The Kunlun group walked for a while and saw another fork in the road ahead, so they stopped to wait. After a long time, they still didn’t see Jiang Chong coming. Zhuo Lingzhao grew impatient and said, “Second junior brother, go back and see what’s taking so long.”
Jin Lingshuang acknowledged and was about to go back when they saw Jiang Chong and An’dao Jing hurrying over, their faces full of terror. Zhuo Lingzhao snorted and said, “Lord Jiang, the sheepskin is on you. Please don’t delay our time.”
Jiang Chong was breathing heavily and hadn’t yet answered when An’dao Jing said in a trembling voice, “Sect Leader Zhuo, that monster has come back to life! Please go back and take a look!”
Zhuo Lingzhao’s face showed impatience. He couldn’t even be bothered to respond properly and said indifferently, “Since Lord Jiang is here, let’s go!” Jiang Chong examined the sheepskin, determined the direction, and everyone proceeded accordingly.
An’dao Jing thought of Luo Moshi and the others still engaged in bloody battle, so he made marks on the ground. If they could survive and return, they should be able to follow the marks forward.
After walking for more than an hour, voices could be heard boiling from behind. Luo Moshi had already led his men to catch up. Zhuo Lingzhao glanced sideways and saw only forty or fifty men remaining beside him. Luo Moshi was covered in blood from head to toe, having evidently gone through a fierce battle.
An’dao Jing stepped forward and asked, “Is the monster dead?”
Luo Moshi originally had excellent cultivation and rarely lost his temper, but hearing this question, he flew into a rage and shouted, “You only cared about your own escape and didn’t even look after your own subordinates! Are you even human? You beast worse than an animal!” He was filled with indignation and, channeling his Nether Mysterious Finger, was about to charge forward to fight. An’dao Jing felt guilty after being scolded and didn’t dare talk back. He hurriedly fled like a rat, going to hide behind Jiang Chong.
Everyone thought to themselves, “Who knows why Jiang Chong would promote this waste?” It seemed An’dao Jing must be exceptionally skilled at flattery to have maintained his position so securely for over ten years. Otherwise, with the Brocade Guard full of experts, how could it be this villain’s turn to get ahead?
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed heartily and said to his disciples, “Didn’t Lord Jiang say, ‘Don’t use those you doubt, don’t doubt those you use’? I think this saying should be changed to ‘Don’t use the capable, use the incapable’ – that would better fit his style of conduct.”
Tu Lingxin shouted approval and said, “I think it should be ‘Don’t use worthless people, use people like worthless’ – what does the Sect Leader think?”
Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this. Although Wu Dingyuan had a grudge against Kunlun Mountain, seeing them and Jiang Chong fighting like dogs, he exchanged a smile with Yan Ting.
Hearing Zhuo Lingzhao’s mocking words, Jiang Chong’s face turned iron-blue with anger, and he remained silent for a long time. An’dao Jing beside him wanted to flatter him but couldn’t find the right opportunity.
The group walked for a while longer when they suddenly saw a long corridor ahead with countless stone statues on both sides. Some had fierce expressions holding large swords, while others had kind faces holding iron plaques. Everyone was secretly alarmed, not knowing what was strange about this place.
Seeing this scene, Jiang Chong was also startled. He hurriedly took out the sheepskin to examine it, looked at a line of Chinese characters on it, and said, “This place is called ‘Heart Station.’ Only righteous gentlemen with pure hearts and no evil thoughts can pass through. Otherwise, they will surely be killed by the statues jumping out from both sides.”
Everyone exclaimed “Oh!” and discussed it with great curiosity. Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart sank, knowing that the great hero who created this place was truly remarkable to have set up this mechanism to prevent those with impure hearts from obtaining the secrets of Shenji Cave. It seemed that although Jiang Chong’s group of villains was formidable, they would also be blocked here.
Jiang Chong pondered and said, “This passage is extremely difficult. Unless one is upright, it’s extremely hard to pass through. Do you gentlemen have any insights?”
An’dao Jing asked, “Must it be someone with a completely blameless life to pass safely?”
Jiang Chong carefully read the sheepskin text and nodded, “That’s exactly the difficulty.”
