Chapter Ten: Entering the Master’s Sect

Chapter Ten: Entering the Master's Gate

Chapter Three: Alone on Jade Mountain, Stirred by the Chill Moon, Solitude Awakens Sorrow (Part Two)

Master Zhiku ceased speaking and turned his gaze upon Ye Hua for a long moment. “Young friend Ye,” he said, “I perceive that your spiritual essence is far deeper than that of ordinary men. May I ask whose disciple you are? Have you ever practiced any Daoist techniques?”

Ye Hua was taken aback, truly surprised in his heart. The method he practiced, The Sixfold Celestial Harmony, was completely different from other schools. Its energy flowed contrary to the usual path, dispersing within his body, naturally concealing his breath and aura. Moreover, Ye Hua deliberately employed secret techniques for this purpose. Unless one possessed great supernatural abilities, it was nearly impossible to detect. Yet this Master Zhiku had discovered it so easily, earning Ye Hua’s deepest respect.

Unbeknownst to Ye Hua, in Zhiku’s practice of the Four Noble Truths, the Truth of Suffering—also called the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination—composed of twelve levels, was most focused on cultivating mindfulness and sharpening perception. Zhiku could sense that Ye Hua’s spiritual power exceeded that of ordinary men, but never suspected that he had already reached the third stage of the Seven Treasures.

Ye Hua bowed his head carefully and replied, “I have never formally entered any master’s gate. My uncle is a disciple of the Grandmaster Lingmiao of Danxia Mountain in Emei. Seeing that I was frail from childhood, he taught me some simple techniques to strengthen my body. I fear my skills are crude and I must apologize for making the Master laugh.”

Zhiku smiled upon hearing this. “No wonder, young friend Ye. To have achieved what you have through self-study shows your spiritual roots and intelligence are indeed excellent for cultivation!” With that, he nodded approvingly.

Ye Hua lowered his head in respect. “My intelligence is dull and lacking, I fear I have caused the Master to laugh.” Suddenly, he heard someone coughing softly—it sounded like Ling Yun’er. Turning slightly, he saw Ling Yun’er covering her mouth and coughing gently, unclear whether it was intentional or not. Ye Hua was puzzled, but then saw Qingxia and Qingyu winking and motioning toward Master Zhiku.

Ye Hua suddenly understood—they wanted him to seize the opportunity to ask Zhiku to accept him as a disciple. The thought made his heart burn with excitement, and after a brief hesitation, he hurried forward, fell to his knees and cried out loudly, “I wish to become your disciple, Master! Please accept me!” With that, he bowed deeply.

Master Zhiku was momentarily surprised, then smiled. “Young friend Ye, rise quickly. I am but a humble monk, accepting you as my disciple would only hinder your progress.” He shook his head, clearly expressing refusal.

Ye Hua grew anxious. “I am devoted to the pursuit of the Dao. I beg the Master to discern my sincerity and grant me this favor!”

Baishisong stepped forward. “Master, we all find Ye Hua congenial, and he has made progress in his cultivation—his talents are indeed outstanding! Surely he will not disappoint your guidance!”

Ling Yun’er pouted slightly, her brows furrowed. “Master! We have only eight disciples at North Terrace, and in a few years the Monastery Gathering will come! We don’t even have enough people! Of course, you value quality over quantity—having our senior brother and... well, that’s enough! But with one more, our presence will be all the greater! You wouldn’t want North Terrace to lose its reputation, would you? We are one of the Five Terraces! Yet there are rumors outside...” Ling Yun’er stopped speaking, sneaking a glance at Master Zhiku.

Qingxia and Qingyu tilted their heads and laughed at Ling Yun’er, “Little sister, still boasting in front of Master! Knocking the Dharma drum, blowing your own horn! How embarrassing!”

Zhiku laughed softly. “What rumors? Only that North Terrace is a name without substance! Ha! Why pay attention to such talk?”

Ling Yun’er shook her head. “Master, I don’t care what others say. But I heard that Uncle Zhixu of Shuxiang Monastery on West Terrace, Uncle Zhixu of South Terrace, and Uncle Zhimie of Longquan Monastery on East Terrace are conspiring so that next time, North Terrace will have no winners!”

Zhiku’s voice was mild. “Oh? Where did you hear this? How could your Uncle Zhixu be so foolish as to ally with Zhixu? Surely it’s baseless gossip! But Zhimie of Longquan Monastery—well, that’s a bit more possible. Last time, during travels with the Duolong tribe in the Western Regions, she was furious when I released the Purple-winged Unicorn. In her anger, she swore that I would beg her for help someday! Haha!” At this, Zhiku’s expression softened into a smile.

