This was precisely the location where he had materialized: his original small courtyard, where a group of people had gathered, including Dugu Jue, Dugu Heng, Xiao Xi, and Dugu Jinghua, who lay upon a couch.
A couch had been placed in the center of Li Muchen’s small courtyard. Dugu Jinghua rested upon it, sleeping peacefully. Xiao Xi sat at the edge of the couch, tightly gripping her delicate hand, tears falling pat-pat-pat, quickly dampening a section of the bedding.
Dugu Heng held a pile of fine powder, which was sifting down through his fingers. He stared intently at the powder, then turned to survey his surroundings. Dugu Jue’s face was grim, his brow furrowed: “Heng’er, are you absolutely certain you can summon Mr. Li?”
“Yes,” Dugu Heng nodded, having used the method once before and knowing its potent efficacy.
Dugu Jue turned his gaze back to Dugu Jinghua on the couch. She was clad in a snow-white silk robe, a stark, jarring stain of crimson marring the front, making it look overwhelmingly vivid. She lay still, her eyelids slightly lowered, appearing to be merely asleep. Yet, Dugu Jue knew this sleep might be eternal.
Dugu Jinghua had depended on her elder brother and sister since childhood; their parents had died young. To her, this elder brother was both guardian and father, and their sibling bond was exceptionally close.
He wished he were the one lying on the couch instead of his little sister. Endless regret and surging fury churned in his chest, threatening to burst his ribs apart.
“Father, rest assured, as soon as Brother Li arrives, Aunt will surely be saved!” Dugu Heng quickly comforted his father, noticing the reddening of his face and the sharp, aggressive glint in his eyes.
“...I pray so!” Dugu Jue’s will was ironclad; he struggled to suppress the tumultuous thoughts, taking a deep, steadying breath. “I blame my own carelessness!”
“Who could have foreseen this? Don’t blame yourself, Father,” Dugu Heng shook his head. “Xiao Xi, though you weep, go prepare some thin porridge. Aunt will want to eat when she wakes.”
“But Miss, she…?” Xiao Xi looked up, her bright eyes red and swollen.
Dugu Heng snapped, “Why cry? Aunt will be fine. Once Brother Li comes, the injury will be instantly removed. Hurry and prepare it!”
“Alright,” Xiao Xi reluctantly released Dugu Jinghua’s jade-like hand, staring at her, afraid this glance would be their last.
At that very moment, Li Muchen abruptly materialized.
“Brother Li!” Dugu Heng cried out, overjoyed, rushing forward to pull him along: “Quickly, look at Aunt!”
Li Muchen’s expression was calm. He swept a glance over Dugu Jinghua on the couch, then nodded to Dugu Jue: “Patriarch.”
“Mr. Li, you’ve arrived. Quickly check if my little sister can be saved,” Dugu Jue urged.
Seeing Li Muchen suddenly appear lent him a sudden surge of confidence. Dugu Heng had said that crushing the jade pendant would summon Li Muchen instantly, which Dugu Jue hadn’t truly believed—he wasn't an immortal who could simply appear and depart at will; it seemed too unbelievable.
But Li Muchen had appeared, instantly infusing Dugu Jue with boundless faith. This feat alone was beyond the capability of ordinary men.
Li Muchen frowned: “What happened?”
As he spoke, without waiting for an answer, he strode to the front of the couch.
Dugu Jinghua’s exquisite features were utterly devoid of color. Her delicate brow was subtly knitted, her graceful contours perfectly formed. Her long, slender hand rested motionless on the edge of the couch.
Li Muchen’s heart sank, his expression shifting. He pursed his lips, reached out, and took Dugu Jinghua’s hand, checking her wrist pulse, then shook his head.
Dugu Jue’s face darkened, and he opened his mouth to speak, but Li Muchen had already formed his fingers into a crane’s beak, lightly tapping Dugu Jinghua’s chest six times. Then he released the crane-beak grip and pressed his left palm onto the spot between her breasts.
