Chapter 49: Return North to the Central Plains

Zhao Ti, seeing the situation, shouted: "What are you all waiting for? Strike now!"

The monks of Tianlong Temple rushed forward; Benyin pulled Duan Zhengming back while the others pointed their fingers, emitting a sound different from the One Yang Finger, far more grating. Zhao Ti knew this must be the Six Meridian Swords.

With numerous finger forces interlacing, Ji Mo Zhi could not withstand them. The Six Meridian Swords were fine, with a grand momentum and obvious approach, but Zhao Ti's finger force was light, spiritual, and gloomy, cold and soft yet striking directly, making it impossible to guard against.

A "puchi" sound was heard; Zhao Ti shot a finger at Ji Mo Zhi's shoulder. Ji Mo Zhi let out a strange cry, retreated backward out of the Moni Hall, covered his shoulder with his hand, and looked at Zhao Ti: "Benefactor, who exactly are you?"

Zhao Ti sneered coldly: "My name is not for you to know!"

Ji Mo Zhi's expression changed; he said "Go," his figure swept backward, and the few people under him followed in panic, hastily withdrawing from Tianlong Temple.

Inside the Moni Hall, even though Duan Zhengming had held power for many years and cultivated his composure to perfection, the terrifying scene just now still made his face pale, and cold sweat broke out all over his body.

If he had truly been taken away by Ji Mo Zhi, the consequences would have been unthinkable. Even if the opponent only sought the martial art of the Six Meridian Swords, once the matter spread, it would surely shake the entire nation and cause turmoil in the court.

If the opponent took him to Tubo, then Dali would inevitably go to war with Tubo; at that time, with war fires and beacons rising, matters of rise and fall would truly be beyond repair.

He straightened his robes, walked to Zhao Ti, and bowed deeply: "Duan Zhengming thanks Prince Yan for the grace of rescue."

Zhao Ti shook his head and supported his arm and sleeve: "Duan Guozhu need not be so. Not only did I have an agreement with Tianlong Temple before, but even if I did not, since the Song Li court is friendly, how could I see Duan Guozhu in peril and not rescue him?"

Duan Zhengming said: "Though the words of Prince Yan are light, to Zhengming they are as heavy as Cangshan and as deep as Erhai. Zhengming, on behalf of the Duan clan and the people of Dali, thanks Prince Yan."

Zhao Ti applied slight pressure with his hand and helped Duan Zhengming up: "This matter is easily settled. Duan Guozhu, please rise quickly."

Duan Zhengming straightened his body. Master Kurong said: "Please, Benefactor Zhao, come speak in the Manjusri Hall."

The Moni Hall was in a chaotic mess from the fight and could no longer receive guests, so the whole group proceeded to the Manjusri Hall.

Arriving at the Manjusri Hall and sitting separately, a young novice monk served tea. Duan Zhengming said: "I wonder where the Prince is currently residing?"

Zhao Ti smiled: "I am resting at an inn."

Duan Zhengming said: "Inns are crude; I will immediately arrange for the Prince to move to Wuhua Tower. Please grant your approval, Prince."

Master Kurong interjected: "Zhengming, this is not urgent. Previously, this old monk promised Benefactor Zhao a matter; now that Ji Mo Zhi has withdrawn, we should fulfill it immediately."

Duan Zhengming said: "Elder, what matter is this?"

Master Kurong explained the previously agreed-upon assistance, then Benyin said: "Benefactor Zhao first stated he did not want the martial art sought by Ji Mo Zhi, proving his integrity; then he said he did not want gold or silver jewels; furthermore, he stated he would not take a single scripture or book from the temple. We truly do not know what else Tianlong Temple can offer to thank the benefactor."

Zhao Ti smiled: "Those were merely words fitting the occasion; everyone need not be so serious."

Benyin said: "That simply will not do. A promise is worth a thousand gold; please, Benefactor Zhao, state your request, and Tianlong Temple will fulfill it immediately."

Master Kurong said: "This is exactly how it should be!"

Zhao Ti glanced at the group of old monks, then looked at Duan Zhengming, and said: "I lack nothing. Otherwise, how about inviting all you masters to the Great Xiangguo Temple in the Eastern Capital to discuss Buddhist teachings?"

The monks shook their heads. Benyin said: "That should be a request from us old monks, not a need of the benefactor."

Hearing this, Zhao Ti thought for a moment: "Apart from martial arts, I have no other interests. Since all you masters speak with such sincere earnestness, may I borrow your temple's One Yang Finger Manual for a look?"

"The One Yang Finger Manual?" Hearing this, all the monks were stunned, and Duan Zhengming was also momentarily dumbfounded.

"Does Benefactor Zhao only wish to look?" Master Kurong pressed his palms together.

