Chapter 49

Zhao Ti saw this and shouted: “What are you waiting for? Attack now!”

The monks of Tianlong Temple rushed forward; Benyin pulled Duan Zhengming back, while the others jabbed with their fingers—sounds unlike Yiyang Finger, sharper and more piercing. Zhao Ti knew this must be the Six Meridians Sword Finger.

The combined finger forces overwhelmed Jiumozhi ; the Six Meridians Sword Finger was loud and obvious, but Zhao Ti’s finger energy was light, subtle, and chilling, striking with silent precision, impossible to defend against.

A sharp *puchī* echoed as Zhao Ti’s finger struck Ji Mo Zhi’s shoulder. Ji Mo Zhi let out a shrill cry, stumbling backward out of the Moni Hall, clutching his shoulder as he glared at Zhao Ti: “Who are you, sir?”

Zhao Ti sneered: “My name is not for you to know!”

Ji Mo Zhi’s expression shifted. He muttered “Go,” and retreated swiftly; his followers scrambled after him, hastily fleeing Tianlong Temple.

Inside the Moni Hall, Duan Zhengming, though long accustomed to power and calm, was pale with shock, sweat drenching his entire body from the close call.

If Ji Mo Zhi had taken him, the consequences would be unthinkable—even if he sought only the Six Meridians Sword Finger, word of this would shake the nation and destabilize the court.

If he were taken to Tubo, Dali would surely go to war with Tubo; the flames of battle would rage, and the fate of the state would spiral beyond control.

He straightened his robes and stepped before Zhao Ti, bowing deeply: “Duan Zhengming thanks Prince Yan for saving my life.”

Zhao Ti shook his head, steadying his sleeve: “Prince Duan, no need for such formality. Even had I no prior agreement with Tianlong Temple, the Song court’s friendship with Dali would never allow me to stand idle while you were in peril.”

Duan Zhengming said: “Your words are light, but to me they are as heavy as Cangshan and as deep as Erhai. On behalf of the Duan clan and the people of Dali, I thank Prince Yan.”

Zhao Ti applied slight pressure, lifting Duan Zhengming up: “No need for such formality. Please rise.”

Duan Zhengming stood, and Kurong said: “Please, Master Zhao, come to the Wenshu Hall.”

The Moni Hall was in disarray from the battle, unfit for guests; all proceeded to the Wenshu Hall.

Once seated, young monks brought tea. Duan Zhengming asked: “Where does Your Highness currently reside?”

Zhao Ti smiled: “At an inn.”

Duan Zhengming said: “Inns are crude. I shall immediately arrange for Your Highness to move to Wuhua Tower—please allow it.”

Kurong interjected: “Zhengming, this can wait. I previously promised Master Zhao something. Now that Ji Mo Zhi has retreated, it must be fulfilled.”

Duan Zhengming asked: “Elder, what promise?”

Kurong recounted their earlier agreement, then Benyin added: “Master Zhao first refused the martial art Ji Mo Zhi sought, proving his integrity; then refused gold, silver, or jewels; then refused to take even a single scripture or book from our temple. We truly do not know what we can offer to repay him.”

Zhao Ti laughed: “It was merely words spoken in the moment. No need to take it so seriously.”

Benyin said: “But we must honor our word. Please, Master Zhao, state your request. Tianlong Temple will fulfill it immediately.”

Kurong said: “Exactly so!”

Zhao Ti glanced at the old monks, then at Duan Zhengming: “I lack nothing. Might I invite all masters to debate Buddhist doctrine at the Great Xiangguo Temple in Dongjing?”

The monks shook their heads. Benyin said: “That should be our request, not yours.”

Zhao Ti paused, then said: “I care for nothing but martial cultivation. Since you speak with such sincerity, may I borrow your Yiyang Finger manual for study?”

“Yiyang Finger manual?” The monks froze. Duan Zhengming also stared in surprise.

“Master Zhao only wishes to observe it?” Kurong clasped his palms.