“Pfft!” A jet of blood suddenly sprayed toward him.
Li Muchen’s limbs remained still; the blood arrow abruptly curved before reaching his face, splashing down behind him. Dugu Jinghua slowly opened her bright eyes.
“Sir?” A faint smile touched her lips.
Li Muchen frowned: “What happened? Such a severe injury?”
Dugu Jinghua offered a wry smile: “Someone attempted to assassinate me.”
Li Muchen looked toward Xiao Xi, who quickly explained: “Miss was injured saving me! Those people appeared suddenly, struck once, and then vanished.”
Li Muchen glanced at her, realizing he wouldn’t get more information. He turned back to Dugu Jinghua, who shook her head and sighed: “I don’t know which faction it was.”
Li Muchen then looked at Dugu Jue, who also shook his head: “Mr. Li, I am ashamed; I am completely bewildered as well, not knowing who the culprits were. But I will certainly investigate!”
Li Muchen shook his head: “It seems difficult. Moving so stealthily within the Capital, bypassing the guard lines, this is no ordinary foe…” Patriarch, do you suspect one of the Four Great Clans?”
“Hard to say,” Dugu Jue snorted coldly.
Li Muchen saw that he genuinely suspected three of the Four Great Clans and shook his head helplessly: “Perhaps someone is deliberately provoking discord, or maybe someone is muddying the waters. This offense cannot be rushed.”
“Alas…” Dugu Jue nodded: “What Mr. Li says is wise. We cannot rush this, or we risk making a mistake… Mr. Li, how did you arrive so quickly?”
Li Muchen smiled: “I possess a secret technique that allows me to travel a thousand li in an instant, though it shouldn't be used unless absolutely critical… Fortunately, I was summoned in time!”
Dugu Jinghua’s injury was too grave; only a thread of breath remained, sustained only by the miraculous essence of the Dugu family’s elixirs. Had it been anyone else, they would have already expired.
Dugu Jinghua didn't possess the Dragon-Stinging Art; once dead, she was gone, and he wouldn't have been able to save her even after finding out. The thought sent a chill down his spine.
He frowned: “Ninth Lady, why didn't you summon me during such a critical moment?”
Dugu Jinghua tried to sit up, and Xiao Xi quickly rushed to help her. Dugu Jinghua managed a bitter smile as she sat upright, sighing helplessly: “Everything happened too fast; I didn't have time.”
Li Muchen huffed: “This time was too perilous. It’s a blessing Dugu brothers knew about the summons!”
Dugu Heng said smugly: “I know Brother Li possesses divine abilities. Aunt’s life being saved this time is partly my merit, isn't it?”
Dugu Jinghua smiled: “Alright, alright, your merit is the greatest!”
Dugu Jue bowed slightly: “Mr. Li, a life-saving grace cannot be repaid with mere thanks!”
Li Muchen waved his hand: “Patriarch is too formal!” … “Lately, I have been dealing with the Wind and Thunder Gate of Falling Sunset Valley and am unaware of the situation in the Capital. How is it?”
Dugu Jinghua sighed: “It’s still an unresolved mess!”
Li Muchen nodded: “It is best to remain steady. As long as the Dan Xin Tie Quan is protected, you are as solid as rock. There is no need to take risks.”
“What you say is reasonable, Mr. Li,” Dugu Jue nodded. “If we fight to the death, no one benefits in the end. It’s better to maintain the status quo.”
Dugu Jinghua frowned: “I fear the Emperor does not think so. He wishes to eliminate us. This assassination attempt was likely meant to enrage you, Elder Brother, provoking you to action so he could seize an opportunity.”
Dugu Jue declared: “Then I shall counter his scheme. We shall see what moves he makes?”
Dugu Jinghua shook her head: “We shouldn’t be the ones to make the first move.”
“Mm, that’s acceptable,” Dugu Jue lightly agreed. “We’ll keep an eye on the Zhu family. I only fear they might be rash and misled.”
