Chapter Fifty: Seeking a Taoist in Times of Trouble, Fulfilling a Vow to a Monk

With the cultivation of both men, they could clearly sense the immense field of wish-power swirling above Nangou County, forming a vast energy field over the entire city. Moreover, this psychic force seemed to point in a specific direction, and as it grew stronger, a hazy world appeared where the myriad symbols hovered in mid-air, filled with golden lotuses.

“Lotus of Saha Mind Power!” The Daoist Ren exclaimed in astonishment.

Shangguan Chuanyun had heard of the Meritorious Golden Lotus, the Pure World White Lotus, the World-Ending Black Lotus, the Karma Fire Red Lotus, the Creation Blue Lotus, but never of the Lotus of Saha Mind Power. What was its purpose, and what was it for? He knew nothing about it and asked, “Master, what is this Lotus of Saha Mind Power?”

The Daoist looked toward Nangou County and replied, “This lotus is not a tangible object, but rather a magical technique, a supernatural art. Are you aware of the Buddhist doctrine of the Nine Grades of Lotus?”

Shangguan Chuanyun thought for a moment about his knowledge of Buddhism, then said, “Yes, the cultivation of the nine-grade lotus incarnations is divided into upper, middle, and lower grades. It is the foundation for Buddhist disciples’ practice and the place to which one goes after passing from this world?”

Daoist Ren continued to ask, “Indeed, but do you know how it is formed?”

As for its formation, Shangguan Chuanyun truly did not know, so he answered honestly, “I do not know.”

“It is established through the doctrines and rules of the Buddhist teachings. Every believer studies these, constructing a fictitious world in their minds. Every devotee begins with renunciation—abandoning wives, children, and all attachments—offering everything to this world. Especially their mental power: their personal cultivation begins with rejecting the body, then the family, and even the nation.

This method does not require any treasures of heaven and earth; even if there were such treasures, they could not be used as vessels, for everything is sacrificed into this world. This world is known as the Saha World, and because it is shaped by the collective mind power of the faithful and takes the form of a lotus, it is called the Lotus of Saha Mind Power.”

Hearing this, Shangguan Chuanyun realized he had considered similar questions before, though he had never formed a complete system. Nevertheless, he could still discern right from wrong. He recalled a legend from his previous life, which claimed that the Six Paths of Reincarnation had been fabricated or created by forcibly disrupting the natural cycle of the world, in order to benefit a particular sect. Ever since that legend spread, it seemed as if the spiritual energy of heaven and earth on Earth had vanished in an instant, as if it had been sacrificed. Could this be related? He asked, “Master, how did the Six Paths of Reincarnation come to be?”

Daoist Ren looked at Shangguan Chuanyun with a puzzled expression. “The Six Paths of Reincarnation? What is that?”

Shangguan Chuanyun was surprised—could it be that reincarnation did not exist in this world? Or was there no rebirth at all? Yet the records mentioned the presence of the Lord of the Underworld—how did souls reincarnate, then? He explained his thoughts, “It refers to the process after death, where judgment in the underworld sends one to the appropriate reincarnation.”

Daoist Ren laughed and shook his head. “So that is what you meant. Reincarnation does exist, but it arises naturally from heaven and earth and is called the Five Paths and Six Bridges.

The Five Paths are those of Heaven, Man, Beasts, Hungry Ghosts, and Hell.

Life has no inherent hierarchy; all things possess spiritual essence and are independent beings. Heaven and earth give birth to all things but do not interfere. Relying solely on their own merit and source, each being is drawn to cross one of the Six Bridges.”

This was the first time Shangguan Chuanyun had heard such a novel explanation, and he asked, “What are the Six Bridges?”

Daoist Ren answered, “The Six Bridges are the Golden Bridge, Silver Bridge, Jade Bridge, Corpse Bridge, Wooden Bridge, and Bamboo Bridge. The bridge one is drawn to depends on their innate fortune. The Golden Bridge is for nobles and leads to the realm of gods and men; the Bamboo Bridge is the lowest, leading to the depths of the underworld. Misfortune and fortune have no gate; only one’s actions summon them. Everything is of one’s own making.”

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Chuanyun was suddenly enlightened. All things in the Three Realms must follow the natural order. To violate it is to suffer retribution.

Surely, in his previous life, the Six Paths of Reincarnation must have been forged by a great cultivator. Anything artificially created must have flaws; violating the laws of nature is one reason. Cultivation always begins with following nature. To disrupt the natural order of heaven and earth is to face its backlash.

Observe the way of heaven and act accordingly.

Those who do not follow these laws may flourish for a time, but never for long. Heaven and earth endure and do not perish, while all things are born and destroyed in endless cycles. To violate the laws of nature is to become history, and after countless years, one turns to dust, left only as a relic in a museum for others to admire their former glory.

Suddenly, the Armillary Sphere within Shangguan Chuanyun’s mind flickered and began to rotate, albeit slowly. From his understanding of the sphere, he could tell it was indeed moving. Moreover, subtle changes were occurring, as if its functions were becoming more complete, and Shangguan Chuanyun felt a surge of excitement.

At last, you have responded, old friend. He trembled with excitement but quickly suppressed his feelings, resolving to study it further in the future.

Calming himself, he noticed Daoist Ren beside him, alert and watchful of their surroundings. He heard the Daoist ask, “Layman, have you gained any insight?”

“Yes, I have,” Shangguan Chuanyun replied.

Daoist Ren relaxed his vigilance. “That is good. Sudden enlightenment is rare and precious each time.”

