Chapter 16: A Hundred Infants Sacrificed for Immortality, A Vajra Slain to Enforce Heaven’s Will (Part Two)
by GideonThe sight within the corpse-burning pit was too gruesome to bear. Though Wen Jin possessed peerless martial prowess, he was utterly shaken by the scene. A bone-chilling cold surged from the soles of his feet, rushing straight to the crown of his head.
The stone chamber of the secret passage was cool and dry, yet the bottom of the pit still teemed with carrion-eating maggots. Some had seized the opportunity of the pit being uncovered to wriggle out, slowly spreading across the chamber floor.
Wen Jin’s stomach churned violently. At this moment, he could no longer contain himself. He leaned against the wall with one hand, retching uncontrollably.
The pit was piled high with white bones. Even the burial shrouds had completely decayed, their original forms unrecognizable. Only the two freshest corpses still retained some flesh.
On the infant’s tiny forehead, a patch of stark white skull bone was exposed, with little of its tender flesh remaining. Yet, the way its finger bones were curled tightly indicated that it must have endured immense agony before death.
Such a young life, perhaps never having even seen the sun, had already turned to dry bone.
Wen Jin gazed at the skeletons of women and infants in the pit, his eyes gradually filling with tears.
To think a high monk of an ancient temple, the head of a renowned sect, could commit such an atrocious act!
Wen Jin’s fury was uncontainable. With a single strike of his palm, he shattered the mechanical stone bench. For a moment, he had no desire to guess the identities of these remains, let alone imagine the reasons why Abbot Huiming would commit such an inhuman act, so contrary to ethics and morality.
His primary task now was to expose Huiming’s atrocities to the world and allow these innocent, wrongfully slain women and infants to be laid to rest.
However, what troubled Wen Jin most was how to settle Miss Niu. Her current situation was extremely perilous, yet she knew nothing of the Mountain God’s true identity. If he were to rashly reveal the truth, it would not only fail to convince her but might also harm her.
This matter required a carefully considered plan.
The situation at the Sutra Pavilion remained unknown. Wen Jin dared not linger. He immediately sealed all the stone doors and returned to the temple along the secret passage.
Abbot Huiming’s “Prajna Zen Heart” was remarkably effective at reconnecting severed tendons and meridians. Using his ten years of cultivation as a medium, he transformed his internal energy into thousands of True Qi strands, each as fine as a hair, and continuously channeled them into Lan Xiangru’s Heart Meridian. From there, the energy flowed into his limbs, stabilizing his meridians.
The hour-long treatment left Huiming severely depleted. He needed to immediately enter a state of closed-door meditation to restore his vital essence.
Feng Shulou worried that Wen Jin might still be occupied with his own tasks. If he were to accidentally run into Huiming, the situation would be impossible to resolve. However, Huiming was currently too weak to be detained. Feng Shulou could only silently pray that Wen Jin had already returned safely.
After seeing Huiming off, Feng Shulou and Lan Xiangru quickly returned to the Zen chamber. Seeing the lean monk guarding the door with his usual composed expression, they knew Wen Jin’s mission had been a success.
Feng Shulou cupped his hands in greeting. “Thank you for looking after Young Brother Jin, Grandmaster. Now that we have returned, we will no longer trouble you.”
The lean monk glanced back and saw Wen Jin still asleep, his posture unchanged. Suspicion stirred in his mind, yet his face remained impassive. “I wonder if Young Hero Wen has shown any improvement. Please allow this humble monk to check on him. Otherwise, I will have no answer when the Abbot and my senior brother ask.”
Before Feng Shulou and Lan Xiangru could intervene, the gaunt monk had already entered the room, striding quickly to the bedside.
The figure on the bed was wrapped tightly in a quilt, not a single strand of hair visible. Suspecting a trap, the monk pulled back the covers without a word, only to find Wen Jin drenched in sweat. He gasped for air as he looked up, grinning. “Grandmaster, I’ve sweated it all out. I’m feeling much better now.”
Feng Shulou rushed in behind him, his tension easing at the sight.
