Chapter 185: with translation of chapter title

~32 min read 6,215 words

Extra Chapter Three

The Fourth Patriarch displays his supreme art

Literal: "Four Patriarchs display supreme skill". Could be "The Four Patriarchs reveal their ultimate art". We'll translate: "The Four Patriarchs display their supreme skill." But need to be concise. Let's do: "The Four Patriarchs display their supreme skill."

After Sa Mei Yi's first strike, he did not immediately follow with a second, and he was greatly intrigued by the move he had just witnessed.

Translation: "After Zuomeiyi's first sword, he did not immediately make a second sword, and he was greatly interested in the move he had just seen." Need to keep meaning. Use "Zuomeiyi" as name. No gender given; we don't know gender; but we have no guide. We'll keep neutral "they"? However we have no gender guide; we should keep neutral. But the line uses no pronoun; we can say "Zuomeiyi did not immediately make a second sword". We'll use "Zuomeiyi" as subject. We'll not guess gender. So: "After Zuomeiyi's first sword, they did not immediately make a second sword, and they were greatly interested in the move they had just seen." But we need to avoid guessing gender; using "they" is okay if unknown. However we could repeat the name: "After Zuomeiyi's first sword, Zuomeiyi did not immediately make a second sword, and Zuomeiyi was greatly interested in the move Zuomeiyi had just seen." That's repetitive but acceptable. Better to use "they" as neutral singular. Many translations use "they". We'll do that.

Thus: "After Zuomeiyi's first sword, they did not immediately make a second sword, and they were greatly interested in the move they had just seen."

I never expected the master's flower‑holding finger technique to be so powerful; it truly opens one's eyes! His finger art transforms life and death, revealing true meaning between withering and flourishing—using vital breath to make flowers bloom, lethal breath to make them fall; in the opening and closing of flowers the genuine nature is fully shown—truly an enlightened monk! Yet although flowers may wither and flourish, they wither without dying and flourish without growing; the Buddha's flower‑holding is a heart‑to‑heart transmission; I wonder what kind of heart the master has just imparted? The outward form of that recent strike is feigned; the true essence lies in its intention and spirit. If one cannot see through its subtlety, no matter how one tries, one cannot respond to it. In terms of technique, this strike has reached a flawless state, but it is not yet transcendent. The true essence lies in the intention of life and death infused within.

Let's break.

Translation: "I never expected the master's Flower-Picking Finger to have such power; it truly opens one's eyes! The master's finger technique transforms life and death, showing the true meaning between withering and flourishing: with vital energy it makes flowers bloom, with mortal energy it makes them fall; between opening and falling, the true nature is fully revealed—truly an enlightened monk! However, though flowers may wither and flourish, they wither without dying and flourish without living. The Buddha picks a flower, transmitting mind to mind; I do not know what mind the master has just transmitted."

The outward form of that recent strike is false; the true essence lies in its intention and spirit. If one cannot perceive its subtlety, no matter how one tries, one cannot respond to it. In terms of technique, this strike has reached a flawless state, but it is not yet transcendent. The true essence lies in the intention of life and death infused within.

Translation: "The outward form of that sword just now is false; the true essence lies in the intention and spirit within. If one cannot see through its profundity, no matter how one tries, one cannot respond. In terms of the technique, this sword has reached the flawless state of being unstoppable, but it is not yet transcendent and unworldly. The true essence lies in the intention infused with life and death."

We need to keep it as one line.

Let's craft: ""I never expected the master's Flower-Picking Finger to have such power; it truly opens one's eyes! The master's finger technique transforms life and death, showing the true meaning between withering and flourishing: with vital energy it makes flowers bloom, with mortal energy it makes them fall; between opening and falling, the true nature is fully revealed—truly an enlightened monk! However, though flowers may wither and flourish, they wither without dying and flourish without living. The Buddha picks a flower, transmitting mind to mind; I do not know what mind the master has just transmitted." The outward form of that sword just now is false; the true essence lies in the intention and spirit within. If one cannot see through its profundity, no matter how one tries, one cannot respond. In terms of the technique, this sword has reached the flawless state of being unstoppable, but it is not yet transcendent and unworldly. The true essence lies in the intention infused with life and death."