A Brocade Guard expert jumped out and shouted, “I’ve never visited prostitutes in my life and haven’t killed many people. I’m considered a righteous person – let me try!” Such was the arrogance of these villains that even after countless deaths, someone still volunteered.
Seeing this expert’s face full of scars and fierce appearance, everyone frowned and advised, “Brother, you’d better not!”
The man shouted loudly, “I’ve already told you all – I’ve never visited prostitutes in my life, so I’m a righteous gentleman! You still don’t believe me?” He then charged forward. The crowd couldn’t stop him in time and could only watch helplessly as he rushed into the corridor.
The man walked two steps without incident and immediately looked up to the sky laughing, “See! I told you your father is a righteous person – even the Heavenly King couldn’t kill me! Haha! Heaven has eyes! Heaven has eyes!”
While he was laughing, a stone statue beside him jumped out and swung its sword down. The man cried out, “Oh no! I really never visited prostitutes! You’re killing the wrong good person!” Before his voice had stopped, the stone statue had already split him in half. He died on the ground in a most horrible state.
Everyone was shocked at the sight. Jiang Chong asked again, “Who else is willing to try?”
Jin Lingshuang said, “We people kill like hemp and do all manner of evil deeds. I’m afraid none of us can pass through.”
An’dao Jing spat and said, “That’s you people! I, An’dao Jing, am resolute, sincere, upright, and studious. I’m not afraid of this obstacle at all.”
Tu Lingxin said coldly, “If that’s the case, please go ahead, Lord An.”
An’dao Jing gave a dry laugh, “What use is it for me alone to go over? We all need to be able to pass for it to count!”
Tu Lingxin spat a glob of pus on the ground and shouted, “All nonsense!”
Jiang Chong sighed and said, “With great difficulty we have the sheepskin to guide us and someone who knows the Divine Ghost Pavilion’s code words. If we have to turn back like this, it’s truly heartbreaking.” He turned to look at everyone and asked, “Is there anyone among you who is confident of being a righteous gentleman who can pass through here?”
Suddenly a Brocade Guard warrior stepped forward and said, “I’ll go!” Everyone saw this man also had a face full of fierce flesh and a brutal expression, so they urgently tried to dissuade him.
The man said, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to force my way through.” He held an iron chain and threw it forward with force. The iron chain immediately hooked onto a sharp corner. The expert said, “Since this is a mechanism triggered by movement, let me fly across. As long as my feet leave the ground and don’t touch the floor mechanism, I should be able to pass safely.”
Jiang Chong said, “That sounds reasonable and worth trying. Be very careful.”
The man nodded, “Your subordinate understands.”
The man grasped the iron chain, gave a great shout, and flew forward. While in mid-air, he held the iron chain with both hands and pulled himself forward vigorously. When his body would descend, he planned to throw the chain out again, flying continuously to cross the corridor.
Who would have known that before he had flown even three feet, the stone statues on both sides jumped out with a thunderous sound. With a flash of blade light, the man screamed as his body and the chain were cut in two, and he died on the spot.
Jiang Chong shook his head and said, “Opportunism won’t work. It seems we must face this head-on.” He sighed and turned to look at everyone, asking, “Who else wants to go over?”
Everyone was hesitating when they suddenly heard Luo Moshi say, “I’ll go!”
Hearing this, Jiang Chong was overjoyed and said, “Master is a monk who has lived with compassion and mercy. You will surely pass safely.”
Luo Moshi’s face showed an awkward expression as he said, “That’s not it. I’m just guessing that this mechanism works on the mind and footsteps. If a person is guilty and afraid, their body will emit heat and their heartbeat will quicken. I think these stone statues’ mechanisms work on this principle, though I don’t know how they detect it.”
Jiang Chong nodded in understanding, “Can Master control your mind and spirit?”
Luo Moshi nodded, “Exactly. I have studied Buddhist teachings for many years and am quite skilled in meditation.” Speaking thus, he calmed his mind, chanted a Buddhist name, and slowly a layer of precious light appeared on his face. Where was there any trace of a murderous demon or traitorous minister? He looked exactly like a virtuous high monk.
Seeing his demeanor, everyone thought, “Looking at him like this, he might actually be able to pass.”
An’dao Jing suddenly said, “Master, do you want to leave any last words? When I leave the cave, I can certainly handle them for you.”