The gaunt monk gave Wen Jin a complicated look. Then, he pressed his palms together in a gesture of respect to the others, murmured a Buddhist name, and turned to leave.
Wen Jin scrambled to his feet and grabbed Lan Xiangru’s hand. “Brother Lan, how are you? Did Huiming try anything?”
Feng Shulou said, “Grandmaster Huiming sacrificed ten years of his own internal cultivation to heal Young Master Lan’s injuries. Such a righteous man hardly seems like a villain. Xiao Jin, could there be some misunderstanding?”
Before Wen Jin could answer, Lan Xiangru cut in. “Young Lord Feng, does your city’s internal cultivation method share any origins with Huaguang Temple?”
Feng Shulou replied, “Fengyue City values Confucianism and medicine; our internal cultivation follows the Hunyuan lineage. Huaguang Temple, however, is a Buddhist sect with internal martial arts that are exceptionally rigid and yang. There is no connection between the two.”
Lan Yulang’s expression darkened.
Wen Jin’s curiosity was piqued. “What’s wrong?”
Lan Xiangru recalled the moment Grandmaster Huiming’s True Qi had entered his Heart Meridian. The domineering yang-natured internal force was identical to the one Feng Qiya had used when probing his pulse. It was clearly not the innate martial art of either man.
The connections behind this were perhaps far more complex than he had imagined.
“It’s nothing,” Lan Xiangru said, changing the subject. He turned to Wen Jin. “What did you find in the secret passage?”
At the mention of the secret passage, Wen Jin’s expression changed drastically. He immediately recounted everything he had seen. Feng Shulou was stunned after hearing the report. “That’s impossible…”
In contrast, Lan Xiangru remained perfectly calm. “Infant blood serves as the catalyst. Combined with Sand of the Combined Toad and the essence of a Golden Cicada, the concoction is drunk to prolong one’s life. It can preserve one’s youth for sixty years.”
Wen Jin and Feng Shulou exclaimed in unison, “What did you say?”
Lan Xiangru explained, “This is a Miao Shaman Forbidden Art of the Wumeng Tribe. Every year, a child under one year old is sacrificed to maintain youth and longevity.”
“The Wumeng Tribe? That’s the Demonic Cult!” Hatred filled Wen Jin’s eyes. “Grandmaster Huiming is already seventy years old. No wonder he looks so young; he’s been using the heretical arts of the Demonic Cult.”
Feng Shulou fell silent for a few breaths, his expression turning to one of horror. “According to what you two have said, Grandmaster Huiming has been using the Mountain God’s name to marry new brides each year, then forcing these young women to conceive. The children born from these unions then become the sacrifices that preserve his youth… Even a tiger will not eat its own cubs. For a grandmaster of his generation to be so vicious…”
“We must report this to the Martial Arts Alliance,” Wen Jin said. “Alliance Leader Murong must learn of that old thief Huiming’s atrocities.”
“Canglan Pavilion is far away in Jinling,” Feng Shulou countered. “Even with a fast horse, it would take half a month to deliver the news. By now, Huiming is already on guard. If we try to send word, it could lead to unforeseen complications. Besides, many of the monks in this temple have likely been bribed by Huiming. We are exposed while our enemy remains hidden in the shadows. It is best to proceed with caution.”
“If Huiming is not eliminated, more innocent women will be harmed in the future,” Wen Jin declared. “No matter what, I cannot stand idly by.”
Feng Shulou frowned. “Grandmaster Huiming is a titan of the martial arts world, his cultivation power unfathomable. Even if we combine our strength, we are likely no match for him.”
“Perhaps we can seek help from Grandmaster Shiqing!” Wen Jin’s eyes lit up as an idea struck him. “Grandmaster Shiqing is the head of the Dharma Hall and the second-highest expert in Huaguang Temple after Huiming. He is known for his benevolence, righteousness, and compassion. If he intervenes, there will surely be a turning point.”
Feng Shulou nodded in agreement. “This is a good plan.”
Seeing that Lan Xiangru remained silent, Wen Jin asked curiously, “Brother Lan, what is wrong?”
“Nothing,” Lan Xiangru replied.
“Do you have a better suggestion?”
