The winter day was mild, with sunlight as clear as tea.

Inside the room, soft cushions and green plants were mixed together in a messy but comfortable way. The window was half-open, and the sound of rustling pages from a broken sutra book was carried by the wind, creating an eerily calm atmosphere.

But in the center of this calmness, the scene was like hell.

The Yang fire was not an ordinary fire, and the Abbot was not an ordinary person. Wrapped in flames, his appearance remained unchanged, without any signs of burning or blackening. Abbot Fangjue seemed to be napping with his head down, but his breath was gone, leaving a glimmer of painful hope in his onlookers' hearts.

Juehui sat motionless against the wall, like a lifeless corpse. The young monk Zhixing's face was pale, his lips trembling, and his whole body shaking. Shi Jingzhi groped for Yin Ci's hand, and his hands were sweaty and cold.

Four pairs of eyes stared silently at Monk Juefei in the flames, not a single person making a sound. The crowd held their breath, as if waiting for a miracle that could never happen.

But in this world, miracles do not exist.

After a moment, starting from his feet, the body of Abbot Juefei began to disintegrate. His once vibrant flesh cracked and crumbled into delicate white ash. The ash was then burned to nothingness, leaving only the quiet sitting posture of Abbot Juefei, slowly collapsing from the bottom up, returning to the gentle breeze swirling in the room.

Half an incense stick's worth of time passed, but it felt like half a century had gone by.

The ashes burned out, and the golden flames finally extinguished. There were no relics or bones left on the bed, only a charred black burn mark.

Having experienced the impermanence of the world, Abbot Juefei left behind no trace.

Everything happened suddenly and ended without a sound.

The air was thick with tension. The news of Abbot Juefei's death weighed heavily on everyone's minds, suspended in the air and refusing to settle. It seemed like only moments ago that the Abbot was alive and well, laughing and talking with everyone.

Even the world-wise Yin Ci was once again struck by the impermanence of life, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

Seeing the sadness on the face of Monk Juehui, Monk Zhixing took two steps back. The charred mark on the ground was like a heavy hammer, shattering his thoughts. The young monk was on the verge of breaking down, stumbling towards the door, desperate to escape.

"Bang!"

A burst of true energy shot out, striking right before Monk Zhixing like a warning.

Seeing Zhixing stop in his tracks, Shi Jingzhi calmly withdrew his hand and went to look at the charred mark once again.

"You..." Monk Zhixing gritted his teeth, his expression still somewhat dazed. "I have seen this golden fire before, and you--"

"Zhixing, be careful with your words!" Monk Juehui finally shook himself up and stood up, his voice hoarse.

"Master, you know that Yin Ci is the person in the white clothes from the Ghost Tomb! He just stopped his companion, clearly knowing what had happened. There are many heroes in the martial world, but of those who can use the golden fire with their physical body, we have only seen Sect leader Shi..."

Monk Zhixing spoke very quickly, his voice somewhat choked. It was as if he could only breathe again if he could grasp a certain amount of definite hatred.

Yin Ci understood that feeling. Despair was approaching, and people could not change their fate, so they could only futilely grasp at a straw to escape the collapse. The Abbot's death was too sudden, without any warning. The chaos and sadness of the young monk was beyond even the Buddha's ability to calm.

He could only turn it into anger and hatred.

Unfortunately, Monk Juefei had anticipated this outcome beforehand.

Juefei could have said something else.

Abbot Juefei managed to hold on for so long, and had probably realized the cause of his death. He could have made it public and let the monks find the culprit. Even if he didn't seek revenge, with the turmoil in the martial world, if the temple was left leaderless, he could have left a will to arrange for his affairs after his death.

But he didn't.

The abbot used all his strength to leave a simple message that was concerned these outsiders.

[Juehui, Zhixing, today's events have nothing to do with the Ku Mountain Sect.]

...So don't be angry and don't accuse the innocent.

"Senior Brother said that today's events have nothing to do with the Ku Mountain Sect."

Monk Juehui spoke calmly, his hands clasped together, trembling slightly.

"Senior Brother Juefei is the most accomplished monk in the temple. Do you think your judgment is better than his?"

