The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

Southern suburbs of Luoyang, at the foot of Longmen Mountain.

The night was as dark as ink, and the north wind swirled fine snowflakes, howling and weaving through the mountains and forests. Distant mountains and nearby peaks were all covered with a thin layer of pure white.

From deep within the woods, the faint sound of chanting could be heard. At first, the sound was faint and indistinct, as if it were just an illusion caused by the passing of wind and snow. But if one listened attentively, one could perceive its long, deep, and majestic rhythm, as if it were the convergence of the will of hundreds or thousands of people, like a tide washing over the mountains and cleansing the bleakness of the winter night.

On such a frigid night, when all should be silent, two figures were steadily ascending the winding, dragon-like stone steps.

The stone steps, totaling 808, are meant to "dispel 800 afflictions" and serve as the passage connecting Jingnian Temple to the mortal world. Although the monks have cleared the snow from the steps, the remaining icicles are still slippery and difficult to walk on.

The man leading the way appeared to be in his early twenties, tall and straight, dressed in a black sable fur coat. Though travel-worn, his sharp and heroic air was undeniable. He possessed a handsome face, a high-bridged nose, and eyes that shone like cold stars in the night. His every glance exuded a regal bearing, as steady as a mountain yet as fluid as flowing water. This man was none other than Li Shimin, the second son of Emperor Taizong of Tang, who at only twenty years old had already distinguished himself in battle and been enfeoffed as Duke of Qin.

Following closely behind was a scholar of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, dressed in a blue cotton robe with a slightly worn crane cloak over it. He had a thin face and a meticulously trimmed three-strand beard. He was Changsun Wuji, one of Li Shimin's trusted advisors, a meritorious official from Taiyuan, and currently the Chief Clerk of the Duke of Qin's mansion.

Looking up at the seemingly endless stone steps, Changsun Wuji let out a slight breath, sweat beading on his forehead. These eight hundred stone steps were truly a test for someone as unskilled in martial arts as him.

"Wuji, can you still hold on?"

Li Shimin did not turn around; his steps were steady, and his gentle yet clear voice reached Changsun Wuji's ears.

Changsun Wuji took a deep breath of the cold air and said with a wry smile, "Don't worry, Second Young Master, I can handle this short distance. But this Jingnian Temple is quite grand, building the temple on such a mountain. These eight hundred steps of the 'Pure Path' are the first intimidation for all the pilgrims in the world."

Li Shimin's gaze swept over the ancient pine tree beside the steps, bent under the weight of snow, and he said indifferently, "If it weren't for this, how could it show its transcendence? Look at the mountain forest's layout, where the wind is contained and energy is gathered. The location of this Zen temple is in harmony with the stars. The person who founded this place is indeed no ordinary person."

As they were talking, a gray-robed monk quietly appeared at the corner of the stone steps above. The monk was about thirty years old, with a simple face and clear eyes. He held a dim yellow lantern and stood quietly in the wind and snow, as if he had been waiting there for a long time.

Upon seeing the two approach, the monk raised one palm to his chest and gave a slight bow: "Esteemed benefactors, you must be tired from climbing the mountain on this snowy night. This humble monk, Liaochen, has come here to greet you on the orders of the abbot."

Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji exchanged a glance, both feeling a chill run down their spines. Their journey had been quite secretive; they hadn't sent invitations in advance. Yet the Zen temple had been able to foresee their arrival and send a guest monk to wait for them halfway. This ability to predict the future was truly astonishing.

"Thank you for your help, Master."

Li Shimin returned the greeting with a composed expression: "I am Li Shimin, and this is Changsun Wuji. I have come to visit you and wish to see the abbot of the Zen temple."

Liao Chen's expression remained unchanged. He simply stepped aside to make way for them, lowered his eyes, and said, "Young Master Li, Mr. Changsun, please follow me. The abbot and Senior Brother Liao Kong are already waiting for us at the monastery."

The dim, yellow light of the lanterns swayed in the wind and snow, guiding the three of them upwards. After passing the last stone step, a breathtaking view suddenly opened up before them.