Zhao Ti said: "As stated before, I will not take a single book or scripture from within Tianlong Temple; naturally, I will only look."

Master Kurong pondered. The One Yang Finger Manual contained over ten thousand characters, along with various diagrammatic explanations and meridian drawings; if one only read it once, it was doubtful anyone could remember it all.

He said: "Benguan, bring the manual for Benefactor Zhao to see."

Zhao Ti guessed in his heart that Master Kurong would not refuse, and since he had saved Duan Zhengming, even if he asked Duan Zhengming directly for the One Yang Finger to see, the other would agree.

The ability to remember everything after one glance had appeared in only two or three people since the founding of the Great Song these past years, and that was during the time when the trend of child prodigies flourished under Emperors Zhenzong and Renzong; Renzong's peaceful prime minister, Yan Shu, possessed the ability to remember everything after one glance, but who would think of that?

Moreover, even if they truly wanted it, it might not be impossible. Tianlong Temple might hesitate, but Duan Zhengming would most likely grant it.

Moments later, the monk Benguan brought in a red sandalwood box from outside. Opening it revealed a yellowed book, which he took out and held up for Zhao Ti: "Please, Benefactor Zhao, take a look."

Zhao Ti nodded, accepted it, and began flipping through the pages. The more he looked, the more puzzled he became. The One Yang Finger was not as mysterious as imagined; it was not the domineering general principle of the Phantom Yi Yin Zhi where one Yin generates all things, nor was it a path of practicing only one meridian while covering up the others.

He flipped through page by page, finally closing it slowly, feeling that this Cultivation Technique seemed somewhat inferior to the Phantom Yi Yin Zhi.

Seeing him finish the One Yang Finger Manual with no expression of awe or envy on his face, the monks could not help but look at one another in silence.

Benyin asked: "Has Benefactor Zhao finished reading?"

Zhao Ti nodded: "I have finished."

Master Kurong's expression was solemn: "What does Benefactor Zhao think of it?"

Zhao Ti smiled slightly: "It is indeed a supreme art."

Hearing his words of praise, the monks did not dare to ask further. Benyin hesitated: "Does Benefactor Zhao want anything else?"

Zhao Ti shook his head: "Nothing more. Since Ji Mo Zhi has withdrawn, I will not disturb the masters here any longer while they handle the aftermath. I will return to the city now and leave Dali in a few days."

Master Kurong said: "Why must Benefactor Zhao be in such a hurry?"

Zhao Ti sighed lightly: "Having been away for a long time, I must return; I fear there may be matters requiring my attention."

Benyin stammered: "Benefactor Zhao, regarding the Great Xiangguo Temple you mentioned earlier..."

Zhao Ti smiled slightly: "I have prepared pure vegetarian offerings, sandalwood incense, and precious candles, and I await the arrival of all you masters at any time."

Hearing this, the monks pressed their palms together and chanted the Buddha's name in unison.

At this moment, Duan Zhengming rose: "I will go with the Prince and arrange for the Prince to move to Wuhua Tower for lodging."

Afterwards, they went out, and by evening everything was settled. Zhao Ti and two others checked in and entered the Guest Hall of Wuhua Tower.

After resting for one day, Duan Zhengming set up a banquet in the imperial palace. Duan Zhengchun and Duan Yu accompanied him and invited Zhao Ti to the feast. After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, Duan Zhengming spoke of the matter of Dali as a vassal state, speaking earnestly and requesting Zhao Ti's assistance.

Zhao Ti said: "I will bring this matter up with the Emperor and do my best to facilitate it, opening the official markets early and prospering the trade routes."

Hearing this, Duan Zhengming was overjoyed and raised his cup repeatedly to toast.

After staying in Dali for a few more days, Zhao Ti proposed to take his leave. Duan Zhengming prepared carriages and horses and personally escorted him outside the city.

Afterwards, they began their return north, but did not take the Yangshan River route, entering the Song's Guangnan West Circuit from the direction of Shicheng Commandery.

The mountains and rivers here were treacherous; during the Qingli era, Nong Zhigao had rebelled and established the Southern Heaven Kingdom, but was later suppressed by the famous general Di Qing, who defeated his army at Kunlun Pass.

Zhao Ti did not linger much and continued northeast, entering the Jinghu South Circuit.

Afterwards, he traveled through the mountains and rivers, watching autumn arrive, and turned back toward the Eastern Capital.

Although he was confined for a year, he could not stay outside until the full term was up; Gao Taotao would likely pass away around early winter, so he must return a step ahead.

Regarding his doubts about the Taizu Long Fist, he must seek Gao Taotao's inquiry; if the other party is not present, I am afraid no one else will be able to resolve the doubts in the future.