Chapter 46 – Master of Broken Military, Ziwai Fate
The Upper Buddha Temple is perched atop a mountain in Hejian County, accessible by a winding staircase of nine hundred and ninety-nine blue bricks that stretches from the foot of the mountain to the summit. Along the way, there are occasional pilgrims, their bamboo baskets filled with incense and candles for offering.
Jiang Pengji did not believe in gods or Buddhas, yet she could not deny the temple’s serene beauty along the way.
The sound of babbling brook, towering ancient trees, mingled with the distant, melodious chimes and calm chanting reached her ears.
As the sky brightened, the layers of distant peaks were draped in a rosy dawn, accompanied by the soothing sounds of Buddhism, welcoming the arrival of a new day. Even someone as dismissive of the divine as Jiang Pengji felt her heart expand at that moment.
The sound of wooden clogs echoed on the stone bricks, step by step, each pace embedded with leisure.
Liu Zhi donned a brand-new dark blue robe that fit him much better than yesterday’s outfit, highlighting his now slender physique.
His meticulously combed black hair and clean, tidy face, with his nails on hands and feet carefully groomed, bore a hint of sandalwood fragrance. He consistently wore a solemn expression, reflecting the importance he placed on this pilgrimage.
Jiang Pengji carried a food box prepared by the steward, filled with incense sticks, candles, lamp oil, gold paper, and fruits for offerings. Of course, she had secretly weighed the box and suspected that its contents included quite a bit of cash.
“When your two elder brothers fell ill and passed away, A-Min climbed step by step to the Upper Buddha Temple to plead for the Buddha’s mercy…”
Despite maintaining a leisurely pace and breathing rhythm, Liu Zhi’s physique was not robust. After climbing a third of the way, he was already sweating profusely. Though he had taken medicine last night and his fever had subsided, his body was still a bit weak, draining the color from his lips.
“Didn’t Father say Mother was unwell? Why let her come? When sick, what’s the use of praying when there’s no medical treatment?” Jiang Pengji did not understand; her impression of her stepmother was not one of faith.
“Exactly, being ill is something for the Young Doctor to handle, what good will prayer do? If all those gods were effective, how could your two legitimate brothers have died young? A-Min scoffs at the divine, but… sometimes when at a dead end, even a charlatan can become a lifeline, something to hold onto tightly,” Liu Zhi reflected as he walked, as if recalling something.
With each step of reverence, he still failed to save the lives of his children, and the repeated blows had cost his wife nearly half her life—wasn’t it like losing his own life as well?
Unable to persuade her, what could he do but tag along in her folly?
He only regretted not being the Young Doctor, unable to heal sickness or save lives.
“Fortunately, you are still alive. Today, we come to repay our vows, hoping your mother and brothers can witness and protect your health and happiness going forward.”
Jiang Pengji held the food box in silence; she was not Liu Lanting. “Father sees through everything; he knows I’m not…”
“Ha, you are exactly the daughter A-Min wanted… Don’t think too much,” Liu Zhi said as he casually ruffled her hair, finding it easy as he had climbed a few stairs more than her. “If you live well, she can rest assured in the other world.”
Jiang Pengji felt perplexed, gazing at Liu Zhi’s slightly emaciated back, sensing that there was more to his words.
Before dawn, Liu Zhi brought Jiang Pengji and the Old Steward to the Upper Buddha Temple. The long climb left their legs aching, but they eventually reached the mountaintop just as the sun rose, revealing the temple hidden among the lush greenery.
The temple was embraced by dense foliage, with vibrant flowers and plants surrounding slightly faded walls. The bluish-gray roof glimmered under the sunlight, emanating a youthful charm, while ancient trees bathed in morning light welcomed the soft, profound sound of the temple bells and the chirping of birds.
Although the Upper Buddha Temple was not large, its age lent it an air of wisdom, witnessing the vicissitudes of life day after day.
“The Upper Buddha Temple was built before the Sixteen Kingdoms era when Buddhism flourished and temples were countless…” Liu Zhi briefly shared the temple’s history as they entered the main hall, greeting a middle-aged monk. “Is Master Liaochen present?”
“The Master has been waiting for you both in the side hall,” the monk in gray robes replied with a bow, humility etched across his features.
Bored, Jiang Pengji began to observe her surroundings. Many worshippers, young and old, had gathered in the main hall, injecting some spirit into the otherwise somber temple. Just as she pondered this, Liu Zhi called her.
Passing through a corridor, Jiang Pengji followed Liu Zhi to the entrance of a meditation room.
Before she could step inside, she overheard a conversation between Liu Zhi and an old monk.
“It’s been seven years since we last parted, Liu Zhi. I trust you’ve been well.”
Liu Zhi replied calmly, “All is well.”
“Yet you still harbor grievances; I suspect it’s hard to be truly well.”
Jiang Pengji couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly; the old monk’s words had a slightly vexing tone.
This time, Liu Zhi responded with a hint of resentment, “Since Master Liaochen already knows, why ask when you’re aware of it?”
“Ah, this must be Liu Zhi and A-Gu’s beloved daughter,” the old monk looked up to see Jiang Pengji entering, then quickly bowed his head, his manipulation of the prayer beads accelerating. “Goodness, goodness! In this tranquil abode of Buddhism, what brings you here?”
Jiang Pengji felt baffled, a shiver running down her spine as if something had been exposed. Not pleased at all.
Since the live stream started early, it wasn’t until some time passed that viewers began to enter, one of whom couldn’t suppress their urge to comment.
【Unlucky Encounter Welcome】: If you ever transmigrate, the first law is that there will definitely be a creepy monk!
Jiang Pengji raised an eyebrow, though unaware of the transmigration laws, the monk before her certainly had an unsettling presence.
“Of course, I came along with my father to repay our vows. Otherwise, Master, don’t you think it’s strange to not stay in bed during such a beautiful morning, climbing this arduous mountain just to come here?” Jiang Pengji, somewhat perplexed, took a seat on the cushion beside Liu Zhi.
Her words could be seen as disrespectful, yet the venerable old monk showed no signs of anger, smiling with great kindness instead.
“Ziwai Broken Military, imperial energy faintly visible, yet the burden of slaughter rests heavily upon you; excess is just as harmful,” the old monk said sagely. “Young daughter, upon entering this humble temple, your intense blood aura has disturbed its calmness. Were it not for the stone steps below that had ground off some of your resentment, I fear…”
