Chapter 606: The Torch Slowly Ignites

Chapter 606 – The Ember Begins to Glow

The venerable Sangyan Buddha, Lin Jiepo, surprisingly spoke of his own wish to seek life.

Although I was certain I had not misheard, the statement remained incredulous, stirring within Yuan Mingfei an absurd feeling that welled up from the depths of her heart.

The situation at the fiefdom was indeed a tumult of shifting clouds and mist, with the New Donglin Party brandishing swords before them, the Great Shōwa and the White Horse observing from the walls, the Han transmission Buddhist order watching tiger‑like from the side, and even in the darkness the State and the Eastern Palace stirring wind and rain.

Yet all parties still maintained a stalemate, the future course unclear to anyone.

How could Lin Jiepo be so certain that he would fail and die?

Moreover, having taken the initiative to come to my door and speak these words, what does she mean?

Could she be hoping that we, this group, would extend a helping hand to her? That seems rather far‑fetched.

"No need to be astonished," she said, "in this situation I am already trapped, unable to free myself; nine times out of ten my only outcome is death. Only thus will the various powers within the fiefdom be satisfied, only then will they obtain what they each desire."

Gazing at the shocked Yuan Mingfei, Lin Jiepo’s expression remained calm, speaking plainly.

"On Spirit Mountain blades are sharpened, at the fiefdom evil mouths gape; now everyone awaits my promotion to the Second Order. Should I cross this threshold, they will swarm forth and tear me apart."

Yuan Mingfei’s spirit shuddered, and she blurted, "Why?"

"They need someone to go first, to test right from wrong. Yet at the same time they do not wish anyone to block the path ahead. Even fellow travelers are unwelcome."

Lin Jiepo asked softly, "You should be able to understand my meaning."

One whale dies, myriad things are born.

This principle Yuan Mingfei naturally comprehended.

But that did not mean she would believe Lin Jiepo’s one‑sided words.

"Promotion to the Second Order is nigh unto godhood; who could harm you?"

Yuan Mingfei sneered, "Even if the enemy outnumbers us, surely we are not incapable of fleeing?"

"My path forward is controlled by others."

In Lin Jiepo’s detached gaze a hint of bitterness and helplessness surfaced.

"From the start I was merely the object they selected. The farther I went, the more bonds accumulated upon me. Now, belatedly aware, I am already bound hand and foot, powerless to break free."

Lin Jiepo’s words seemed obscure, yet behind them lay a wealth of information.

Almost involuntarily, Yuan Mingfei’s thoughts followed Lin Jiepo’s speech, delving deeper.

In the darkness, it seemed as if the mist that enshrouded the entire fiefdom slowly dispersed before her eyes.

"Who are the ‘they’ that Lin Jiepo claims secretly ‘selected’ her in the dark?"

Yuan Mingfei originally thought this referred to the various powers now gathered at the fiefdom.

But upon reflection, that seemed unlikely.

If that were true, Lin Jiepo would hardly have had the chance to become ‘aware after the fact.'

Moreover, to have Lin Jiepo sense the impending danger and awaken from the ecstasy of promotion to the Second Order, as she does now, would be impossible.

Thus it appears that many in the fiefdom now claim to be master strategists, yet are in fact muddled and confused.

They imagine themselves as the knives that will carve up the feast, when in truth they are merely the meat upon the cutting board.

As for the ‘bonds,’ they are comparatively easier to grasp.

If the fiefdom Buddhist order and the State cooperate to find a technique to save themselves, then the State’s secret meddling in the shadows is practically a foregone conclusion.

Even if we concede ten thousand steps we assume the State harbors no malice, acting solely for self‑preservation, it would still certainly plant covert measures.

Otherwise, once the fiefdom Buddhist order is reborn thousand steps that the State harbors no malice, acting solely for self‑preservation, it would still certainly plant covert measures.

Otherwise, once the fiefdom Buddhist order is reborn, there is no doubt they would be the first to strike at them.

Under one’s own roof, how can others be allowed to sleep peacefully?