Luo Moshi’s precious light faded as he flew into a rage, “An’dao Jing, don’t disturb me!” In his momentary anger, he reverted to his originally fierce appearance.
Jiang Chong glared at An’dao Jing and said, “Commander An, behave yourself and don’t annoy people.”
An’dao Jing secretly laughed to himself, thinking, “How shall I harm this bastard later? This kid actually dared to scold me just now, saying I don’t care for my subordinates, making me lose face badly. If I don’t kill him now, I really shouldn’t be human anymore! Hehe! Damn him!”
His face showed a sinister smile, his heart full of continuous evil thoughts, quite vicious. Just as he was thinking, suddenly there was a thunderous sound and a stone statue actually jumped out, raising its sword to chop at his head. An’dao Jing was standing in the crowd at this time and hadn’t even stepped into the corridor, yet somehow he had already provoked a statue to kill him. He was so frightened that he defecated and urinated, crying loudly, “Oh no! I haven’t even gone in yet! How is this statue already coming out to kill people?” He then fled far away.
The stone statue struck the ground with its sword. With a loud clang, sparks flew, and it jumped back.
An’dao Jing hid far outside the corridor, his whole body shaking with fear, not daring to approach for a long time.
Jiang Chong said in alarm, “According to this sheepskin, these statues only kill those who pass through the corridor. How could one jump out? Could it be that Commander An’s evil thoughts are too heavy?”
Everyone was greatly puzzled, all thinking, “What exactly was An’dao Jing thinking just now that could be so powerful?”
Hearing these words, Qian Lingyi suddenly glanced at Yan Ting’s graceful figure, then hastily patted his chest as if he had recovered a life. Seeing his appearance, everyone thought, “This person is really strange. What is he celebrating now?”
Seeing that his subordinates were truly too evil, and the group of stone statues actually showed signs of charging outward, Jiang Chong hurriedly said, “Everyone quickly step back and absolutely don’t think random thoughts, especially don’t stare randomly at that young lady. Do you hear?”
The Brocade Guard men were frightened and hurriedly retreated, leaving only the Kunlun experts standing at the corridor entrance.
Fearing the situation might change, Jiang Chong quickly said to Luo Moshi, “Master, if you’re going to cross, please go quickly!”
Luo Moshi nodded, “Don’t worry, my lord. Watch me display my divine abilities.” He then chanted a Buddhist name, “Amitabha Buddha!” After the chant, he stepped forward. He walked with closed eyes, his face radiating precious light, truly appearing like an enlightened holy monk. Amid everyone’s praise, Luo Moshi had already passed halfway through.
Jiang Chong said joyfully, “Master is truly remarkable! When we return, I’ll appoint you as our dynasty’s National Preceptor!”
Luo Moshi was overjoyed, thinking, “From Lord Jiang’s meaning, he truly intends to reward me with high office and noble rank. After leaving the cave, I, Luo Moshi, will surely be able to establish myself in the Central Plains. Then I’ll have glory, wealth, and unlimited fame and achievement. Haha! Haha!”
While thinking this, the stone statues on both sides began shaking with clicking sounds and charged out, raising their large swords as if to strike. Luo Moshi was startled and hurriedly controlled his mind, imagining himself sitting in a waterfall seeking the Way. He then chanted, “My Buddha universally saves all beings and creates all things.”
With a loud clang, the stone statue’s sword fell but passed several inches from Luo Moshi’s side without injuring his skin – it was dangerous to the extreme. Luo Moshi was frightened out of his wits and desperately chanted, “Amitabha Buddha! Amitabha Buddha!”
Seeing the stone statue withdraw, Luo Moshi’s mind wandered slightly as he suddenly thought of the Fourth Prince, musing, “I wonder if that Fourth Prince has been executed yet? This foolish kid, after I provoked him a bit, actually turned against his own father. How ridiculous. Did he really think I had good intentions? Haha! Haha!”
Thinking of this, countless stone statues in the corridor charged out again. Luo Moshi’s face turned ashen as he cried, “Ah! Oh! Amitabha Buddha!” Hearing the Buddhist chant, the stone statues suddenly stopped, their blades passing by his side.
