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Zen Master Zhenyan's white eyebrows twitched slightly, and a glint seemed to flow in his half-open eyes. He said slowly, "Lord Jie is in charge of the martial arts world in Sichuan and is known as the 'Judge.' He is discerning and can see through anything. Even if some petty people make a move, they will surely not escape the Lord's discerning eyes."

"You flatter me, Master."

Jie Hui waved his hand, his face showing no smugness, but rather a deep look: "The harassment of the Song Clan's salt ships by the river bandits may seem like a small matter, but without a mastermind behind it, it would be impossible for them to be so precise and restrained. They are trying to test the waters, to test the reaction of my Duzun Fortress, and to test the stability of my alliance with the Song Clan. If I am not mistaken, there is probably more than just the ambition of certain individuals behind this."

His gaze was like lightning, shooting towards Zen Master Zhenyan. Although he did not say it explicitly, the meaning was clear: there are very few people in the world who can stir up trouble in Sichuan and have the motivation to sow discord between Duzun Fort and the Song Clan.

Zen Master Zhenyan remained silent for a moment, his peaceful expression unchanged, but he sighed softly: "The world is in turmoil, and all beings suffer. War rages on, and the people are devastated. Our Buddha is compassionate and sees all beings as equal. He should not have been involved in this mortal world, in the struggle for power."

Jie Hui didn't respond, but just quietly looked at Zhenyan.

Zen Master Zhenyan continued, “I have come here at the request of Venerable Emperor Xin. He is concerned about the common people and worried about the endless war. He hopes to find a wise ruler to end this chaotic world as soon as possible and restore peace to the world. The Li family of Guanzhong, son of Shimin, is known for his benevolence and is a devout Buddhist. His troops are well-trained and well-supplied. Venerable Emperor Xin believes that he may be the one to end this chaotic world.”

Jie Hui's eyes narrowed slightly, and a barely perceptible smile curved his lips, a half-smile that carried a hint of disdain in his tone:
“Oh? The Li clan? Li Shimin… I have indeed heard of him. But the words ‘Mandate of Heaven’ are so heavy, how can they be determined by the words of others? Li Yuan managed Guanzhong, and his son was certainly outstanding, but the situation today is not what it used to be.”

Jie Hui leaned forward slightly, and an invisible pressure naturally emanated from him. Although it was not directed at Zhenyan, it made the air in the hall seem to freeze a bit: "Master, do you know the current situation in the South?"

Zen Master Zhenyan's expression remained unchanged, but the hand seal on his knees seemed to change almost imperceptibly. The stagnant pressure around him melted away like a spring breeze and rain. He calmly said, "Is the Lord of the Fortress referring to the one who suddenly appeared and unified half of the southern land, the leader of the Heavenly Dao Alliance?"

"Not bad!"

A glint flashed in Jie Hui's eyes: "This young man has a mysterious background and his rise to power is nothing short of miraculous. He defeated Ning Daoqi, subdued the Yin Kui Sect, acquired the Flying Horse Ranch, and even fought against Song Que... The outcome is still unknown, but the Song Clan has now formed a deep partnership with him. The elite troops of Lingnan, the ranch's iron cavalry, and the Yin Kui intelligence are all under his command! Baling, Jiangling, Jingling, Xiangyang, and Lingnan, the five major towns are connected, controlling the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Their momentum is like a tiger descending the mountain, unstoppable! In comparison, although the Li Clan occupies Guanzhong, they are restrained by Dou Jiande in the north and coveted by Wang Shichong in the east. Their strength may not be stronger than the rising Heavenly Dao Alliance."

After a pause, Xie Hui said with a sigh, "What's even more puzzling is that this person's martial arts are said to be incredibly diverse, yet all of them have reached a state of perfection... His administration is efficient and lawful, and although it has only been a short time, it has already shown signs of unification. Even though you are a recluse, do you feel that the Li clan is more capable of ending the chaos?"

Faced with Jie Hui's almost interrogative words, Zen Master Zhenyan remained calm, though his long white eyebrows moved slightly without wind. He let out a long whistle and slowly said, "Amitabha. This old monk has traveled far and wide, and by chance, I once saw that nameless layman from afar."

Jie Hui's expression shifted: "Oh? Master, you've actually met him? What were your impressions?"

"His aura is profound and unfathomable, like the vast starry sky."

The Zen Master Zhenyan's voice carried a hint of reminiscence and solemnity: "Neither righteous nor evil, neither Buddha nor demon, as if transcending the boundaries of this world. My 'Nine-Character Mantra Mudra' is the supreme method to communicate with heaven and earth and sense the energy, yet around him, one feels a chaotic void, as if... as if he himself is an independent universe."

These words, spoken by Zen Master Zhenyan, carried immense weight. Jie Hui's expression changed slightly; he knew that Zen Master Zhenyan's cultivation had reached a transcendent level, and his perception was never wrong. A person who could evoke such feelings in a Zen saint must possess strength far beyond ordinary imagination.