We need to keep quotes? The original includes Chinese quotation marks; we can keep English quotes. We'll keep double quotes.

Patron Zuo's sword technique is fiercely unmatched; observing life and death, in life there are times of desolate loneliness and times of joyous exhilaration, truly a scene of endless vitality; yet in death there is tranquil peace, the scenery exquisitely beautiful, between life and death transformations leave no trace; I, the old monk, can only respond by borrowing the Buddha's flower‑holding finger technique with the notion of 'not withered yet withered, not flourishing yet flourishing,' and still I have nothing to rely upon! Dao Xin's bearing is like a spring breeze; his humble attitude moves people.

Translation: "Patron Zuo's sword technique is peerlessly fierce; observing life and death, in life it is sometimes desolate and lonely, sometimes joyful and uplifting, truly an endless scene of life and death; yet in death it is tranquil and peaceful, the scenery exquisitely beautiful, the transformation between life and death leaves no trace. The old monk can only respond with the 'not withering in withering, not flourishing in flourishing' by borrowing the Buddha's Flower-Picking Finger technique, but there is nothing to correspond to!"

Dao Xin's bearing is like a spring breeze; his humble attitude moves people.

Translation: "Daoxin's bearing makes one feel like basking in spring breeze; his humble attitude is moving."

Patron Zuo

Now 【6】 The junior martial sister Shifeixuan standing nearby, however, saw that Sami's sword had transformed into the two vital energies of life and death; the essence that penetrates the void is truly a sword from beginning to end. Although Master Daoxin's response appeared as a single finger, Shifeixuan knew it was actually two fingers: one the Withering‑and‑Flourishing Zen finger, the other the Nodding‑Flower finger. The flower she held, using the Withering‑and‑Flourishing Zen finger, revealed the true meaning of withering and flourishing, corresponding to the turning of life and death. Though the exchange ended in a draw, Shifeixuan realized that Master Daoxin, by expending double or even more of his true power in his defensive technique, was actually at a disadvantage. Sami's question pertains to this.

Let's break: "One side's Shifeixuan, however, saw that Zuomeiyi's sword transformed the life and death two qi; the substance that penetrates the void is indeed a sword from beginning to end. Although Daoxin's corresponding response at that time was only a finger, Shifeixuan knows it is actually two fingers: one is the Wither-Flourish Zen Finger, the other is the Flower-Picking Finger. The flower picked uses the Wither-Flourish Zen Finger to show the true meaning of withering and flourishing, corresponding to the operation of life and death. Although the exchange ended in a draw, Shifeixuan knows that Daoxin, using a defensive method, expends double or even more true power, thus actually being at a disadvantage. The question Zuomeiyi asked is related to this."

We need to keep names: Shifeixuan, Zuomeiyi, Daoxin.

We'll translate: "Shifeixuan, however, saw that Zuomeiyi's sword transformed the life and death two qi; the substance that penetrates the void is indeed a sword from beginning to end. Although Daoxin's corresponding response at that time was only a finger, Shifeixuan knows it is actually two fingers: one is the Wither-Flourish Zen Finger, the other is the Flower-Picking Finger. The flower picked uses the Wither-Flourish Zen Finger to show the true meaning of withering and flourishing, corresponding to the operation of life and death. Although the exchange ended in a draw, Shifeixuan knows that Daoxin, using a defensive method, expends double or even more true power, thus actually being at a disadvantage. The question Zuomeiyi asked is related to this."

Now 【7】 As it turns out, I never expected the Chan Sect's supreme art; the master has already mastered it to this extent, able to pluck it forth with a casual hand, clearly responding to the mirror, which makes me feel quite delighted.

Translation: "So that's how it is; I never expected the Chan Sect's supreme art, master, to have been studied to this extent, actually being able to pick it up casually, clearly responding to the mirror, letting me feel quite delighted!"

Thus: "So that's how it is; I never expected the Chan Sect's supreme art, master, to have been studied to this extent, actually being able to pick it up casually, clearly responding to the mirror, letting me feel quite delighted!"

