Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The horse galloped swiftly, and after a day and night, they arrived at the Shaolin Temple. Upon seeing Abbot Zenzi, Lin Ning fell to the ground, weeping uncontrollably. Abbot Zenzi had witnessed the events that transpired a few days earlier at the border between China and Japan, and he understood the immense grievances and suffering Lin Ning had endured. He hurried to help Lin Ning up and said, "I know you have suffered greatly, young hero. Please be strong and take care of your health." Hearing these words from Abbot Zenzi only deepened Lin Ning's sorrow.
Abbot Zenzi led Lin Ning into the meditation room. He picked up a kettle from the charcoal fire and poured a cup of tea for Lin Ning, saying, "You must be thirsty after your long journey. Please have some tea to quench your thirst." As Lin Ning lifted the cup to drink, he noticed that it was only warm; the water inside had not been boiled, and the tea leaves floated on top. Confused by Abbot Zenzi's intentions, he looked at him questioningly, but Abbot Zenzi merely smiled in silence.
Lin Ning drank the lukewarm tea in one gulp, finding it bland and tasteless. After a while, the kettle on the charcoal fire began to steam. Abbot Zenzi added fresh Longjing tea leaves to Lin Ning's cup and poured in boiling water, allowing it to steep for several minutes. The aroma of the tea filled the room, rich and inviting. Abbot Zenzi smiled at Lin Ning and said, "Now please enjoy this properly brewed tea."
Following his advice, Lin Ning took a sip of the fragrant tea. The robust flavor lingered on his palate, refreshing him deeply. Abbot Xiangzhi then asked Lin Ning, "What do you think is the difference in taste between tea brewed with different waters?"
Lin Ning replied, "Tea brewed with warm water is bland and tasteless, while tea brewed with boiling water is fragrant."
Abbot Zenzi nodded in agreement. "Indeed, the same tea leaves can yield vastly different flavors depending on the water used for brewing. Life is like tea; leaves brewed in warm water resemble a life that has not weathered storms—bland and uneventful—while those steeped in boiling water reflect a life filled with trials and tribulations. Though they may endure hardships, they emerge with lasting fragrance. Life is like clear spring water brewing fine tea; a half-cup of clear tea allows us to observe the ups and downs of life with a calm heart."
Seeing Lin Ning deep in thought, Abbot Zenzi continued, "Tea has but two states: floating and sinking; drinkers have but two postures: lifting and putting down. True life is like tea—calm when sinking and indifferent when floating. The rise and fall of tea leaves in water mirrors our own ups and downs in life. Sometimes they sink to the bottom; sometimes they float on top. Just as life is unpredictable—sometimes we find ourselves in valleys; other times we stand atop peaks—we must maintain an ordinary heart at all times. In low times, do not lose heart or give up; in high times, do not be arrogant or ostentatious. The most precious thing in life is to keep an ordinary heart amidst all these fluctuations."
As peace returns after turmoil, we come to understand: life is but a cycle of floating and sinking. In this stormy journey of life, knowing when to hold on and when to let go is wisdom—a form of cultivation. Often, if we could view things lightly and simply let go of our entanglements with people or matters that trouble us, life could be as simple as drinking tea—just lifting it or putting it down.
The fragrance of tea forms through the sedimentation of time; it requires boiling water to release its rich aroma. Similarly, life's beauty requires time's tempering; only through enduring storms can one grasp life's true essence."
Lin Ning listened intently to Abbot Zenzi's words as if enlightened by a sudden revelation—life is like tea: fragrant yet profound; filled with ups and downs yet imbued with wisdom. Tea mirrors life’s fluctuations and transformations while exuding tranquility and maturity. Tasting bitterness leads to savoring sweetness; what appears complex often turns out simple upon reflection.
Standing up, Lin Ning bowed deeply to Abbot Zenzi and said, "Your words have greatly benefited me." Hearing himself referred to as 'disciple,' Abbot Zenzi was taken aback. Noticing his surprise, Lin Ning recounted his experiences in the desert as well as how he had taken Yuan Qingtian and Shen Chen as his masters.
Upon hearing about Lin Ning's connection with his daughter and son-in-law, Abbot Zenzi felt immense joy in his heart. Lin Ning pondered whether he should inform Abbot Zenzi about his master and master's wife no longer being alive. After some contemplation, he decided to share this news with him.