Zhao Ti said: “I already said I would not take a single book or scripture from your temple. I shall only read it here.”

Kurong pondered: the Yiyang Finger manual contained over ten thousand characters, plus diagrams of meridians and techniques. Even if read once, few could memorize it all.

He said: “Benguan, bring the manual for Master Zhao.”

Zhao Ti anticipated Kurong would not refuse; even had he not saved Duan Zhengming, asking Duan Zhengming directly for the manual would have secured it.

Eidetic memory was rare in Song—only two or three such cases in decades, mostly during the reigns of Zhenzong and Renzong, when child prodigies were celebrated. Even the famed Chancellor Yan Shu of Renzong’s court possessed such ability—but who would think of it?

Besides, even if they refused, it might still be possible: Tianlong Temple might hesitate, but Duan Zhengming would almost certainly grant it.

Moments later, Benguan returned with a purple sandalwood box. He opened it, revealing a faded scroll, and presented it to Zhao Ti: “Please, Master Zhao, read.”

Zhao Ti nodded, took it, and began reading. The more he read, the more puzzled he grew. Yiyang Finger was not as mysterious as he’d imagined—not a ruthless master principle like Huyin Finger, nor a path that suppressed all others.

He turned page after page, then slowly closed it, feeling this art seemed inferior to Huyin Finger.

Seeing his face betray no awe or admiration after reading the manual, the monks exchanged glances.

Benyin asked: “Master Zhao, have you finished?”

Zhao Ti nodded: “Finished.”

Kurong’s expression turned solemn: “What is your assessment, Master Zhao?”

Zhao Ti smiled faintly: “It is indeed a supreme art.”

Hearing his praise, the monks hesitated to press further. Benyin asked cautiously: “Master Zhao, do you desire anything else?”

Zhao Ti shook his head: “No. Since Ji Mo Zhi has retreated, I shall not disturb you further. I return to the city today, and in a few days, depart Dali.”

Kurong said: “Why so hasty, Master Zhao?”

Zhao Ti sighed: “I have been away too long. I must return—fearful of urgent matters arising.”

Benyin stammered: “Master Zhao’s earlier mention of the Great Xiangguo Temple...”

Zhao Ti smiled: “I have prepared a pure vegetarian feast, incense, and sacred candles—ready to welcome you all at any time.”

The monks bowed, clasped their palms, and chanted the Buddha’s name together.

Duan Zhengming rose: “I shall accompany Your Highness. I shall arrange your move to Wuhua Tower.”

They departed, and by dusk, Zhao Ti and his two companions settled into the Wuhua Tower guesthouse.

After a day’s rest, Duan Zhengming hosted a banquet in the palace, with Duan Zhengchun and Duan Yu as attendants, inviting Zhao Ti. After three rounds of wine and five courses, Duan Zhengming spoke of Dali’s vassal status, earnestly pleading for Zhao Ti’s aid.

Zhao Ti said: “I shall raise this matter with the Emperor and strive to facilitate it—open the trade posts early, revitalize the commerce routes.”

Duan Zhengming beamed, raising his cup repeatedly in toast.

After several more days in Dali, Zhao Ti requested leave. Duan Zhengming prepared carriages and horses, personally escorting him beyond the city walls.

They began their northward return, avoiding the Yangshan River, entering the Song’s Guangnan West Road via Shicheng Commandery.

Here, the mountains and rivers were treacherous; during the Qingli era, Nong Zhigao had rebelled, founding the Southern Heaven Kingdom, later crushed by the famed general Di Qing at Kunlun Pass.

Zhao Ti did not linger, pressing northeast into Jinghu South Road.

He traveled through mountains and rivers, watching autumn arrive, heading toward Dongjing.

Though his confinement lasted a year, he could not afford to remain away until its full term—Gao Taotao would likely die around early winter; he must return ahead of time.

He needed to ask Gao Taotao about the doubts surrounding Taizu Long Fist. If she were gone, no one else might ever answer them.