Chapter 102: The Maiden (2 / 2)

A monk who renounces the world severs all earthly ties and transcends the Three Realms. From that moment, one could say such a person both exists and doesn't. They're no longer part of the cycle of worldly beings.

Shiyu fell into this karmic trap because she loved me—because she saved me. That's how she lost her wisdom root. But if I were to shave my head and become a monk, this karma would be nullified. Shiyu's wisdom root would return to her, and her Tongzi Fate would no longer pose a threat. She could live out her destined 53 years. As for the karmic penalty I suffered—having lost my lifespan—it too would be erased. From then on, I would be a monk of the Buddhist path.

I had once seen spirits on the Road to the Underworld… the registries at the Earth God temple… monks in kasaya escorting departed souls toward the Western Pure Land. It all seemed far more serene than the dark and terrifying Yellow Springs. But… my life was preserved by the protection of my Daoist Patriarch. Would Kuimu Wolf have come to save me otherwise?

Two roads lay before me: one of life and death, and the other of loyalty and righteousness. I was truly torn.

Shiyu's mother cried out, "Do you even have a conscience? It's just shaving your head and becoming a monk! It's not like we're asking you to die! Our Shiyu gave everything for you, and now you won't even give up your hair? She must've been blind to fall for someone as heartless as you!"

Her father sighed and said, "Son, we only have one daughter. You know how outstanding she is. She was about to go to the U.S. for her bachelor's degree—her future was bright. But she hasn't even had a chance to live her life properly, and now she's going to another world. If you truly love her, listen to Master Miaoyin. I even own an advertising company—if you become a monk, I'll make sure you're respected by the whole world. You can still have fame and glory. Isn't that enough?"

The offer was indeed tempting. Not only could I restore Shiyu's life, I could gain fame and even reclaim my lifespan. All I had to give up… was her. And the world we could've had together.

Yes, I was tempted. Who isn't afraid of death? Becoming a monk wasn't death—it was for love. But I couldn't decide. I would lose everything this world had to offer—joy, sorrow, warmth, and love—and I would betray my Daoist sect. Wang Yi gave his life to preserve our lineage. If I turned to Buddhism, the line of Master Maogu would end with me.

I thought back to everything I had learned—all the ways to break the Tongzi Fate. I had to try, even if it cost me my life. I had to try.

I took a deep breath and said firmly, "Master, I cannot accept your request."

"What?!" Shiyu's father jumped up and shoved me hard. "Do you have any heart at all? Shiyu gave up everything for you! You can't even become a monk for her?!"

I didn't resist. I let him push me. Looking at Master Miaoyin's calm smile, I suddenly felt like he already knew everything I would say. But that smile—it irritated me. I had to fight back.

"Master Miaoyin," I said with a bow, "I will risk my life to save Shiyu. But I have entered the line of Master Maogu. A servant cannot serve two lords. While I respect you greatly, I cannot betray my path."

Miaoyin simply smiled and said, "Then it is not yet time for our karmic bond. Remember, Buddhism and Daoism come from the same source. Do not be fooled by appearances. Even Master Burning-Lamp and Bodhisattvas like Samantabhadra were once Daoists."

I responded seriously, "I can't speak for them, but I, Zhang Dabao, will not betray my faith. My master, Wang Yi, gave his life to keep our lineage alive. How can I let his sacrifice be in vain? I will save Shiyu."

Then turning to her parents, I added, "Uncle, Auntie, if I fail to save her, I'll jump from Qipanshan with no regrets!"

As those words left my mouth, a wave of hot blood surged in my chest.What is love, that it binds even the soul? If she could give her life for me, then I can do the same for her.

Just as I opened the temple door to leave, I saw Yuan Beitang standing there, hands behind his back, staring at me.

I greeted him quickly, "Master Yuan, Shiyu has the Tongzi Fate. I want to save her—"

"I heard it all," he cut me off.

I could tell from his expression something was off. He looked furious. I stayed silent. Yuan Beitang's voice was low and stern:"I really don't understand what's so special about Zhang Dabao that even Master Miaoyin would want him to become a monk."

"I sensed a deep karmic affinity between him and the Buddha," Miaoyin said politely.

Yuan Beitang snorted. "Then take me too—I feel a karmic affinity with Buddhism myself." His words were sharp and laced with sarcasm. I looked back and forth between the two of them.

Yuan Beitang added, "Loyalty, righteousness, propriety, and adherence to Heaven's law should not be twisted to serve convenience. Master, you're being rather insistent today."

Miaoyin said nothing, simply smiled.

Then Yuan Beitang grabbed my arm and declared:"Wang Yi passed the position of the 108th sect leader to Zhang Dabao before his death. I have not yet handed him the Celestial Master Token. But hearing what he just said—Wang Yi chose well."

He paused and added solemnly:"I hadn't intervened before because I believed this disaster to be ordained by Heaven. But since you claim that becoming a monk is the only way… then this old Daoist will intervene in this karmic mess.""I will break her Tongzi Fate—on her behalf!"