Chapter 181 — The Wordless Jade Wall
劍問蒼天 · Page 1 of 9
The lingering toll of the bell once more echoed across Mount Sumeru, proclaiming the start of a new day.
The newly risen sun poked a small halo of light over the eastern horizon, spilling its first rays upon the world. Already on the mountain paths of early morning there were many common folk climbing the stone steps toward that majestic temple, most of them carrying incense and candles for offering, their faces full of devotion. Some families had even brought their children along to pay homage; the little ones, innocent as they were, felt no weariness on these mountain roads, and many of the youths ran and leaped back and forth, altogether bright with delight.
The morning mist had not yet scattered, lingering outside the Fan Yin Temple, and the air felt somewhat damp and humid. The monks who had risen early had all finished the morning rites required of the day, and were now sweeping the courtyards, gently brushing aside the leaves that had fallen the night before.
The whole of Fan Yin Temple seemed at this hour solemn and still, bathed in the faint mountain breeze, and what the wind carried as it passed was the fragrance, elusive and faint, of leaves.
The bell's sound drifted far, guiding the people below the mountain, and wound its way through the temple as well, awakening those who slept.
He slowly woke from sleep.
How long had it been since he had fallen asleep so peacefully and woken so calmly? Even in his dreams he had been utterly at ease—no dreams at all, only deep slumber, quiet and deep.
So this, then, was what it felt like to be happy.
He listened in silence to the lingering bell, as though the place that sound drifted to was not the broad world beyond the room but the inside of his own heart; he even had the feeling that this bell had been rung for him alone.
Only when the bell had gradually died away did he slowly rise, pull open the door, and step out—head lifted, chest expanded, drawing a deep breath.
The damp breath of the mountains flowed into his heart, and upon his face there slowly surfaced a rare look of contentment. He truly wished he could stand there forever—but just then a voice came from the courtyard gate:
"Benefactor Zhang, are you up?"
Ming Li turned and saw Fa Cheng standing not far from the door, looking at him with a smile. He nodded and said, "Good morning."
Fa Cheng studied him up and down for a moment, then smiled and said, "After these days of quiet recuperation, Benefactor, your injuries are for the most part healed. But they say that when a grave illness first leaves one, it relapses three parts in ten; you must still take care. Mount Sumeru stands rather high, and morning and evening here are not like the mortal world below—the cold is bitter. Do be careful, Benefactor."
Ming Li nodded and said, "Thank you for your concern. I will remember it. Also—I wonder whether the abbot, Master Pu Cheng, might have some leisure today. I would like to pay my respects to the master and trouble him for a little while."
Fa Cheng smiled and said, "That is excellent, for I came at my master's command precisely to invite Benefactor Zhang to come see him after breakfast."
Ming Li was taken aback a moment, then said, "Oh? Does the abbot have some matter to discuss with me?"
Fa Cheng said, "That this humble monk does not know, though I imagine he wishes to ask after your injuries."
Ming Li pondered a moment, then said, "In that case, I shall go pay my respects to the abbot a little later."
Fa Cheng pressed his palms together and said, "There is no hurry, Benefactor. Just now the abbot especially instructed that you were not to be rushed. My master is still in the meditation chamber of the small Fan Yin Temple at the summit; when you have leisure later, simply go yourself." He smiled faintly and added, "Within Fan Yin Temple, wherever Benefactor wishes to go, he may go, without the slightest scruple."