Chương 93: The Fragment of Sword Intent

Mount Emei has been a famous mountain and blessed land in China since ancient times.

Many Taoist temples and Zen monasteries have been built in the mountains, with flourishing incense offerings and a long history, the oldest of which can be traced back to the Tang and Song dynasties.

The most famous of them is the Emei School.

Since the rise of martial arts, the predecessors of the Emei School have painstakingly collected the lost texts of their predecessors. They also encountered an extraordinary talent and spent more than ten years to finally bring Emei martial arts back to life.

Although the Emei Sect belongs to the Buddhist sect, it does not prohibit laypeople from entering the sect. Therefore, there are many lay disciples who focus on studying martial arts.

Over time, they gradually formed a secular force that was no weaker than the main body of Emei.

Because most of its disciples are women and their swordsmanship is superb, outsiders also refer to its secular forces as the Emei Sword Sect!

From then on, the Emei Sect became two sides of the same coin, shining brightly in the world.

Zhao Rui listened intently as several attendees in the rest area recounted the long history of the Emei Sect.

I couldn't help but think of Bai Xuening. I wonder if she joined a Buddhist sect or a sword sect?

If it's Buddhism!

Zhao Rui couldn't help but picture Bai Xuening with a big bald head and a smiling face.

"Forehead……"

Zhao Rui uttered "Amitabha" and quickly banished the random thoughts from his mind.

After waiting in the rest area for about ten minutes, the monk came in again and invited everyone to take the car and set off up the mountain.

This is why conditions are better now; in the past, one would definitely have had to walk up there.

The group boarded the bus and headed towards the summit along the winding mountain road.

The Emei Mountain Range is extremely vast, and the scenery along the way is quite beautiful, especially in the spring when flowers are in bloom.

Looking out the car window, one could see towering green peaks rising from the clouds, like a blue phoenix spreading its wings to break through the azure sky.

A sea of clouds suddenly surged among the mountains, and the rosy glow shone brightly, reflecting thousands of golden lotus blossoms, making it exceptionally enchanting.

After driving for more than half an hour, the car stopped at a parking lot halfway up the mountain.

Immediately, two bald monks stepped forward, clasped their hands in prayer, and chanted, "Namo Amitabha Buddha!"

"Esteemed benefactors, you have had a long and arduous journey. From here onwards, it is impossible to take a vehicle up the mountain. You will have to follow this humble monk and find your way up the mountain path..."

"You're too kind, monk. It's just a mountain path, it's easy."

One person spoke loudly.

"Call me Master."

His companion couldn't help but chide him.

"Isn't the master also a monk? You're just a layman, too attached to appearances. Are you a monk or a master?"

The speaker was handsome with delicate features, and his words were somewhat frivolous, but his breathing was deep and resonant, clearly indicating that his inner strength was extraordinary.

Come to think of it, the minimum level here is level nine, and they must be top-ranked martial artists from the various invited schools.

Which one is weaker in terms of strength?

Zhao Rui, a martial artist at the True Essence Realm, is probably just a mini-Karami.

So although this person spoke in a sleazy manner, no one looked down on him.

"What you say is very true, benefactor. The Buddha has no inherent form, yet he possesses countless forms—the form of a monk, the form of a master, the form of the Buddha—all are forms of self, and also forms of sentient beings. Amitabha!"

The leading monk was not annoyed; he put his palms together in prayer and smiled.

"The monk is right."

A handsome man laughs heartily, unrestrained and carefree, extremely casual.

"Everyone, follow me!"

The monk bowed his head and clasped his hands in prayer, then turned and hurried along a mountain path toward the mountain where the Emei Sect was located.

The crowd followed closely behind, and looking up, they saw a thousand stone steps winding into the clouds, with dark green moss crowding the cracks in the steps, and the stone was mottled like an ancient bronze cauldron that had been buried for a long time.

In the distance, a huge archway stands on the main road of the mountain gate, more than five or six zhang high, with two dragon-shaped pillars worn black and shiny by a thousand years of wind and rain.

The mountain path they were on was a side path, not very wide, and paved with bluestone, which also had an old luster.

At first, the mountain path was quite flat, but after walking for about ten minutes, the terrain began to rise and fall, and the path became winding.

Sometimes towering, sometimes wide, sometimes winding around mountain pools, sometimes passing through ancient temples.

The mountain is full of famous historical sites, Buddhist temples and carvings, but most of them along this road have become cultural relics.

There were no monks or laypeople living there.

The mountain road winds like a coiled dragon, and as you climb the steps, you are surrounded by ancient cypress trees with gnarled branches on both sides.

Zhao Rui followed along, enjoying the scenery along the way.

He frequently snapped photos of the beautiful scenery with his camera.

After walking for half a day, they suddenly saw something resembling a luminous pearl hanging from the branches of an ancient cypress tree ahead. When the sunlight shone through the gaps in the trees, it emitted a dazzling light.

"This is a relic from the Vairocana Temple during the Song Dynasty."

Seeing everyone staring at him, the monk smiled and offered an explanation.

