Opposite to the Qiushan Manor, Northwest of the City of the Six Crafts, there was a Daoist Temple.
This temple came into existence during the former dynasty, but when the old Temple Master died, all the Daoists of that temple left. The years passed with no prayers or incense offered, and its name faded slowly. The young might not have even heard of the name.
All was gloomy until the new Temple Master arrived.
On the third day of the third month, it was the birthday of the Jade Emperor of Heaven.
Visitors surrounded Zixia Daoist Temple on this auspicious day. Practically half of the entire population in the city had gathered there. Inside the temple, everyone held three incense sticks. On the outside, hawkers who received news were selling various foods and fresh fruits for those who had come to pray.
Had it been two months ago, nobody would have imagined that this nearly abandoned temple would rise again similar to a wilted tree whose life had been restored, welcoming so many audiences and visitors. There was even no need to refurnish. At most, it was solely changing some old tiles from the roof that was leaking water when it rained and removing all the dead plants scattered around the place. However, to the local citizens, the smoke of joss sticks was as thick as ever, and incense filled every corner of the temple. It seemed as though it grew holier compared to before.
The mountains need not be so high, as long as Immortals reside in it; the waters need not be so deep, as long as dragons live within it. All this had happened only because of the arrival of the new Temple Master.
Madam Zhang was holding tightly to an oil lamp she had just put on the altar, before proceeding to make her way with great difficulty through the crowd of people. All for the sake of placing her incense within the pot in the centre of the courtyard and praying for the safety of her family.
Although the people were many, she never thought of retreating. Instead, she blamed herself for coming late, and perhaps the gods above were displeased with her behaviour. She told herself that after she placed the joss sticks, she would ask for prosperity, and convince that little Daoist with the best of her ability to have the Temple Master himself read her fortune.
After an hour, finally managing to place her joss sticks, she expressed her gratitude to the gods and offered her tribute. At this time of the day, the sun was already high up in the sky. The Zhang woman's makeup ruined by the steamy air within the temple was starting to fall apart. Boisterous noises continued to surround her, shoulders brushing against one another. A lot of people were similar to her—they never intended to back out, all the more they experienced excitement, feeling as though they were accomplishing a holy achievement.
She lived in the East of the city with her husband who owned two shops. Her situation was arguably pleasant; moreover, she shared a good relationship with her husband. Alas, they were unfortunate as they only bore a son when they were both in their middle ages. They treated their son like an invaluable piece of treasure, but who could have guessed that two months later, their son had a fever and almost passed away. Both husband and wife visited every single temple and burned innumerable joss sticks, yet it was futile. Soon they heard of the peerless, unrivalled physician that became the new Temple Master of Zixia Daoist Temple. Even prayers from citizens who went to the temple came true. She was desperate and did not care which doctor she invested her money in, so she had rushed to his doorstep to ask for help. In the end, he saved her son, and from that day onwards, the money she would usually donate to the Jade Buddha Temple, she now gave to the Zixia Daoist Temple.
The City of the Six Crafts was not vast, so news of the Zhang family's son spread far and wide. An increasing number of people came to Zixia Daoist Temple, and within a single night, it became well-known, rivalling the Jade Buddha Temple in terms of popularity and became the most famous temple in the city.
She took out a cloth to wipe her sweat. It wasn't easy to squeeze into the temple, but she was told that the Temple Master would not be reading fortunes today; instead, he would be in the courtyard relaying the lore of Daoism. The woman was illiterate, but due to her trust in the Temple Master, she still decided to attend his speech.
A she went into the courtyard, she was shocked.
It was practically filled with people, some were even standing outside. Yet they weren't creating a ruckus, only few mutterings here and there were heard, but their voices were hushed.
From a distance, she could finally see the Temple Master Cui.
He was sitting underneath an eave and on top of a stage, his eyes smiling as he watched the crowd of people gathered there. Madam Zhang was stunned. She remembered the Buddha statues in the temple—his eyes shared the same look as those statues. The same look of kindness and gentleness.
