Chapter 65

The Treacherous Plot of Shaolin Temple

A place where bald-headed monks who have shaved their heads live in groups is called a temple (寺). Some of these places are inhabited by wicked people who deceive the poor and steal from their pockets to eat dog meat and indulge in debauchery, while others are where truly worthy individuals, who deserve to be called monks, gather to cultivate the Buddhist path in harmony.

If asked which place has the most monks, even a child passing by would know it is Shaolin Temple (少林寺), located on the mid-slope of Mount Song. There are various theories about when Shaolin Temple was founded, but the most credible one is that it was established by the Indian monk Batuo during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei dynasty. Since then, it has undergone numerous expansions and now houses nearly 8,000 monks, developing into a massive temple complex.

Unlike ordinary temples, Shaolin Temple is more famous for martial arts than for Buddhist teachings. Originally, the monks engaged in simple physical exercises to prevent the decline in physical strength that occurred during long periods of meditation. However, after the patriarch Bodhidharma transmitted the two true scriptures, Yijin (易筋) and Xisui (洗髓), martial arts rapidly advanced, and today Shaolin Temple is considered a powerful and violent group, worthy of being the leader of the martial world.

The monks of Shaolin Temple do not come out into the world when there are troublesome matters in the martial world, claiming they are cultivating Buddhist teachings. However, once the martial world stabilizes, they begin to wander around like bears waking from hibernation. This has led to numerous bloody massacres in the martial world, yet Shaolin Temple still retains many skilled practitioners. Some martial artists criticize this behind their backs, but Shaolin Temple is not without its defenses.

In fact, Shaolin's martial arts cover 72 vast fields, but as one ascends to higher levels, they become increasingly pure and righteous, with no trace of bizarre and evil killing techniques. This fully demonstrates that Shaolin's martial arts are based on the cultivation of mind and body, and are far from the act of killing. The monks of Shaolin also try to avoid getting involved in troublesome matters as much as possible for this reason.

However, the problem is that people can still die from Shaolin's martial arts. Shaolin Temple also accepts lay disciples, who, while they cannot master the highest levels of Shaolin's martial arts, can still learn enough to taste the flavor of martial arts. Among them are military officers, high-level practitioners active in the martial world, and even those who have fallen to become bandit lords. When these people use the righteous martial arts of Shaolin to kill many, it becomes difficult to fully accept Shaolin's claims.

Shaolin Temple has produced many skilled practitioners, and among them were a few who were renowned in the martial world. Most of them performed virtuous deeds befitting the name of Shaolin Temple and received praise from the public. This is largely due to the unique characteristics of Shaolin's martial arts. Specifically, as one ascends to higher levels, Shaolin's martial arts are closely linked to the Buddhist path. Therefore, the ability to master high-level martial arts means having deep Buddhist faith, and thus, the great masters of Shaolin were all compassionate and virtuous monks.

Among Shaolin's martial arts, the two true scriptures, Yijin and Xisui, are the most difficult to master. Therefore, the high monks who have enlightened to these scriptures have incorporated parts of them into the martial arts they created to teach young monks who have not deeply delved into the Buddhist path. As a result, in some ways, Shaolin's martial arts have regressed over time.

Occasionally, a genius appears and develops truly remarkable martial arts, but they are often criticized for being too tyrannical, too cruel, lacking in Buddhist faith, or being influenced by the path of demons, and are thus rejected.

Over time, Shaolin's high-level martial arts have become increasingly detached from practical combat. As a result, Shaolin Temple's position as the leader of the martial world is now threatened by Wudang (武当) and the Ximen family.

At the mid-slope of Mount Song, in a large temple called Shaolin Temple, five high monks were gathered in a secluded room. They all had pure and steady eyes, indicating that they had cultivated considerable martial arts. They sat around a small tea table, each holding a cup of tea, and were having a quiet conversation. However, the topic they were discussing was surprisingly about murder, not Buddhist teachings.

A monk in his mid-40s with a stern face sipped his tea and spoke.

"Amitabha... I do not oppose Senior Brother Dejin's opinion, but as the head of the guest hall, I am well-informed about the world's rumors and news. Based on the information I have gathered, their martial arts level is too high for them to handle alone."

Then, a monk in his mid-50s with a kind face, Dehui, replied.

"If that is the case, what about including the 108 Arhats (百八羅漢), the 12 Vajras (十二金剛), and the 32 Head Monks (三十二首座僧) and presenting them to Senior Brother Dazheng? The 32 Head Monks are the elite of the Eight Great Protectors I lead, so I believe it is possible."

Then, the monk in his mid-30s with a kind face, who was sitting at the head of the table, stroked his beard and thought for a moment before speaking.