"Indeed, famous mountains and rivers are bound to have ancient temples that have stood for thousands of years. Any scenery along the way is a remnant from the Song Dynasty."

Following the monk's direction, the group bent down to look, and could vaguely make out an inscription three feet deep in moss beside them: "Where tigers are subdued and hearts are tamed, even stubborn rocks bow their heads!"

Zhao Rui secretly praised him.

Enjoying the scenery as they traveled, they walked for about an hour. With swift steps, they came into view of the majestic Zen temple perched atop a thousand-foot cliff.

The glass radiates a dazzling light under the sun, as if the Buddha's light shines upon the world, inspiring awe and admiration in all who see it.

About ten minutes later, the group arrived at the gate of the Zen temple where the Emei Sect was located.

As everyone looked up, they saw the four large characters "Guangxiang Chanlin" written on the temple's massive gate.

The four characters were originally cast in pure gold, but now only broken pieces of gold remain embedded in the charred wooden plaque, barely recognizable as the four characters.

It is said that this is a burn mark left by Abbess Huiyuan of Emei Mountain when Zhang Xianzhong burned the mountain. She used her white sleeves to put out the fire, and the wind from her sleeves stirred up the gilded flying stars.

The couplets on both sides have long been eroded and blurred by time, but one half of them remains clear as if carved by a knife:

"Sword sweeps... Demonic rain falls everywhere!"

The last dot of the character "sword" penetrated three-tenths of an inch into the stone, and it seemed as if a trace of cold air was emanating from it. Upon closer inspection, one could almost hear the buzzing and trembling sound of a sword.

Zhao Rui was greatly alarmed.

He quickly rubbed his eyes, and when he looked up again, the sword aura was still there. His pupils widened slightly, and he looked horrified.

Is this sword intent?

He quickly looked at the people beside him, only to see that they were either astonished, calm, indifferent, or nonchalant.

The feelings seem to be inconsistent.

Just then, a system notification suddenly sounded in Zhao Rui's mind.

"Sword intent detected, extracting copyable martial arts..."

"Copying failed. Insufficient sample size. Incomplete information!"

Zhao Rui's pupils dilated slightly. The system actually reacted. Could it be that if the number of samples was sufficient or the information was complete enough, then martial arts containing sword intent could be replicated?

His heart leaped with joy. Wasn't this just like when he secretly learned Miao Miaomiao's Six-Character Enchanting Immortal Technique?

"Please, everyone!"

Just as I was lost in thought, monks came out from the entrance to greet us, standing solemnly on both sides to welcome everyone into the Zen temple.

Zhao Rui quickly regained his composure and followed the others into the courtyard.

They had only taken a few steps when a bell suddenly rang out, causing the old pine needles between the roof tiles to fall down in a rustling sound.

This sound is like the voice of Buddha descending upon the world, resounding and enlightening, or like a Vajra broom sweeping away the defilements of the mind, instantly bringing enlightenment and revealing one's true nature.

Suddenly, the Enchanting Immortal Technique within Zhao Rui's body activated automatically, and the lingering Buddhist chants vanished in an instant.

"this……"

Zhao Rui suddenly realized that this method of ringing the bell must contain profound martial arts techniques, capable of cleansing the soul through the sound of the bell.

Unfortunately, the system didn't give any notification this time. Could it be that the distance is too far?

Or is this method of ringing the bell too rudimentary and lacking in system?

In any case, the Emei Sect is truly a wonderful place.

Even a single word or a simple bell ring can contain profound martial arts techniques!

If we stay here for too long!

Zhao Rui shook his head, quickly suppressing the romantic thoughts in his heart, and followed the others into the courtyard.

Looking around, the eaves and brackets are tinged with red and yellow glazed colors, and many iron-cast Arhats are squatting on them. Wind chimes hang from the corners of the eaves, making a tinkling sound.

In the center is a large hall, with a vermilion main gate above the stone steps. The gate is studded with nine rows of gilded bronze nails, and in the center is a pair of dragon heads holding rings.

"Gentlemen, please follow me!"

Instead of leading everyone into the hall, a monk led them along the stone-paved courtyard path to the other side.

After walking for another seven or eight minutes, the area suddenly opened up before them. There, in a vast area, tall Buddha statues could be seen everywhere, and exquisite houses stretched out in rows, all brand new and clean.

There are even restrooms and shopping stores embedded in it.

"this……"

Looking back at the desolate gate and ancient halls when we entered, and then comparing them to the place now that resembles a tourist attraction.

Zhao Rui felt somewhat dazed.

This is what it means to keep up with the times!

"Please follow me, everyone!"

The monk continued to lead the way, and soon brought the group to a huge building modeled after an ancient temple hall.

"Hotel accommodation!"

Ok!

For holding exchange meetings, this is definitely the place to go.

We can't just stay in some side rooms or monks' quarters like in ancient times!

After registering and checking in with my ID card, staff members—well, this time not monks, but proper staff members—came to the scene.

The event schedule and precautions were distributed to everyone.

