Chapter Twenty: Realms

Chapter Twenty: Realms

Chapter Four: The Green Blade Sways in the Cold Moon, Haoze Encounters the Demon Bird (Part Four)

Everyone responded in unison. Qingxia, Qingyu, and the others were still reeling from the astonishing display Ye Hua had just shown, yet they held back their curiosity, knowing it was not the time for questions. Together, they descended the mountain and returned to the temple in silence.

Ye Hua followed quietly at the rear, pondering the mysterious person who had aided him during the contest. Judging by the voice, it was someone elderly, but Ye Hua could not fathom which venerable master it might be. Raising his head occasionally, he heard the lively chatter among the others, all centered around Senior Brother Xiao, while he himself could not find a word to say, as if he did not exist, or perhaps did not belong among them at all. His heart ached at the thought.

Dazed and heavy-hearted, Ye Hua followed the group down the mountain to the temple, slipped quietly into his own room, lay on the bed, and soon fell into a deep sleep. Baishi Song and the rest, seeing Ye Hua’s silent demeanor, understood it was best not to disturb him that day and refrained from asking questions, each returning to their quarters.

When Ye Hua awoke again, the cold moon hung high outside. Judging by the hour, it was already the third watch of the night. Gazing at the full moon, Ye Hua reflected that since ancient times, strength had always commanded respect. He could not understand why he so disliked the pity and sympathy of others. Yet, Senior Sister’s words of comfort were not wrong. Still, there was a nameless distress in his heart. He would not accept being weak—he must grow stronger!

Thus, Ye Hua made a silent vow. He recalled the display of magical duels he had witnessed that day—their artifacts were all formidable. Third Senior Brother’s Cold Moon Hook, First Senior Brother’s Clear Pine Sword, Senior Sister’s Celestial Red Sash, as well as their opponents’ Stone Dragon Sword and Night Rain Divine Blade, not to mention Senior Brother Xiao’s Spotted Bamboo Sword—each radiantly dazzling, brimming with spiritual power and might. Especially the Spotted Bamboo Sword, the Clear Pine Sword, and the Celestial Red Sash, none were ordinary objects. “If only I could have such a treasure!” Ye Hua sighed.

He took out the embroidered pouch he had acquired from Lord Huoshu, named “Sparse Blossom Cosmos Bag” because of the red flowers embroidered upon it. Ye Hua studied it, then drew from it a small verdant sword—the life-bound magic sword of Lord Huoshu.

Ye Hua caressed the sword, thinking to himself, “If I could refine this sword, it would be a great boon to me now. If I used the artifact-refining method from the Daoist Compendium to melt it down, extracting its essence and forging it into my own weapon, it might succeed. But this is a risky method.

“If I make a mistake, the sword will be ruined. Not only would I fail to forge my own magic weapon, I would also lose this sword for nothing. Besides, I do not yet have a single magic artifact to my name.”

Hesitating, Ye Hua stared at the green sword. Suddenly, he reached out, gripping the blade, and golden fire flickered in his palm—the elemental Metal Fire from the Six Elements Celestial Wish Art. The sword let out a mournful cry and trembled violently.

Seeing this, Ye Hua focused his power, and golden flames slowly wrapped the green sword, burning steadily. He dared not slacken and maintained the fire, feeling the rapid depletion of his spiritual energy. He quickly took out several small bottles, poured out some Spiritual Essence Powder, and swallowed it to replenish his energy.

In this way, Ye Hua worked through the night until dawn. Only then did he finish, affixing several talismans to the sword before returning it to the Sparse Blossom Cosmos Bag for later refinement.

At daybreak, Ye Hua stepped outside and made his way to the Hall of Three Saints, where Master Zhiku was likely meditating inside. Arriving at the tightly closed main doors, Ye Hua hesitated briefly but then stepped forward and called softly, “Master, your disciple Ye Hua requests an audience.”

After a moment, Zhiku’s voice came, “Come in.” Ye Hua pushed the door open gently and entered. Incense smoke drifted in the air as Zhiku, with his back to Ye Hua, sat in meditation on a cushion. “Master, your disciple has something to request,” Ye Hua said respectfully.