Tears welled up in Monk Zhixing's eyes.

He opened his mouth to speak, but found himself at a loss for words. It was as if all the energy had been drained from him in an instant. He looked at his master's eyes, hoping to find some comfort or a way out, but there was none.

His master had full trust in the deceased Abbot.

Zhixing was left feeling empty and angry. He fought back tears and looked away, focusing on a broken pot of greenery on the ground. The sunlight danced on the leaves, and Zhixing found solace in the vibrant colors, unable to bring himself to look at the Abbot.

Juehui's face was tense, and it took him a while to turn around and ask, "Little friend Yin, may I ask what just happened?"

Yin Ci answered decisively, "Before the Yang fire ignited, the Master Abbot's life force had already been cut off. The Abbot had profound skills and used his physical strength to forcibly suppress it, which is why he lasted so long."

Monk Juehui remained silent for a long time.

Finally, he let out a soft sigh, "Amitabha, please leave the mountain quickly. After you have gone far away, I will announce this matter."

After speaking, Monk Juehui walked towards the door, but was stopped by Shi Jingzhi's true energy.

"Master Juehui, please stay."

Although Juehui was also a bit dazed, he did not show anger like Zhixing did, "Does Sect Leader Shi have something else to say?"

"If Yin Ci had not noticed anything just now...I would have gone forward to check the Abbot's pulse, and Master Juehui would also have come closer to look after the Abbot's condition."

Shi Jingzhi let go of Yin Ci's hand, slowly clenched his fist, and his voice became heavy.

"I am used to using the Yang fire, and by right could have defended against this fire, so there should be no problem. But Master Juehui would not be able to. Facing such Yang fire, I am afraid your life will be in danger. When the two respected monks from the Jianchen Temple are lost, Jianchen Temple would be severely hit and unable to take care of themselves.

"At that time, when Master Zhixing sees me, I will have just touched the Master Abbot, and the Master Abbot will have just been burned to death by Yang fire, while you, Master Juehui, will also be killed. Even if I claim that I 'would not be foolish enough to kill him right before a witness,' Master Zhixing and everyone present will doubt my sect. Who in the jianghu would really believe me?"

Juehui frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

"This is the situation, and I cannot argue against it. In order to escape from the mountain and buy time, I will have no choice but to kill Zhixing... In this way, not only will the reputation of the Ku Mountain Sect be ruined, but the Jianchen Temple will also see us as a thorn in their side."

He spoke those words with such frankness and confidence that Zhixing took a step back, never having heard such a straightforward declaration of murder before.

However, Shi Jingzhi did not even look at Zhixing.

The politeness and smile that used to be on his face disappeared, replaced by a sinister expression between his eyebrows and eyes. He stood there in the chaos, exuding an intimidating aura without even being angry.

"...But looking at the situation, I feel that something is not right. If the killer only wanted to make trouble for the Ku Mountain Sect, they could have just killed some ordinary people and framed us with planted evidence. Going to the trouble of killing a highly skilled abbot is really going too far."

His tone was too matter-of-fact, and Zhixing couldn't listen anymore. "Sect Leader Shi, do you not value human life?"

"Zhixing!" Juehui shouted, "This is the Abbot's room, are you going to get angry here? Sect Leader Shi, please continue."

"The killer not only wants to harm Jianchen Temple, but also wants to smear the reputation of Ku Mountain Sect, killing two birds with one stone. In this junior's opinion, causing chaos in Jianchen Temple is the most important goal... Master Juehui, this junior has a request."

Monk Juehui looked deeply at Shi Jingzhi and said, "Please speak, Sect Leader Shi."

"I ask that you close the temple completely and cut off all external communication."

Juehui asked, "Why?"

"Allow me to explain."

This time, it was not Shi Jingzhi who answered, but Yin Ci.

When the first burst of true energy was released, Yin Ci understood Shi Jingzhi's intentions. It must be said that the sand table game they played a few days ago was not in vain. His cheap master could react even more quickly now, and his ability to see the big picture was reassuring.

He was also calm to the point of callousness.

