High Priest Ampei opened his eyes from meditation, a flash of surprise flickering through them. What was that just now? Who had called out to him? And who was trapped, calling for his help?
At that moment, Matsushita and his trusted aide Honda had already returned to the floor ship, heading toward High Priest Ampei quarters. Before they could knock, Ampei opened the door himself.
"Matsushita-kun, did you need something?"
"High Priest Ampei, I have already entered the palace and petitioned the emperor. Tomorrow, you may take us to visit the Imperial Temple and Mingfa Temple. I hear there are Buddhist cultivators of great ability. Perhaps you can exchange insights on shikigami techniques."
Ampei frowned slightly but, seeing Matsushita's excitement, did not dampen his enthusiasm. He nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, within the palace, Emperor Xuande issued a secret order. Only the inner guards were informed: they were to coordinate with the shadow guards. If the envoys from Yingzhou showed any suspicious behavior, they were to be arrested on the spot. If they resisted, they were to be executed without hesitation.
Though Emperor Xuande did not believe a mere hundred men could stir up much trouble, he still held some caution regarding their ability to command beasts and monsters. He assigned more agents to keep watch and summoned Abbot Hui Ming for a private audience.
Hui Ming had been restless ever since the appearance of the Blood Moon. That morning, he had been leading his monks in morning scripture, chanting the Silent Heart Sutra.
The messenger waited respectfully until the chanting was complete before delivering the emperor's command. Hui Ming did not speak much. He uttered a single Buddhist chant to acknowledge it, then ordered a young acolyte to escort the guard out.
At Mingfa Temple, Jue Ming received a similar message. He sought out his martial uncle, Ming Jing, to consult. Ming Jing remained silent for a while before finally instructing:
"There is no need for any special arrangements. A standard reception will suffice. However, the Sutra Repository and the red maple forest behind the mountain must be strictly off-limits."
"Amitabha. Understood, Master."
Hui Ming brought Jie Kong with him to the palace. Emperor Xuande did not hide anything and directly explained what had been discovered. Then he solemnly asked:
"Abbot Hui Ming, this was my oversight. If nothing comes of it, then I am merely being paranoid. But if danger does arise, I ask that you act to protect the people of the Empire of Ling."
"Amitabha. Your Majesty may rest assured. As the abbot of the Imperial Temple, safeguarding the fate of the nation is my responsibility. You need not worry."
Emperor Xuande was unsurprised by Hui Ming's reply. He sipped his tea and then cautiously asked:
"That senior cultivator currently residing by Lotus Lake... I wonder..."
Hui Ming understood the emperor would ask this, and had already prepared an answer:
"Amitabha. My own spiritual power is meager, far beneath that senior's. But I believe nothing that happens in this nation can escape their insight."
Xuande grew even more curious, but the message was clear. Hui Ming could not summon this person.
Most great cultivators avoided worldly entanglements. Xuande understood this well. He could meet Hui Ming only because the abbot had chosen to walk the worldly path. There was no use pushing further.
After leaving the palace, Hui Ming remained uneasy and sent Jie Kong to warn Jue Ming to stay alert.
The next morning at hour of the dragon, Matsushita and High Priest Ampei led ten people to the Imperial Temple. They had expected a grand welcome, but Hui Ming did not appear at all. Instead, a regular monk led them on a brief tour.
The monk was warm and friendly, explaining the temple's history and the generations of enlightened monks it had produced under the reigns of various emperors.
High Priest Ampei listened attentively, even asking several questions. He showed genuine interest in the different cultivation paths. Matsushita, on the other hand, grew visibly displeased. The reception was clearly perfunctory. Not even the abbot had shown his face.
"Forgive my boldness," Matsushita asked, "but may I inquire if the abbot is present?"
The monk answered smoothly: "Amitabha. Since you know the question is bold, perhaps it is best left unasked."
Matsushita nearly choked on the response. What kind of reply was that? He was about to flare up when High Priest Ampei quietly raised his bat-shaped fan to stop him.
"Matsushita, we are guests. We follow the host's lead."
Hearing this, Matsushita forced himself to calm down.
From the moment they stepped into the temple, a distant gaze had been fixed on them. Ampei had sensed it immediately. It had been done intentionally. That was why he stopped Matsushita from reacting.
Their visit ended within an hour.
Once back in the carriage, Matsushita could no longer contain himself.
"High Priest Ampei, was that their idea of a welcome? When has someone of your station been treated so coldly?"
"Matsushita-kun, calm yourself. The abbot was watching us the moment we entered the temple."
"What? He was spying on us with shikigami?"
"No. It was another force entirely. And it was deliberate. He let me sense it."
"So what now?"
"It means we are not very welcome. Matsushita-kun, did you do something inappropriate?"
Ampei's words were blunt. It was clear the issue stemmed from Matsushita. Flustered, Matsushita mumbled and failed to explain himself. In the end, he grumbled:
"We are outsiders. It's normal not to be welcomed. We should skip Mingfa Temple."
But this time, Ampei did not agree. He insisted on visiting Mingfa Temple. Matsushita had no choice but to accompany him.
At Mingfa Temple, it was Jue Ming who received them. He was polite.
"Amitabha. My senior brother, Abbot Jue Fa, has recently gained insight in his cultivation and is in deep meditation. He cannot receive you personally. I ask for your understanding."
"We are the ones disturbing his quiet. It is our honor to be received by you."
After exchanging greetings, the group began their tour at the Hall of Heavenly Kings.
As they walked, that hoarse voice returned to High Priest Ampei ear:
"You're finally here. I've waited for you so long. Come, release me. Let me out."
Ampei paused mid-step. In his heart, he asked:
"Who are you? Where are you? How can I free you?"
"I'm behind the mountain, here in the temple. Come get me."
Unsettled, Ampei turned to Jue Ming and asked:
"Master, I wonder what the rear mountain of the temple looks like? Would it be possible to visit?"
Jue Ming looked at him calmly and said:
"Amitabha. The rear mountain is forbidden. No outsiders may enter. Only abbots of past generations may set foot there. It is not open for touring. I hope you understand."
Ampei was now certain the voice calling to him was in the rear mountain. But clearly, he had no chance of reaching it today. He nodded apologetically.
After the tour, Matsushita insisted on staying for a vegetarian meal. Ampei did not object. He hoped to hear that voice again. But the whispering had ceased.
Matsushita had noticed High Priest Ampei strange demeanor since entering Mingfa Temple. He had been watching him carefully. When the rear mountain was mentioned, the monk's reaction had been noticeably guarded.
Matsushita shot a glance to Honda.
The man quietly excused himself to the restroom, slipped around the dining hall, and vanished from sight.
While everyone was eating, a sudden quake shook the entire Mingfa Temple.