Dawn light glimmered faintly, the remnant moon cast cold illumination on green pines, clear bell sounds echoed, and the Buddhist monastery atop the mountain welcomed the morning light.

Dharma Hall, Scripture Repository, Great Hero Hall, Luohan Hall… To speak of this ancient temple’s history would truly take three days and nights.

During the Song Dynasty’s Emperor Lizong reign, Tianyin Daoist of Mount Hua achieved spiritual enlightenment and forged the three Sancha swords. A hundred years ago, Junbao Sanfeng uniquely established himself at Wudang, gazing down upon the world. These figures were all grandmaster heroes of martial arts—when people mention their names, none fail to look up in reverence and admiration.

The realm is magnificent. In recent times, Ning Bufan rose in the martial world with genius talent, while Zhuo Lingzhao dominated the four seas with kingly momentum—how many heroes flourished then! Yet through thousands of years, as the martial world’s tides rose and fell, heroes numerous as fish crossing the river, only one sect could be called the central pillar, always standing firm amid towering waves.

Henan, Mount Song, Shaolin Temple. The world’s greatest sect, the great compassion of Buddha for a thousand years.

Since the founding patriarch crossed the river on a reed, throughout all dynasties, when had Mount Song disciples been absent among the masters? Whether Ning Bufan or Zhuo Lingzhao—if judging by martial world influence, who would dare compare themselves to this orthodox martial lineage?

Water mist drifted, mysterious and shadowy. Before Dharma Hall, four monks stood shoulder to shoulder—these were Zhiding, Lingyin, Lingzhen—Shaolin’s Four Great Vajras. Ten feet away stood a white-robed young man, precisely Tianjue Monk’s final disciple, Yang Suguan.

“Three Sacred Treasures in Dharma Hall, Four Vajras before Luohan Hall”—the four divine monks gathered here, and even the court official, the Romantic Department Physician, had arrived. Today, Shaolin’s elite assembled—the mountain must have great affairs.

Tianjue, the legendary mountain deity, hadn’t left the mountain once in eighteen years. Now, at this time and place, was precisely the day of the Three Sacred Treasures’ emergence from seclusion. Given this person’s decisive nature, heaven and earth would surely see raging storms…

“Master Uncle, Junior Brother Suguan has arrived. Please emerge from seclusion.”

In the morning’s thin mist and water vapor, Lingzhi stood before the mountain gate with palms pressed together, speaking. Despite his dignified Buddhist appearance and abbot’s status, the great door remained unresponsive, still tightly locked. The monks looked at each other, not knowing what to make of it.

Lingding bowed and stepped forward, about to ask again, when suddenly a mountain breeze blew gently. The water mist before Dharma Hall dispersed, revealing gentle dawn light.

Baa… baa…

In the warm Buddha light and dawn’s early rays, everyone seemed to be in a dream. Accompanied by distant bleating, a flock of goats slowly approached—these were wild goats of Mount Shaoshi. In the morning light, over ten large and small white goats huddled together, creating a heartwarming scene. Smiles appeared on all the monks’ faces. Lingyin, born with Buddhist nature, seeing the goats approach, even extended his weathered hand to gently stroke their bodies, his expression full of loving kindness.

Hiss… hiss…

In the gentle dreamlike scene, suddenly continuous breathing sounds came—this sound was harsh and severe, like Yama approaching. The flock heard the sound and immediately sensed danger, becoming frightened and confused, scattering forward. Suddenly, a fierce tiger sprang from the grass, its eyes glowing with ghostly green light—a flesh-eating demon created by nature.

The flock panicked, bleating sounds filling the air as the tiger pounced, instantly pinning one goat and preparing to devour it.

The white goat struggled in pain, its hooves frantically kicking the ground, but how could it resist the tiger’s strength? Seeing the bloody maw approaching its neck, the goat cried out in terror, already at the edge of life and death. The remaining goats, unable to help, could only flee into the forest in panic, watching helplessly as their companion was about to be eaten.

Seeing this, all the monks were shocked. Lingzhen strode forward and immediately roared toward heaven, “Beast!”

Though Lingzhen was a rough monk, he was still a Buddhist. Seeing the weak being bullied, compassion arose in his heart. He grabbed a stone from the ground, channeled his Powerful Diamond Finger technique, and shot the stone like a cannonball with a thunderous crash, startling the tiger away. Subduing demons and protecting dharma was the monks’ duty—how much more so for one as fierce as Lingzhen? This action further displayed his heroic spirit.

The poor white goat, though escaping death, had been clawed and was now covered in blood. Hearing its pitiful bleating, it could no longer stand.

The tiger had intended to feast, but having been interrupted, it was unwilling to give up. It remained in the forest, panting and pacing, growling low as if ready to pounce at any moment. Seeing this, Lingzhen sneered, “What kind of thing are you? You bully only the weak—let this Buddha boil your tiger bones for medicine.” He raised his fists, big as vinegar bowls, ready to beat the tiger to death with two or three punches, eliminating this menace for the mountain forest.

