Chapter 139: Since ancient times, there have been immortal serpents, yet green history leaves no name (second update)

The distance across time and space has been crossed, and the mist on the long river of history seems to be growing thicker and thicker.

Ye Qin's pupils contracted slightly, and he never imagined that beneath the drainage channel would actually be this string of prayer beads, and that it would appear beside him in such a way!

Something that existed in the past has actually been brought back to the present by Ye Qin—can this serve as circumstantial proof that what he experienced was real?

Otherwise, where did this string of prayer beads come from?

Originally, Ye Qin still had some doubts—these were merely fabricated scenes, a spiritual journey, not existing in reality at all.

But after the earlier discussions about historical mist by people, and now the prayer beads, he could not help but develop a certain doubt—perhaps he was never just a bystander, but a participant who personally experienced it?

Whether it was Zuo Ci earlier, or the old boatman later, and now Zhi Dun this time.

Could it be that he truly entered the past, and had some kind of intersection with the people, events, and things within it?

"Could it be that the old man's ancient sword was not something I imagined, but like the prayer beads, I accidentally brought out a fragment of time through the effect of the drainage channel?"

After tossing and turning for most of the night, when Ye Qin walked out of the ruined temple, the sky already showed the pale light of dawn.

There are many sayings about Zhi Dun, most of them praising him, and this can be seen from the comments of the sages and celebrities of that time.

Although he cultivated the Dao, he did not reject Buddhist teachings either.

"I wonder if it will be the same as with a magic treasure?"

The old monk, however, shook his head: "Actually, Zhi Dun Master's original view was not like this; later generations recorded in his notes that after a certain sutra lecture and discussion, Zhi Dun Master received inspiration, and only then did he develop those unique insights."

"So it turns out the effect of the drainage channel is actually to bring out objects from fragments of time? Then can it bring people out as well?"

Therefore, Ye Qin's next destination remains the temple areas, to see if he might gain some insight.

Whether it was the little monk or Bai Yanfei, who had wandered here idly, they listened with rapt attention.

Ordinary people may not understand, but for Buddhists, the name Zhi Dun is like thunder in their ears.

The old man sighed, "It's not easy to finally get a weekend off, yet your head is still full of cases—it seems my status as an empty-nest elder in your heart still doesn't compare to a single case."

Thinking thus, Ye Qin gradually walked farther away.

"Having reached the Golden Core realm, I haven't yet performed contemplation—let me see if I can find a new object for contemplation."

Upon hearing this, other visitors also leaned in to listen, and Bai Yanfei was especially curious—what kind of ancient sage could have such ability, directly bewildering a generation of Buddhist masters?

However, the old monk shook his head: "The notes do not contain detailed records; Zhi Dun Master only said that the one who expounded the Dao was his inspirer."

Bai Yanfei is not used to wearing ornaments, and her workplace does not allow it either; she was about to refuse, but the old man seemed to know what she wanted to say.

Who could have imagined that within a green mountain, so many secrets would be hidden?

Bai Yanfei found it hard to refuse her grandfather's kindness, after all, the older generation still tends to believe in this.

"In the northern darkness there is a fish, its name is Kun. The Kun is so huge, I don't know how many thousands of li it spans; transformed into a bird, its name is Peng. The Peng's back, I don't know how many thousands of li it spans."

Figures like Dao An and Hui Yuan, moreover, turned from metaphysics to Buddhism, ate according to the Buddhist gate, and became eminent monks of a generation—thus one can see how profound Zhi Dun's influence was.

The old man seemed to think of something: "I've heard the protective talismans of Xiguangsi are very effective—when the time comes, I'll get one for you, also praying for your safety when you're out and about."

This is exactly from Zhuangzi's "Free and Easy Wandering."

As for the yin-energy killing incidents, so far no culprit has been found; originally it was thought that going to Longyuan Mountain would solve the problem, but instead it only added more doubts.

Unconsciously, Ye Qin had already toured all the temples in Wu Du, and had also arrived at the border of Yunling City.

Looking at the magnificent and grand temple before him, Bai Yanfei recalled the Mountain God Temple of Longyuan Mountain and the legends about the Mountain God, and her expression once again became dazed.

The old man, however, was very understanding: "As long as you have free time to come see your grandfather, I will already be content and satisfied."

That dreamlike, illusory aura gradually faded, as if it had never existed; the misty water vapor entwined with the long river of history was also evaporated, and this drainage channel returned to ordinary, seeming merely a common decoration.