Jie Hui frowned slightly: "So, this person is even more unpredictable than the Evil King Shi Zhixuan of yesteryear?"

"Shi Zhixuan's talent is astonishing and brilliant, but he is trapped by love and his inner demons are rampant, and there are traces to be found."

Zen Master Zhenyan shook his head slightly: "This young man has a heart as clear as ice, and he is not alarmed even if the sky falls. His will is so pure that even I cannot see through it. He integrated the forces in the south not simply by conquering them by force, but also by using various methods such as appeasement, division, and institutional reform. He truly has the demeanor of a great ruler who can unify the world."

"What does the master mean..."

Jie Hui stared intently at Zhenyan.

Zen Master Zhenyan closed his eyes, his hand seals changing to form the "Inner Binding Seal," as if binding the inner turmoil and external delusions. After a moment, he opened his eyes, his compassion even more intense: "I have been entrusted by the Emperor to come and explain the benefits of the Li Clan, out of pity for the suffering of the common people, and also out of consideration for the Li Clan's promise to promote Buddhism. However, the Heavenly Alliance is not a tyrannical force, and I have heard that the people under its rule are able to breathe. As for the struggle for power, I, a mere monk, truly do not wish to speak much about who is right and who is wrong."

The tone shifted abruptly, becoming ethereal and detached: "Lord Jie is a man of great talent and ambition. His command of Duzun Fortress is linked to the well-being of countless lives in Sichuan. The alliance with the Song Clan through marriage is an even more solid foundation. Lord Jie has his own clear judgment on where to go. I have delivered my message, my worldly ties are severed, and my obsessions have vanished. I will depart tomorrow to continue my travels, to comprehend the true meaning of Buddhism, and to seek to alleviate the suffering of all beings, rather than to interfere in the rise and fall of any one family or clan."

These words clearly revealed Zen Master Zhenyan's attitude. He had fulfilled the request of Venerable Dixin, but he did not fully agree with it in his heart, nor did he want to get involved further. He returned the choice entirely to Jiehui himself.

Upon hearing this, Jie Hui remained silent for a long time. He knew that Zen Master Zhenyan's words were not untrue, and he understood the position and helplessness of a high-ranking Buddhist monk. The hall fell silent once again.

Finally, Xie Hui let out a long breath, his voice regaining its usual calm and decisiveness: "Thank you for your frankness, Master. The world is in turmoil, and my primary task in Sichuan is to protect the territory and its people, and to maintain the foundation of Duzun Fort. The Song Clan and I are related by marriage and have been friends for generations. The Heavenly Alliance is powerful and has a close cooperative relationship with the Song Clan. In terms of sentiment, reason, benefit, and power, Duzun Fort's choices at this moment are actually not many."

He didn't explicitly state who he would choose, but his meaning was crystal clear. He wouldn't easily abandon his alliance with the Song clan to support a Li clan far away in Guanzhong that faced numerous challenges, especially when a more powerful, direct, and closely allied behemoth had emerged in the south.

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Zhenyan smiled with relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist prayer: "Amitabha, well said, well said. Lord Jiebao is wise beyond measure and has a clear understanding of the world. This old monk will not bother you any longer."

After saying that, he slowly stood up, nodded slightly to Xie Hui again, then turned and walked away with composed steps, disappearing behind the curtain of the side door as if he had never been there.

Inside the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, only Xie Hui remained. He gazed at the deepening twilight outside the hall, and his fingers began to tap lightly on the tiger-head armrest again, but the rhythm was slower than before.

The sky in the south has changed. It's time for Jie Hui and Duzun Fort to make a clear decision. The arrival of Song Shidao and his sister, and the seemingly unsuccessful persuasion by Zen Master Zhenyan, have only made the scales in his heart tip even more clearly. "...The Heavenly Alliance..."

Jie Hui muttered to himself, a complex and unfathomable light flashing in his eyes.

...............

Deep within Duzun Fortress lies a courtyard called "Jinse Garden," which stands in stark contrast to the solemn and imposing style of the rest of the fortress.

The courtyard wasn't very large, but it was decorated with exquisite elegance. As soon as you stepped through the moon gate, you were immediately struck by its beauty.

Unlike the surrounding area, which is filled with evergreen pines and cypresses, the garden is dominated by bamboo and orchids. Dozens of bamboo stalks stand against the pink wall, their density carefully arranged. When the autumn wind blows, the bamboo leaves rustle, bringing a refreshing sound and coolness. Beneath the bamboo is a winding cobblestone path, with lush moss growing in the crevices of the stones, creating a tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere.

Beside the path is a rustic stone table and several stone benches, and next to it is a small swing with withered wisteria vines wrapped around the ropes. One can imagine that in spring and summer, this place must be full of flowers and fragrant aromas.

In the corner of the courtyard stands a small lotus pond. It is late autumn, and the lotus flowers in the pond have long since withered, leaving only a few broken lotus leaves and bare lotus pods, standing silently in the cool autumn water, possessing a unique desolate beauty. The artificial hill beside the pond is exquisite, with mottled moss, adding a touch of Zen.