Just as he was about to strike, a faint sigh was heard: “Stop…”

The tone was plain and ordinary—just a simple word “stop”—yet it left all the monks stunned upon hearing it. For the voice came from Dharma Hall, and the speaker was none other than Master Tianjue, the monk of highest seniority in the temple.

Lingzhen, about to kill the tiger, couldn’t help being startled upon hearing the prohibition from within the door, “What’s wrong? Master Uncle won’t let me slaughter this beast?”

From within Dharma Hall came low chanting, the voice deep and slow, broken and intermittent, but they heard it say gently, “All living beings act according to heaven’s will, like wind blowing grass… tigers eat sheep, sheep eat grass—this is the nature of things. What sin is there? How can nephew kill without reason…”

Lingzhen looked at the struggling white goat on the ground, seeing its painful bleating and desperate will to live. Moved by compassion, he shook his head and said, “Master Uncle, if I kill one tiger now, I can save countless goats in the mountains. One life for a hundred lives—that’s not bad, is it?”

The voice sighed, “Wrong… wrong… Do tigers eat more sheep or do humans eat more sheep? If one life should pay for a hundred, with over a hundred mutton hotpot shops in the capital, to save billions of goats in the world, why doesn’t nephew go destroy them?” Hearing this, Lingzhen was dumbfounded. He exclaimed and nodded, “Yes! How didn’t I think of that? Tomorrow I must go to the capital.”

Being naturally impulsive and not given to deep thought, he had spoken only thinking of killing the tiger. Just as he leaped forward, about to kick it, two tiger cubs emerged from the grass, playing and frolicking beside their mother. One cub approached Lingzhen’s feet, its small paws waving playfully. Seeing the tiger actually had two offspring, all the monks were shocked beyond words, and even Lingzhen slowed his actions, standing in stunned silence.

The voice sighed, “The great karmic retribution—all beings suffer. The three tigers haven’t eaten for days and will die of hunger and thirst in a few days. But what wrong has the poor goat done to become food for the mother and cubs? Alas, what wrong has the tiger done? What wrong has the goat done? As long as reincarnation exists, the human world is hell, and hell is the human world. With heaven’s way being thus, how should you all spread Buddhist dharma and deliver all beings?”

Before the divine power of creation, though the monks had deeply studied Buddhism, they were merely mortals—how could they act against heaven? Hearing the sigh, all the monks were speechless.

Lingyin, called the “Compassionate Vajra,” was born with the greatest Buddhist nature. He immediately stepped forward, pressed his palms together, and said, “All things born by heaven cannot escape reincarnation’s suffering. We who seek Buddha hold great compassion—upon seeing all beings destroying each other, we should sacrifice our useless bodies to seek universal deliverance.” The voice sighed, “You want to feed yourself to the tiger?”

Without further words, Lingyin immediately removed his monk’s robe, exposing his thin back. He slowly walked before the tiger, quietly awaiting the tiger’s bite, actually intending to offer his flesh in charity.

The mother tiger had originally been waiting to eat the goat when suddenly Lingyin approached for no reason, actually seeming somewhat frightened. Not only did she not pounce to bite, but she retreated several feet. Lingyin knelt on the ground with a compassionate expression, saying softly, “Don’t be afraid, come eat me.” The two cubs, hearing this, only played and frolicked around him—where was any intention to eat him?

The voice sighed, “Foolish person, ah foolish person! The Nirvana Sutra says ‘human birth is rare as the udumbara flower.’ This tiger has never eaten human flesh. If you needlessly sacrifice yourself today and let it taste human meat, do you know how many villagers will die from tiger attacks once it acquires the taste?”

Lingyin’s heart was greatly shaken. Single-mindedly thinking of death, he hadn’t considered these external matters. Hearing his master uncle’s sharp rebuke, he stood frozen in place, not knowing what to do.

Mountain mist drifted as the monks saw the goat on the ground bleating and struggling, desperately clinging to life, while the hungry tiger panted on the ground, unable to bear its hunger.

Suffering! All things born by heaven suffer without exception. The eaten face death with tears and painful struggles—truly pitiful. But how is the eater not suffering? Looking at the three fierce tigers licking each other, where was their mother-child affection lacking? The mother tiger, tormented by hunger, wanted only to bite the white goat, but hindered by the people nearby, suffered in being unable to obtain it. The monks were full of helplessness—saving one side inevitably harmed the other. The Four Great Vajras looked at each other, all at a loss, full of confusion.

Buddha, oh Buddha! The suffering of beings is endless, the human world is hell—your disciples’ faith is so devout, why do you still play such a cruel joke on them?

Lingyin’s heart was in agony. Suddenly he cried out miserably, “Buddha’s compassion!” He raised his left arm, his right palm filled with true energy, about to cut off his own left arm.

At this moment of grief, tremendous howling came from the Buddhist hall. The mountain gate rumbled open as Dharma Hall’s great door suddenly shattered. A cloth cord like a giant dragon coiled around, instantly wrapping around Lingyin’s head.

