HEAVEN SWORD DRAGON SABRE Book 2 of 2

The Three Withered Pine Trees Sprouting Green Leaves Part 4

Because of Yuan Zhen, Kong Zhi was convinced that when the Shaolin monks were captured by deceit and brought to Dadu as prisoners, when their fingers were broken after they were forced to show their martial art skills, it was all part of the conspiracy between the Ming Cult and the Ruyang Palace. Later on, when Zhang Wuji came and rescued them, it was also part of the sinister plot to curry their favors. Therefore, he received the guests with a gloomy look. He put his palms together in respect, but did not say anything.

Zhang Wuji cupped his fists and said, "Our humble Cult has a favor we'd like to ask in earnest from your precious Sect. For that reason, we are going up the mountain to pay our respect to the Fangzhang Shen Seng [Abbot Divine Monk]."

Kong Zhi nodded. "Please!" he said, and he led the Ming Cult warriors walk toward the gate.

Abbot Kong Wen, accompanied by the Damo Hall, Luohan Hall, Banruo [great wisdom] Hall, and Jielu [monastic discipline] Courtyard, all senior monks, was waiting outside the door to greet the guests. He took the warriors into the Da Xiong Bao Dian [great hero precious hall] and invited them to sit down. Immediately several young monks appeared to serve them tea. After exchanging some pleasantries with Zhang Wuji, Yang Xiao, Yin Tianzheng, and the others, Kong Wen was silent.

"Fangzhang Shen Seng," Zhang Wuji said, "We would not go up to the San Bao Dian [three-treasure hall] if this wasn't an important matter. We come here to ask earnestly that Fangzhang would honor the Wulin way by releasing our humble Cult's Xie Fa Wang. We will certainly repay this great kindness and great benevolence someday."

"Amituofo," Kong Wen said, "Those who left homes [Buddhist monk or nun] must have mercy as their life principle. We must shun anger and avoid murder; actually, we should not make things difficult for Xie Fa Wang. However, Lao Na Shixiong [martial brother] Kong Jian perished under Xie Shizhu's [benefactor Xie] hands. Zhang Jiaozhu is the leader of a cult, you must understand the custom of the Wulin world."

Zhang Wuji said, "There was another reason behind it, we must not blame Xie Fa Wang." Thereupon he narrated how Kong Jian willingly received some beatings in his attempt to reconcile a great enmity in the Wulin world.

As Kong Wen and the others heard to the middle of the story, he exclaimed praises to Buddha, and stood up at once to show his respect.

With tears in his eyes, Kong Wen said in a trembling voice, "Shanzai, Shanzai! Kong Jian Shixiong willingly put this benevolent and self-sacrificing principle into practice; his virtue was not small."

The rest of the monks chanted scripture verses in low voice, praising Kong Jian's chivalry and righteousness; there wasn't anybody who did not admire him. The Ming Cult warriors also stood up to show their respects.

Zhang Wuji narrated in detail what had happened that day, and said, "Xie Fa Wang injured Kong Jian Shen Seng by mistake; he deeply regretted it. But if we think over it carefully, the real master mind behind this crime was your precious Temple's Yuan Zhen Dashi." Noticing that Yuan Zhen was not in the Hall, he said, "Would you ask Yuan Zhen Dashi to come out? Let us meet face to face and resolve right from wrong."

"That's right!" Zhou Dian opened his mouth, "This bald donkey [derogatory term for Buddhist monks] feigned death on the Brightness Peak, but actually he is alive and well. What is he up to, being sneaky like that? Quickly tell him to roll out." He had suffered a great setback from Yuan Zhen on the Brightness Peak, so he still bore a grudge against him.

"Mr. Zhou," Zhang Wuji busily said, "You shouldn't be rude in front of Fangzhang Dashi."

Zhou Dian said, "I was cursing that bald donkey Yuan Zhen, not cursing the bald Fangzhang ..." As the word 'bald' came out of his mouth, he knew something was wrong; hastily he put his hands on his mouth.