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墨書 Inktalez
On the night before descending the mountain, my master unexpectedly returned to the Immortal Cave. He brought a lot of delicious dishes, and that evening I set a large table filled with food, and the two of us sat around the stone table drinking.
I raised my bowl and looked around at the Immortal Cave, where I had lived for nine years. It was just an ordinary cave, but it held extraordinary significance for me.
It changed the course of my life. If it weren't for my master, I might have ended up like my father, spending my entire life in the mountains, facing the dirt with my back to the sky.
“Master, this first bowl of wine is for you. Although you haven’t fulfilled your duties as a teacher over the years, who could blame you for having such a good disciple? After all, your disciple is someone who knows how to be grateful,” I said, tilting my head back and finishing the drink in one go.
My master rested one leg on the stone bench and also drank a bowl. “You, boy, haven’t learned anything good but have become quite the smooth talker.”
“Common saying: Dragons give birth to dragons, phoenixes give birth to phoenixes; a mouse’s son can dig holes. Naturally, I’ve learned by example—thanks to your excellent teaching,” I replied with a smile.
My master reached out to knock my head but I dodged just in time. “Do you think it’s that easy? One knock and I hit right on target?”
Just as I was feeling smug about avoiding his slap, a gust of wind swept by and I felt a sharp pain on my head as he managed to hit me after all. Rubbing my sore head, I saw him sitting calmly on the stone bench, picking at his food without any sign of having moved.
“Ling Feng, remember this: keep a kind heart and never lose yourself. If I find out in the future that you’ve done something unjust, I won’t show mercy. No matter where you are in this world, I will hunt you down,” he said with an unusual seriousness.
I had intended to retort but swallowed my words instead and laughed, “I’m your disciple raised by your own hands; do you really lack confidence in me?”
I didn’t like such serious conversations, so I tried to keep things light…
My master returned to his usual self. “Of course I have confidence in myself, but when it comes to you…”
I thumped my chest confidently. “I believe in myself too. You can rest assured…”
“Stay true to your heart, fear no power, and do not bully the weak…” My master took another sip of wine and continued his admonition.
I never knew that my master had lived his whole life without children or family, carefree and unburdened. To him, perhaps I was not just a disciple but also like a son. That’s why he couldn’t help but say a few more words.
I am someone who is most afraid of sentimentality, so I pretended to be impatient and waved my hand. "Master, what's wrong with you today? Why are you being so sentimental? Come on, let's drink..."
The Master looked at me intently, as if he wanted to see through the nine years we had spent together. He raised his bowl and clinked it with mine, muttering, "Amitabha, it seems I've become attached..."
Humans are not made of wood or grass; who can be without feelings? Buddhism teaches to sever all attachments and desires in order to attain the supreme path.
Fo Zhang and Buddha Sound, one a monkey and the other a mouse, each settled into their own spots with calmness. These two creatures loved to drink just as much as I did. Seeing me and the Master enjoying our drinks, they chattered away, wanting to clink bowls with us. I had no choice but to clink my bowl with each of theirs before they finally quieted down.
As the saying goes, "Wine does not intoxicate; it is people who become intoxicated." The Master and I drank until late into the night.
The drinking was immensely satisfying. I thought about how tomorrow I would descend the mountain to see the vibrant world outside, and my heart couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
By the end of the night, I didn't even remember how I returned to my room and fell asleep until noon.
When I woke up, I found Fo Zhang and Buddha Sound sprawled out on the floor. After quietly getting out of bed, I discovered that the Master's room was empty. He had left again without a trace; he always did this—coming and going like a shadow.
For some reason, the thought of suddenly leaving this familiar place made me feel a bit reluctant.
Perhaps it was because I had drunk too much last night; my mouth felt dry and parched. Just as I turned to fetch some water from the vat, I noticed something left on the Master's bed.
I walked over to take a look; it was a gray cloth bag that resembled an ancient money pouch—nothing remarkable at first glance.
The bag was embroidered with some patterns; I recognized a lotus flower among them.
I then casually picked up a piece of paper that was pressed under the bag. It read: "The Qiankun Bag you have always wanted is gifted to you by your Master. Also, remember when you're outside: if you can't win, run away. In this world of rivers and lakes, there will always be a time for revenge. Lastly, remember not to mention my name. Be cautious!"
It wasn't until many years later that I understood why my Master warned me against revealing his name. It was because if I did, I would likely meet my end even faster. I had never known that my seemingly carefree Master had once engaged in such dramatic affairs in his youth.
Many years later, I learned that my master's nickname was "Blood Buddha" and the story behind those three words.
I carefully folded the letter and wrapped it in cloth, then held the Qiankun Bag in my hands, feeling quite pleased.
Taking a deep breath and calming my mind, I focused on a trace of Fo Nian in my consciousness, slowly guiding it towards the Qiankun Bag.
To my surprise, I easily opened the Qiankun Bag, revealing a space of about ten cubic meters inside. It resembled a small room. Apart from a few pieces of talisman paper, there was nothing else inside.
With a thought, the wrapped letter was drawn into the Qiankun Bag.
I was having a great time, also putting my practice staff into it. I added a few changes of clothes and some dry rations.
Around noon, I woke up Fo Zhang and Buddha Sound, and tried to store them in the bag as well. However, it turned out that the Qiankun Bag only accepted inanimate objects; living beings could not be stored inside.
Reluctantly, I had to take Fo Zhang and Buddha Sound down the mountain with me. After all, they had been by my side for so many years; I couldn't bear to part with either of them. Moreover, even if I wanted to let them go, it wouldn't be easy. Both of them were quite clever; I might end up losing myself instead of them.
After packing my things, I tucked the Qiankun Bag into my bosom and tied a thin rope to my belt.
The sun was blazing outside. I glanced back at the Immortal Cave before turning around and striding away, feeling immensely excited.
Sisters of Shan Xia, here I come!
Fo Zhang and Buddha Sound were also delighted; one swung from the trees while the other burrowed in and out of the ground. However, they would frequently come back to nuzzle against me.
As the sun gradually sank in the west, I wiped the sweat from my forehead and finally sensed something was off. After walking for quite some time, I realized I hadn’t actually left yet!
Furrowing my brows tightly, I slapped my thigh. My master had once mentioned that cunning rabbits have three burrows; the Immortal Cave was his hiding place. Therefore, there must be protective formations surrounding it.
I punched the tree beside me, causing leaves to tremble and fall. I never expected to encounter another obstacle after descending the mountain.
Was it easy for me? I had already taken so many unnecessary detours.
I whistled into the distance, and soon Fo Zhang and Buddha Sound returned, landing on my shoulders.
The formation was merely a way to utilize the advantages of the mountains and rivers, employing techniques of confusion and illusion to defend against enemies.
I closed my eyes, reciting the Heart Sutra, letting my mind be free of thoughts, my brain clear and serene.
I allowed Fo Zhang and Buddha Sound to lead the way ahead…
Sure enough, as the evening glow painted half the sky red, I stepped out of the formation's range. In the nearby village, wisps of smoke rose gently into the air…
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