"The left patron's sword technique is fierce and unparalleled, observing life and death; in life sometimes withered and desolate, sometimes joyful and exhilarating, truly the scene of endless life; yet in death it is tranquil and peaceful, the scenery exquisitely beautiful, between life and death transformations leave no trace. The old monk can only, using the not-withered withered, not-flourishing flourishing, borrow the Buddha's Plucking Flower Finger technique to barely respond—truly there is nothing to correspond to!" Master Daoxin's bearing makes people feel like basking in a spring breeze, his humble attitude moves people.

Beside, Shi Feixuan saw that Zuomeiyi's sword had transformed into the two vital energies of life and death; the reality of penetrating the void is indeed a sword from start to finish, but when Master Daoxin responded, although it was a single finger, Shi Feixuan knows it is actually two fingers: one the Wither-Prosper Zen Finger, one the Plucking Flower Finger. The flower plucked, using the Wither-Prosper Zen Finger, reveals the true meaning of wither-prosper, corresponding to the turning of life and death. Although one move ended in a draw, Shi Feixuan knows that Master Daoxin, using a defensive method, expended double or even more true energy, thus actually fell to a disadvantage. Zuomeiyi's question pertains to this.

"So that's how it is; I never imagined the Zen sect's supreme art, Master, you have already penetrated to this extent, you can simply pluck it forth, clearly corresponding to the mirror, letting me feel quite delighted!"

"That sword just now truly carried the intention of penetrating heaven and earth, penetrating the thought of life and death; I wonder what the name of the sword is?" After this move, Daoxin immediately realized that Sami's skill was not inferior to his; looking back, the fact that Qinghui and Kongkong had driven him to desperation a while ago is certainly not because Sami lacked the ability to fight two opponents, but possibly because Sami had no intention of raising his hand against his benefactor, and thus had no choice but to flee for his life.

Quote: "That sword just now truly carried the intention of penetrating heaven and earth, penetrating the thought of life and death; I wonder what the name of the sword is?"

Translation: "That sword just now truly carries the intention of penetrating heaven and earth, penetrating the thought of life and death; I don't know the name of this sword?"

Then rest: After this move, Daoxin immediately realized that Sami's skill was not inferior to his; looking back, the fact that Qinghui and Kongkong had driven him to desperation a while ago is certainly not because Sami lacked the ability to fight two opponents, but possibly because Sami had no intention of raising his hand against his benefactor, and thus had no choice but to flee for his life.

Translation: "After this move, Daoxin knows that Zuomeiyi's ability is not inferior to his; considering how Fan Qinghui and Liangkong had previously forced them into a desperate situation, it now seems that Zuomeiyi's inability to fight two opponents is not due to lack of ability, but possibly because Zuomeiyi never intended to raise a hand against their benefactor, and thus had to flee for their life."

We need to keep names: Daoxin, Zuomeiyi, Fan Qinghui, Liangkong.

We'll translate: "After this move, Daoxin knows that Zuomeiyi's ability is not inferior to his; considering how Fan Qinghui and Liangkong had previously forced them into a desperate situation, it now seems that Zuomeiyi's inability to fight two opponents is not due to lack of ability, but possibly because Zuomeiyi never intended to raise a hand against their benefactor, and thus had to flee for their life."

"The bitterness of the three flavors, the bitterness of life and death!" Sami replied.

Translation: "\"The bitterness of the three flavors, the bitterness of life and death! \" Zuomeiyi replied."

"The suffering of life and death is indeed suffering yet not suffering; the Three Flavors Sword Method truly lives up to its name, actually transforming emotion into the Way; I fear my few techniques will not achieve anything."

Translation: "\"The bitterness of life and death is actually bitter yet not bitter; the Three Flavors Sword Method truly lives up to its name, actually transforming emotion into the Dao; my few techniques will surely not achieve anything! \""

We need to keep quotes.

"Master, since you have come to save people, why be modest! Being able to enter suffering yet not suffer shows the profundity of your Buddhist teachings; let me learn a few more of your supreme arts! Second sword!" The Form-Emptiness Sword leapt and turned, with resonant sounds ringing out; six paths of sword qi suddenly shot forth in various patterns, directions, and angles.