Abbot Zenzi fell silent for a long time before saying sadly, "I had suspected that Xiao Chen and Qingtian had met with misfortune; however, my granddaughter's whereabouts remain unknown—it truly weighs heavily on my mind."
Lin Ning reassured him, "Please do not worry; I heard from Uncle Cong Jiang that my junior sister likely ended up in the Borderlands. I have two tasks during my journey there: one is to avenge my parents' deaths at the hands of Chen Tao; the other is to search for my junior sister's whereabouts. Once I find her, I will definitely bring her back to meet you!"
Abbot Zenzi clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha! May Buddha bless you in finding this unfortunate child." With kind eyes fixed on Lin Ning, he continued, "Ning'er, it seems our fates are deeply intertwined. I have decided to teach you a set of Shaolin Luohan Fist for self-defense—what do you think?"
Lin Ning was overjoyed and quickly knelt down in gratitude. Abbot Zenzi then detailed ten essential points of Luohan Fist: fists, palms, feet, knees, elbows, shoulders, hips, legs, arms, head.
1. Fists: Fingers together tightly curled inward; thumb bent over the second joints of index and middle fingers forming a flat surface for striking.
2. Palms: Fingers extended naturally apart or curled inward at thumb while others remain straight—used primarily for slapping or pushing vital points.
3. Feet: Kicking techniques include snapping kicks or sweeping strikes targeting enemies' lower bodies.
4. Knees: Used for thrusting or blocking attacks during close combat.
5. Elbows: Employed for heavy strikes during close quarters.
6. Shoulders: Used for shoulder charges when grappling closely.
7. Hips: Utilized for dislodging opponents when grabbed.
8. Legs: Essential for sweeping attacks against enemies’ lower bodies.
9. Arms: Used for various striking techniques against opponents.
10. Head: Employed for headbutting during close encounters.
Lin Ning silently memorized these principles of Luohan Fist while attentively observing Abbot Zenzi’s movements until he grasped its essence thoroughly.
After seven days at Shaolin Temple practicing diligently under Abbot Zenzi’s guidance—who provided not just martial skills but also immense emotional support—Lin Ning had mastered Luohan Fist with ease akin to a skilled chef preparing meat.
However eager he was for revenge or finding his master's wife's daughter made leaving Shaolin Temple difficult for him.
After bidding farewell to Abbot Xiangzhi, Lin Ning mounted Sweat Blood Horse once more heading northward.
By noon on the following day he reached near Shanhaiguan again—the same marketplace where Princess of Yue Ming County had once pursued him while he sold paintings for silver.
Entering a small tavern within this marketplace he ordered two small dishes along with a pot of wine just as he was about to eat when suddenly over ten soldiers barged into the tavern led by an officer who shouted arrogantly at the innkeeper:
"Innkeeper! My brothers are tired after working hard all day! Bring out your best food and wine immediately!"
The innkeeper’s face turned pale but he mustered courage saying cautiously: "Sir! This tavern runs on small profits! You officers never pay when you dine here! My business can hardly survive!"
Hearing such blatant robbery from Great Ming soldiers made Lin Ning’s anger flare up as he scrutinized their leader—a rotund man whose face bore an untrustworthy demeanor.
That officer seized hold of the innkeeper by his collar lifting him off his feet causing him to flail helplessly like a puppet while soldiers laughed mockingly at his plight.
The officer sneered threateningly at him saying: "Eating here means I’m doing you a favor! Don’t refuse my hospitality or I’ll burn your tavern down!"
With their faces nearly touching—the officer’s spittle sprayed onto the innkeeper’s face who closed his eyes in despair as he was about to crash onto the ground.
Lin Ning stood up from his seat extending his left hand gently supporting the innkeeper so he remained unharmed standing firmly on his feet—a seemingly casual act concealing profound internal strength.
The officer stared wide-eyed at Lin Ning asking incredulously: "Who are you? Do you want to meddle?"
Raging inside yet thinking strategically about catching them red-handed after their meal without paying before dealing with these oppressive soldiers later made Lin Ning respond calmly: "Sir! I’m merely an observer."
The officer smirked arrogantly replying: "An observer should know their place! Get outta here! Make way so my brothers can eat!"
Suppressing his anger further Lin Ning moved aside taking his food into a corner while fearing innkeeper would remain silent after suffering so many grievances under these soldiers’ tyranny.