……

He raised his head, his innocent, childlike face full of confusion: "Master, why don't you read Buddhist scriptures, but read this instead?"

"This person is very mysterious—even Zhi Dun Master did not reveal him, and in his notes only a few strokes were written, yet he played a crucial role, and it was only these few strokes that made him even more mysterious."

The elder monk nodded: "Zhi Dun Master's life was quite legendary; with his unique insights, he reannotated the 'Zhuangzi·Free and Easy Wandering' chapter, giving 'Free and Easy Wandering' a new meaning."

Zhi Dao Lin's teachings criticized both 'the teaching of no teaching' and 'the mind of no teaching,' yet also inherited them; although he did not fully grasp them, in theory he indeed surpassed all other schools.

While the old man was seeking the protective talisman, Bai Yanfei began to wander leisurely within the temple.

In the six schools and seven sects of Buddhist Prajna studies, Zhi Dun Master enjoys great renown.

This also explains why Wu Du, adjacent to Yunling, would have a ruined temple.

One would think so—White Bone has not even become real, merely able to cast a shadow, and how could the things in this Shangqing Temple possibly be brought into the material world?

"If successful, that would be equivalent to being a spacetime merchant."

A warm current surged in Bai Yanfei's heart: "Grandfather, it's rare that you accompany me out today—we won't talk about work; it's all my fault for being too busy usually, and I have little time to come see you."

"Our temple was founded by Zhi Dun Master himself, different from other temples—we should uphold his ideas and promote his views widely."

Unfortunately, these monks have low cultivation, their lectures are lacking in depth, superficial and shallow, and of no help to Ye Qin.

"As the saying goes, 'form is emptiness, emptiness is form'—this comes from Zhi Dun Master!"

According to the original biography: "Dun often stayed at the White Horse Temple, discussing the 'Zhuangzi·Free and Easy Wandering' with Liu Xi and others; he said, 'Each finds their own nature in Free and Easy Wandering.' Dun said: 'Otherwise, if Jie and Zhou took cruelty as their nature, and if one found their nature in gaining, then they too would be Free and Easy Wandering.'"

Amid the sound of wooden fish and chanting, I actually heard different content.

And the drainage channel is what Ye Qin, after contemplating rivers and rivers in the fragments of time, fed back into reality.

Because Zhi Dun discussed the profound, many officials and scholars who devoted themselves to metaphysics at the time formed inseparable bonds with Buddhists, interacted closely, and even became sworn friends.

This includes Bai Yanfei and her grandfather.

The elder monk smiled slightly: "You know, the profound is used by the Buddha—do you know the content in our family classics? Sometimes it also lets us gain insight, which can be counted as a kind of cultivation."

"At the same time, he argued with 'form is emptiness, form again is different emptiness,' establishing the 'Form School' among the six schools and seven sects of Buddhist Prajna studies, which has had a profound influence on later generations."

Bai Yanfei suddenly realized—naturally she had heard the saying 'form is emptiness,' ordinary people often repeat it, but she never expected it to come from Zhi Dun Master.

The scenery of Xiguangsi here is indeed fine, making people feel refreshed and delighted.

The originally dilapidated buildings seem to have gained several special colors, appearing somewhat mysterious; at this time, it is still relatively early, and between the mountains and wilds there is a layer of mist that has not yet completely dissipated.

The number of temples is still relatively large, possibly due to the large number of believers—big and small added together, they are not difficult to find.

Not far away, there were two monks; the older one was probably in his fifties or sixties, and the younger little monk should be no more than ten years old.

Bai Yanfei unconsciously replied, "I was thinking about the case."

"It's dawn already."

According to Liang Hui'jiao's "Biographies of Eminent Monks: Biography of Zhi Dun," it is recorded: The master's family devoted themselves to Buddhism, "from childhood possessing divine insight, intelligent and lucid."

In "Shishuo Xinyu: Literature," it says: "The 'Zhuangzi: Carefree Wanderer' chapter was formerly a difficult passage; the various worthies could savor its meaning but could not extract its principles beyond Guo Xiang and Xiang Xiu; Zhi Dun stood out, establishing a new principle beyond the two schools, establishing a distinct meaning beyond the worthies of the family."

Objects that transcend time and space are absolutely extraordinary; that water channel is no exception—previously always silent, now it finally reveals its special aspect.

