Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 65

Ten days later, the grain relief from the capital arrived, allowing the local people to finally overcome the famine. The several carts of food provided by the Ming Yuan sect had made a significant contribution.

When the officials came to inspect, they were astonished to learn that the notorious Ming Yuan sect had been doing good deeds. They ultimately gave their approval, making the sect’s benevolent actions widely known and sparking considerable discussion in the martial arts world.

Heralong was indifferent to the ensuing commotion. Noticing that Ao Li seemed increasingly dependent on him, he suggested they go out to clear their minds and fulfill his earlier promise to travel together. He hoped that Ao Li would not be met with hostility on this trip…

Upon hearing Heralong’s proposal, Ao Li’s eyes lit up. Without a word, he had servants prepare their belongings and funds.

Although Ao Li did not speak much, he frequently gazed into the distance, appearing restless as he pondered what life outside might be like, occasionally turning to kiss Heralong’s cheek.

Heralong understood his anxiety and reassured him that this trip would be just the two of them, with no extra people tagging along.

Ao Li nodded, visibly relieved, and seemed in high spirits.

Their journey was simple; Heralong rented horses, and they rode east together.

Ao Li didn’t inquire about the destination. As long as he was with Heralong, he was content. The long journey and the sights they encountered became a source of novelty and enjoyment for him.

They soon came upon a natural gateway formed by two peaks, with a brisk wind blowing through it, bringing with it clouds and mist. At the mountaintop, buildings were constructed according to the terrain, and the sign above the gate read “Jingxin Temple.”

Ao Li was puzzled, glancing at Heralong and then around the area. Many people were making wishes at the gate, and nearby, there was a so-called “love tree” with couples standing under it holding red papers. He observed them thoughtfully.

“I want that too,” Ao Li insisted, pointing at the area where people were making wishes for love.

Heralong sighed in resignation and frowned slightly. “Don’t act so recklessly.”

Ao Li crossed his arms and stared at him, as if refusing to enter the temple unless Heralong agreed to his request.

Heralong had come to Jingxin Temple for a specific purpose and didn’t want to be delayed by such trivial matters. He eventually agreed to let Ao Li make a wish and obtain a red paper.

Ao Li tied the thin red string around his wrist and wrote a few words on the red paper. Heralong, glancing briefly, was shaken by how direct Ao Li’s affectionate words were.

“Hurry up; it’s getting late,” Heralong urged.

Ao Li nodded in satisfaction and effortlessly tossed the red paper onto a branch, wearing a subtle smile, believing that making a wish here would surely make it come true.

Heralong pursed his lips, choosing not to tell him that these rituals were merely hopeful gestures and held no real significance.

After taking the contented Ao Li away, the mountain air became cooler. The wind rustled the red papers on the love tree, and a strong gust blew one of the papers away, scattering it out of sight.

That day, Heralong and Ao Li arrived at a crowded mountain. Even though Ao Li had seen many people recently, he was still not accustomed to being in such a public place, tightly clutching Heralong’s sleeve.

Heralong, unable to suppress his amusement, held his hand and gently guided him up the mountain.

Suddenly, Heralong turned his head and saw a red paper fluttering in the wind, gradually descending the mountain and disappearing.

“What’s wrong?” Ao Li asked, noticing Heralong’s focus had shifted.

Seeing nothing unusual, Ao Li’s previously joyful heart sank into disappointment.

Unable to see far and not understanding Heralong’s thoughts, Ao Li’s mood darkened. 

“There’s nothing wrong. Let’s keep moving,” Heralong replied, shaking his head and leading him into the temple.

Perhaps this was their fate.

No matter how many wishes were made or desires expressed, they couldn’t alter the course of their predestined relationship.

…

Jingxin Temple had a history of over a hundred years. The temple grounds were expansive, with numerous monk’s quarters.

As they entered, they found the courtyard filled with the sound of fluttering flags and the rustling of pine and bamboo, creating a unique sense of tranquility.

Heralong seemed well-prepared, and after surveying the surroundings, he led Ao Li along a secluded path to a meditation room.

Pushing open the creaky old wooden door, they found an elderly monk sitting cross-legged inside.

Heralong and Ao Li knelt on the cushions before him, Heralong bowing slightly, “Master Zhijing, we have come here with admiration and a request.”

He straightforwardly stated their desire to stay at the temple for a while to study Buddhist scriptures and achieve a purified heart.