Zhiku replied blandly, “What is it?” Ye Hua answered, “I wish to go to Avalokiteshvara Cave to continue my cultivation until the Chanlin Assembly arrives. I beg Master’s permission.” After a pause, Zhiku said, “I have heard of yesterday’s events. The disciples from Qingliang Temple are staying at our Bishan Temple, and these exchanges are in truth a means to probe our strengths and weaknesses. When the Chanlin Assembly comes, each side will know the other.”

Ye Hua was momentarily taken aback. “Master’s insight is profound. I wish to cultivate in Avalokiteshvara Cave so that I do not disappoint your expectations.”

Zhiku considered for a moment. “Since you are determined, go ahead. I will not force you otherwise. If you find clarity in your practice, you may emerge at your own discretion.”

Ye Hua bowed deeply, “Thank you, Master.” Zhiku added, “There are three years until the Chanlin Assembly. For cultivators like us, that time will pass in the blink of an eye. Do not neglect your training.” “Yes,” Ye Hua replied.

“You may go,” Zhiku said. Ye Hua withdrew respectfully, closed the door behind him, and walked away thinking, “I must achieve something in this cultivation, so I will not be the laughingstock of my peers.” Seeing Ye Hua leave, Master Zhiku slowly shook his head, sighed, then smiled softly, murmuring, “At my age, I’m still playing tricks on the young ones! It’s time for them all to emerge from seclusion.”

Back in his room, Ye Hua made all the necessary preparations for his retreat in the cave. Glancing at his empty room one last time, he turned and headed straight for Avalokiteshvara Cave. Closing the stone door behind him, he sat down and laid out the Daoist Compendium, the Guigu Secret Canon, and the Four Noble Truths Method before him, studying each intently.

These three arts—the Six Elements Celestial Wish Art from the Daoist Compendium is a supreme method for cultivating the Dao, the foundation of spiritual practice. Though it seems to conflict with the Four Noble Truths Method, it is unique among Daoist arts. The Guigu Secret Canon holds many arcane techniques, mostly sinister and treacherous, which, although harmful to natural order, might be selectively studied. The Four Noble Truths Method is the ancient legacy of Mount Wutai, refined and expanded over millennia by generations of masters—a truly extraordinary practice. However, since Ye Hua had already begun mastering the Six Elements Celestial Wish Art, which had become his foundational method, all other practices were inevitably influenced by it.

Holding the Four Noble Truths Method, Ye Hua sighed to himself, “Why is the Four Noble Truths Method so difficult? When will I ever break through the first level? I should calm my mind and continue practicing.” With that, he ceased his wandering thoughts, sat cross-legged, and began to circulate his spiritual energy. Misty white vapor rose from his body, and faint glimmers of radiance flickered around him.

Seasons passed unnoticed within the cave, and three years flew by. Throughout these three years, Ye Hua did not slacken for a moment and never set foot outside Avalokiteshvara Cave. By now, he had grown into a youth of seventeen or eighteen. One day, after completing his cultivation, Ye Hua suddenly heard the sound of a bell outside—three urgent chimes, three slow, repeated four times.

“That’s the Bishan Temple assembly bell. All disciples, regardless of their task, must gather at the Mahavira Hall—there must be something important.” Ye Hua rose, quickly tidied himself, and went straight to the Mahavira Hall.

“Junior Brother, haha, three years have passed and you’ve grown into a young man!” Ye Hua heard a hearty laugh and felt a surge of joy. “Fourth Senior Brother, Fifth Senior Brother, it’s been so long—I’ve missed you both terribly!” “Haha, well, here we are now.” The two young men approached, none other than Qingxia and Qingyu.

Qingxia and Qingyu had also spent three years cultivating in Huayan Cave. Though they had occasionally emerged, it was rare, so the three had not seen each other in all that time. Qingxia patted Ye Hua on the shoulder, “Not bad, you’ve grown taller. I wonder what level you’ve reached in the Four Noble Truths Method?” he asked with a teasing grin.

Ye Hua flushed and replied, “Senior Brothers, I was fortunate to reach the second level.” Qingxia and Qingyu laughed, “Excellent, excellent! You’ve made great progress. You’re no longer the novice you were when you first arrived.”