The voice roared with utmost grief and anger, “Gods and Buddhas abandon us, yet we do not abandon all beings! Shaolin disciples, let this old monk lead you to kill a bloody path and restore the great way of reincarnation!”

Before Lingyin could speak, the cloth cord released tremendous force, trying to force him to kneel. Lingyin’s face turned pale as he supported himself on the ground with both hands, barely able to stand. The cloth cord showed no mercy, gradually descending, determined to make Lingyin prostrate completely.

The voice said grimly, “Lingyin, you misunderstand Buddhist dharma. Master uncle will punish your foolish karma today… If you rashly cut off your left hand, tomorrow when this tiger is still hungry and wants to eat you, you fool, what will you do? Cut off your other hand? ‘Cutting flesh to feed eagles, offering body to feed tigers’ are just jokes from stories. Your foolish delusion, besides resolving your own helpless grief, what benefit is there to the countless beings under heaven?” The voice grew angrier as it spoke. The cloth cord tightened like Mount Tai pressing down, forcing Lingyin’s knees to the ground. The cord continued its downward pressure, forcing Lingyin to show pain, his spine seeming about to break.

Lingding was greatly alarmed, fearing his junior brother would suffer internal injury. In his panic, he extended both palms to support the cord, trying to share the pressure, but master uncle’s inner strength was truly domineering. Where the true force reached, it shook his blood and energy, forcing him back a step.

Knowing master uncle’s strange temper and deeply fearing his junior brother would be injured for no reason, Lingding ignored taboos, gritted his teeth, grabbed the cloth cord with both hands, and roared, “Master Uncle, show mercy!” In his tiger-like roar, he had activated forbidden arts, instantly revealing a fierce demonic appearance.

Only the forbidden martial art “Asura Divine Skill” in the world could resist the temple’s greatest master.

The “Asura Divine Skill” awakened demonic nature—though practitioners became immensely powerful, they inevitably displayed mad behavior. A cold laugh came from within the door as the cloth cord’s force became even more overwhelming. Lingding’s face flushed red, roaring continuously as he channeled inner power, but the cord was truly too heavy. Dragged by the force, his chest felt abnormally stuffy, and his feet gradually gave way.

Years ago, Lingding had used Asura Divine Skill to battle Zhuo Lingzhao, forcing the Sword God to flee in all directions, finally deciding victory with “Thousand Rays of Sunset Glow.” Yet now before master uncle, his skill seemed utterly inadequate. The monks hadn’t expected that after eighteen years of seclusion, Tianjue had developed such martial arts—all felt horrified.

Just then, a clear Buddhist chant arose as someone reached out to touch the cloth cord, transmitting gentle inner power. This inner power was pure and righteous, continuous and unending, coming at exactly the right moment to neutralize the tense forces of both sides. As the opposing forces canceled each other out, the cloth cord softly drooped down. Lingding and Lingyin quickly retreated to either side, gasping.

The one who acted had a dignified Buddhist appearance—precisely Shaolin’s Abbot, one of the Four Great Vajras, Monk Lingzhi. Looking at his elegant features like a middle-aged scholar, who would know his martial arts exceeded several senior brothers? Judging by inner power, he was not far from Tianjue’s level. Several senior brothers were all contemporary masters—seeing the Abbot match moves with Monk Tianjue, all felt admiration.

The cloth cord flew back as light praise came from within the door, “Rare, ah rare! In this Jambudvipa human realm of drifting fragrance, in just a few months of practicing Fragrant Sleeves, you’ve achieved such power.”

Lingzhi stood before his two junior brothers, pressed palms together, and said, “Lingyin acted with Bodhi heart according to Buddhist dharma. Even if somewhat extreme, it’s no sin. Master Uncle shouldn’t punish him.”

The voice remained steady, saying indifferently, “You are the Abbot—if you say no punishment, who can object? But in this case of hungry tiger eating goat, the living goat cannot preserve the living tiger, the living tiger cannot preserve the living goat—one of the two will die. According to the Abbot’s wise opinion, how should this be handled?”

Lingzhi looked toward the mother and two cubs—not seeing the king of beasts roaring fiercely, but seeing hunger and thirst beyond words, heart-piercing grief. He shook his head, sighed, then looked at the white goat—seeing the poor creature bleating weakly, only begging for his mercy. Lingzhi lowered his head and sighed, “All beings’ life and death, death and life, are determined by past reincarnations…”

Lingzhen, being a rough monk, was startled upon hearing this, “Abbot wants to let the tiger eat the goat?” Lingzhi showed a compassionate expression, shook his head and said, “It’s not that I let the tiger eat the goat—the tiger eats it on its own. Before the karmic dharma of reincarnation, all beings have their own retribution—we cannot interfere.”

The voice inside the door laughed heartily and said coldly, “What an Abbot! So you study Buddhist dharma and practice martial arts just to escape worldly suffering? If the tiger eating the goat is the goat’s karmic retribution, then why not let Lingzhen kill the tiger—wouldn’t that also be the tiger’s karmic retribution? Consider further—bandits raping and killing women, officials brutally persecuting loyal ministers—all are the victims’ karmic retribution. Why should you interfere with anything? Lingzhi, ah Lingzhi, your ‘wisdom’ character is your karmic obstacle!”