A doctrine bestowed by another, a false god subject to another’s will.

In this light, Lin Jiepo truly has only a dead‑end road.

Yuan Mingfei examined Lin Jiepo’s words syllable by syllable, unraveling them thread by thread; mere speculation, unable to confirm truth or falsehood, made her involuntarily draw a sharp breath.

After the ‘Yellow Beam’ was completed, the Buddhist order that had strayed into the wrong path became a band of desperate, trapped beasts.

All they could do was expend everything to seek life amidst death; even knowing that the flesh the State might leave behind could be poisoned, they had no alternative but to gulp it down gladly.

And the Sangyan Buddha Lin Jiepo before us is precisely the most pitiable of those beasts.

"If that is so, why do you not abandon the pursuit of promotion?"

Having come this far, Yuan Mingfei seemed temporarily unable to bear the grudge between herself and the Sangyan Temple; her whole being was absorbed into the great momentum sweeping the fiefdom.

"If you refrain from advancing to the Second Order for a single day, will they not likewise refrain from moving against you for that day?"

Chen Qisheng, standing nearby, hearing this, could not help but frown slightly, his gaze toward Lin Jiepo growing ever colder.

"I can no longer stop."

Lin Jiepo’s tone remained even.

Yuan Mingfei’s eyes flickered, her lips twitched, and before she could speak, Chen Qisheng from beside her interjected.

"If you cannot halt, then why not meet death openly? After all, sacrificing oneself for the Buddhist order is precisely the supreme honor you people speak of."

Chen Qisheng jeered, "Afraid of death, how then can one become a Buddha?"

"It seems you still misunderstand."

Lin Jiepo looked at Chen Qisheng, her eyes clear as morning dew, and spoke softly: "What I mean by seeking life is not to prolong this bodily existence, but to let the aspirations of this life endure."

"What aspirations?"

Chen Qisheng gripped his sword, silver armor shining like snow, two vermilion‑azure Dao sigils twining about him, his hostility unmasked.

"Over these years, in order to survive, the fiefdom Buddhist order’s conduct and mindset have grown ever more frenzied, perse people, committing irreparable wrongs."

Lin Jiepo’s compassionate words were cut short by a high‑pitched sword chant.

It was Chen Qisheng plucking the strings of his blade with his fingertips.

"Is my memory at fault, or does the Sangyan Buddha, Lin Jiepo, forget those who have aided him? I recall that in the neighboring Ü‑Tsang Garrison there are many of your Sangyan Temple’s Buddhist order who treat the fan people as swine and dogs, crushing their bones, sucking their marrow, using their flesh to fertilize the soil, inscribing their blood upon the sutras."

"I have long been unable to control the Sangyan Buddhist order; this is but one of my many sins."

Lin Jiepo offered no rebuttal, palms pressed together before her.

"In this life my sins are deep, condemning me to no further rebirth; I only wish to make amends as best I can for having nurtured the Sangyan Buddhist order, yet instead I have brought boundless suffering upon the fan people."

Lin Jiepo’s voice swelled: "Alas, I am now imprisoned upon the Divine Mountain, my lofty aspirations unfulfilled, lacking the chance to enact them. Thus I have come today merely hoping to find someone who will carry on my work after my death."

"Truly spoken with noble righteousness, it inspires involuntary admiration."

Chen Qisheng scoffed, "Yet I still suspect you are merely seeking a shield for yourself, looking for someone to take the blow in your stead, Lin Jiepo. Do you think we are easy to deceive?"

"From where would deceit arise?"

Lin Jiepo’s usually bland face finally showed a hint of expression.

She spoke with a touch of mockery toward Chen Qisheng: "Do you suppose I would have you ward off those wolves and tigers for me? Leaving aside whether you would agree, I ask only this: are you a match for them?"

"Chen Qisheng, if you were the former ‘Zhang True Person,’ I would believe you capable; alas you are not. Even the Salary Master Li Jun cannot hold them back. What benefit would there be for me in deceiving you?"