Ling Yun’er nodded. “Perhaps Uncle Zhixu heard about it and decided to stand against you, Master!”

Zhiku was startled. “What do you mean by that? Ah, I see! Very well!” He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them and addressed Ye Hua, “Young friend Ye, your background is blameless. You were captured by the Fire Lord at Little Five Terraces, then came with us to Canglu Mountain. Perhaps it is all destined by fate. If you sincerely wish to enter my gate, I will accept you as my disciple. But you must abide by our rules, uphold the six precepts, and rid yourself of the five desires. If, in the future, you find a greater master, you are free to leave. What say you?” He shook his head gently, sighing.

“Thank you, Master—forgive me, thank you, Father! I will certainly follow the rules of the gate!” Ye Hua exclaimed joyfully, bowing several more times.

“From today, you are my ninth lay disciple. You have no Dharma name yet; tomorrow I will hold the ceremony for your entry. Do not worry about your family—your parents will be notified. Focus on your cultivation. Well then, Shisong, Yun’er, your wishes are fulfilled. Shisong, introduce your brothers and sisters to Ye Hua,” said Master Zhiku.

Ye Hua bowed. “Thank you, Master.”

Baishisong stepped forward. “Yes, Master! Ye Hua, from today, we are brothers. You must honor your elders and help your fellow disciples.”

“Yes, senior brother.”

“Good. Let me introduce you. This is your second brother, Qingkai, and third brother, Qingshi,” Baishisong said, pointing to two young monks standing nearby.

“Amitabha, little brother Ye,” they greeted in unison.

“Second brother, third brother,” Ye Hua replied, bowing.

“Fourth and fifth brothers, Qingxia and Qingyu—you already know them!” Baishisong continued.

“Fourth brother, fifth brother,” Ye Hua bowed.

“No need for formalities, little brother! Haha, now our little sister finally has someone to take her place as the youngest—she’s been scheming for this!” Qingxia and Qingyu laughed beside him.

Baishisong pointed to two more youths. “This is your sixth brother, Ouyang Tai, and seventh brother, Li Yulin—both are lay disciples.” Ye Hua bowed to each in turn.

“Little sister Ling Xueyun, no need for introductions!” Baishisong recalled Ye Hua’s first encounter with Ling Xueyun and could not help but laugh.

Ye Hua was embarrassed. “Little sister.”

“Ah, finally, I’m no longer the youngest! But why do you add ‘little’? Sister is sister, why ‘little sister’? Call me sister again, let me hear it!” Ling Yun’er giggled, making Ye Hua flush crimson with embarrassment.

“All right, you brothers and sisters go rest now. You must be tired. Go talk among yourselves,” Master Zhiku instructed.

“Yes, Master,” Baishisong and the others replied.

They left the Hall of Precepts together, laughing and chatting along the way. They asked Ye Hua about his background, and he recounted his story truthfully. Everyone offered suggestions. “Don’t worry, Ye Hua. Master will send someone with the news, but it may take ten days or more. Senior brother will be away for a few days—he can take word to your family. That’s the fastest way! Don’t worry!” said the second brother.

“Thank you, second brother!” Ye Hua said gratefully.

“Senior brother, tell us about the journey—was it dangerous?” the sixth brother asked eagerly.

“If you want to hear about the dangers, it would take a day and a night to recount it all!” Qingxia and Qingyu interjected.

“Then tell us quickly!”

“Very well, let’s start with our time at Dragon Sword Lake...” They began their tale in the monastery courtyard, and as they spoke of the perils, Ouyang Tai and Li Yulin were beside themselves with excitement.

Listening, Ye Hua realized that since they had come to Jade Mountain Monastery, his brothers rarely left the mountain—this was their first journey outside all year. “No wonder they’re so enthusiastic!” Ye Hua thought to himself.

Thus two or three days passed. Ye Hua spent his days either meditating in his room or wandering the woods on the back hill. His brothers pursued their own cultivation, rarely seen except for special occasions. Another day passed, and Master Zhiku summoned all his disciples. “The birthday of the Holy Ancestor Manjusri falls on the fourteenth of June. Tomorrow I will go to Dafulingjiu Monastery. You must remain at Jade Mountain, practicing quietly. Do not cause any trouble.”

Everyone responded respectfully, “We heed your words, Master! Please go with peace of mind!”

Zhiku turned to Baishisong, “Baishisong, Ye Hua is new and unfamiliar with many things. In your absence, guide him well.”

After sending Master Zhiku off, Baishisong and the others could not help but cheer with joy.