Previously, when I looked down from Qiulin, I only saw the eaves and brackets of a few palaces peeking out from among the trees, and I thought it was just an ordinary forest. Now that I am standing outside the mountain gate, I realize how wrong I was.

What came into view was an extremely magnificent and spectacular complex of buildings, built against the mountain, with layers upon layers, resembling a miniature city.

There are probably hundreds of halls, pavilions, towers, terraces, corridors, and verandas, arranged in a neat and orderly manner, stretching out into the wind, snow, and night, with no end in sight.

Except for one particularly eye-catching spot in the very center, all the buildings were covered with brightly colored, iridescent glazed tiles. Under the snow's glow and the occasional glimpse of lamplight, the glazed tiles remained as new as ever, their blue, green, yellow, and white hues interwoven to create a solemn and magnificent visual spectacle, completely unaffected by the turmoil of this chaotic world.

The most impressive feature is the small bronze hall located at the very center of the entire complex's central axis.

The bronze hall was three zhang wide and three zhang deep, and one and a half zhang high. Cast entirely of fine bronze, it gleamed with a dark, lustrous metallic sheen in the snowy night. The roof was not covered with glazed tiles, but cast in the style of a wooden hip roof, complete with all the mythical beasts and ridge ornaments, exquisitely crafted. Intricate engravings were faintly visible on the bronze walls, resembling either scriptures or Buddhist images. The sheer quantity of bronze required for such a hall was staggering, but even more remarkable was its casting technique—perfectly seamless, possessing a majestic and awe-inspiring presence—far beyond the capabilities of ordinary craftsmen.

Before the bronze hall lies a vast, hundred-zhang-long (approximately 33 meters) platform plaza meticulously paved with white marble. Surrounding the plaza are white stone railings carved with lotus and scrolling foliage patterns. In the center of the plaza stands a colossal bronze statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva riding a golden lion. Manjushri Bodhisattva's face is compassionate, his hands forming a mudra, while the golden lion beneath him roars fiercely, its mane flowing powerfully, lifelike in its form. The Bodhisattva statue is placed within a niche, beside which are enshrined painted and gilded seated statues of the Three Buddhas of the Three Times: Bhaisajyaguru, Shakyamuni, and Amitabha, their countenances solemn and their presence imposing.

Besides the stone steps leading to the entrances and exits in four directions, five hundred gilded bronze Arhat statues are evenly distributed throughout this vast white stone plaza. These Arhat statues are as tall as a person, some sitting, some standing, some joyful, some angry, some deep in thought, some debating scriptures, each with a different posture and expression. The eyebrows, eyes, clothing, and ritual implements of each statue are all exquisitely crafted, standing silently and solemnly in the wind and snow, inspiring awe in those who behold them.

The entire Zen temple complex is centered around the bronze hall and the white stone plaza. The main halls are arranged in an orderly fashion along the central axis, with buildings separated by ancient pines and cypresses, bamboo groves, plum blossom paths, and bluestone roads. These structures are both independent and harmoniously integrated. Even in the depths of winter, the upright pines and cypresses remain vigorous, complementing the solemn and dignified architecture and creating a majestic and inviolable atmosphere.

Before the Manjushri Buddha shrine in Baishi Square stands a large bronze incense burner. Fine sandalwood burns within, its wisps of smoke rising in the cold air, releasing a calming and soothing fragrance. This aroma seems to possess a strange power, penetrating the wind and snow, enveloping the entire space. Even those as resolute and ruthless as Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji, accustomed to bloodshed, found their minds gradually calming, infected by the otherworldly atmosphere. The fatigue from their climb and the troubles of the world seemed to fade away.

"What a fine Jingnian Chan School! It truly lives up to its reputation!"

Changsun Wuji sighed softly, pulled his crane cloak tighter, and carefully examined the surrounding scenery by the lamplight, especially the bronze hall and the five hundred Arhats, his eyes filled with undisguised shock.