Chen Qisheng's sword‑shaped brows twitched; he wanted to rebut, yet realized he had no words with which to counter.

Indeed, no matter how florid Lin Jiapo's words might be, our side could not possibly help her, nor could we aid her.

Since the deadlock cannot be changed, what advantage could Lin Jiapo gain by deceiving herself?

Or perhaps, as the saying goes, a person's words turn kind when death is near; Lin Jiapo, knowing she must die, has suddenly awakened and wishes to do some good?

By now, this seems to be the truth.

Yet Chen Qisheng persistently feels something is off, though he cannot pinpoint what.

"So you want me to help you perform penance on your behalf?"

Yuan Mingfei, who had remained silent for a long time beside him, asked, "Why would it be me?"

Lin Jiapo replied, "Because you differ from us; you are the sole exception."

"You hate the earthly Buddha's order, yet you sympathize with the earthly folk, never having engaged in any act of devouring the people. This proves you possess a kind heart."

Barefoot, she trod upon shattered tiles and broken beams, upon severed limbs and blood.

Lin Jiapo's immaculate Buddhist robes were stained with filth, her feet scraped raw, wounds opening all over.

At this moment she no longer resembled the lofty Buddha gazing down upon all beings; she was merely an ordinary woman of the earth, standing quietly before Yuan Mingfei.

"You belong to no sacred mountain, yet you are constantly accompanied by vajra guardians. This shows you possess a fortune beyond that of ordinary folk."

"Once a lowly celestial maiden, you attained the third rank of the order through sheer willpower alone. This proves you can inherit my rank and dharma."

Lin Jiapo spoke in a low voice: "So I have chosen you."

As her words settled, the heavy leaden clouds that had ceased to shed wind and snow suddenly dispersed.

Sunlight pierced down like a blade, a single shaft falling upon Yuan Mingfei, illuminating her brows, eyes, and hair.

Radiant as a miracle, gleaming as if the Buddha himself had descended.

Were there a Buddhist devotee present at this moment, they would surely fall to their knees, kowtow, and chant the Buddha's name.

But in this ruin there is only a swordsman clutching his blade, and a woman who never regards herself as a Buddha.

"Actually, I truly dislike the way you people speak. Opening and closing your mouths, it's always about roots, bones, heart, law, affinity, nature—an aloof immortal‑Buddha aura, forgetting how to speak like ordinary humans."

Yuan Mingfei gazed into Lin Jiapo's eyes.

"From the day I fled the Great Zhao Temple, I never imagined I would one day go to relieve suffering; all I intend to do is save myself and preserve my person."

"My ascent to the third rank of the Buddha order came because I lived precariously—if I did not rise, I would die."

"I earned the vajra guardians' merit because I exchanged hearts with them, sharing life and death side by side."

"I can sympathize with the barbarians because my conscience remains intact; I am still a person."

Yuan Mingfei stepped forward, moving out of the golden light that bathed her, and spoke each word deliberately: "Sangyan Buddha, I ask you one thing—what does all this have to do with the Buddha?"

The woman's brows and eyes were soft, yet her words rang with heroic vigor.

"None."

Lin Jiapo fell silent for a long while, a faint self‑mocking smile touching her lips.

"Since you refuse to hear the heavenly words, I will speak to you in human terms!"

The heavenly light withdrew; she took a step back.

"After my death, the Great Zhao Buddha Longsheng will surely ascend to the second rank of the Buddha order. If you wish to kill him for revenge, accepting my dharma and rank is your sole opportunity."

"Sole?"

Chen Qisheng scoffed, interjecting, "Killing him—I alone am enough."

"The enmity between the old and new Dao orders is far from over."

Lin Jiapo stared unblinking, fixing her gaze into Yuan Mingfei's depths.

"Zhang Jiji, who single‑handedly overturned the True Martial, still lives; he too is a second‑rank Dao."

Those words exploded in Chen Qisheng's mind, leaving him frozen in place.

"The Mo order has split, yin and yang run amok; among those around you, who does not bear a deep, blood‑soaked grudge?"