Lingzhi sighed, his eyes full of compassion, but with Buddhist way thus established and reincarnation set, what could human power accomplish? Feeling emotional, he quietly chanted Buddha’s name but had no words in response.

The tiger had been waiting for its feast. Seeing no one coming to interfere, it led its two cubs toward the goat. The white goat, seeing its impending death with all the monks showing no intention to intervene, immediately cried out in panic. Not knowing where it found the strength, it got up and ran straight toward the monks. Seeing the goat flee, the tiger’s fierce nature was aroused—it leaped with all four limbs to pounce and bite.

Just then, with a whooshing sound, a sword unsheathed and drove the tiger away. The sword wielder was white-robed with a snow-pale face—precisely Tianjue Monk’s final disciple, Yang Suguan. Seeing him act, Lingyin, Lingding, Lingzhen and others felt gratified in their hearts—only Lingzhi pressed palms together and chanted Buddha’s name as if he hadn’t seen.

The goat, having just escaped the tiger’s mouth, was still full of panic. Though wanting to flee quickly, its back was severely injured and it could only lie struggling on the ground, unable to rise. Yang Suguan took it into his arms, making gestures of comfort. How could the goat know his intentions? Fearing Yang Suguan would harm it, in its panic it struggled even more desperately.

Yang Suguan said softly, “Good, good, don’t be afraid.” He stroked the goat’s wool with a compassionate expression, his lips moving slightly as if speaking of something. Hearing the comfort, the goat actually stopped struggling. Its small body leaned against Yang Suguan’s embrace as it slowly closed its eyes, throat making soft bleating sounds, its manner very peaceful.

Yang Suguan gently touched the goat’s neck, saying tenderly, “Good… so good…”

Suddenly a soft crack was heard. The monks saw this and couldn’t help being horrified—they saw Yang Suguan’s palm gently twist, and in an instant he had broken the goat’s neck, allowing the white goat to pass away in tranquility.

The monks were both shocked and frightened. In their confusion, not knowing whether to voice criticism, they suddenly saw Yang Suguan lift the goat’s body and present the small goat before the tiger, saying softly, “Eat.”

The three tigers eagerly approached and began devouring. Seeing them panting and desperately tearing at the goat’s body, driven by the fire of hunger in their bellies, they were worse than hungry ghosts in hell—where was half the dignity of the king of beasts? In less than half a moment, the goat was bloody and mangled, already half eaten. The monks felt great sorrow and quietly recited rebirth mantras to deliver the goat’s soul.

In the morning light’s illumination, amid the sound of Buddhist chanting, Yang Suguan quietly watched the way of creation and heaven. His face showed neither sorrow nor joy, those clear, handsome eyes like stars in the night sky—no one knew what he was thinking.

“Amitabha…”

A Buddhist chant came from within the door—it was Tianjue Monk speaking. In the morning quiet, they heard him say gently, “Tell master why you killed the goat?” Yang Suguan slowly stepped forward and knelt, saying, “To save all beings from suffering, one must uphold the Asura dharma. When the Asura King comes, beings fear neither death—not fearing death, there is no heart’s suffering; without heart’s suffering, there is no sorrow or tears. Thus the world finds peace.”

All things in the world naturally seek life and hate death. Hearing Yang Suguan’s words, all the monks were bewildered and confused. Tianjue Monk sighed, “What is the Asura dharma?”

Yang Suguan said solemnly, “When the Asura King comes, life cannot make them rejoice, death cannot make them fear. The living don’t cling to life—life is not life. The dying don’t fear death—death is not death. Only thus will all things stop fighting and struggling, and reincarnation will one day cease.”

Hearing this, all the monks were deeply moved. A sigh came from within the door, then he asked, “Are you the Asura King?”

Yang Suguan knelt with palms pressed together and answered, “May all sins of heaven and earth return to my body.”

There was silence within the door. After a long while, the cloth cord gently moved, its power lifting Yang Suguan up. Tianjue’s voice sounded from within the door, “True son of Buddha… enter…” The voice was faint and indistinct, seemingly there yet not there. Yang Suguan nodded slightly, bowed respectfully to Lingzhi and the others, then stepped inside the door.

Only when the living don’t cling to life and the dying don’t fear death will the world be without sorrow. The monks quietly repeated those two phrases, all showing compassionate expressions. Perhaps only in the ultimate realm of “life is not life, death is not death” could the human world forget both sorrow and joy, and the world finally have peaceful days…

In the dim chamber, faint morning light shone in. Looking up at the spacious, towering walls hung with court-bestowed plaques—some were gifts from the Empress Dowager of Jingfu Palace, others were imperial edicts granted by emperors of the Wuying and Jingtai reigns. This place was deeply relied upon by courts throughout the dynasties—precisely Mount Song Shaolin’s Dharma Inner Hall, the practice chamber of Shaolin’s Tianjue.