Xie Wenlong led Song Shidao and Song Yuzhi into the garden, a gentle smile on his face, and softly called out towards the main house, "Yuhua, look who's here?"

Before the words were finished, the bamboo curtain of the main room was gently lifted by a slender hand.

A young woman in a pale purple brocade dress with flowing cloud patterns walked out gracefully. Her hair was neatly combed and adorned with a simple white jade hairpin. Apart from that, she wore no other jewelry. The dress fit her perfectly, outlining her slender and graceful figure. The elegant purple color made her skin appear even whiter, yet it seemed to lack a bit of color, giving her a delicate fragility that came from being confined to the inner chambers of a house for a long time.

The woman's face bore a striking resemblance to Song Yuzhi, sharing a delicate oval face and exquisitely beautiful features, yet their temperaments were entirely different. Song Yuzhi's eyes exuded a commanding spirit and vitality, while hers were like distant mountains shrouded in mist, carrying a hint of melancholy. Her eyes were like two pools of autumn water, clear yet unfathomable, their shimmering light revealing a gentle and serene nature. Her lips were a pale color, like cherry blossoms in early spring, and a gentle smile habitually graced her lips.

"Miss!"

Upon seeing the woman, Song Yuzhi's bright eyes instantly welled up with tears. Forgetting all decorum, she rushed over like a fledgling returning to its nest, hugged the woman tightly, and said in a choked voice, "Big sister! Yuzhi missed you so much!"

Song Yuhua was bumped by her younger sister and took a small step back. She then reached out and gently hugged her sister, her eyes, which had held a hint of sadness, now brimming with tears. She gently patted Song Yuzhi's back, her voice so tender it could melt hearts: "Zhizhi... my dear Zhizhi, I missed you too. Let me take a good look at you. You've grown taller and thinner. Are you being naughty again, refusing to eat properly?"

Her gaze passed over Song Yuzhi's shoulder and landed on Song Shidao, who was walking slowly towards her. Her smile deepened, carrying the kindness and gentleness unique to an elder sister: "Shidao, you've come too."

Song Shidao walked closer, looked at the two sisters embracing, and bowed with a smile: "Eldest sister, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

"Okay, I'm fine."

Song Yuhua released Song Yuzhi, but held her hand tightly. She then said softly to Song Shidao, "What are you talking about here? Come inside quickly. Wenlong, please tell the servants to brew a pot of the finest Mengding Ganlu tea and prepare some of Zhizhi's favorite snacks."

Seeing the bright smile on his wife's face, Xie Wenlong felt gratified and quickly replied, "Okay, I'll go right away. You two siblings can have a good chat."

Having said that, he summoned a maid to make the arrangements.

With one hand holding Song Yuzhi and the other hand gently leading Song Shidao, Song Yuhua walked into the main room.

The room's furnishings were equally elegant. Rosewood tables and chairs, along with bookshelves, displayed ancient books and exquisite porcelain. Beside the window stood an embroidery frame, on which stretched an unfinished plum blossom painting, its stitches fine and its composition refined. A faint scent of sandalwood and books mingled with the bamboo fragrance from outside, creating a truly soothing atmosphere.

The three of them sat down, and the waitresses quickly served them fragrant tea and several plates of exquisite Sichuan-style snacks.

Song Yuzhi, unable to contain herself any longer, grabbed Song Yuhua's hand and chattered incessantly, her tone cheerful and her eyebrows dancing with excitement. Song Yuhua listened with a smile throughout, occasionally wiping away non-existent crumbs from her sister's mouth with a handkerchief, her eyes filled with a tenderness that could melt anyone's heart.

"Zhizhi, have you been obedient to your father and brothers at home? Have you slacked off in your martial arts? You wrote last time that you sprained your ankle, is it fully healed?"

While her younger sister was wiping her throat, Song Yuhua took her hand and asked with concern, then turned to Song Shidao, "Shidao, you've been busy handling family affairs, so please remember to take care of your health. Is Father... is he still in good health? His swordsmanship must be even better than before, right?"

When asked about her father, Song Que, her tone carried a subtle hint of caution and distance.

Song Shidao understood. Although his eldest sister was gentle, her marriage to Xie Wenlong had a political undertone, an alliance of sorts. His father, Song Que, was a man of great authority, and there might not be no estrangement between them. He smiled gently and replied carefully, “Don’t worry, eldest sister. Father is in good health, and his cultivation… has reached a level we cannot fathom. Though he doesn’t say it, he is concerned for you. When Yu Zhi and I went to Sichuan, Father specifically instructed us to check on your well-being.”

Song Yuzhi chimed in, "Yes, eldest sister! Father may not say it, but he cares about you a lot! Before my second brother and I left, he had the steward prepare a lot of Lingnan specialties so we could bring them back for you!" (End of Chapter)