Ye Qin also does not adhere to specifications; whenever he sees a place where a temple exists, he will go take a look.

The Buddha is for mysterious use; perhaps it will also be a completely new and different experience.

The little monk's eyes were full of admiration and awe: "I have also heard the story of Master Zhi Dun; when I grow up, I will certainly become a formidable person like him."

Wang Meng praised him as the Wang Bi of the Buddhist world; He Yan and Xie An called him this Ji Kang, still superior by a measure.

His disciple, also the author of "Essentials of Observing the Law," Ji Chao, further evaluated: "Master Lin's divine insight penetrates, mysterious and unique enlightenment; for hundreds of years, he has elucidated the great Dharma, ensuring truth never ceases—only one such person."

"Grandfather, I don't mean it that way; recently I had a case on my hands, I even went to Wu Du with Captain Zhou to investigate—how to put it, that case is rather complicated."

This matter has finally come to a perfect conclusion.

As the prayer beads were fished up by Ye Qin, the water channel quickly returned to calm, the water surface like a mirror, becoming clear again, allowing one to see straight to the bottom at a glance.

However, these are for now merely Ye Qin's speculation; when he next enters the mottled time fragment, he can still verify the water channel's efficacy.

Know this: the Supreme Clarity Observatory is an object of contemplation, held in the hand by the Primordial White Bone; in the real world, it does not exist.

The little monk, hearing this, grew even more curious and hurriedly asked: "With whom was Master Zhi Dun discussing the Dao? Actually able to bring inspiration to Master Zhi Dun."

One year ago, this place had been visited once; at that time, someone had abducted wild beasts from the mountains; Ye Qin came here, transformed into white bone in one breath, killed many, and rescued his little follower.

It is said that the eminent monk Fahkai advocated the "Consciousness Contains Sect," often debating with Zhi Dun on "the meaning of immediate emptiness"; later, most people sided with Zhi Daolin; Fahkai, angry, left Jiankang to retreat into seclusion in Shanyin.

Ye Qin composed himself; the surrounding scenery returned to its original state, the energy fluctuations in the air also subsided; when he released his mental power again, he could no longer sense that breath of time.

This mottled time fragment brought Ye Qin great surprise; the theory of Mystic Buddha not only inspired him, but he even developed the special function of the water channel.

It must be that Zhi Dun once traveled to various places, practicing in various temples, thus leaving traces behind.

"If one day the Primordial White Bone becomes real, then surely the things brought out from the time fragment can also become real!"

At the same time, Ye Qin, under the cover of the surrounding greenery, silently slipped into the temple.

Damn, a bit of a loss……

Even here, Ye Qin takes strengths and compensates for weaknesses, perfectly merging the essences of Buddhism and Daoism; the sparks of thought constantly collide, producing a unique idea, his own.

Eastern Jin literary figure Sun Chuo made the "Discourse on the Virtuous Dao," arranging the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove with the Seven Buddhist Daoists; he once paired Master Zhi Dun with Xiang Xiu, saying: "Zhi Dun, Xiang Xiu, elegantly esteeming 'Zhuang' and 'Lao'; the two, at different times, share a fondness for the mysterious."

"The Mysterious is for the Buddha's use" is his most classic method—engaging, easy to understand, benefiting the temple monks here endlessly.

"You little girl, what are you thinking about, so absorbed?"

Thinking of this, Bai Yanfei couldn't help but recall the events that happened on Longyuan Mountain, her brows furrowing again.

After finally finishing her current tasks, with no recent cases, and her grandfather being a Buddhist believer, Bai Yanfei decided to accompany her grandfather out for a stroll.

"Just listen to your grandfather; you're a young girl, and this kind of job makes you prone to encountering bad people—too dangerous; get an amulet to put your grandfather at ease."

The little monk sighed emotionally: "Master Zhi Dun is truly formidable; in that era, to come up with such a unique viewpoint—can be said to be ahead of everyone."

The previous yin-qi killing case, like a giant stone pressing on Bai Yanfei's chest, made it hard to breathe; even now, having come out, she still thinks about case-related things.

The old man, although over seventy, looks energetic; he noticed Bai Yanfei's distraction and shouted several times in a row, but got no response.

Ye Qin again observed the prayer beads on the tail, still dripping with water; they were originally ordinary mundane objects, but after being soaked in the water channel, transcending time and space, they actually gave birth to an extraordinary aura.

If this were known to tomb robbers or archaeology experts, they'd probably go crazy.