Although Heralong spoke in a roundabout way, he had previously explained the situation to Master Zhijing. His aim was for Ao Li to cleanse his bloodlust and let go of his inner conflicts while at Jingxin Temple.

Buddhist teachings emphasize redemption and turning back from the brink. Master Zhijing, willing to help reform the infamous “demon lord,” was glad to assist.

He tapped the wooden fish and glanced at the two men and their clasped hands, sighing lightly.

“I understand that the donor is kind-hearted, but if the donor truly cares for the person beside him, the first thing to address is your indulgence… His obsession has become fixed, and you cannot escape responsibility.”

Ao Li couldn’t make sense of the conversation but noticed Heralong’s sudden silence and the way he withdrew his hand from Ao Li’s. Even Ao Li, normally slow to understand, grasped the situation.

His previously calm demeanor was disrupted by the old monk’s words. His face turned cold as he glared, “You bald monk, don’t speak nonsense.”

Feeling anxious and repeatedly examining Heralong, Ao Li hoped the monk’s words wouldn’t shake him.

“…Behave yourself,” Heralong said softly, feeling somewhat disheartened.

The monk’s words echoed in his mind, especially the phrase “cannot escape responsibility,” which weighed heavily on him.

Master Zhijing was not angered by the insult, but quickened his rhythm on the wooden fish, unwilling to say much more. He called over two young monks to take them to a guest room to change and later to the scripture hall to collect texts for study.

Heralong expressed his gratitude, tightly holding Ao Li’s hand as they left, fearful that Ao Li might cause trouble if not closely watched.

Once they reached the guest room, Ao Li threw Heralong onto the wooden bed and hoarsely said, “I don’t like it here.”

Heralong, distressed, tried to calm him down.

“Staying here for a while, living a monk’s ascetic life, maybe it can cleanse your hostility,” Heralong murmured, looking at the displeased Ao Li.

Ao Li hesitated but didn’t want to make things difficult for Heralong, finally saying, “As long as I’m with you, everything is fine.”

Although Ao Li’s temper was sometimes unpredictable, he generally remained calm. He didn’t refuse to read the scriptures, but when Heralong asked if he gained any insight, Ao Li stubbornly shook his head, insisting, “What the books say isn’t right. I am correct.”

All meals in the temple were vegetarian. Ao Li didn’t mind but insisted on making Heralong eat meat, causing frustration and helplessness for Heralong. “There’s no meat in the temple. Don’t mention it to the monks, or they might drive us out.”

Ao Li reluctantly agreed after some resistance.

As Ao Li grew more accustomed to temple life, Heralong felt relieved, appreciating the serene and carefree environment that indeed helped people become purer, forgetting worldly worries and focusing on daily meals, scriptures, and practices.

Over time, the monks recognized the inseparable pair and noted their ambiguous relationship.

The monks were aware that Ao Li was there to purify himself, so they were generous with their teachings.

Ao Li could accept most things, but when they mentioned that male relationships were against the principles of yin and yang, his demeanor changed immediately.

Seeing Ao Li’s irritation, the monks became concerned, realizing it was his obsession. They urged him to let go of his fixation to avoid falling back into his old ways.

Ao Li’s breathing quickened, feeling that the monks were deliberately antagonizing him. Their incessant murmurs made his head throb, and his expression grew colder.

The long-suppressed demonic energy began to reemerge, frightening the monks who had lived in seclusion. They retreated in terror.

Their fear was all too familiar to Ao Li. Once he dropped his pretense and revealed his true nature, people would inevitably be frightened. They only accepted him because of his false gentleness.

Heralong, sweating and anxious, repeatedly restrained Ao Li, leading him back to their room, afraid he might inadvertently harm the monks.

Despite having lived in the temple for some time and having become considerably gentler, Ao Li was still easily provoked. What could be done?

Heralong, slightly angry, looked at him sternly. “You should know that relationships between men are indeed difficult for society to accept. Their reaction is only natural. Why are you getting so worked up? This journey to Jingxin Temple is not easy. Why repeat past mistakes?”

Ao Li maintained a stern expression and casually remarked, “I hate them.”

He was indifferent to everything except for the person beside him, whom he would never let go of. Yet, he felt that everyone in the world deliberately sought to push his boundaries, which was the source of his rage.

Author’s Note: Seeking affection for my ears…