Tao: The Uncanny Immortal

In Li Huowang's mind, temples were often envisioned as secluded sanctuaries nestled deep within the embrace of mountains, surrounded by the tranquility of nature. However, at this moment, such preconceived notions held little significance for him. What truly mattered was the name that had been whispered by the pilgrim earlier - Zhengde Temple. Memories came flooding back, like a tidal wave crashing against the shores of his consciousness, of Dan Yangzi's dying words, which had distinctly mentioned this very temple. His heart began to pound with a mixture of excitement and trepidation as the realization slowly dawned upon him: after all the trials and tribulations, he had finally found the place he had been so desperately seeking.

As he rounded a sharp bend in the path, a sight of breathtaking beauty unfolded before his eyes. Clean, polished stone slabs stretched out in a straight line, leading up to a grand staircase. The staircase ascended gracefully, like a celestial pathway, towards a temple that was enshrouded in a thick veil of incense smoke. The vermilion plaque above the gate glowed with resplendent gold characters, proclaiming the name "Zhengde Temple" in a majestic display. On either side of the entrance, elegant couplets were inscribed, their words carrying profound meaning:

"Cultivate virtue to attain Buddhahood,

Purify like clear water under moonlight."

As Li Huowang stepped onto the threshold of the temple, the bustling crowd that had accompanied him on the journey seemed to thin out almost magically. His Daoist robe, a stark and conspicuous presence among the sea of Buddhist robes, immediately drew the attention of those around him. It was as if a foreign element had intruded into this sacred Buddhist realm. A rotund monk named Jian Dun, with an air of serene composure and a countenance that exuded authentic Buddhist piety, approached him with measured steps. His voice, when he spoke, was like a gentle breeze on a warm day, oozing with a sense of calm and benevolence. "Amitābha. I am Jian Dun. How may a disciple of the Way serve you?"

Li Huowang exchanged the customary greetings with the monk, his mind still focused on the purpose of his visit. He then followed Jian Dun through the throngs of worshippers, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and urgency. They eventually exited the main hall and came to a stop beneath a magnificent golden ginkgo tree. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a dappled pattern on the ground. Jian Dun's rosary clinked softly as he seated himself calmly on a stone bench, his eyes fixed on Li Huowang. "You seek answers about Dan Yangzi," Li Huowang blurted out, his voice betraying a hint of impatience. For the sake of safety, he deliberately omitted any details about the "heavenly book," knowing that such information could potentially lead to unwanted trouble.

Jian Dun's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of Dan Yangzi's name. "The venerable Dan Yangzi... truly departed this mortal coil?" he exclaimed, his tone shifting from one of mild surprise to one of deep reverence. Li Huowang then recounted the events that had transpired at Qingfeng Temple, his words painting a vivid picture of the chaos and danger he had faced. He emphasized the eerie moment when an unseen force had intervened, yanking the Xǐshén (Joyous Spirit) away just as it was about to consume him. It was a moment that had left an indelible mark on his memory, a moment that he could not forget.

A gentle breeze rustled the ginkgo leaves, creating a soft, soothing sound. Jian Dun rose abruptly from his seat, his expression inscrutable. "Wait here a moment," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He then disappeared into the temple, his figure swallowed up by the darkness within. Moments later, he returned, holding a new rosary in his hand. "The Abbot wishes to speak with you," he announced, his eyes meeting Li Huowang's.

Li Huowang followed Jian Dun through a maze of winding corridors, his heart pounding with anticipation. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the sound of chanting filled the air, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence. Finally, they arrived at a colossal hall. The hall was dimly lit, with the only source of light coming from the flickering candles that lined the walls. Five magnificent golden Buddhas, each seated cross - legged in a different pose, loomed overhead, their presence commanding and awe - inspiring. Before them, an elderly abbot with snow - white hair and strikingly pink eyes, reminiscent of Bai Lingmiao, sat in deep meditation.

"Amitābha. I am Abbot Xinhuai," the abbot said, his voice a low, resonant rumble that seemed to fill the entire hall. It was a voice that was both tranquil and commanding, a voice that demanded respect. Li Huowang bowed deeply, his eyes fixed on the abbot's face. But his patience was wearing thin, and he cut straight to the chase. "What became of Dan Yangzi?" he asked, his voice firm and resolute.

Abbot Xinhuai raised a hand, silencing Li Huowang. "Do you recognize these Buddhas?" he asked, his eyes fixed on the statues. Li Huowang shook his head, his expression one of confusion. "They are the Five Wisdom Buddhas: Vairocana of the Dharmadhatu, Akṣobhya of the Bliss World, Ratnasaṃbhava of the Treasure World, Amitābha of the Pure Land, and Amoghasiddhi of the Lotus World," the abbot explained, his voice filled with a sense of reverence.

Li Huowang's patience finally snapped. "I need answers, not riddles!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration. The abbot's smile remained unchanged, as if he had anticipated Li Huowang's outburst. "He became one with the Dharma," the abbot said, his voice calm and unwavering.