“I have none. Besides, my martial skills are meager—I only know a few self-defense techniques. I’m afraid I cannot help you.”
Wen Jin smiled. “You don’t need to help us. Just stay here and keep yourself safe.”
Feng Shulou said, “To convince Grandmaster Shiqing, we must have him witness Huiming’s true nature in the secret chamber. Tomorrow, I will distract Huiming as usual. Xiao Jin, you will take Grandmaster Shiqing into the secret passage and rescue Miss Niu.”
“Alright,” Wen Jin agreed.
The next morning, while the monks were performing their morning chants, Wen Jin went to the Dharma Hall. Before he could see Grandmaster Shiqing, Shiyuan blocked his path. “You brat, what are you doing here?”
Wen Jin had little regard for the hot-tempered monk and couldn’t help but improvise a lie. “My master once arranged a betrothal for me. Later, the young lady eloped with someone else, breaking the engagement. I have been unable to let go of this grudge. I have come today to ask Grandmaster Shiqing to help me resolve my confusion and let go of this obsession.”
Shiyuan declared, “This humble monk shall shave your head at once, to help you escape this sea of suffering.”
Wen Jin immediately retreated several steps, his hands shielding his head as he glared warily at Shiyuan. “This junior only wishes to let go of his obsession, not to enter the Buddhist priesthood!”
Shiyuan sneered. “You lack even the intention to become a monk. What ‘obsession’ are you talking about?”
Wen Jin fell silent.
He couldn’t reason with this bald bastard.
Unwilling to waste any more time arguing, Wen Jin simply threw a tantrum. He cried out loudly, “Grandmaster Shiqing! This junior is tormented by love, his heart cut by a thousand knives! Please, help me!”
Shiyuan’s fury flared. “The Buddhist Sect is a place of purity. How dare you make such a clamor!”
Wen Jin continued his lament, “Grandmaster Shiqing! This junior is so heartbroken he can barely breathe!”
Shiyuan threw a punch in rage. “You brat, you’re itching for a beating!”
Wen Jin gathered his qi and struck back with the Arhat Fist, parrying the blow. The two soon engaged in a fierce brawl on the Dharma Hall’s courtyard. The monks who had been practicing their martial arts were drawn by the commotion, all slipping away to the corners of the walls to watch in secret.
Before long, a figure swept in like a sudden gust of wind, his powerful palm strike descending between the two men to halt the fight.
Shiqing, the Master of the Dharma Hall, pressed his palms together in a prayerful gesture, glaring at Shiyuan with a hint of frustration. “Junior Brother, you are always so reckless. When will you ever temper your foul temper?”
Wen Jin threw his arms around Shiqing, rubbing his face against the monk’s shoulder to wipe away nonexistent tears. “Wuuu… Grandmaster, please help me!”
Shiqing patted his head, his voice gentle and comforting. “Good child, do not cry.”
Shiyuan snorted, rolling his eyes repeatedly.
A moment later, Shiqing led Wen Jin into the Dharma Hall, arriving at a side chamber. Just as he was about to light incense and brew tea to clear the young man’s doubts, Wen Jin clasped his hands in a formal salute. “Grandmaster, Huaguang Temple is currently facing an unprecedented calamity. I beg you to intervene and save it.”
Shiqing’s hand paused over the tea. He looked at the young man in confusion. “Young Hero, what makes you say such a thing?”
Wen Jin recounted the events in the secret passage in detail. Shiqing’s face paled in horror. “Impossible! Uncle Huiming has served as Abbot for many years, bringing relief to the world and salvation to the faithful. He has never committed any act that harms heaven or earth. This ‘Hundred Infant Sacrifice’ you speak of is utter nonsense!”
Wen Jin replied, “I know this is difficult for you to accept, Grandmaster, but the entrance to the secret passage is right inside Abbot Huiming’s own room. If you do not believe me, please follow me there.”
Shiqing naturally refused to believe his words. When had the vast Huaguang Temple ever become the corpse pit the young man described?
Yet the youth’s conduct was upright and his aura righteous. He would never falsely slander a grandmaster of a generation.