Yang Suguan looked at the old monk opposite him, pressed palms together and bowed, “Disciple pays respects to Master.”

The person opposite nodded. Gentle sunlight illuminated his right cheek, revealing a man in monk’s robes with withered features, skin covered in wrinkles, as if he had long since entered final meditation and passed away. Upon first seeing this person, no one could imagine this seemingly near-death, emaciated old monk was actually the divine monk Sanbao Tianjue, whom all of Shaolin Temple had relied upon as their great wall for many years.

“You speak of the Asura way—you should know the Tianjue dharma. Today your master specifically comes to explain cause and effect, enlightening your mind.”

Hearing this, Yang Suguan said admiringly, “Disciple respectfully listens to Master’s teachings.”

Tianjue slowly brought his left and right palms together in prayer position, his dantian gently inhaling and exhaling as he said, “Once there was a young novice whose thoughts turned toward Buddha’s radiance. Daily studying Buddhist dharma, never regretting leaving home.”

Yang Suguan knew his master was using a story to illustrate Buddhist principles, so he only lowered his head with palms pressed together, not daring to move.

Buddhist sounds rang out clear and melodious like Sanskrit chanting, endless to the ear. He heard his master say, “One day when autumn air was refreshing, the novice left the mountain to wander. Crossing the ancient heavenly path, he joyfully met a flock returning. Man and sheep met happily, day and night in loving closeness—the novice was overjoyed, grateful that creation arranged this meeting.”

All around was peaceful silence as Tianjue’s voice gradually grew heavy, continuing:

“Suddenly two tigers came, their mighty roars shocking heaven like thunder. The goats fled in panic, bleating—my heart was sorrowful. The mad tigers pounced and bit, white goats’ blood and tears fell. The orphaned and widowed cried at the mountain gate, begging the monk to drive away the tigers’ power. The white goats wept pitifully, the novice’s compassion stirred. The Bodhi staff fell, killing the fierce royal bandits. In ten days, tiger corpses piled like mountains.

“The large goats rejoiced greatly, bleating as they ate flower buds. Small goats wandered the valleys, healthy steps flying over mountains. The human world returned to ultimate joy, heaven and earth free from evil madness. From then on, no fierce tiger roars were heard, only flocks growing fatter daily.”

In the distance, Buddhist sounds and Sanskrit chanting were solemn and sacred. Yang Suguan sighed and asked quietly, “What happened next?”

“The following year brought great cold, not a trace of green or yellow anywhere. The flock found no food, their voices filled with sorrow. They searched desperately for fruit, but none could be found in the vicinity.”

Yang Suguan shook his head and sighed, asking sadly, “All the goats died?”

Tianjue nodded slightly, “Where there is life, there is death; where there is death, there is life. Those who violate this face heaven’s extinction. Just because the young novice was soft-hearted and exterminated the tiger population, the cycle of life and death was shattered. The goats bred excessively, ate all the vegetation, and ironically all perished.”

He lowered his eyes, pressed palms together, and said, “That young novice, seeing the great disaster he had caused, felt self-reproach. From then on, he disciplined his mind and endured, dedicating himself to the way of reincarnation. One day achieving great enlightenment, he changed his name to Tianjue. This is the origin of your master’s dharma name.”

Yang Suguan exclaimed, finally understanding why, though previous generation monks used the character ‘yuan’ for their generation, his master was called Tianjue—there was actually this story behind it.

Monk Tianjue continued, “Heaven’s reincarnation is inherently cruel and abnormal—all things devour each other, only the strong survive. We who study Buddhism must help all beings not delight in life nor fear death, thus escaping reincarnation’s suffering.” He stood up and opened the window, letting gentle morning light into the room, “Seeing what you did today, your master is very gratified. I know that after years away from the mountain, you have gained understanding.”

Yang Suguan prostrated on the ground and said solemnly, “As a disciple of Tianjue’s lineage, I never forget Master’s teachings for a single day.”

Master and disciple sat in silent contemplation for a long while. Tianjue Monk handed over a scripture and said, “Have you heard of this martial art?” Yang Suguan hurriedly received it and looked carefully. The cover bore ten characters in regular script: “Rahula Obstruction Moon Asura Heart Method.”

Rahula’s hands obstruct the sun and moon, blocking their light—this was the most valiant Asura god in Buddhist scriptures. This heart method being named after Rahula Asura showed its formidable power. Having received his sect’s teachings for years, Yang Suguan naturally understood its danger. He quickly pressed palms together and said, “This martial art is Senior Brother Lingding’s protective divine skill. Disciple once saw senior brother use it at Mount Hua.”

Tianjue smiled slightly and said, “Shaolin’s five great forbidden divine skills are all collected here.” He then took out four more scriptures and presented them before Yang Suguan. Yang Suguan’s face turned iron-pale. Though not knowing his master’s intention in producing these scriptures, curiosity compelled him to look down. The first scripture bore a line of Sanskrit text: “Jambudvipa Southern Viewing Continent Human Realm Fragrant Sleeves.”