"Hmm, as Brother Dejin said, their strength is powerful enough to destroy any ordinary sect in an instant... However, to be honest, our monks do not have much practical combat experience. But the opponent is the one who has caused countless bloodbaths in the martial world. It's like the difference between a dog and a wolf. Even if we can punish him, the cost will be enormous."

Then, Dehao, who seemed to have an idea, spoke.

"What if we do this?"

"How so?"

"Senior Brother Abbot, please lift the ban on three of the 12 true scriptures (十二眞經). If we let them master these, the damage will be significantly reduced."

Then, the monk called Senior Brother Abbot, who was sitting at the head of the table, replied in a somber voice.

"Hmm, I have considered what Brother Dehao suggests, but it is not a decision I can make alone. Even if it is accepted in the Changsheng Hall, it is difficult to master, and no one knows how many years it will take... However, if it is absolutely necessary, we can consider it."

"Even if it is not possible, the ban on the Kanganmok Shin Gong (抗正滅法神功) must be lifted."

At the mention of Kanganmok Shin Gong, the abbot, who seemed shocked, said.

"You, you know what that evil martial art is, don't you?"

Despite the abbot's shock, Dehao nodded calmly.

"Yes, it is an excellent martial art left by our ancestor Cimei (慈嵋). It is not only powerful but also perfectly counters the extreme nature of Shaolin's martial arts. It is a pity that it has been kept secret in our temple just because of its extreme nature. However, given the opponent, it is essential..."

Then, Dejin, who was sitting to the left of the abbot and looked to be in his early 40s, agreed.

"Brother Dehao is right. Senior Brother Abbot, I believe we should also lift the ban on the Pama Miehun Sword Technique (破魔滅魂劍法)."

The abbot, looking exasperated, muttered.

"Brother Dejin, you too... Talking about such evil martial arts, it seems you have been influenced by demons. Amitabha..."

Dejin, sitting to the right of the abbot, countered.

"Amitabha, the opponent is a demon. We cannot defeat him with orthodox martial arts. The Pama Miehun Sword Technique was created by our ancestor Huiren (蕙忍) to destroy evil and heretical forces. It is a pity that such a martial art has been forgotten."

Then, Deshou (德修), who was sitting behind and to the left and looked to be in his late 40s, with a sharp face, disagreed.

"Brother Dejin is wrong. We also have the Damasam Sword Technique (達摩三劍法)."

Dehui, not Deshou, replied.

"You are mistaken. The Damasam Sword Technique is actually a Daoist sword technique with no connection to Buddhism. Our temple originally had no sword techniques, but a Daoist named Baiyufeng admired the character of our ancestor Jiaoyuan and passed on his sword technique, which became the Damasam Sword Technique. However, to avoid tarnishing our temple's reputation, it was falsely claimed that it was created by Bodhidharma.

In fact, the Damasam Sword Technique is not complete. The first sword has three forms, the second sword has three forms, and the third sword has two forms... Why only two forms for the third sword? Originally, there was a third form, but it was too Daoist and was excluded. This resulted in a significant difference in power between the complete technique passed down by our ancestor Jiaoyuan and the later versions. The Damasam Sword Technique, which you have also mastered, feels incomplete and is difficult to execute properly. This is because it is not a sword technique that relies solely on internal energy. Therefore, the Pama Miehun Sword Technique is the only sword technique in our temple. This is a little-known fact, so you, who rarely pay attention to temple affairs, probably didn't know."

"Thank you for the lesson."

Once the argument was settled, Dehao spoke firmly.

"Our temple's status has been declining. This is not due to a lack of talent or excellent martial arts. It is because we have banned the mastery of excellent techniques. The same applies to this incident. The reason we have not eliminated him, despite his long reign of terror, is not due to a lack of skilled practitioners but a lack of suitable martial arts. In fact, there is no one in our temple who can defeat him in a one-on-one fight. Even if our great senior master comes out of seclusion, there is no guarantee of victory. We cannot hire assassins, so we must use some unconventional methods..."

"Hmm, I understand your point. I will try to persuade the Changsheng Hall. However, the martial arts you mentioned are problematic, so it may take some time to get approval."

"We have been patient. Even if we wait a little longer, nothing will change. If the ban is lifted, it will take at least five years for them to master the techniques. Even if the Changsheng Hall opposes it, if we emphasize the necessity and limit the number of practitioners, we might get approval."

"I understand. Amitabha, may the Buddha's will be done."

The Princess's Misfortune

This place is Qianlin Mountain (泉淋山) in the north of Anhui Province. Qianlin Mountain has been known for its beautiful scenery and numerous hot springs, making it a popular tourist destination. Exactly 27 hours ago, the princess and her entourage began staying at a beautiful inn called Nanyue Mountain Villa (南岳山莊), located on the mid-slope of Qianlin Mountain. Like most inns in the area, Nanyue Mountain Villa has several hot springs to help travelers relax.