Li Shimin nodded slightly, his gaze sharp as he swept over the tightly closed doors of the bronze hall and the silent Arhats standing in the square, and said softly, "Wuji, you are knowledgeable and have a good memory, how much do you know about this Zen temple?"

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji pondered for a moment, then, while following the guest monk Liaochen, he quietly explained the situation to Li Shimin:
"Second Young Master, this Jingnian Zen Temple is said to have been built at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty by a miraculous monk known as the 'Heavenly Monk.' Although this temple is part of the Buddhist system, its martial arts and Zen philosophy are unique. Like Cihang Jingzhai, it is a supreme holy place in the martial arts world and a hidden leader of the righteous path. Its long history and profound heritage far surpass ordinary sects."

"The martial arts of the Zen Temple originated from the 'Pure Mind Zen Book' passed down by the Heavenly Monk. It emphasizes the unity of Zen and martial arts, using the Zen mind to guide martial arts. The highest mental technique is said to be able to directly point to the Heavenly Dao, which is mysterious and unfathomable. Although the monks in the temple do not often travel in the martial arts world, there have been people with amazing martial arts skills in every generation. Especially this generation, there are many talents."

"Oh? Tell me the details." Li Shimin was clearly very interested in this.

"The current abbot of the Zen monastery is Zen Master Liaokong."

Changsun Wuji lowered his voice even further, with a hint of respect: "Master Liaokong's age is unknown. It is said that he has been in seclusion for many years, and rarely inquires about ordinary affairs. However, his Zen cultivation is unfathomable, and he is hailed as one of the most outstanding Buddhist masters in the world. He cultivates the most profound 'silent Zen' in Buddhism. It is said that he has not spoken for more than thirty years. Once he breaks through the seclusion, his voice is like a lion's roar, and he has the ability to subdue demons and monsters."

Li Shimin's eyes narrowed slightly: "Silent Zen... indeed an extraordinary person."

"The one who actually managed all the affairs of the monastery was the junior brother of Zen Master Liaokong, Zen Master Liaojin. Zen Master Liaojin was well-versed in Buddhism, kind and generous, and good at mediating disputes. He managed all the affairs inside and outside the monastery in an orderly manner and had a very high reputation among both monks and laypeople."

"In addition, the Zen temple has four guardian Vajras, all of whom are outstanding members of the Liao generation, highly skilled in martial arts, and each has their own strengths."

Changsun Wuji recounted the details with great familiarity: "The chief protector is Buchen, upright in nature, and hates evil as if it were his enemy. His 'Great Vajra Palm' is unparalleled in its ferocity and is said to have the power to split stone tablets."

"The second Dharma protector is not greedy, he is in charge of the monastery’s precepts, and he is impartial and incorruptible. His 'flower-picking finger' skill has reached a state of perfection, and his true skill is revealed in the details."

"The three Dharma protectors are not foolish. They are well-versed in Buddhist scriptures and have profound wisdom. They appear gentle, but in fact they have deep inner strength. They are especially skilled in the 'Prajna Palm Technique,' which contains the power of the palm without revealing it and has a long-lasting aftereffect."

"The four guardians are fearless, the most brave and aggressive in nature. They are responsible for the outer perimeter of the monastery and are proficient in the 'Subduing Demon Staff Technique,' which is extremely powerful in group battles."

"These four, collectively known as the 'Four Pure Mind Monks,' are the core strength of the Zen Monastery besides Kong and Liaojin. With their assistance, along with these hundreds of highly skilled monk soldiers and the impregnable Zen Monastery itself, although the Pure Mind Zen Monastery does not participate in worldly conflicts, its potential strength is enough to make any force dare not provoke it easily."

Li Shimin listened silently, his mind racing. In the current turbulent situation in Luoyang, the attitude of Jingnian Temple, while not necessarily determining the outcome, would undoubtedly greatly influence public sentiment and might even become a key factor in breaking the balance.