If he kept talking, he might provoke the two monks. One villain from the Ku Mountain Sect was more than enough.

Yin Ci stepped back to the door, leaning against it to completely block the two monks' way out.

He took a deep breath and deliberately spoke with an air of arrogance, "During the Scripture Washing Ceremony, the temple is on high alert and tightly guarded. But if the Abbot and the Head Monk are both killed at the same time, chaos will ensue. It's best to continue sealing off the temple until the chaos subsides."

Juehui frowned, slowly digesting Yin Ci's words. "Are you suggesting that we fake our deaths?"

"If the killer knows you're still alive, they might come after you. It's better to go along with the plan, and consolidate our strength, this would have no downside to Jianchen Temple."

Upon hearing this, Zhixing was stunned.

He looked at Shi Jingzhi and then at Yin Ci, his anger mixed with confusion. "If the killer was inside the temple, wouldn't we be exposed immediately?"

Yin Ci replied, "No poison can ignite such a strong Yang fire. Only a spell or curse could do that. For a powerful person like Master Juefei, he would have noticed the traces of the spell on his body. Therefore, it must be a curse, a very hidden and malicious one."

Juehui suddenly realized, "Senior Brother spends all day meditating in his room. If someone wanted to cast a spell, there would be no opportunity inside the temple."

Yin Ci nodded in agreement and said nothing more.

To be appointed as the head monk of Jianchen Temple, Juehui must be a wise person.

Master Juefei had not left the mountain for at least ten years. By ruling out this possibility, the scope of the suspects was greatly reduced. The perpetrator would not be foolish enough to stay inside the temple after casting the curse.

The curse had been planted at least ten years ago, with such patience and malice that it sent shivers down one's spine. Whatever the killer's plan was, it was definitely not a small matter.

Realizing this, the solemn expression on Master Juehui's face finally relaxed a bit, seeming both happy and sad at the same time. "Amitabha, as a monk, I cannot tell a lie. Closing the temple is not impossible, but if someone specifically asks, it would be difficult for our temple to deceive them.

"Furthermore, if our temple remains silent on this matter and conceals Senior Brother's last words, the path for Sect Leader Shi will be much harder."

Shi Jingzhi stepped forward: "That's alright with me."

Juehui bowed his head even further. "This is karma. If I sacrifice the Ku Mountain Sect to protect ourselves and deceive the world, Senior Brother will be the first to not forgive me."

Shi Jingzhi looked again at the burn mark on the bed. The blackness was devoid of any light, like a cave leading straight to hell.

He stood still for a moment, then lifted his robe and half-knelt down.

Despite his clenched fists, Shi Jingzhi's expression remained calm as he looked straight into Juehui's eyes without any hint of evasion.

"Sect Leader Shi?!"

"Please understand, Master Juehui, and forgive the inconvenience caused to the monks of Jianchen Temple this time. Buddhism is about purity and not holding onto love, hate, or grudges. If Master trusts this junior, this junior will investigate the cause of Abbot Juefei's death thoroughly for Jianchen Temple."

Shi Jingzhi spoke slowly and solemnly.

"Regardless, since this junior brought about the 'cause' that led to this 'effect', this junior is willing to take responsibility alone. The killer is ruthless, while the jianghu is once again in chaos thanks to the Shi Rou. Jianchen Temple is one of the pillars of stability in the martial world and cannot afford to be damaged any further."  

After a moment of stunned silence, Juehui let out a deep sigh. "Senior Brother has been cautious about cause and effect throughout his life. When you all came up the mountain, he intended to end his karmic ties from the matter of the 'Woodless Sutra'... but it seems that fate cannot be escaped."

In just a few sticks of incense, Monk Juehui's face had aged ten years.

"Very well, I promise you. I will take on this karmic debt."

Shi Jingzhi finally stood up.

"Master, let me be the one to lie. I will spread the word that the Abbot and you died in the Yang fire, and that I was attacked by Sect Leader Shi and barely escaped," spoke up Zhixing, who had been silent until now.

"I have always had an unstable state of mind, scolded by master and the Abbot every day. This is just another broken precept. If I were to remain uninvolved, this would surely become my Heart Demon," added Zhixing.

