show compassion

However, he has never liked prying into others' privacy. He slightly raised an eyebrow and said, "Since that is the case, please, Master, draw a line. Whether it be swordplay or palm techniques, Su will gladly accompany you in any challenge."

Su Zhen nodded slightly, quietly glancing towards the direction of the mountain base. She then turned and walked steadily and resolutely towards the back mountain, her tall figure gradually blending into the vast darkness, not looking back.