Quote: "Master, since you have come to save people, why be modest! Being able to enter suffering yet not suffer shows the profundity of your Buddhist teachings; let me learn a few more of your supreme arts! Second sword!"

Translation: "\"Master, since you have come to save people, why be modest? Being able to enter bitterness yet not be bitter shows your profound Buddhist Dharma; let me learn a few more of your supreme arts! Second sword! \""

Then rest: The Form-Emptiness Sword leapt and turned, with resonant sounds ringing out; six paths of sword qi suddenly shot forth in various patterns, directions, and angles.

Translation: "The Form-Emptiness Sword leapt and turned, sounding repeatedly; the Six Paths Sword Qi suddenly shot out in different rhythms, directions, and angles."

We need to keep "Form-Emptiness Sword" as "Form-Emptiness Sword". "Six Paths Sword Qi" as "Six Paths Sword Qi". Good.

Although the Six Paths Sword Qi is intricate and hidden, it remains dignified and upright. The Form-Emptiness Sword, upon being grasped in a swift motion, instantly formed the Seventh Path Sword Qi, shooting straight toward the heavens. Sami suddenly vanished from his spot, appearing to have merged with the sword qi.

Translation: "Although the Six Paths Sword Qi is cunning and hidden, it does not lose its dignified propriety. Grasping the Form-Emptiness Sword, it suddenly formed the Seventh Path Sword Qi, charging straight to the heavens. Zuomeiyi suddenly vanished from the spot, as if merging into the sword qi."

The Six Paths Sword Qi ignites joy, anger, worry, thought, sorrow, and fear; but the most dangerous among them is a sword blade carrying a fierce aura, like smoke and fire, intensely fierce, pointing directly at the target, and in speed it is like thunder and lightning.

Translation: "The Six Paths Sword Qi ignites joy, anger, worry, thought, sorrow, and fear, but the most dangerous one is the sword edge carrying a dense aura, like smoke and fire, extremely intense, pointing directly at the target, its speed even more like thunder and lightning."

Although the Seventh Path Sword Qi is issued later, it arrives first.

Translation: "Although the Seventh Path Sword Qi was issued later, it arrived first."

The other Six Paths sword qi seem to come alive, darting out at the slightest provocation to attack any opening, as if they possessed life.

Translation: "The other Six Paths Sword Qi seemed to come alive, rushing out upon a provocation, attacking gaps, as if it had life."

But Shifeixuan knew that the most lethal strike must be the Seventh Path initiated by Sami himself.

Translation: "But Shifeixuan knows that the most lethal strike should be the Seventh Path emitted by Zuomeiyi themselves."

Sami, carrying the thunderous sword intent, went straight toward Master Daoxin; the sword qi was majestic and upright, firmly locking onto the target without the slightest deviation.

Translation: "Zuomeiyi, carrying the sword intent of thunder and lightning, went straight toward Daoxin; the sword qi was dignified and upright, firmly locking onto the target without the slightest deviation."

Having reached this level, both sides understood that this life‑and‑death sword could not be avoided; one must only meet the challenge head‑on.

Translation: "Having reached this level, both sides already know that this life-and-death-determining sword cannot be avoided at all; one can only meet the difficulty head-on."

The Six Paths Sword Qi each correspond to six of the seven emotions; they are subtle and intricate. If the sword qi were simple, dealing with them would pose no difficulty, but at this moment we must still confront the most dangerous Seventh Path Sword Qi.

Translation: "The Six Paths Sword Qi respectively correspond to the six emotions among the seven emotions; they are mysterious and cunning. If the sword qi were purely simple, responding would not be difficult, but at this moment one must also face the most dangerous Seventh Path Sword Qi."

If the Seventh Path Sword Qi is correct, it naturally represents the final of the seven emotions: alarm.

Translation: "If the Seventh Path Sword Qi is correct, it naturally represents the last of the seven emotions: shock."

Alarm, which takes speed and surprise, is certainly not a mere single strike.

Translation: "Shock, taking speed and surprise, is surely not a simple strike either."