In that corner watching them feast joyfully made him realize how corrupt they truly were when one soldier remarked about recent military failures leading their governor Xiong Yanbi being dismissed after losing Guangning (present-day Jinzhou) & Yizhou (present-day Yizhou).
Another soldier chimed in expressing doubt regarding Yuan Chonghuan’s ability who had no battle experience defending Liaodong’s last stronghold—Ningyuan—as if it fell into chaos Beijing would be endangered!
The officer interrupted dismissively stating such matters were none of their concern—they were merely here enjoying today’s bounty without worry about tomorrow!
Hearing their conversation shocked Lin Ning deeply worrying about Xiong Yanbi’s safety wondering where he might be now!
Recalling events since Wanli forty-seventh year (1619) when Ming army suffered defeat against Later Jin at Sarhu battlefield leading Xiong Yanbi being appointed minister responsible for military affairs safeguarding Liaodong yet facing blame due poor decisions losing Guangning & Yizhou territories!
Emperor Mingxi Zhu Youjiao came into power favoring Eastern Lin Party members creating turmoil followed by Wei Zhongxian & eunuchs seizing control leading unjust imprisonments & persecution against those loyal!
Meanwhile social unrest escalated across regions resulting peasant uprisings intensifying post-Tianqi era alongside Borderlands tensions rising too!
Only Xiong Yanbi stood firm amidst chaos striving tirelessly protecting Great Ming’s borders despite overwhelming odds!
Yet now embroiled within Eastern Lin Party & Eunuch faction disputes both sides targeting upright Xiong Yanbi leading Emperor Mingxi misled by flattery seeking punishment against him proving true meaning behind ancient adage: Serving under rulers resembles dancing with tigers!
As soldiers finished their meals preparing leave—the innkeeper watched helplessly unable speak out against them—
Suddenly leaping forward blocking their exit stood Lin Ning confronting them directly!
The officer exclaimed astonished: "You dare obstruct an official? Do you wish death?"
Lin Ning replied calmly smiling: "If you leave without paying after eating here today—you won’t pass through this door!"
Furious now—the officer retorted threateningly drawing his sword aiming towards Lin Ning who simply smiled back kicking towards his wrist causing pain forcing blade from grip immediately!
Before realizing what happened—Lin Ning twisted officer’s arm behind back inflicting severe agony making him cry out helplessly begging mercy!
Seeing their leader captured soldiers drew swords rushing towards him—but using officer’s body as shield—he maneuvered skillfully sending them crashing down one by one crying out helplessly!
Pulling hard on officer’s wrist dislocating it caused sweat pouring down face while wailing loudly pleading mercy repeatedly!
Lin Ning scolded fiercely saying: “You soldiers were entrusted duty protecting homeland safeguarding lives yet instead turned rogue exploiting innocent people!”
“Ask yourselves where lies your conscience?”
Officer gasped through pain admitting truthfully “You speak rightly…”
“Now tell me how many times have you dined here without paying?”
Officer hesitated stammering “I… I can’t recall exactly…”
Not because he intended hide truth but rather lost count due excessive free meals consumed over time!
Lin Ning scoffed reaching inside officer’s clothes retrieving over ten taels gold angrily rebuking him “Are you thief? How much blood money have stolen from common folk?”
Calling innkeeper over handing gold saying “Is this enough cover these rascals’ meals?”
Innkeeper trembled receiving gold gratefully bowing repeatedly thanking “Benefactor! Thank you! Finally someone has avenged me!”
Turning back towards officer demanding “Will you dare oppress commoners again?”
Officer nearly fainting from pain nodded vigorously pleading “Hero spare me! I won’t dare again!”
Once proud official now reduced humble servant eliciting laughter from innkeeper staff patrons alike watching transformation unfold before them!
Satisfied seeing soldiers subdued knowing they wouldn’t dare repeat such behavior again made him focus thoughts back onto Xiong Yanbi hoping reach Ningyuan City soon enough gather news regarding governor’s safety!
With that determination driving him forward—Lin Ning swiftly reset dislocated wrist returning officers back into place causing them no further harm before they fled tavern scrambling away terrified!
Finally settling accounts paying own meal hastily mounted Sweat Blood Horse continuing northward!
Comment 0 Comment Count