Yang Suguan was shocked. “Jambudvipa” was Sanskrit, translated as “human realm.” Legend said this “Human Realm Fragrant Sleeves” technique brought heavy karmic obstacles during practice. Practitioners had to undergo transformation to achieve the five levels of true self—”Concentration, Discipline, Persistence, Forgetting, Severance”—before attaining proper fruit.

This martial art was extremely difficult to practice. For a thousand years, many temple monks who practiced to “Disciplined Self” and “Persistent Self” faced great dangers. Each additional level brought more inner demons, leading to madness and suicide. Fifty years ago, after a Luohan Hall seat committed suicide because of it, the temple’s high monks classified this scripture as forbidden transmission, forbidding monks from practicing it further. Yet now it reappeared in the world.

Tianjue Monk said nothing, slowly spreading out the remaining scriptures. The titles were in various languages—Chinese or Sanskrit, regular or cursive script—each difficult to identify. Yang Suguan struggled to read them: “Tiryak Egg-Born Womb-Born Moisture-Born Transformation-Born Four Extinction Hands,” “Naraka Eighteen Naraka Hell Sutra,” “Three Obstacles Great Mighty Virtue Hungry Ghost True Delusion Fire.”

Having long been influenced by Buddhist teachings, Yang Suguan knew “Tiryak” meant “Animal Realm,” also called “Parallel Birth,” including the four beast forms of egg, womb, moisture, and transformation. Needless to say, those Four Extinction Hands must be sinister and treacherous extreme evil martial arts. Naraka was the name of hell, and Great Mighty Virtue was the supreme among hungry ghosts. These scriptures’ martial arts were definitely not benevolent.

“Human Realm Fragrant Sleeves” still contained the character for “human,” yet it caused practitioners to lose will and destroy nature, leading to its forbidden classification. Looking at these three scriptures, all belonged to Buddhism’s “Three Evil Realms”—Animal Realm, Hell Realm, and Hungry Ghost Realm. The martial arts within must be extremely evil and wicked techniques.

Yang Suguan’s hair stood on end, not knowing why his master had produced these scriptures.

Tianjue Monk chanted a Buddha’s name and presented the final scripture. This one Yang Suguan knew well—it was his master’s unique ultimate technique, “Heavenly Secret.”

This scripture was vast and profound, recording Dharma’s lifetime martial essence, called “Heavenly Secret.” Tianjue Monk’s fist, palm, and sword three treasures operated with divine flexibility, all emerging from within. That set of “Bodhi Dharma Thirty-Three Heavens Sword” was the essence of this martial scripture. When Yang Suguan returned to the temple months ago, he had received transmission of the heart method, greatly advancing his martial arts since then. Having personally experienced it, he knew this divine skill’s remarkable power. He immediately steadied his mind and asked, “Master, what is your intention in producing these scriptures?”

Tianjue Monk looked at him, picked up the first scripture, waved it before Yang Suguan, and smiled, “Rahula Asura’s way—practicing it disturbs the mind. In six hundred years, it has killed eighteen practicing monks and caused over three hundred innocent deaths. Forbidden transmission for a hundred years.”

Yang Suguan showed a bewildered expression, not understanding why his master mentioned this historical account. While pondering, Tianjue Monk placed the scripture beside himself, then picked up the second and said, “Jambudvipa Human Realm Fragrant Sleeves—practicing it destroys will. In one hundred twenty years, it harmed six monks and destroyed one Luohan Hall seat. Forbidden transmission fifty years ago.” He also placed this scripture beside Yang Suguan.

He picked up scriptures one after another, explaining each one. Soon, the names of the six realms and their origins continuously rang in his ears. Yang Suguan’s side was also filled with scriptures—from Rahula to Great Mighty Virtue, five scriptures surrounded him at the center, precisely Shaolin’s forbidden five great ultimate arts.

Yang Suguan didn’t understand his master’s intention and just sat quietly. Tianjue Monk pressed palms together and said quietly, “Martial arts have no inherent good or evil. If the practitioner is good, martial arts become good; if the practitioner is evil, martial arts naturally become evil. Only these five forbidden techniques disturb the mind, destroy will, corrupt virtue, confuse nature, and extinguish spirit—practitioners invariably become mentally deranged. Therefore, all are forbidden transmission, prohibiting temple monks from practicing.”

Yang Suguan had also heard temple monks mention these accounts. Years ago, when Senior Brother Lingding faced Zhuo Lingzhao, despite the unfavorable situation, he still refused to use “Asura Divine Skill” against the enemy—this was the reason. He sighed and said, “Since practicing them is harmful, why does Master produce these harmful martial arts?”

Seeing him deep in thought, Tianjue Monk immediately smiled, “Last time you returned to the temple, do you know why, though your power was insufficient, Master still insisted on transmitting ‘Heavenly Secret’ to you?” Yang Suguan pondered for a long while and said, “Master knew my martial arts were lacking and I repeatedly suffered defeats traveling the martial world, so you intended to strengthen me?”