Yuan Mingfei's expression remained calm, yet her pupils involuntarily contracted, revealing the unease within her heart.

"I will release all the imprisoned lone martial practitioners confined within Sangyan Sacred Mountain; that is all I can do now. Let me remind you—Li Jun now desperately needs these people."

At this moment Lin Jiapo truly seemed to let go, her words sharp, her presence overwhelming.

"The state of the realm is far simpler than you imagine. Without confidence in facing Li Jun, how could they dare to act against the Heavenly Gate?"

No sooner had she spoken than Lin Jiapo turned her head, looking toward the northeast.

"Is everyone gathered?"

Lin Jiapo muttered to herself, then glanced back at the solemn‑faced Yuan Mingfei.

Her lips did not move, yet a voice sounded in Yuan Mingfei's heart.

"Fulfill my long‑held wish, and only then will you be able to aid them. Yuan Mingfei, I will await you on Sangyan Sacred Mountain."

Having spoken those words, Lin Jiapo's incarnation vanished like a mirage.

At the same instant, a fiercer wind and snow began to howl.

Filth concealed, the heavens and earth turned instantly pure white.

The Tibetan Buddha land, the Jewel Village.

The temple at the village's center had been converted into a private school; the bell marking dismissal rang clear and sweet, as a troupe of half‑grown boys ran joyously toward the houses where smoke rose from cooking fires.

"Make you practice boxing, and you become fierce as a dragon and tiger. Make you study principles of governing and benefiting the people, and your voices shake the heavens here. How, Zhang Sisource, did I come to have such a student?"

Dunzhu, nodding off on the steps, received a solid kick to the rear, then turned with a simple, honest smile.

"I don't understand, sir."

"If you don't understand, you won't learn?"

Zhang Sisource wore a pained expression of resentment toward unyielding iron, lifted his robe, and sat beside Dunzhu.

"If I weren't worried about ruining your pure physique, I would have long since slipped a six‑arts chip into your brain."

Dunzhu gave no reply, merely chuckled to himself.

Zhang Sisource watched the feigning‑ignorant simpleton before him and sighed helplessly.

"These past days I have roughly gauged which sequences the youths of Jewel Village suit. I must say, even compared to the students of the Confucian temples in the long‑governed northern and southern direct territories, their potential is not lacking—in fact, it may even surpass them."

Zhang Sisource exclaimed, "The workings of creation are marvelous, truly beyond belief."

"The barbarians can endure hardship."

Dunzhu spoke in a deep, resonant voice, offering his own explanation.

"Rough words, sound reasoning—perhaps it is truly as Dunzhu said: the wind and snow of this plateau have pressed upon you for many years, and in the future they will repay you many years."

Zhang Sisource nodded thoughtfully.

"The materials needed to break the seal and advance in rank are already on their way; my master has also found a group to guide them specifically."

A group of grimy-faced black children hid around the temple corner, peeking furtively this way.

"If we can solidify the foundations, it shouldn't take many years before someone among them advances to become a follower of the sequence. Then we can send them out to wander the lands, village by village, to discover usable people and guide them. Given time, the lands will blossom with a hundred flowers, all sequences emerging."

"But for now the urgent task is to cleanse the deeply ingrained Buddhist-sequence thought from their bones and marrow. This step must not be taken lightly; otherwise, failure to advance in sequence is a minor matter, but genetic collapse would be troublesome."

Zhang Siyuan spoke with fervor here, while Dunzhu wore a look of wanting to speak but holding back.

"Kid, if you have something to say, just say it; if you have a fart, just let it out. Don't wring your hands like that."

Zhang Siyuan noticed Dunzhu's odd expression and asked directly.

"Actually, sir, you have already done so much for Treasure Village; you are the benefactor of the barbarian people. We really shouldn't make any more requests."

"Sure, now you've even learned this kind of rhetoric; if the chance arises, I should find you an official post to hold."

Zhang Siyuan gave a cold snort: "Don't waste my time with these platitudes; they don't suit you."

Dunzhu scratched his head, gave a hehe laugh, and pointed his hand at the corner where a patch of head protruded from the wall.

