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Eternal Boundlessness *Wuyuan Jincheng
The youth of Qingyun walks, unparalleled and independent.
What evening is this? The gentle breeze carries two shadows.
As delicate as fine jade, graceful and unmatched in the world.
Falling far between heaven and earth, a woman of duality.
Like light smoke drifting, the celestial maiden has long departed.
Sitting, waiting for the fading crimson face, an endless life unfolds.
On Kunlun Mountain, an ancient temple stands on the cliffside.
I quietly stand here, watching the monk in blue robes, his face calm and unperturbed, sweeping the ground at the temple entrance. It is littered with fallen branches and leaves that have dropped since autumn began. His expression is very shallow, seemingly devoid of emotion. He holds a long broom made of bamboo, moving gracefully like an immortal, appearing to float in the breeze.
Before coming here, I had already known that there were only two people in this ancient temple. Those from below said they seemed to be master and disciple, yet also appeared to be strangers. They meditate and chant scriptures daily, rarely speaking. Even when someone comes to worship, it is seldom that one sees anyone; the entire temple exudes a cold atmosphere. Occasionally, light smoke drifts by, giving the illusion that someone is inside.
I had guessed who this person was and sighed softly, calling out to him: “Azure Thorn.”
The monk was startled, turning his head to say: “Young Master… Amitabha, Azure Thorn is dead; this humble monk is Wuyuan.”
Wuyuan, Wuyuan. I gently repeat in my heart—an endless life?
Hearing the indifference in his tone, I suddenly recalled that dream, remembering what Xiaobai had said to me. Gaze felt slightly dazed as I unconsciously murmured: “Life and death.” Then pointing at my heart, I added, “Death and life.”
The monk's gaze was distant as he murmured, "Life and death." He pointed to his heart and said, "Death and life." After a moment of silence, he finally turned his head.
Tears streamed down his face.
I smiled brightly at him, a smile that seemed to come from the depths of my heart, sincere and pure, as if we had returned to the days of our youth when we first met at Xie Manor. Outside Xie Manor, he had saved my life. From that moment on, our fates became intertwined.
In this life, I had already owed him my life twice. Now, I would owe him once more.
I spoke softly, "I came to see you to say goodbye. Also, I sincerely repent before the Buddha. In this life, An Jin has committed too many sins; I do not know if anyone will forgive me."
His eyes were still filled with tears, yet his expression remained calm and serene, with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. He quietly said, "Benefactor, please follow me."
I silently followed him inside.
The one hundred and three Heavenly Ladders—were they leading me toward another pure world? I looked at the simple ancient temple standing tall and at the person walking ahead of me, silent and almost breathless, moving lightly. I understood that this person had already transcended the mortal realm. They were as tranquil as water and still as mountains, heading toward a completely new state.
He walked forward without looking back—not once. This was his choice; he chose to let go and to forget. Therefore, he could not turn back nor should he. But if there were a next life and I were to meet him again, then I would repay him for the kindness I owed him in this life.
He led me into the main hall and then went to light incense by himself. He respectfully handed it to me before beginning to chant the Heart Sutra and strike the Wooden Fish.
With the sound of the Wooden Fish, my heart felt calm and clear. I closed my eyes with utmost reverence. Scenes from past lives slowly passed through my mind—faces of individuals and words flowed gently through my memories. I allowed my thoughts to wander freely, contemplating everything worth cherishing, everything worth forgetting, everything worth being reborn for. And also the love that was worth choosing through departure.
This endless life that belonged to me. The affections of this world had long since blurred the lines between right and wrong. And that love which could only continue to exist in memories was already worthwhile. There was no need for lifelong companionship, no need for life-and-death bonds, no need for daily meetings; there was no need... to possess it. That was my Tuhua-style way of love. I would not abandon it.
With my eyes closed beneath the Buddha's gaze, I silently made a vow: Buddha, you save sentient beings from suffering; can you guide me to where my peace lies? Where is the path of transcendence? Desire and hatred are the most bitter when one cannot attain them. Buddha, please teach me how to forget the pain of unfulfilled desires. Buddha, grant me endless courage so that even if I drift alone in this world, it will ensure the safety of those I love. Buddha, help me release my burdens with a smile as I watch him live happily and prosperously throughout his life while I quietly wipe away my tears and turn away. Buddha, grant me sincerity—willingness without hesitation—to witness joy in this world as long as those I care about can live happily without worries before I walk far away. Buddha, may my solitary suffering in this life be exchanged for their eternal peace...
Buddha, in the next life do not punish me thus; let me become an ordinary woman who is simply a devoted wife to that good man in my life—nothing more, nothing else.
"Please, let him live. Let him live!"
The sky was somewhat dim, always cold and low here, surrounded by endless white. This was the peak of a high cliff, a place close to the heavens. From here, one could overlook the entire world.
I stood at the entrance of the temple and gently said to him, who followed behind me, "Master, there is no need for you to see me off. In this world, there are no people who do not part."
I gazed at the seemingly endless Heavenly Ladder that stretched downwards, taking a deep breath. I looked up at the sudden beam of sunlight breaking through the clouds, shining brightly for just a moment. A faint smile appeared on my face as I thought of laughing through the vast seas and changing landscapes, laughing through the years... breaking through the long flow of time to be reborn.
I lifted my foot and finally stepped down.
Suddenly, he, who had been keeping his head down and showing no expression or sound, softly said, "Do not worry, benefactor. To save the world is the heart of a healer; he will be fine." His tone was calm yet carried a heavy promise.
My steps faltered slightly; he knew why I had come this time. So he promised to save him.
I closed my eyes lightly and finally understood that I truly could not repay all that I owed in this life. I could only hope for the next life... I could only hope...
I said nothing because silence spoke louder than words at this moment. I knew he would understand; he would understand. Wouldn't he?
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