Princess Zhenying, after enduring several days of travel in a carriage, enjoyed a warm bath and chatted with her friends, then changed into a fresh blue outfit and went to the garden. The annex where the princess was staying was a special place for distinguished guests, a small, elegant building with a beautiful garden full of flowers, commanding a high price.

The princess was in a very good mood as she walked into the garden. The trip was going as she had hoped, and every place she had visited was breathtakingly beautiful. She planned to stop briefly in the famous scenic area of Suzhou and then travel through the southern part of Anhui Province, visiting various attractions. She was excited about the next destination and the wonderful trip ahead. The hospitality of the local officials she had encountered so far was also excellent, and she wondered what gifts the officials of the next places would give her.

As she walked around the garden, she noticed a few imperial guards standing near the wall, holding their spears at attention. However, her good mood was ruined when she saw a man and a woman in black clothes giggling and whispering in a corner of the garden. This was her private place, not to be defiled by such vulgar people. She immediately called out coldly to the armed guard following her.

"Who are they?"

The guard bowed respectfully and replied.

"Your Highness, by their attire, they seem to be guards."

"Guards?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Why do we need guards when the imperial guards are sufficient?"

"They are high-level practitioners from the martial world. They were hired to protect Your Highness on this trip and are quite skilled."

"Hmm, so they are here to protect us? How can they protect us while laughing and chatting like that? Punish them for their negligence and drive them out immediately."

"Yes, Your Highness, I will carry out your order immediately."

The guard signaled to the guards standing behind him. They were close enough to have overheard the conversation, so no further instructions were needed. Four imperial guards immediately moved towards the impudent couple and dragged them out of the garden. The princess's bad mood was thus resolved, and she resumed her enjoyment of the garden, unaware that she had just made a very dangerous enemy.

Moxiang watched the retreating backs of the imperial guards with a bitter expression and muttered.

"Damn, what great sin did I commit to be treated like this? How dare they..."

"Please be patient, Deputy Leader. The one you are dealing with is a princess."

"Hmm, how can I avenge this humiliation... Maha! Bring Seokjin here."

"Yes? Yes."

Maha, though anxious about what Moxiang was planning, could not disobey his order. When she brought Seokjin, Moxiang immediately instructed him.

"Send 30 of your subordinates back."

"What? What do you mean?"

"Send them all back to the main camp. Then tell Commander Jin that 20 of them are stationed 20 li ahead and 10 are stationed 20 li behind to secure a retreat route. That fool won't question the sudden disappearance of 30 people. Hehe, once he confirms that 30 high-level practitioners have returned, they will soon cause trouble. Hehe..."

"What? I don't understand, but it's too dangerous. Please reconsider..."

"Just do as I say. Are you concerned about my safety? Surely you don't underestimate my martial arts skills?"

Seokjin, sweating profusely, tried to explain.

"Of course not. I have committed a grave offense. Please forgive me..."

"Enough talk. Just do as I say. Have the remaining subordinates continue their guard duties as usual."

"Yes, sir!"

As Seokjin moved away, Moxiang, with a sinister smile, was asked by Maha.

"What are you planning?"

"Can you enjoy Suzhou without me?"

"Then what about you, Leader?"

"Once they realize the reduction in our forces and attack, I will stay behind to handle the situation. You and Seokjin should go to Suzhou and enjoy the sights, then return to the main camp. I have something to do here, so I can't go with you."

"What are you planning to do?"

"Hehe, this is the beginning of my revenge."

"But the opponent is a princess."

"I know. That's why I won't act directly. From now on, I just need to wait. The next step is for them to do the revenge for me. Hehe..."

Moxiang's wait was not long. Exactly seven days later, as the princess's entourage was passing through Taibiling (太乙嶺), the gateway from Anhui Province to Jiangsu Province, the attack began. Taibiling is a valley formed at the junction of Mount Wubai and Mount Majin, about 700 meters high, and is an important military and commercial road. The road is flanked by cliffs over 212 meters high, making it a strategic location where a small force can easily defend against a large army.

Suddenly, a whistling sound was heard, and the imperial guards at the front and rear began to fall. Soon, the cry of "Enemies!" echoed. However, their voices were quickly drowned out by Commander Jin's loud command.

"Form a tight formation! Protect the princess!"

Dozens of imperial guards rushed to the princess's carriage, raising large, thick shields to protect it. Some dismounted to block the arrows from above, while others covered the lower areas. The quick and efficient movements demonstrated the rigorous training they had undergone.

In this life-or-death situation, a soft voice came from inside the carriage.

"What's happening?"

Commander Jin, while maintaining his vigilance, replied respectfully from inside the carriage.

"Princess, enemies have appeared. The situation is urgent, but please do not worry."

"Handle it."

"Yes, Your Highness."