"They all want to become martial sequencers."

Hearing this, Zhang Siyuan frowned: "Are you secretly pulling some trick behind my back?"

Dunzhu said nothing, merely lowering his head in tacit agreement.

"Sequences are chosen by heaven, not by man. Some can ignore genetic compatibility and forcibly choose the path they wish, but that is exceedingly rare. The barbarian people now lack the condition; doing this will only harm them. Do you understand?"

Zhang Siyuan's expression turned solemn as he rebuked in a low voice.

"And how much do you really know about the martial sequence? Let me tell you, this is not an easy road to walk!"

"Sir, the lands have had no road for many years; we have grown accustomed to it."

Dunzhu's voice was low, yet it carried a stubborn, obstinate vigor.

"Nonsense!"

Zhang Siyuan flared with anger: "Indeed, the martial sequence once shone brightly, even towering above all other sequences, but that is now past. Their current situation cannot be described merely as 'hard to take a step.'"

"The threshold of this road looks low, yet advancement is extremely difficult. Moreover, the sect's martial sequence has vanished; without a systematic training system or martial foundations, one can only choose to go alone. Do you know what the character 'alone' means? It means mountains of corpses and seas of blood, it means bodies strewn for a thousand li."

"I know you revere your teacher, but you only see Li Jun's ferocity, not the sword shadows and blade lights along his journey. Not everyone is qualified to study Li Jun; such a monster appears only once in the entire martial sequence nowadays. What will you use to learn from him?"

A dense torrent of words, like a sudden storm, drenched Dunzhu in a shower of abuse.

Dunzhu buried his head deeper: "Sir, we know we cannot match our teacher, and I never imagined one day becoming as strong as he."

"If you know that, why do you still do this?"

Zhang Siyuan's gaze swept over the corner; the boys stopped peeking, standing shoulder to shoulder, their rough, flushed little faces tensed tight, eyes full of longing.

"Dunzhu, you had better give me a reasonable explanation today, otherwise don't blame me for disciplining you!"

"Sir, because I feel that our teacher now needs us."

Dunzhu lifted his head, mustered courage, and met Zhang Siyuan's eyes: "We cannot do anything else; we can only do this small thing within our ability."

"Nonsense, how could he possibly need you."

Zhang Siyuan's words cut off abruptly, and he fell into silence.

The solitary sequence, fourth, named Firekeeper.

Perhaps indeed!

"Dunzhu, tell me honestly, why do you feel this way?"

Dunzhu looked bewildered, murmuring: "I don't know either; it's just a gut feeling."

"Is it because Li Jun brought you into the martial sequence?"

Zhang Siyuan gazed deeply at him, sighing: "You kid, you look simple on the surface, but inside you understand more than anyone else; you're also a damned freak!"

"Thank you, sir."

Dunzhu rose to his feet and performed the disciple's bow of the Confucian sequence toward Zhang Siyuan.

Just then, as Zhang Siyuan was about to speak, he closed his mouth, his gaze sweeping over Dunzhu's body and fixing straight on the village entrance.

A crimson official robe stood in the distance.

The one coming was not a stranger, but that official surnamed Sun.

"Sir, Lord Liu sends this humble servant to tell you that the guests are nearly all assembled."

"Understood."

Having guessed the reason, Zhang Siyuan sighed and slowly rose to his feet.

Dunzhu stared at him, bewildered and helpless, just as he had when Li Jun departed.

He knew his master was about to leave, yet still did not know why.

"Rest assured, I, your master, am a responsible person, unlike your teacher who abandoned you without care."

Zhang Siyuan patted Dunzhu's shoulder: "Your intuition is correct; do as you wish."

"Also, don't sell yourself short; there's nothing to compare or not compare. Your teacher used to be a street‑mixing mud‑leg, and you surpass him—I have high hopes for you!"

Zhang Siyuan laughed heartily as he walked toward the village entrance.

"To learn to enter a sequence, first learn to be a person. Dunzhu, today you have given me a lesson!"