Shangguan Chuanyun was startled—so that was it. Even if his realization had lasted but a moment, Daoist Ren’s sharp eyes had surely noticed.

Just then, he sensed a furtive figure sneaking into the Eastern Peak Temple. Shangguan Chuanyun was puzzled: this person had climbed the mountain at night, even though his own guards were stationed below. If anyone passed by the ruined temple at night, his guards would surely stop or interrogate them. Judging by this person’s secretive behavior, something was definitely amiss, so he asked, “Master, is there only one path up the mountain?”

“No, there is a small side path. In the past, when devotees from Nangou County came to offer incense, they would use that path. But after two years of neglect, it’s become overgrown,” Daoist Ren replied.

Shangguan Chuanyun nodded. “This person seems up to no good. Master, please wait while I drag him out.”

He was about to rise when Daoist Ren stopped him. “Wait, layman. I know this man—his name is Zhao San, a local from near Nangou. A few days ago, his mother was gravely ill, and I went down the mountain to treat her. Seeing how impoverished they were, I only accepted a bowl of rice bran as payment.”

“Could he be here to steal?” Shangguan Chuanyun asked.

“It matters not…”

Even as Daoist Ren spoke, the two sensed Zhao San sneaking into the main hall, bowing several times before the statue of the Eastern Peak Emperor, pressing his index fingers together and raising them to the sky. He prayed, “Your disciple Zhao San faces hardship today. My mother has recovered from her illness, and we wish to repay our vow at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Nangou, hoping for peace in this life and rebirth in the Western Paradise after death. But we are destitute and cannot make an offering to the Buddha. May the great Emperor have mercy and grant us some money.”

He then ran to the merit box, opened it, found nothing, and shook it angrily. Frustrated, he tossed it aside and complained to the statue, “Aren’t you a deity, Eastern Peak Emperor? Why can’t you spare me some money? Aren’t gods supposed to help people in need? How did you even become a deity?”

Shangguan Chuanyun couldn’t help but laugh at his outburst. Yet, such complaints were common, and he wondered where people inherited these customs.

He considered throwing Zhao San out and letting his guards teach him a lesson, but seeing Daoist Ren sitting motionless on his mat, apparently unconcerned, he asked, “Master, why not intervene?”

Daoist Ren replied, “Those of us who cultivate should not trouble ourselves with mundane affairs. Let him do as he pleases, as long as he does not harm the sanctity of the temple. First, we cultivate for ourselves, then for others.”

Shangguan Chuanyun sighed inwardly. In this life, he was too deeply entangled in worldly affairs, unable to let go, lacking the single-minded pursuit of the Way.

Indeed, many things cannot be resolved through force. If one were to rely on martial strength alone—wielding power indiscriminately, killing without regard for right or wrong, good or evil—how would that differ from a madman running amok? At least a madman would not intentionally harm others.

He would focus on his own practice, as long as he was not disturbed by external matters. He watched Zhao San ransack the temple's drawers with indifference. So long as Zhao San did not cross his bottom line, he could do as he pleased.

Zhao San then moved from the main hall to a side chamber, where Daoist Ren usually kept watch. He rummaged through the place, scattering scriptures everywhere. At last, he found a small cloth pouch, emptied it, and counted out exactly five hundred coins.

Pocketing the money and tying the pouch to his belt, Zhao San muttered, “Now I have enough to go to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and fulfill my vow.”

He strutted out, not retracing his steps, but descending directly down the steps in front of the main hall.

Shangguan Chuanyun looked at Daoist Ren, who remained indifferent, as if he had seen nothing. He asked, “Master, you saw this man stealing, why did you not stop him?”

Daoist Ren answered, “I am not fond of meddling in such matters, nor is it my place. Besides, the Eastern Peak Temple has its own guardian deity, the Eagle-Tiger General, who is responsible for such affairs. Heaven and earth have their divisions; each has its role. I will not overstep my bounds to act as the Guardian General. Moreover, the Guardian General has already reported and inquired about the matter. He will handle it himself.”

“I see,” Shangguan Chuanyun replied. Recalling the eagle-beaked and tiger-clawed deities stationed midway up the mountain, he asked, “Are those the guardians at the mountain gate?”

“Indeed, but there is only one, not two. He is of unusual appearance, fierce countenance, a phoenix beak and silver teeth, clad in a red robe with black trim, and rides the Celestial Wind-Fire Wheels. Later generations imagined him as two statues.”

“Please enlighten me further, Master,” Shangguan Chuanyun requested.

Daoist Ren continued, “The General was once a contemporary cultivator with the Eastern Peak Emperor. He wagered with the Emperor that should the latter commit even the slightest breach of heavenly morality, he would take his life. Yet, after observing the Eastern Peak Emperor for twelve years, he found not a single fault. Moved, he willingly became the Emperor's guardian.”

Only then did Shangguan Chuanyun understand; it was just as he had heard of King Lingguan in his previous life—both had similar experiences and were among the most formidable guardian deities.

He recalled a tale from his past life: once, as King Lingguan was patrolling the Three Realms, he happened upon a monkey causing mischief in the Heavenly Court. After five hundred rounds of play, he grew bored and prepared to strike the monkey down with his Thunder Whip. Fortunately, the Thunder Ancestor intervened, explaining that this mock Heavenly Court was a farce engineered by the Western Church to deceive the masses and attract believers. They could play as they wished.

Only then did King Lingguan desist. Stepping onto his Celestial Wind-Fire Wheels, he vanished in a flash of fire.