After a long hesitation, Shiqing finally agreed to his request. He accompanied him to Huiming’s quarters and entered the secret passage.
Wen Jin held a torch to light the way. Upon reaching the first stone door, he shone the light on the martial arts formulas inscribed on the passage walls and asked, “Grandmaster, do you know which sect these techniques belong to?”
Shiqing examined them closely, a look of astonishment crossing his face. “This… this appears to be the Qian Formula from the Azure Nether Heart Scripture.”
Wen Jin frowned. “The Azure Nether Heart Scripture?”
Shiqing nodded. “Indeed. It is said that this mental cultivation manual was authored by the Old Master of the Seven-Fingered Sword Immortal Sect, the Qingshan Sect. He organized the manual into two volumes: the Qian Formula and the Kun Formula. Qian represents Yang, and Kun represents Yin. The cultivation method evolved from this, with Yin and Yang generating yet also restraining each other. But this manual has been lost for ages. How could it appear here?”
Wen Jin could not help but feel puzzled. Could Huiming have been practicing the Azure Nether Heart Scripture?
After a moment of silent reflection, he led Shiqing further inside and opened the stone chamber where Miss Niu was kept.
At that moment, Miss Niu was seated before a mirror, combing her hair. Hearing the stone door swing open, she assumed the “Mountain God” had arrived. She joyfully set down her jade comb and turned, only to see Wen Jin and an old monk. Her smile froze, and her expression fell. “Oh, it’s just you,” she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Wen Jin had no time for pleasantries. Worried that she would see the bones and cause trouble, he resorted to his old trick: he struck her acupoint to render her unconscious, then lifted her onto the bed and settled her in.
Shiqing turned his head and pressed his palms together. “Amitābha.”
Wen Jin immediately twisted open the mechanism behind the bed curtains. “Grandmaster, please follow me,” he said to Shiqing.
The two passed through a series of secret chambers, finally arriving at the corpse pit. The stench of rot was so foul that Wen Jin gagged.
The moment he smelled it, Shiqing understood.
Covering his nose and mouth with his sleeve, he slowly walked to the edge of the pit. He gazed down at the withered bones within. The Buddhist prayer beads in his hand fell with a clack, and his face turned deathly pale. “This… this…”
Forcing himself to endure the stench, Wen Jin clasped his hands in a respectful salute. “Grandmaster, all of Huiming’s crimes are laid bare here. This junior does not wish for the Thousand-Year Precious Temple to be tarnished by the actions of a single man. I ask you to command the monks of Huaguang Temple to subdue the demon and rid the world of this evil!”
Shiqing’s hands trembled as he pressed them together, chanting the Rebirth Mantra for the hundred or so skeletons at the bottom of the pit.
After a long silence, his voice trembled as he said, “Very well.”
Wen Jin’s face lit up with joy. “There’s no time to lose! We must act now, before Huiming discovers us!”
Shiqing pressed his palms together in a gesture of respect. “Young Hero Wen, your chivalrous heart is a blessing to the martial world. My uncle Huiming has committed such a grave crime; it is time we gave the Buddha an explanation.”
“Grandmaster, please—” Wen Jin began, stepping aside.
Shiqing glanced back at the skeletal remains in the pit one last time, shook his head, and walked out.
To prevent the stench of decay from wafting out and harming Miss Niu, Wen Jin could only seal the stone chamber.
But just as he bent down to close the mechanism, a sudden chill brushed against the back of his neck.
Before he could even turn his head, Shiqing’s palm struck swiftly and heavily against his spine.
In an instant, excruciating pain surged through him. His internal organs felt as if they had been crushed to powder. Wen Jin coughed up a mouthful of blood and turned, staring at Shiqing in disbelief. “Grandmaster, you…”
The torchlight flickered, casting a sickly yellow glow that made Shiqing’s face appear grotesquely distorted. “This old monk did not wish to kill you, Young Hero Wen… but you know too much.”
As the words fell, he struck another palm blow to Wen Jin’s chest. The young man was sent flying by the sheer force of the internal energy, landing with a dull thud into the pit of a hundred bones.
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