“If Zhu Jun were here, it wouldn't be such an issue, but Zhu Lang is an incompetent fool,” Dugu Jinghua frowned, shaking her head and sighing. “With the glib tongue of Consort Zhu, it's hard to say she won't sway them.”
“Let’s hope he isn’t that foolish,” Dugu Jue sighed.
Li Muchen interjected: “Be wary of Master Kongjing and his group.”
“Master Kongjing?” Dugu Jinghua asked. “The monk Kongjing from the Xihua Kingdom? What are they doing here?”
Li Muchen shook his head: “I heard it is for the exchange of Buddhist doctrines, but this Master possesses great divine power, even slightly stronger than the divine monks of Tianwang Temple. If he lends them aid…”
“Had Mr. Li not mentioned it, we truly wouldn't have noticed,” Dugu Jue mused. “Inviting a monk from Xihua at this juncture certainly carries deeper meaning.”
Li Muchen asked: “Has the Patriarch ascertained the Emperor’s health…?”
Dugu Jue shook his head: “The Emperor’s cultivation is profound. Even if he suffers an ailment, others cannot detect it. Furthermore, the Emperor is in his prime; his lifespan is not over. It is likely he suffered zouhu ru mo (a deviation/setback in cultivation).”
Dugu Jinghua speculated: “If that is the case, inviting Master Kongjing is likely to treat him?”
“Highly possible,” Dugu Jue nodded. “The Emperor’s cultivation is unfathomably deep; if he truly suffered a deviation, ordinary people truly cannot cure it.”
Dugu Jinghua pondered: “If that is true, then we really shouldn't make a move.”
Dugu Jue slapped his hand down, gritting his teeth: “This is the Emperor’s trap, and we nearly fell for it! … It’s a good thing Mr. Li reminded us.”
Li Muchen smiled: “I merely spoke casually; the decision rests with the Patriarch… My affairs in the Capital are mostly settled, and I wish to enter seclusion for a period.”
“Sir is leaving?” Dugu Jinghua’s delicate face changed color.
Li Muchen nodded: “I have been entangled with worldly matters recently and haven't been able to focus on my practice. If this continues, I will regress instead of advance. It is time for secluded cultivation. As long as you are cautious here in the Capital, there should be no major danger.”
Dugu Heng asked: “Brother Li, you don’t want revenge anymore?”
Li Muchen smiled: “To seek revenge, one must first enter secluded cultivation. Straightforward methods are the true Dao; schemes and tricks are difficult to employ.”
Dugu Jue stated: “This is a rare opportunity. If missed, even if your merit surpasses the heavens, Sir, you may not be able to deal with the Emperor.”
Li Muchen shook his head: “I see his current destiny energy is still strong; it is not the time of the waning moon. It is unwise to confront him directly. Patriarch must also be careful not to attack the wolf only to be bitten in return.”
Dugu Jue chuckled: “Mr. Li, please don’t worry. We have wrestled with the Emperor for so many years; we know each other intimately. Periods of separation and reunion, reunion and separation—it’s nothing new.”
Li Muchen took out another white jade pendant from his robe and handed it to Dugu Heng: “Dugu brother, take this. Crush it in a moment of dire crisis, and I will appear. Do not use it frivolously.”
“Hehe, Brother Li, rest assured,” Dugu Heng accepted it without hesitation, laughing: “Having Brother Li’s token means we have an extra charm for life preservation.”
Li Muchen cautioned: “Don’t place too much hope in it. Sometimes I may be unable to free myself and might be delayed.”
Dugu Heng nodded: “Brother Li, are you returning to Cloud Ascendant Sect for seclusion?”
Li Muchen shook his head: “Not necessarily. Seclusion within the sect won't be peaceful either. I plan to find a desolate place, detached from worldly affairs, and cultivate for as long as needed.”
“To transcend the mortal world—what about Miss Hai?” Dugu Heng questioned.
Li Muchen smiled: “We shall see.”
“Don’t be a heartless man!” Dugu Heng glared. “Miss Hai is a good girl. If you betray her, you’ll be struck by lightning!”