Even under such circumstances, Master Daoxin still chose to overcome motion with stillness; although his face showed no expression, he remained calm as usual.

Translation: "Even in such a situation, Daoxin still chooses to overcome movement with stillness; although expressionless, they remain calm as usual."

Facing the thunder‑like Seventh Path Sword Qi, Master Daoxin merely raised his right index finger lightly and tapped the incoming sword tip; the explosive sound of the agitated air was a low, short boom that made Shifeixuan's heart leap, and she repeatedly activated her stillness skill to dispel the effects, but her power was under Sami's control and could not reach its normal level; amid the turmoil of battle she had already been injured, yet she endured it for fear of affecting Master Daoxin.

Translation: "Facing the Seventh Path Sword Qi like a thunderclap of shock, Daoxin merely raised the right index finger slightly and lightly touched the incoming sword tip; the explosive sound of the agitated air was muffled and brief, causing Shifeixuan's heart to leap with fright; they repeatedly activated their stillness skill to dispel the influence, but their power was controlled by Zuomeiyi, unable to reach their usual level; in this battle's disturbance, they had already been injured, yet they endured, worrying about affecting Daoxin."

We need to keep "stillness skill" as "stillness skill". Could also be "stillness practice". We'll keep "stillness skill".

The single finger that Sami faced loomed like a towering mountain, automatically seeking the location of the Seventh Path Sword Qi, marvelously exquisite, like a protective golden finger.

Translation: "The finger that Zuomeiyi faced seemed like a mountain suddenly rising, automatically seeking the location of the Seventh Path Sword Qi; it was marvelously wondrous, like a protective golden finger."

Sami, heedless of everything, exerted seven‑tenths of his original characteristic while retaining three‑tenths, constantly infusing his spirit with his original speed from all directions; to an observer, Sami had become lightning, incessantly striking the motionless Master Daoxin at the center.

Translation: "Zuomeiyi heedlessly, using their original characteristics, exerted seven parts of artistic conception while retaining three parts; at all times, they infused their original speed with their own spirit and will, attacking from different positions; to outsiders, Zuomeiyi seemed to have turned into lightning, continually striking the centrally standing Daoxin."

Against the sword intent that swept in like a swift wind and sturdy grass, Daoxin simply raised his index finger, forming a slightly enlarged finger image three inches ahead, like a ghost that each time meets the Seventh Path Sword Qi.

Translation: "Facing the sword intent that rushes like a swift wind and sturdy grass, Daoxin simply raises the index finger, forming a slightly huge finger image three inches before, like a ghost each time meeting the Seventh Path Sword Qi."

Daoxin's right hand remained still like a mountain, while his left hand fluttered up and down, left and right, seemingly everywhere; between motion and stillness it revealed an eternal, unchanging rhythm. The nearby Shifeixuan, after steadying herself a bit, was drawn in by this ineffable, wondrous scene of Daoxin, as if gaining insight.

Translation: "Daoxin's right hand remains still like a mountain, while the left hand flies up, down, left, and right, seeming to be everywhere; between movement and stillness it displays an eternal, unchanging rhythm; Shifeixuan, slightly stabilizing nearby, was attracted by Daoxin's hard-to-describe wondrous scene, as if gaining some insight."

Although the left hand's fingers fluttered in all directions like the Seventh Path Sword Qi, everyone present understood that the left hand was actually countering the other six strange and variable sword qi. If an ordinary person encountered these six sword qi, they would naturally be affected by the changing six emotions within them; a slight inner disturbance would allow the other sword qi to invade, and facing this sword method, if one cannot reach the state of a clear sword heart, there is no way to cope.

Translation: "Although the left hand's fingers fly about like the Seventh Path Sword Qi, everyone present understands that the left hand's fingers are dealing with the other six mysterious and changeable sword qi. If an ordinary person encounters these six sword qi, they would naturally be affected by the changes in the six emotions; a slight stir in the heart would allow other sword qi to take advantage, and facing this sword method, if one cannot reach the level of Sword Heart Penetrating Light, there is no way to respond."