"Master, according to the plan of the culprit, it was originally my job to cause chaos. This is also karma, isn't it?"

With that, Zhixing took a deep breath.

He took out the Buddha's Heart incense from the small table in the Abbot's room without waiting for Juehui to answer, and bowed directly to Shi Jingzhi: "Sect Leader Shi, everyone is in the Scripture Washing courtyard now. We can't delay, I'll secretly send you down the mountain."

He raised his voice again, his voice trembling slightly: "I've made up this lie. Sect Leader Shi, you guys...you must not die, otherwise my Heart Demons will be too big."

This time, he looked directly at Shi Jingzhi's face, his gaze unwavering, only sadness and determination in his eyes.

Shi Jingzhi smiled slightly, then nodded seriously.

"Ah Ci, you go call Yan Qing and Su Si...please guide us, little master."

As fate would have it, their roles were reversed and this time it was Juehui's turn to speak up: "Sect Leader Shi, please wait a moment."

"Master?"

"I ask you, you're willing to humble yourself and beg, just to save our temple. What is your motivation? Is it for 'yourself' or for 'righteousness'?"

Shi Jingzhi did not turn back.

"Of course it is for 'myself'."

He answered confidently and without hesitation.

With the power of the Buddha's Heart incense, their inner force was restored, and their Heart Demons vanished without a trace. After spending several days climbing up the mountain, they only needed less than an hour to descend. When they arrived at the Greedy Butterflies' territory, Zhixing stopped them and they landed on a rocky outcrop.

"The remaining Buddha's Heart incense is enough for all of you to leave the mountain."

Zhixing spoke hoarsely.

"There are many people on the mountainside and the temple is about to be sealed off. Please forgive me for not escorting you further. Sect Leader Shi, I was foolish earlier and may have offended you. I hope you can forgive me."

Shi Jingzhi bowed in return, saying, "Take care, little Master."

Yan Qing and Su Si were confused by the sudden turn of events. Before they could ask any questions, Yin Ci grabbed them each by the hand and quickly led them away from the mountain.

As they left, they heard the sound of someone crying in extreme grief behind them.

Monk Zhixing stayed behind on the mountain of the Greedy Butterflies, standing alone in the vast expanse of the world, finally breaking down in tears.

After a few sticks of incense had burned, the four members of the Ku Mountain Sect sect arrived at the entrance of the stone gate in the shade of the mountain. The white snow and green pines were just as they remembered them from the past. There was no one around, and everything was still and desolate.

Yin Ci walked up to Shi Jingzhi and pulled up his sleeve to reveal something.

Shi Jingzhi's nails were very short, but now they were deeply pressed in his wounds. The wound burst open, and the flowing blood stained the white cloth that was used to wrap the wound. Just before Yin Ci discovered it, Shi Jingzhi was still clenching his fist tightly and didn't let go.

For a moment, Shi Jingzhi felt like he had done something wrong and hung his head low. But this time, Yin Ci didn't show any anger towards his self-harm.

"Shizun, come here."

Yin Ci opened his arms and hugged him —— this time it was not for the sake of fighting an enemy, or to study a technique.

"...Ah Ci, I don't really want to cry, and I can't cry."

Shi Jingzhi hugged back tightly, almost greedily absorbing the warmth from the other person.

"Master Juefei's actions before his death were not only for the benefit of the Ku Mountain Sect, but also to free Jianchen Temple from the conspiracy... But his kindness towards us was genuine, without any ulterior motives, and I cannot understand it."

"I know."

"I am very sad."

"...I know."

Shi Jingzhi closed his eyes and said no more. He held his arms tightly, like swaying reeds clinging to a boulder.

The Buddha's Heart Formation examines the self, while Greed, Anger, and Ignorance examines one's obsessions.

Fortunately, there wasn't a trial for joy or sorrow.

The author has something to say:

This is a transitional chapter, and a new volume begins -

Actually, I feel like this chapter is more like the end of the previous volume, but for the sake of consistency, let's sacrifice it.

Onward to the Mi Mountain Sect!