Li Muchen gave a wry smile: “I understand!” Patriarch, Ninth Lady, I depart now.”
“Mr. Li, why the haste?” Dugu Jue quickly smiled. “You arrive in haste and leave in haste. Stay for dinner before departing, it’s not too late!”
“Exactly, exactly,” Dugu Heng hastily agreed, glancing at Dugu Jinghua, whose delicate face seemed faintly clouded, and who remained silent.
Li Muchen paused, then nodded: “Very well.”
...
A bright moon hung on the horizon, its clear light spreading over the ground like a hazy veil.
In Li Muchen’s small courtyard, he and Dugu Jinghua stood quietly beside the bamboo grove, gazing up at the bright moon, silent. The courtyard was tranquil and harmonious, yet carried an undercurrent of strangeness.
After a long silence, as the moon reached its zenith, Dugu Jinghua broke the stillness: “Sir isn’t planning to return?”
Li Muchen replied: “I will return to check on things after I emerge from seclusion.”
“How long will Sir be in seclusion?” Dugu Jinghua asked.
Li Muchen shook his head: “It depends on the progress of my cultivation—perhaps three to five months, or maybe half a year or more. It’s hard to say now.”
Dugu Jinghua frowned: “Does Sir truly feel no attachment?”
Li Muchen smiled: “I am entering seclusion, not leaving forever.”
“I think Sir has grown weary and doesn't intend to return,” Dugu Jinghua huffed softly. “As for saying you’ll return after seclusion, that’s just a lie.”
Li Muchen countered: “I must truly enter cultivation. I still have vengeance to seek.”
“Sir’s vengeance is hard to achieve,” Dugu Jinghua shook her head. The Imperial Palace was suppressed by Sacred Artifacts; it was impossible to breach, even for a Grandmaster. Otherwise, the Emperor would have been assassinated long ago.
Li Muchen smiled: “My seclusion is precisely to find a method to counter the Sacred Artifacts.”
“If the Sacred Artifacts can truly be neutralized, the Imperial Clan will be unstable,” Dugu Jinghua countered.
Li Muchen affirmed: “Heaven and Earth have Yin and Yang; where there is Yin, there must be Yang. There is no existence that is invincible, nor is there a Sacred Artifact that cannot be broken. Rest assured, I will find a way.”
“Does Sir have a clue?” Dugu Jinghua inquired.
Li Muchen nodded: “I have a slight opening; I must seclude myself to study it.”
Dugu Jinghua fixed her bright gaze on his face, trying to discern the truth of his words. After a while, she sighed faintly: “Then I wish Sir success in your endeavors.”
Li Muchen smiled: “Once I find a method to counter the Sacred Artifacts, your Four Great Clans will also be in danger, so you must help me keep this secret.”
“I will,” Dugu Jinghua lightly agreed.
Li Muchen pondered for a moment: “Ninth Lady, I possess a secret technique, cultivated through Buddhist methods, which allows our minds to connect. Even across thousands of miles, our thoughts can remain linked. I wish to pass it to you.”
“Is there truly such a secret method?” Dugu Jinghua’s delicate eyebrows lifted slightly.
Li Muchen smiled: “What I imparted to the Ninth Princess was this very technique. It purifies the heart and clarifies the mind, with infinite subtle uses. Does the Ninth Lady wish to learn?”
“Very well,” Dugu Jinghua softly agreed, a flush of crimson staining her jade-like cheek.
Li Muchen stepped before her. Dugu Jinghua’s face grew redder, but she stood firm. She watched as Li Muchen extended his index finger and gently tapped her between the brows.
“Rumble!” It sounded like a clap of thunder beside her ear. Her vision exploded with light, and golden runes the size of large characters flashed before her eyes—settling deep within her heart.
“Wuliang Guangming Xin Jing” (Immeasurable Brightness Heart Sutra). As Li Muchen withdrew his finger, she knew the name of the secret method.