As the fourth patriarch of the Buddhist Chan sect, Master Daoxin's mastery of stillness skill has naturally reached perfection; although the Six Paths Sword Qi is hard to deal with, for him it is both a refinement of the Buddhist heart and a shaping of his technique.

Translation: "As Daoxin, the Fourth Patriarch of the Buddhist Chan Sect, their stillness practice has naturally reached the point of transformation; although the Six Paths Sword Qi is hard to deal with, for them it is both the refinement of the Buddhist heart and the shaping of technique."

But Daoxin is ultimately not a deity; even though he harbors no thought of victory or defeat in combat and is himself a transcendent person, his act of rescuing Shifeixuan is certainly not without motion. Therefore, in this conduct he has already fallen into inferiority, especially since his later use of the Chan sect's secret technique of striking first to save people cannot achieve mental balance.

Translation: "But Daoxin is ultimately not a god or Buddha; even without a desire for victory or defeat in battle, they are still a worldly person, yet the act of rescuing Shifeixuan is not entirely without movement. Therefore, in this conduct they have already fallen into inferiority, especially since afterward they use the Chan Sect's secret technique to preemptively strike people to save them, which inherently cannot achieve mental balance."

The finger that collides with the Seventh Path Sword Qi, producing a dull sound, is one of the Chan sect's secret techniques—the Purifying Finger, which specializes in overcoming motion with stillness; hence, beneath the Seventh Path Sword Qi it assumes a defensive stance.

Translation: "The finger that collides with the Seventh Path Sword Qi, producing a muffled sound, is one of the Chan Sect's secret techniques, the Pure Clarity Finger, which specializes in overcoming movement with stillness; therefore, under the Seventh Path Sword Qi it is in a defensive posture."

The finger that contends with the Six Paths Sword Qi is the Disturb‑Clearing Finger; the six emotions are strange and changeable, and each time it meets the Disturb‑Clearing Finger it rebounds and shifts, producing a clear, tinkling bell sound upon contact that feels lively and vibrant, echoing the silent stillness expressed by the dull tone, forming a peculiar style—as if one side plays a lively tune of life while the other emits a funereal undertone. When the seven emotions meet the Purifying and Disturb‑Clearing Fingers, they ultimately transform into life and death, again resembling a continuation of the first sword.

Translation: "The finger that contends with the Six Paths Sword Qi is the Removing Afflictions Finger; the six emotions are mysterious and changeable, and each time it meets the Removing Afflictions Finger, it rebounds and changes; upon contact it emits a clear, tinkling bell sound, giving a feeling of lively vitality, while the muffled sound expressing deathly silence responds to it, forming a strange style, as if one side plays the music of life while the other emits the background tone of death. When the seven emotions meet the Pure Clarity and Removing Afflictions Fingers, finally transforming into life and death, it is also like an extension of the first sword."

In just a moment, Sami unleashed a hundred strikes with the Seventh Path Sword Qi. Master Daoxin displayed the prowess of the four great sages, blocking each sword qi completely; his technical skill and peaceful mind surpassed even the Sword Heart Clarity of the Cihang Quiet Studio.

Translation: "In just a moment, Zuomeiyi used the Seventh Path Sword Qi to unleash a hundred swords in succession. Daoxin displayed the foundation of their Four Great Holy Monks, blocking each sword qi completely; their skillful proficiency and peaceful state of mind surpassed even the Sword Heart Penetrating Light of Cihang Tranquil Abbey."

But if one thinks the Seventh Path Sword Qi consists of only a hundred strikes, that would be a grave mistake; for if it were merely that, this sword qi could not carry the seven emotions' 'alarm'.

Translation: "But if one thinks the Seventh Path Sword Qi consists of only a hundred swords, that would be completely wrong; if that were the case, this sword qi could not carry the 'shock' of the seven emotions."

Emitting seven and retaining three is merely a more energy‑saving approach, allowing each of the hundred strikes to be delivered with full power; but the true method is to emit nine and retain one, using the one to control the nine. One is not truly one, nine is not truly nine—if not present in the moment, one cannot truly grasp this principle.

Translation: "Leaving three out of seven is merely a more energy-conserving practice, better able to keep each of the hundred swords at full strength. But the true practice is to leave one out of nine, using one to control nine. One is not one, nine is not nine; if not present, one cannot truly understand this principle."