Looking at the brightly colored event schedule in his hand, Zhao Rui still couldn't immediately connect it with the solemn and dignified martial arts academy he had just seen.

He wasn't the only one who felt this way; others also experienced this sense of disparity.

"Opening ceremony... speeches by leaders... experience sharing... performance showcase!"

This is not what I imagined!

Oh well, what's done is done!

After putting their luggage away and resting for a while, Zhao Rui and Captain Gu left the room together and headed to the buffet restaurant.

After the two of them selected some food, Ye Jingqiu walked over gracefully.

The three of them sat down at the table and began to eat heartily from their plates.

After a long journey and a half-day climb, the three of them were starving.

"My roommate told me that although this event was organized by the Emei Sect, it has been contracted out to the local martial arts association for the past ten years or so..."

"This is possible?..."

Zhao Rui was stunned.

"However, there are indeed eminent monks from Emei explaining Buddhist teachings and martial arts, as well as disciples of the Emei sect exchanging experiences, but the focus has shifted to local areas."

"Whatever, whatever. We'll go back to school as soon as the event is over."

Zhao Rui smiled.

Seeing Zhao Rui's relaxed demeanor, Ye Jingqiu shook his head and said, "Even so, if we don't perform well at the exchange meeting, we'll still get scolded!"

"Okay, I understand, senior sister!"

Zhao Rui casually agreed and began to eat the fried rice on his plate.

To be honest, the food at this buffet was pretty good.

After dinner, Captain Gu and Ye Jingqiu went back to their hotel rooms to rest and meditate.

Zhao Rui was preoccupied with the sword intent at the entrance, so he couldn't stay still. After finishing his meal, he strolled back to the entrance of the Emei Sect he had come from.

Along the way, I saw quite a few people who came to participate in the exchange meeting walking and strolling in the passageway between the courtyard walls.

However, they can only stay in this area and are not allowed to go to the heart of the Emei Sect.

Following the passageway he had come from, Zhao Rui soon arrived at the plaque above the main gate of the Emei Sect.

He had thought that he was the only one interested in the gate.

When he arrived, he found about ten people sitting cross-legged at the door.

Everyone kept their distance in an orderly manner.

Some sat in meditation with their eyes closed, while others intently studied the characters on the plaque.

They were clearly all reflecting on something.

"..."

Indeed, the world is never short of geniuses.

Zhao Rui arrived a little late, so he had to move back and sit about ten meters away from the signboard.

After settling down, he focused his gaze on the character "sword" on the plaque.

Suddenly, a sharp sword intent pierced through the tip of the brush and swept into his sea of consciousness.

Since the system cannot replicate it for the time being, he can only come and try, hoping to figure out something based on his own comprehension.

It seemed that the Emei Sect knew what they were doing, and specially sent two monks to stand behind them to prevent passersby from disturbing them.

As more and more people entered the Zen temple, more and more people came out to contemplate the meaning behind the plaque.

Later on, no fewer than thirty people gathered here to contemplate the essence of swordsmanship and Zen.

The moon sets, crows cry, and the bell tolls melodiously.

The mountain forests are heavy with dew, and a cool breeze is beginning to rise.

Zhao Rui slowly opened his eyes and shook his head slightly. Although he had some insights, they were like scratching an itch through a boot, and he couldn't grasp the key points.

It was already late, and most of the people who had been meditating had left.

Anyway, we'll be here for several more days, so there's no rush.

Zhao Rui stood up, walked towards the accompanying monk, and politely asked, "Master, does your sect still possess any works left by this senior?"

The monk nodded upon hearing this and said, "There are indeed more, but it is not convenient for me to view them."

"Oh! Okay then, thank you!"

Zhao Rui was slightly disappointed, but he also knew that this kind of thing was not something that could be shown to others casually.

Even disregarding its martial arts value, its historical value alone makes it a cultural relic.

There must be a deeper meaning behind placing this plaque here.

Otherwise, they would have hidden themselves long ago.

Seeing that he had not gotten the result he wanted, Zhao Rui did not linger any longer and turned back to his hotel.

Captain Gu had already rested. Zhao Rui didn't say much, quickly washed up, and went to sleep.

Nothing more was said that night!

The next day, as dawn broke, the bells rang.

The morning bell tolls solemnly and melodiously!

It's time for the Emei School masters to do their morning prayers.

Zhao Rui had a habit of waking up early, so he got out of bed when he heard the bell.

Heavy frost and dew cover the mountain gate, and mist shrouds the leaves in a chilly atmosphere.

As Zhao Rui strolled outside the walls of the Emei Sect's courtyard, a sense of tranquility and peace suddenly welled up in his heart.

This serene experience makes one feel exceptionally relaxed.

The world is full of wonders, but there's no such thing as being detached from it being unrefined!

Walking along the passageway along the courtyard wall to the gate, one immediately sees five martial artists sitting cross-legged in meditation.

Zhao Rui smiled and didn't follow. Instead, he followed his own leisurely mood and slowly walked up the steps towards the mountain path.

(End of this chapter)