Temple Master Cui's complexion looked paler in comparison to the last time she saw him. It could also be because he was sitting outside in the open, and it was the doing of the sunlight.
Madam Zhang often came to offer prayers and once, she overheard that Master Daoist Cui's health was not actually in its optimal state. However, no one knew the reason behind it. Madam Zhang, as a married woman, had decided not to pry.
Even though there was some distance between them, nobody was interrupting his words. So Temple Master Cui was heard clearly throughout the hall by everyone.
He did not sound sickly, just patient and gentle.
Similar to a cup that was neither too cold nor too hot and that could hold the tea inside of it just right, allowing its fragrance to fill the room.
When he was here, it was as if God himself was here.
"The topic today is about causality." Madam Zhang heard Temple Master Cui say.
Everyone gasped lightly, showing a look of concern on their faces.
Temple Master Cui continued to smile as he spoke. "Most people might think that only Buddhists speak of causality, but Daoists like us also speak of causality. The book 'Treaties of the Response of Dao' speaks of Dao. It conveys the meaning that regardless of a blessing or curse, it is never fate or destiny. It is solely related to you and your conduct. The kindness you show shall come back to you."
It didn't matter whether she knew what he was saying at all. She had never so much touched a book. Usually, the most she'd do was go to taverns to listen to storytellers speaking of life in the Jianghu. But the talk of moral principles of the world gave her a headache.
However, right now, it was unknown whether it was due to many people listening together, or owing to the fact that Temple Master Cui was speaking in deep volumes with laymen terms, she not only understood what he was saying, but she also did not feel it was irritating. Instead, she felt enlightenment in her heart.
"Let us use Madam Zhang as an example."
Hearing her surname, she immediately paid attention. Initially, she thought that someone else shared the same surname as her, but as she looked up, Temple Master Cui was looking at her, as well as the entire courtyard of people.
Her ears grew red. She had never been put in a position where she was the centre of attention; she didn't even know where to put her hands and feet.
"A while ago, Madam Zhang's son was plagued by a serious disease. It was practically incurable. I believe everyone has heard of it. If not for her usual kind deeds, accumulating merit for the Zhang family, how would a terrible incident like that end so well?"
Madam Zhang had never expected Temple Master Cui to praise her so. She could not help but blush madly. Even when she spoke, her voice stammered, "My husband and I only followed our hearts. We do not deserve such praise from the Temple Master! When my son was ill, it was all thanks to Temple Master's brilliant skills. The entirety of the Zhang family, from top to bottom, will be forever grateful!"
Temple Master Cui's smile deepened, "Such a brilliant example of 'follow your heart', you speak of it as if it was so simple, and yet how many people in this world can achieve that? If we should discuss this fact at length, wasn't it because I also received the guidance of numerous tutors, that I have come to the Zixia Daoist Temple in the end?"
Everyone agreed with him, once more, impressing Madam Zhang. From doubt, she found envy.
Madam Zhang's face was red all over. In all the years she had lived, this was the first time someone had praised her for her kindness, and the one who complimented her was a famed Daoist from a famed temple. She could not wait to return home and share the story with her husband. She decided in her heart that the next time she would visit Zixia Daoist Temple, she would offer more fragrant oil money.
In the corner of her eye, Madam Zhang suddenly felt a prick of pain. She assumed it was some gold or silver item that was reflecting the sunlight.
As she gathered her focus, she realized it was something flying across her view, like a bird flapping its wings.
Madam Zhang who could not help but blink, saw a grey shadow lunging itself at Temple Master Cui, a long sword in its hands giving the impression of wanting to kill Temple Master Cui with a single strike!
The sword was only half an inch away from his heart. Even if the people standing around him acted quickly, they would not be in time to save him. Nevertheless, it all happened so fast. Nearly no one was able to react.
Attacked by the wind of the sword, Temple Master Cui could not help leaning backwards, but his actions were of little help to thwart the assassin. In less than a second, the sword would pierce his heart and turn him from a live man to a corpse.
Madam Zhan could not see any hope for Temple Master Cui. She was so terrified that she promptly shrieked!