After the hundred strikes had just passed, there was an instant transformation; Sami turned one into ten, each sword differing from the previous hundred, becoming sharper and swifter. The low rumble turned into a sharp, rending sound of tearing air.

Translation: "After the hundred swords had just passed, there was instantly a regeneration and change; Zuomeiyi turned one into ten, each sword different from the previous hundred, more fierce and also more rapid. The muffled sound also turned into a piercing, killing sound of breaking air."

"The Spiciness of the Three Flavors·Seven‑Emotion Sword!" The nine strands of 'alarm' sword qi merged into one, together with the other six paths of sword qi forming a single sword that thrust toward the illusory image of the right index finger.

Translation: "\"Three Flavors Spicy Seven Emotions Sword! \" The nine paths of Shock Sword Qi unite as one, together with the other six paths of Sword Qi forming a single sword, thrusting at the phantom image of the right index finger."

As if corroded, the Purifying Finger's manifestation of the right index finger under the sword qi caved in like tofu, breaking apart in layers; in an instant the finger collapsed with a sound.

Translation: "As if with corrosive power, the Pure Clarity Finger's illusory right index finger, under the sword qi, collapses like tofu in successive dents; in an instant, the finger falls with a sound."

A thunder‑like, fierce sword strike shattered the Purifying Finger and pierced straight toward Master Daoxin's heart.

Translation: "A thunderous, intense sword of shock shatters the Pure Clarity Finger, pointing straight at Daoxin's heart and abdomen."

"Roar!" A mighty shout rang out across the wilds; the already‑wounded Shifeixuan, under this Buddhist lion's roar, could no longer control herself, a gush of blood spilled from her mouth, and she slumped weakly in a corner, her expression extremely feeble.

Translation: "\"Roar! \" A mighty howl spread across the wilds; the already wounded Shifeixuan, under this Buddhist Lion's Roar, could no longer control themselves, a mouthful of blood spurted out, then they collapsed weakly in a corner, appearing extremely feeble."

The lion's roar's outward sound is false; the voice that captures the heart is true. When the outward sound is heard, the actual move has already passed.

Translation: "The Lion's Roar's outward sound is false; the voice that seizes the heart is true. When hearing the outward sound, the move has actually already passed."

The condensed spicy sword intent, under the impact of the lion's roar, briefly revealed a flaw, then was met by the Disturb‑Clearing Finger; this strike, intended to be decisive, likewise failed to achieve great effect.

Translation: "The condensed spicy sword intent, under the impact of the Lion's Roar, slightly revealed a flaw, then was met by the Removing Afflictions Finger; this sword, which was certain to succeed, likewise failed to achieve great effect."

Sami drew his sword and leapt to Shifeixuan's side in a flash, without hesitation grasping her arm. As he was about to examine her injury, Shife

Translation: "Zuomeiyi drew their sword and left, leaping in a flash before Shifeixuan's face, without the slightest hesitation, grabbing Shifeixuan's arm. Just as they were about to examine the injury, Shifeixuan's index and middle fingers joined together as a sword, thrusting straight toward Zuomeiyi's brow, giving a feeling of the Spiritual Tacit Finger."

I must admit that when Shifuxuan was injured, Samiyo's mind had relaxed and she failed to notice Shifuxuan's abnormality, resulting in this oversight.

Translation: "It must be said that, when Shifeixuan was injured, Zuomeiyi's state of mind had become lax, and they did not notice Shifeixuan's abnormality, leading to this oversight."

However, Shifuxuan's gesture was utterly contrary to her mood; she hesitated about whether to injure Samiyo, causing a lack of coordination between her inner intent and outer action, and she barely managed to deflect Samiyo's paired fingers, missing this nearly fatal strike.

Translation: "But Shifeixuan's finger, greatly differing from their state of mind, still hesitated about whether to injure Zuomeiyi, causing inner and outer disharmony; in the end they barely managed to block it with Zuomeiyi's joined fingers, missing this almost certain killing strike."

