Chapter 22: A Den of Iniquity

"Two patrons, I heard from your conversation that you intend to visit my temple. Why not accompany us back?" Zen Master Du'e stepped closer to Liu An, leaning forward slightly with his palms pressed together.

Jian Yi looked the Zen master up and down with an icy gaze, offering no response. Liu An, however, greeted him with great enthusiasm.

"Master, your mastery of the Dharma and your compassionate heart for all living beings truly mark you as a reincarnation of the Buddha himself." Liu An’s barrage of praise left Zen Master Du'e beaming; he waved his hands repeatedly, feigning humility.

"A monk should be devoted to the Buddha, saving those in distress with a pure heart."

"Master, may I ask when we shall depart for Lingxia Temple?" Liu An inquired.

"In an hour, a carriage will arrive to collect us."

Liu An thought to himself, *Wearing a brocaded kasaya adorned with jewels and traveling by carriage—does this look like the behavior of a proper monk?* He glanced at the Zen master, then back at the young monk in his tattered robes and hat; the only clean thing the boy had was the cloth bag for his food, which was nonetheless faded and worn.

Soon, just as Zen Master Du'e had promised, the air filled with swirling dust and the neighing of three horses, as the coachman pulled hard on the reins to bring the carriage to a halt.

"Whoa, a three-horse carriage. That is quite the display of status."

In the State of Wei, the number of horses allowed for a carriage was strictly regulated. Six horses were for the Emperor, five for feudal lords, four for ministers, and only three for high-ranking officials.

It was clear that Zen Master Du'e had powerful connections, which only deepened Liu An’s distaste, though he maintained a friendly facade.

"Everyone, please board. There should be enough room inside for us to squeeze in."

"Master Du'e, one carriage is not enough for your entire group."

"It is quite alright. The four of us, plus that creature, will fit perfectly. As for my disciples, they shall walk. It is an excellent way to aid their cultivation and temper their resolve," the Zen master said dismissively.

The footstool was lowered, and Zen Master Du'e boarded first, followed by Liu An and Jian Yi. The *si bu xiang*, cradled affectionately in the young monk's arms, followed them inside.

"Giddy up!" With a crack of the coachman’s whip, the carriage moved smoothly toward the outskirts of the village, the Zen master’s disciples following in a line behind them.

On the journey to Lingxia Temple, Zen Master Du'e cast frequent, meaningful glances at the young monk. After a long while, he could not help but ask, "Little monk, where do you come from and where are you going? You have a keen spiritual root, and your understanding of the Dharma must be profound. I can faintly see a golden light upon your skin—it is subtle, but noticeable to a careful observer."

The young monk pondered for a moment before replying, "For an ascetic, the first stage is physical discipline: enduring hunger, cold, and exposure to hone the body. This is what I seek now. The second is the cultivation of the mind: severing attachments and breaking the ego, so that one remains unmoved by external forces."

"The third is total enlightenment—to perceive all living beings, to understand nature, and to attain liberation. Beyond these three realms lies the supreme fruit. Amitabha."

"I believe that personal cultivation is paramount," Zen Master Du'e countered, expressing his own interpretation. "By chanting, honoring the Buddha, and fasting, one deepens their insight into the Dharma. Follow your heart and your desires, and you shall behold the true Buddha."

The carriage fell silent. Liu An watched Jian Yi, and Jian Yi watched the *si bu xiang*. The Zen master and the young monk both closed their eyes, chanting sutras in a language that was unintelligible.

"Whoa!" The coachman snapped his whip.

"Gentlemen, we have arrived at Lingxia Temple."

The four of them and the beast stepped out and looked up at the distant temple. Lingxia Temple was built into the mountainside, rising in tiers. It was ancient and majestic, featuring a main gate, a Buddha Hall, and a Guanyin Hall. Bamboo groves surrounded it, filled with square bamboo, black bamboo, and solid bamboo, casting deep shade. The ancient temple was elegant and secluded. Before the temple, lush bamboo clustered around cascading springs and waterfalls, the sound of water gurgling softly.

"Follow me into the temple. You shall have a vegetarian meal and rest for the night, and tomorrow you may visit the prayer fair."

As the group climbed the mountain, Liu An and Jian Yi were stunned by the temple's layout. Entering through the main gate, they followed a winding sandy path. In front of the Buddha Hall, a corridor was supported by four square pillars. Inside, the floor was paved with blue stone, and the altar held a statue of a benevolent, dignified Buddha wearing a purple-gold crown and a kasaya. On both sides of the hall stood the eighteen Arhats in various postures. Beyond the Buddha Hall lay the bamboo groves, followed by the meditation rooms and guest quarters.

"I shall leave you here. My disciple, Huixin, will escort you to the guest hall. Please join us in the dining hall later for a meal. I must return to my devotions, so I shall take my leave."

Guided by Huixin, the group was shown to the guest quarters, where the monk bowed with palms together and departed. Liu An caught sight of a bed and immediately threw himself onto it.

"Ah, finally, no need to worry about wind or rain tonight. I’m going to have a proper sleep." Liu An rolled around lazily, savoring the comfort. The young monk took a meditation cushion and dragged it to the corner, sitting cross-legged upon it.

Meanwhile, Zen Master Du'e entered his private meditation room and pressed a mechanism in the wall. With a creak, the wall opened, and as torches flickered to life, a secret passage was revealed.

The Zen master descended the stairs until he reached a chamber containing a red coffin.

"My master, we are so lucky today. Do you know? I have encountered a young monk born with a Buddha-heart. If we take his heart, you shall see the light of day once more," Zen Master Du'e whispered, his expression fanatical as he leaned against the coffin.

As the sun set, the bell tower of Lingxia Temple began to toll.

*Clang... Clang... Clang...*

Not long after, the sound of rapid footsteps approached the guest quarters.

"Patrons, and little monk, it is time for dinner," a shy young monk said, stuttering as he stood at the entrance.

Liu An acknowledged him, and they followed the monks to the dining hall. The meal was simple: two steamed buns and a dish of vegetables per person. Aside from the occasional sound of eating, the entire hall remained silent.

After eating, the monks stood up, washed their own bowls, and prepared for evening prayers. Liu An, Jian Yi, and the young monk, once full, took two extra buns back to the guest quarters for the *si bu xiang*.

As night fell and the moon hung high, the trees outside rustled. The three extinguished their candles and lay down to sleep. In the middle of the night, Jian Yi, feeling uneasy, nudged Liu An.

"Junior brother, did you hear a woman screaming?"

"Senior brother, what nonsense are you spouting? There are no women here. You’re just half-asleep. Let’s talk about it tomorrow." Liu An drifted back into a deep slumber.

Jian Yi rose, dressed, and with a shift of his form, transformed into a mosquito, flying toward the source of the sound. He passed through several halls and reached the monks' quarters in the back courtyard, flying into a room without hesitation.

But the room was empty.