Tianjue Monk smiled, “Don’t blame yourself. In these chaotic times, one cannot stick to old conventions. Our temple monks first lost to Fang Zijing, then to Zhuo Lingzhao. If we remain inflexibly traditional, we’ll surely dig our own graves. Lingding has practiced Asura divine arts, and last month Master also transmitted the remaining heart methods to your three senior brothers. With Zhiding, Lingyin, and Lingzhen’s power, they should have achieved some success these days.”

Yang Suguan was greatly shocked, cold sweat pouring down his forehead as he said tremblingly, “Master transmitted the forbidden divine skills?” Tianjue Monk nodded, “Master wants you to practice these forbidden martial arts, and even wants you to practice Heavenly Secret heart method early—the intention lies only in the six realms of reincarnation.”

Hearing this, Yang Suguan immediately saw the crucial point and quickly said, “Please enlighten me, Master.” Tianjue smiled, “Shaolin elders have passed down that while there are no invincible martial arts in the world, there are invincible formations. Heavenly Secret guides the Bodhi mind,启 great wisdom, enabling the realms of Heaven, Human, Asura, Hell, Hungry Ghost, and Animal to reverse, finally reaching the state of six realms reincarnation.” He smiled and nodded, placing the five scriptures in Yang Suguan’s hands.

Hearing his master’s elaborate preparations, Yang Suguan couldn’t help being shocked and quickly said, “Master, you want us to practice these evil arts—could it be for…” Master and disciple were connected at heart. Without needing to finish, Tianjue Monk nodded and continued, “You guessed correctly. This formation is precisely designed for Nucang Mountain!”

Upon hearing “Nucang Mountain,” Yang Suguan couldn’t help trembling all over. Just as he was about to respond, he suddenly heard a sigh from below the chamber. The voice was ghostly and eerie, very deep, yet where the sound waves reached, tea bowls rattled and water waves rippled endlessly. Yang Suguan’s face changed as he stood up abruptly in shock, “There’s someone below?”

Having frequented this chamber since childhood, he had never heard such strange sounds. Despite his usual composed demeanor and experience far beyond ordinary people, he couldn’t help being greatly astonished.

Tianjue Monk indicated his disciple needn’t be alarmed. He smiled slightly, “Though Nucang’s resurgence has understandable reasons, blindly pursuing hatred and slaughter only destroys the welfare of ten thousand people—how can it bring the dead back to life?” He closed his eyes and smiled, his hands forming a gesture of holding and embracing, “Master prepares this sword formation not to eliminate Nucang Mountain, but to enlighten them.”

Yang Suguan was shocked and pale, “Master! You… you want to subdue Nucang Mountain?”

Tianjue Monk smiled and pressed palms together, “Amitabha. Master summoned you back to the temple precisely for this cosmic injustice. I hope the dead find rebirth, the living submit, and years of killing karma finally end in our hands.”

Yang Suguan stared dumbfounded at his master. After a long while, his spiritual platform returned to clear illumination, astonishment gradually faded, and he regained his calm scheming. Several thoughts turned in his mind as he shook his head and said, “Master, according to disciple’s knowledge, the Nucang people harbor deep hatred toward the court like the sea. What wonderful plan does Master have to subdue these heroes?” Though he didn’t openly object, his meaning was clear—he disagreed with his master.

Tianjue Monk looked at him, immediately picked up a brush, and wrote four lines of sixteen characters on paper, presenting them before Yang Suguan.

Yang Suguan leaned close to look and saw four verse lines clearly written:

Year of Wuchen ends

Dragon Emperor moves the world

Heavenly secret remains true

Gods and ghosts at ease

Tianjue Monk said, “These four lines concern all beings under heaven. Qin Baxian’s rebellion, Shenji Cave’s opening, Ning Bufan’s retirement, even Liu Jing’s political upheaval—all were influenced by these four lines…” He raised his brush and drew a black line from upper right to lower left, then lifted his arm and drew another line from upper left to lower right. Yang Suguan read along the lines, quietly reciting, “Wu, Huang, You, Zai, Shen, Ji, Dong, Zhong…” After reading twice, he couldn’t help trembling all over and said shakily, “Our Emperor still resides in Shenji Cave?”

Tianjue Monk sighed, “Years ago, the entire nation hunted Qin Baxian, knowing him as the world’s greatest rebel. Actually, this man’s loyal heart and purpose were entirely devoted to running errands for Emperor Wuying.” He was silent for a long while, compassion appearing in his eyes, “In the past, I accepted court invitations and repeatedly battled Nucang, never knowing these inside details. Only when Shenji Cave’s gate opened last year did I believe Qianlong’s words.”

Yang Suguan said in shock, “Qianlong? Who is he?”

Tianjue Monk didn’t answer. He smiled slightly, gazing at his disciple, and suddenly said, “Suguan, do you want to see ‘him’?”

“‘Him’… ‘him’… who is ‘him’?”

Yang Suguan’s voice involuntarily trembled. Though these words were only four characters, they took great effort to speak.