Samiyo flashed with surprise and anger, but it vanished in an instant; after verifying that Shifuxuan's injury was minor, she got up and approached the immobile Master Daoxin.

Translation: "Zuomeiyi was momentarily startled and angry, but it instantly dissipated without a trace; after continuing to check that Shifeixuan's injury was harmless, they rose to meet the motionless Daoxin."

"Master, your skill is truly divine; even in battle you can still use the Buddhist Lion's Roar to break Feiyue's restrictions!" Samiyo obviously mocked.

Translation: "\"Master truly possesses divine skill, being able to use the Buddhist Lion's Roar even during combat to break Shifeixuan's restrictions! \" Zuomeiyi obviously mocked."

Although Daoxin used a secret technique to lift Shifuxuan's restriction, he could not possibly remain unharmed under Samiyo's sword intent; now Shifuxuan has again been subdued after losing her grip. While we need not discuss victory or defeat in this martial contest, the final result shows that Master Daoxin has lost more points.

Translation: "Although Daoxin used a secret technique to lift Shifeixuan's restrictions, under Zuomeiyi's sword intent attack they could not possibly remain unharmed; now Shifeixuan has again lost control and been restrained. This martial contest of victory is not to discuss wins and losses, but looking at the final result, Daoxin has lost more points."

Daoxin spat out a mouthful of blood and then said: "Patron Zuo, at the age of twenty, you created the Three Flavors Sword Method, hoping to sever the seven emotions of life and death; I, the humble monk, am deeply impressed! Facing a master like Patron Zuo, how could I dare be half-hearted? The restriction on Feiyue was not opened by me!"

Translation: "Daoxin spat out a mouthful of blood, then said: \"Patron Zuo, at the age of twenty, created the Three Flavors Sword Method, hoping to sever the seven emotions of life and death; I admire you immensely! In a duel with such a master as Patron Zuo, how could I harbor divided loyalties? The restriction on Feiyue's body was not opened by me! \""

We will keep the translations: Patron Zuo, Feiyue, age of twenty, Three Flavors Sword Method, seven emotions of life and death, and I (humble monk).

Samiyo gazed leisurely at Shifuxuan's pale yet all the more lovable face, seeming lost in thought.

Translation: "Zuomeiyi leisurely gazed at Shifeixuan's already pale yet all the more lovable lovely face, lost in thought."

"I enter the sword with the startle of the Seven Emotions; Master responds with the Clear Mind Finger, thus the Clear Mind Finger counters startle. I enter the sword with the six emotions of the Seven Emotions; Master responds with the Remove Afflictions Finger, thus the Remove Afflictions Finger counters the six emotions. Master transforms worldly feelings with the Buddhist secret technique; the way of responding quite reveals the true meaning! Using one still and one moving finger together, we have already reached the state of formlessness and tracelessness; Master's static cultivation has reached this point—I deeply admire him. But there is one matter I do not understand; I hope Master can resolve my doubt?" Zuomeiyi saw that Master Daoxin showed no displeasure, and thus continued, "I enter the sword with the three flavors' spiciness and the Seven Emotions; Master, however, uses the Buddhist Lion's Roar to dispel startle and fear, and uses the Remove Afflictions Finger to respond to the remaining five emotions—how is this?"

"When Shakyamuni Buddha was born, one hand pointed to heaven, one hand pointed to earth, making the lion's roar; it is said, 'Above heaven and below earth, only I am supreme.' The Zen sect alone takes the true meaning expressed at the Buddha's birth, relying on it to express fearlessness!" Having said this, Master Daoxin continued no further.

The so-called "Above heaven and below earth, only I am supreme" is not the superficial literal meaning; this "I" is not the "I" of the five aggregates, but the true mind inherently possessed by all beings. Only by understanding this can one comprehend the meaning in Master Daoxin's words.

Its lion's roar can only dispel startle and fear; or perhaps the additional meaning is that its lion's roar is not exalted, still needing only the Remove Afflictions, but how can the Remove Afflictions face the sword intent of the three flavors' spiciness?

Zuomeiyi thinking of this spiciness, Master Daoxin again spat fresh blood.

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End of Chapter

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Ch. 185 / 30062%