He came tonight ostensibly to pay a visit, but in reality, he was there to persuade them. Even if he couldn't secure the monastery's explicit support, he should at least ascertain their attitude and ensure they wouldn't side with Wang Shichong. If he could forge a good relationship with them, that would be an unexpected bonus.

The guest monk Liaochen led the two through the solemn Arhat formation, stepping on the smooth, mirror-like white stone floor, towards the brightly lit Mahavira Hall.

The scent of sandalwood grew stronger, and the faint chanting became clearer, echoing between every glazed tile and bronze statue in the entire Zen temple. It seemed that even the chill of the world was kept out by the powerful force of faith.

Li Shimin straightened his clothes, concealing all his emotions, and followed Liao Chen around to the front of the bronze hall.

Above the main entrance hangs a plaque inscribed with the four characters "Mahavira Hall" in ancient clerical script. The hall doors are open, and the interior is brightly lit, with a warm atmosphere mixed with a richer sandalwood fragrance wafting through the air.

"The abbot and Senior Brother Liaokong are waiting inside the hall. Please, esteemed benefactors."

Liao Chen stopped in front of the palace gate, turned to the side, put his palms together, and said with lowered eyes.

"Thank you for your help, Master!"

Li Shimin nodded in greeting and stepped over the high threshold first, followed closely by Changsun Wuji.

Upon entering the hall, the scene changed once again.

The interior of the hall was extremely spacious, with dozens of massive pillars, each as thick as a person's embrace, supporting the dome. The pillars were all decorated with exquisite patterns painted in gold powder. The floor was paved with smooth, mirror-like gold bricks, reflecting the hundreds of eternal lamps and candles as thick as a child's arm that burned within the hall.

Directly in front are three enormous gilded Buddha statues, with Shakyamuni Buddha in the center, flanked by Bhaisajyaguru Buddha and Amitabha Buddha on the left and right respectively. They are solemn and dignified, and in front of the Buddha statues are a huge offering table and a prayer cushion.

However, the most eye-catching figures were not the three Buddhas, but the two people sitting on the main cushion below the Buddha statue, and the four monks standing behind them with solemn expressions.

To the left of the main seat is an old monk wearing a golden robe, with a thin face and gentle, jade-like eyes. His beard and eyebrows are all white, and he wears a compassionate and peaceful smile, as if he can embrace all the troubles of the world.

This person was none other than Zen Master Liaojin, who was in actual charge of the affairs of the Zen monastery.

To the right of the main seat sat a monk who appeared younger, with a calm, still face, a slightly thin frame, and dressed in a simple white robe. His eyes were slightly closed, and his presence was almost imperceptible, as if he had merged with the entire hall and even the snowy landscape outside. One would hardly sense his presence unless seen with their own eyes.

An ordinary string of nanmu prayer beads lay across the old monk's lap, his hands forming a profound mudra. This man was none other than Abbot Liaokong of Jingnian Temple, who had practiced silent meditation for over thirty years! Though he remained silent and did not even open his eyes, he naturally became the center of the entire hall's aura, even slightly overshadowing the brilliance of Abbot Liaojin beside him.

The four monks standing behind the two eminent monks were all between forty and fifty years old, dressed in brown robes. Some were burly, others lean and strong, their eyes flashing with a sharp light, their aura profound and imposing. They were none other than the four guardian Vajras of Jingnian Temple, renowned throughout the martial arts world—the Vajra of Non-Anger, Non-Greed, Non-Ignorance, and Non-Fear.

Li Shimin's gaze swept over the crowd in the hall, a chill running through him. Almost all the key figures of the Jingnian Zen Temple were present. This demonstrated both the temple's high regard for their arrival and, in a way, its silent display of power.

Composing himself, Li Shimin took a few steps forward, stopping about ten feet away from the main seat cushion, and bowed with his hands clasped.
"I, Li Shimin, accompanied by my friend Changsun Wuji, have taken the liberty of visiting your esteemed temple late at night, disturbing your peaceful practice. I hope you will forgive me."

Changsun Wuji followed closely behind, bowing deeply. (End of Chapter)