Luo Moshi didn’t dare think further and only lowered his head to walk quickly. All along the way, amid the clanging sounds of chopping, he recited over a thousand “Amitabha Buddhas,” fearing that since Buddha’s descent to earth, no one had ever chanted “Amitabha Buddha” so urgently and rapidly. Even if Lingyin were here to see it, she would have to admit defeat.
After a while, Luo Moshi finally had solid ground under his feet and had passed through the long corridor. Despite his considerable cultivation, his entire body was still soaked in cold sweat.
He turned back and called, “You all saw clearly! As long as you keep your mind calm and don’t think randomly, you can pass safely!” Speaking thus, he collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily.
Jiang Chong asked again, “Who else wants to go over?” Thinking of Luo Moshi’s recent extreme danger, everyone fell completely silent, with no one willing to take the risk.
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed, “Everyone says Lord Jiang is loyal and brave in protecting the country. Why don’t you try it yourself?” This was meant as mockery, but unexpectedly Jiang Chong smiled and said, “Sect Leader Zhuo is right. I often say I have Heaven’s mandate protecting me. Watch me!”
Everyone was shocked to see his confident demeanor, not knowing what Jiang Chong planned.
Jiang Chong smiled slightly, thinking, “What kind of person am I, Jiang Chong? In my life, I don’t know how many treacherous and cunning people I’ve deceived. To fool these stone statues would be like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.” He closed his eyes and chanted continuously, “May our Emperor live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years. May our Emperor live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years…” He then walked forward, treating himself as if he were speaking before the Emperor in the Golden Throne Hall.
He walked slowly with measured steps, paying no heed to the stone statues, his face full of loyalty and righteousness. Even if Yue Wumu were reborn or Wen Tianxiang returned to life, they couldn’t compare to his loyal devotion to country. In an instant, all the stone statues seemed awed by his loyalty and righteousness, with none moving to raise their swords. Everyone was amazed and fell silent.
Tu Lingxin praised, “Sect Leader, look how sacred and loyal Lord Jiang appears! How admirable!”
Hearing these words, Jiang Chong felt as if his whole body was floating in the clouds. He felt even more sacred and loyal, his face showing the pure smile of an innocent child.
Everyone thought, “Looking at Lord Jiang like this, he might actually be a loyal minister and filial son. Perhaps we all wronged him.”
Suddenly Tu Lingxin’s tone changed as he frowned and said, “Sect Leader, our Lord Jiang is exceptionally loyal and righteous, truly a model for our dynasty. Who knew that in the martial world there’s a group of shameless villains spreading rumors that Lord Jiang rapes civilian women, frames loyal officials, and commits every evil deed. These liars are utterly detestable – they must be dragged out and killed!” He deliberately set a trap, speaking even more passionately and indignantly.
The Kunlun people exclaimed in shock, “Who would be so vicious?”
Hearing this, Jiang Chong couldn’t help but fly into a rage. He had indeed committed all manner of evil and framed loyal officials, but where did this business about raping civilian women come from? He immediately turned and shouted, “Who said that? Watch me chop them into pieces!”
Instantly, a stone statue suddenly leaped out and raised its sword to strike. Jiang Chong was scared out of his wits and shouted, “May our Emperor live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!” The stone statue paused and withdrew. Jiang Chong knew the Kunlun people had deliberately provoked him with their words. He secretly hated them, thinking, “Once I leave this place, I must kill these bastards.”
As soon as this evil thought arose, another sword suddenly struck. Jiang Chong hurriedly shouted, “May our Emperor live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!” The stone statue stopped moving again. Jiang Chong quickly controlled his mind and walked rapidly past, then collapsed into Luo Moshi’s arms, his body covered in cold sweat.
After resting for a while and suppressing his anger, Jiang Chong called from afar, “Come over quickly, all of you!”
Everyone looked at each other hesitantly, none moving. Then Wu Dingyuan stepped forward and said, “It’s my turn to go over.” He turned to look at Yan Ting and said, “If anything happens to me, you absolutely must not follow them over, understand?”
Yan Ting hugged him and cried, “Lord Wu, please don’t go over!” Having depended on each other all along the way, Yan Ting now felt toward him like family. Seeing him risk his life, how could she bear it?