It is said that when Xiguangsi was first established, Zhi Dun often came to transmit scriptures and lecture the monks there.

It's not that these monks are incompetent or lacking in virtue; it's merely that they have not yet reached the corresponding realm, far inferior to the previous Daoist priest Qing.

"What a pity about the old man's ancient sword; if I had known it was the real object brought out from the time fragment by the water channel, I wouldn't have given it to Zhi Dun."

Ye Qin began to let his thoughts wander, but thinking it over, he felt it unlikely; after all, the existence of the time fragment is itself special—if he had brought out a ghost monk back then, wouldn't that have been disastrous?

"Being able to bring out physical objects is already quite remarkable; after all, they are all 'antiques'!"

From this, one can see how highly he is regarded in contemporary times.

At this moment it is the weekend; since Xiguangsi has beautiful scenery, it is the first choice for many outings—worshipping Buddha and then enjoying the mountains and water, making it a fine place for leisure.

The elder monk speaks humorously and interestingly, narrating the life of Zhi Dun, interspersed with many Buddhist principles; it can be said to be captivating.

Inside the temple, ancient and elegant; although it has been renovated before, most parts are still well preserved; these can be said to be historical relics.

As for what use this prayer bead might have, Ye Qin temporarily does not know, but surely after coming into contact with time and space, it will also have some miraculous quality?

The reason this string of prayer beads could be brought out from the time fragment is surely due to the water channel, just like that ancient sword before.

Ye Qin, thinking of this, suddenly felt inspired; he wanted to try taking the prayer beads out from the Daoist observatory, from the level of mental imagination, letting them descend into the real world!

Ye Qin's thoughts were unable to calm down for a long time, like a small stone falling into a tranquil heart-lake.

The old monk obviously is also very curious; imagining ancient times, when the sages emerged in succession, yet there was such a mysterious great being, guiding the master and resolving doubts.

Later, to commemorate Master Zhi Dun, they specially carved a golden statue for enshrinement.

Ye Qin finally looked back once at the small temple at the end of the road, then stepped onto the journey again; his winding green figure dissipated into the mist.

Facing the old man's teasing, Bai Yanfei felt both laughing and crying.

The small temple will soon be toured; the large temple will take some time; Ye Qin is either in the temple or on the way to the temple.

That voice sounded somewhat childish; one can tell the age should be quite young.

Inside the temple, there are also several sturdy, luxuriant ancient trees, traditionally said to have been planted by Zhi Dun himself.

Occasionally, he would also conceal his own form, listening to those monks chanting sutras or lecturing on the Dao.

People who can let Ye Qin gain insight are truly few and far between; this phenomenon is also quite normal; otherwise, wouldn't recluses be walking everywhere?

Therefore, when his theory emerged, it produced a great influence, becoming the third major school standing alongside the "Nonexistent" and "Mindless" schools; people call his school the "Immediate Color Sect."

Young people shouldn't always furrow their brows, or they'll become unattractive.

Unfortunately, it cannot detach from the mental realm and be brought into the real world. Perhaps these things taken out can only be used within fragments of time?

But unfortunately, after trying for a while with no success, Ye Qin could only give up.

Therefore, it inherently carries the power of time, born in the past and spanning across time, like a river of time—no wonder it has such miraculous effects.

The young monk was holding in his hand exactly the Daoist classic, the Zhuangzi.

But Ye Qin already knew its function went far beyond that!

……

And this temple in Yunling City is named Xiguangsi, with a history of a thousand years. It faces the vast, rippling Yunling Lake with silver gleams, and backs onto continuous peaks, layered verdant cliffs, and towering majestic mountain ranges—truly a place with both mountains and water.

Along this journey, Ye Qin also roughly understood Zhidun's life story—turns out he was a historically renowned eminent monk.

The sky filled with red clouds, golden waves shimmering, the heavens gradually lightening—only to see a red sun slowly rising, from within it bursting forth dazzling light, piercing through the thickets and forest paths, shining upon the abandoned temple above.

Later, I heard that Zhidun once established a temple here; after the passage of time and changing circumstances, it has now developed into a famous local scenic spot, with many visitors coming to pay homage daily—truly, the incense burns strong.

Finally, amidst the countless pilgrims immersed in rapturous listening, a sigh rose. The old monk's heart wandered afar, "But I suppose, it must also be some great figure!"

"It's just that, in the annals of history, no name is left!"