Li Muchen spoke gently: “Chant this sutra daily, and you will be able to sense me… Ninth Lady, though we are close yet far, do not let distance trouble you. We shall meet again if fate allows!”
With these words, he flashed once and vanished without a trace.
Far to the east of the Xihua Kingdom lies Donglai Town, a small but quite prosperous settlement due to its fertile land and abundant grain, allowing the people to live well, further bolstered by their simple, honest customs. Zheng Xiyun, the town’s wealthiest man, was known for his great generosity, reducing rents during years of hardship, earning the deep support of everyone.
Outside the small town stands a monastery called Yuanxin Temple, built with donations from Zheng Xiyun. An old monk resided there, but he passed away two years ago, leaving Yuanxin Temple vacant.
Donglai Town sits at the far western edge of the Xihua Kingdom and is not a center of commerce, so few travelers pass through. It is rare to see a wandering monk. But two days prior, everyone in Donglai Town knew that a wandering monk had arrived at Yuanxin Temple and was now residing there. This monk was remarkably young, possessed exceptional bearing, and had the demeanor of a true High Monk.
Donglai Town was quiet and peaceful. Normally, people discussed minor local gossip, so the arrival of this monk became the biggest news in town.
When the old monk of Yuanxin Temple was alive, they could visit to offer incense and pray for timely rain and good harvests. After the old monk’s passing, the temple lacked upkeep, and Zheng Xiyun had no heart to manage it, so it fell into disrepair, only for a young monk to suddenly appear.
Donglai Tower is the largest restaurant in Donglai Town and usually the hub for idle chatter. Ordering a pot of tea, or two jars of wine and a couple of small dishes, a group of friends would sit together, chatting freely, enjoying endless merriment.
Donglai Tower was also an asset of Zheng Xiyun’s. Prices were cheap on the first floor, slightly higher on the second, and the third floor was the most expensive, unaffordable for most common folk. However, everyone could afford to sit within Donglai Tower.
The first floor was always the liveliest, where people, with nothing better to do, found great pleasure in simply chatting together.
An old man with a face like a silver plate stroked his beard and laughed: “Gentlemen, I have met this Master Zhanran. He is truly an enlightened high monk. It is true that enlightenment is not dependent on age.”
“Old Hu, how old is he?” a bald youth laughed.
The old man replied: “By appearance, perhaps only in his early twenties.”
The bald youth shook his head: “Someone in their early twenties, how many years could they have cultivated? What skills could they possibly possess? Old Hu, calling him ‘Master’ is going too far!”
Someone else laughed: “Second Qi, do you think everyone is as slow-witted as you, who were a monk for several years only to be thrown out by Master Mingzhen!”
The bald youth’s face instantly flushed red, and he snorted angrily: “I violated the prohibition against killing; the Master’s precepts were too strict. I have nothing to say!”
Old Hu stroked his beard and chuckled: “Second Qi, don't be unconvinced. Once you meet Master Zhanran in person, you will surely be captivated by his bearing and yield in admiration. Perhaps you should seek to become his disciple again; you might achieve true fruition!”
“Old Hu, you think too little of me!” The bald youth pouted.
Everyone chuckled. An elder commented: “Second Qi’s martial arts are unquestionable, but his Buddhist knowledge… heheh…”
“Second Hu, why don't you go challenge this little Master Zhanran!” someone urged.
Old Hu shook his head and sighed: “When this Master Zhanran appeared, Magistrate Zheng was overjoyed. Second Qi, you must not spoil the esteemed gentleman’s spirits.”
“Alas… how could the Magistrate be duped by a mere young monk?” some wondered aloud.
Old Hu cast a glance at them, saying flatly: “None of you believe my words, do you? Then wait for time to prove it. This Master Zhanran is absolutely no ordinary figure!”
“A great figure would come to our godforsaken corner of the world?” The crowd shook their heads and laughed.
Old Hu shook his head and sighed: “Fine, fine, I won’t say any more! Oh, yes, Master Zhanran is going to hold a sermon in a couple of days. You should all go listen.”