Wu Dingyuan was greatly comforted to see her caring for him so much. He said gently, “Don’t worry. I’ve never done anything against my conscience in my life. How could I die in there?” He gently pushed Yan Ting away and said to Zhuo Lingzhao, “Sect Leader Zhuo, if I die here, please remember my wholehearted efforts and let this girl return to Mount Jiuhua.”
Zhuo Lingzhao, seeing that even facing death he still worried about others’ safety, couldn’t help but admire his righteousness. He immediately said, “Don’t worry. If your life is in danger, I will certainly help save you. Just go ahead.”
Wu Dingyuan nodded without further words and strode into the corridor.
He closed his eyes, thinking of the tragic case at Yanling Escort Agency years ago. In an instant, it was as if he had returned to the Horse King Temple of that time, remembering Qi Bochuan dying in his arms, seeming to hear his dying words from that day: “Constable Wu, am I about to die? I still need to avenge my parents, I want to revive Yanling Escort Agency, I… I won’t die… I won’t die…”
Wu Dingyuan’s eyes suddenly reddened. Although this was a test of mental state, thinking of the tragedy from years past, the grief and indignation in his heart still arose naturally. He thought, “Heaven’s way is inconstant. Countless heroes are trampled by others, while these treacherous villains each live well on fish and meat. Is there still heavenly justice in this world?” Thinking of how he had toiled for over a year but still couldn’t avenge people and uphold justice, and now had to help these tigers by seeking things for them, he felt self-reproach and couldn’t help but shed tears.
Just then, a low voice in the distance said, “You have come… you have come…” Wu Dingyuan opened his eyes and was shocked to see countless stone statues around him all kneeling down, arranged neatly on both sides of the corridor. In a trance, he saw all the stone statues shedding tears.
Wu Dingyuan was deeply moved and said in a trembling voice, “You stone people also know the suffering of all beings?” He saw all the stone statues nodding as if responding to his words. Wu Dingyuan wept openly and gave a great cry. Suddenly he felt his right hand burning hot like a fire dragon rushing toward his internal organs.
Everyone saw the stone statues on both sides standing normally in their original places, while Wu Dingyuan was shouting loudly, not knowing what he was doing. Jiang Chong called, “Come over quickly and don’t delay!” Wu Dingyuan walked groggily to Luo Moshi’s side and then fell forward. Luo Moshi hurriedly caught him, but upon touching Wu Dingyuan’s body, he suddenly felt a burning sensation as if touching hot iron. Frightened, he stepped back.
Wu Dingyuan’s mind was dizzy, and with a thud, he collapsed to the ground.
Jiang Chong called, “Who else wants to come over? If you don’t dare come over, we’ll have to leave!”
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed heartily and said, “Wait! I want to go over.”
Jiang Chong laughed, “The Kunlun Sect Leader kills like hemp, yet dares to come over?” Having been mocked by Zhuo Lingzhao earlier, he now returned the mockery without yielding.
Zhuo Lingzhao smiled, “If even a generation of treacherous ministers can pass through, what do I have to fear?” He walked forward with a smile, thinking, “This Jiang Chong may not truly intend to cooperate with me. How should I get rid of him later? This time I’ve greatly offended this person – how will I deal with the court in the future?” He kept calculating in his mind, his face showing an extremely sinister expression. The stone statues beside him immediately made loud clicking sounds and charged out to strike him.
Amid everyone’s screams, Zhuo Lingzhao only smiled slightly and said, “Do you want to subdue demons and protect the Dharma? Before me, even ghosts and gods must bow their heads!”
With a swish, his long sword immediately left its sheath as he chanted, “When the Kunlun sword emerges, blood flows like an ocean, driving straight for a thousand li to the Yellow River!” With a thunderous sound, countless stone statues were already cut into countless small pieces, scattered on the ground.
Zhuo Lingzhao gestured backward and said, “Come over, all of you!” Everyone was amazed by his divine sword.
An’dao Jing, hearing the thunderous sound, quickly poked his head out. Seeing the stone statues already smashed to pieces, he said joyfully, “We can go over now!” He rushed to be first, hurrying through the corridor, even spitting twice in his haste.
Everyone followed behind Zhuo Lingzhao, also passing through this mysteriously ineffable Heart Station corridor.