Ashamed, Ye Hua said, “Please, don’t tease me, Senior Brothers.” Qingxia and Qingyu laughed, “We truly didn’t expect you to reach the second level. This is sincere praise! Judging by your speed when you first arrived, we thought you’d only be at the first level after this retreat, but you’ve surpassed our expectations.”

Ye Hua, now rather embarrassed, said, “Fourth and Fifth Senior Brothers, do you know why we’ve been summoned so urgently?” Qingxia replied, “Junior Brother, while you were in seclusion, the various temples of Mount Wutai have been preparing for the centennial Chanlin Assembly, which is especially significant this time—not just a routine event. Something important must have happened for Master to summon us so urgently.”

“I see. Let’s hurry, then,” Ye Hua said. The three of them made their way swiftly to the Mahavira Hall. In less than half an hour, they arrived and ascended the steps. Master Zhiku sat in the center, with several other senior brothers—Baishi Song, Qingkai, Qingshi, Ouyang Tai, Li Yulin, and Ling Xueyun—beside him. Around them stood the outer disciples.

The three bowed to Master Zhiku. “Master.” Zhiku, upon seeing them enter, said, “Amitabha. It is well that you are here. I was about to address you. In five days, the Chanlin Assembly will commence. I have called you here for this reason.”

The disciples listened attentively as Zhiku looked over them and asked, “What level have you each reached in your secluded cultivation? Report to me.”

“Yes,” they replied respectfully.

Baishi Song stepped forward, “Reporting to Master: I cultivated in the Mara Cave for two years, and was fortunate to break through to the Seventh Treasure, Seventh Realm. I have reached the eighth level of the Four Noble Truths Method.” “Ah! Senior Brother is truly formidable!” the others exclaimed in surprise. “He has reached the seventh level of the Seven Treasures Realm! No wonder he is known as ‘Clear Pine’ among the five gentlemen of Mount Wutai.” Whispered conversations broke out among the disciples.

Zhiku nodded slightly but said nothing. Qingkai stepped forward, “Reporting, Master. I cultivated in the Mara Cave with Senior Brother and am now at the Seven Treasures, Fifth Realm, and the sixth level of the Four Noble Truths Method.” Zhiku nodded, “Your practice has progressed since last time. Well done.”

Next, Qingshi reported, “Master, I am at the Seven Treasures, Fifth Realm, and the fifth level of the Four Noble Truths Method.” Zhiku said, “This Chanlin Assembly will be full of talented youths. With only the fifth level, you may not fare well.” He shook his head, and Qingshi, ashamed, withdrew.

Qingxia and Qingyu stepped forward, “Master, in Huayan Cave, we broke through to the Seven Treasures, Sixth Realm last year, and now have reached the seventh level of the Four Noble Truths Method.” “Good,” Zhiku smiled and nodded.

Ouyang Tai and Li Yulin were both at the Seven Treasures, Fifth Realm, and the fifth level of the Four Noble Truths Method. Zhiku remained silent. When Ling Yun’er reported reaching the peak of the Seven Treasures, Sixth Realm, and the eighth level of the Four Noble Truths Method, the crowd gasped in amazement.

Ye Hua, hearing the levels attained by his senior brothers and sisters, was filled with anxiety. When it was his turn, he felt all eyes on him, accompanied by quiet laughter. Flushing, he bowed his head and said, “Reporting, Master. I have reached the Seven Treasures, Fourth Realm, and the second level of the Four Noble Truths Method.”

At once, Ye Hua heard snickers around him. “I’ve heard that Junior Brother Ye has been cultivating for nearly five years and is the most diligent, yet he’s only reached the second level of the Four Noble Truths Method. How dull-witted… Ha!” “Quiet, don’t let him hear you. Reaching the Fourth Realm of Seven Treasures is no small feat!”

“Who knows if he just relied on elixirs to boost his spiritual power? Even the slowest dullard can reach the fourth or fifth realm with enough spirit medicine.” Ye Hua heard the whispers, the arguments and mockery.

Zhiku’s eyes lit up when he heard Ye Hua was at the Seven Treasures, Fourth Realm, but then he shook his head and sighed at the mention of the second level of the Four Noble Truths Method.