Tianjue Monk smiled, “‘Him’ is Zhu Yan. The previous dynasty’s Emperor Wuying.” Yang Suguan cried out and stepped back, his back hitting the wall panel with a bang.

Tianjue Monk continued, “The chaotic times rise again, but not without solution. In the world, only ‘he’ can reverse the entire situation, making rebels lay down their arms again; only ‘he’ can stabilize the nation and calm souls, making Nucang’s heroes serve the court again.”

He paused and continued, “Including you and me, only three people in the world know this person hides in Dharma Hall’s secret. This matter is extremely confidential. Even your Abbot senior brother doesn’t know. Until the time is right, it absolutely cannot be leaked.”

Though Yang Suguan was naturally shrewd and usually didn’t reveal his emotions, hearing this secret, cold sweat poured down and his breathing became heavy. He swallowed saliva, struggled to suppress his excitement, and said quietly, “Master, this great plan involves too much. Though disciple is stupid, I know powerful ministers’ methods are fearsome. Please be extremely cautious.” He spoke slowly, word by word, wanting to persuade with all his strength.

Seeing his pale face, Tianjue Monk knew he had other doubts and immediately comforted him, “Don’t worry—Master has wonderful plans. Look there…” He pointed to a wall panel opposite. Yang Suguan followed his gesture and saw a yellow proclamation hanging on the wall inscribed with “Jingfu Palace.” Yang Suguan said in shock, “Master! You… you want to hand ‘him’ over to the Empress Dowager?”

Tianjue Monk nodded, “Exactly so. When the Empress Dowager issues an edict to mediate and establishes Zhu Yan’s sacred name as Imperial Uncle, Jingtai will resolve his greatest concern and surely restore benevolent rule. The petty people in court will naturally have nothing to scheme about.” He slowly stood and lightly brushed his monk’s sleeves, “With the situation settled, Qin Baxian’s wish fulfilled, the court can also use the position of ‘Western Expedition Grand Commander’ to win over rebels and restore the Qin family’s loyal reputation. Master hopes you can understand this painstaking effort…”

“Western Expedition Grand Commander” was precisely Marquis Wude Qin Baxian’s official position. Hearing his master’s words, he actually intended to overturn Qin Baxian’s wrongful case and bestow the title again upon Qin Zhonghai. Yang Suguan opened his mouth in bewilderment, carefully considering his master’s strategy. Suddenly he remembered something—he cried out as all his strength left him, immediately falling backward and sitting down, saying tremblingly, “Master, it won’t work… it won’t work… they… they won’t agree… this will get everyone killed!” His voice carried grief, and in his urgency, he seemed about to weep.

Hearing his disciple’s continuous panicked calls, Tianjue Monk knew he must fear something. He immediately shook his head and smiled, “No need to worry about Jiang Chong. With Nucang’s resurgence and Five Tigers returning to the mountain, they will surely severely damage court forces. With this heavenly timing, geographical advantage, and human harmony, great things can be accomplished.” Yang Suguan waved his hands in alarm, “It’s not Jiang Chong! It’s not Jiang Chong! Master, you’ll get yourself killed…”

Tianjue Monk helped up his disciple and comforted him gently, “Don’t be afraid—Master is here for everything… As long as we subdue these rebels, we can eliminate warfare for all beings under heaven. With two sages on the throne, Jingtai knows restraint and can achieve the way of a benevolent ruler—why not do it?”

He stopped persuading. His left hand supported Yang Suguan while his right operated a mechanism, continuously comforting, “Guan’er, Guan’er… now follow Master to see ‘him’… Only after seeing ‘him’ can the world’s situation stabilize and rebels stop their rebellious hearts… Look… ‘he’ is waiting for you…”

Accompanied by his master’s low voice, creaking sounds arose as the secret door opened.

The ground slowly separated, revealing a hidden passage. The tunnel was deep and dark, with no visible end…

Yang Suguan looked toward the deep underground and immediately trembled all over.

Asura King…

That god-demon seemed to hide underground, dancing with a thousand eyes and thousand arms, beckoning and smiling at him…

Yang Suguan’s eyes filled with tears. Suddenly his mind became chaotic. His face showed painful expression as he covered his right ear with his hand, knelt down, embraced Tianjue Monk’s leg, and said sorrowfully, “Master, disciple begs you… don’t… don’t go down…”

Tianjue Monk helped up his disciple and smiled, “Don’t be afraid… aren’t you going to be the Asura King? After seeing ‘him,’ twenty years of karmic causes and effects will be resolved! Once you see ‘him,’ Shaolin can create a Buddha realm, bringing fortune to all beings under heaven again! Come… don’t be afraid… just follow Master…”

Tianjue Monk quietly chanted Buddha’s name like heavenly music calling from the ultimate bliss realm. Yang Suguan wanted to speak but hesitated, his throat already choking.

He gritted his teeth and lowered his head, no longer able to endure the grief in his heart. Suddenly two streams of tears fell.

There was no choice.

From now on, life would face ambush from ten directions, and that path could no longer be avoided…

The Asura path covered in blood.

Benevolent and righteous Grand Preceptor Yang…