The Sword Questions the Heavens - Chapter 238 — Fear - 翰墨軒

Though his heart was shaken by the strange treasure's powers, such as he had never heard of, the thought that if the treasure was truly so wondrous, then the hope of saving Bi Li must be greater by several degrees—at this, Ming Li was not alarmed but glad. He bowed low before the Venerable Pu Cheng and Master Pude and said, "I beg you, Masters, in the compassion of your hearts, to build a seven-tiered pagoda of merit and lend me your aid: lend me this treasure for a time, that I may save a life. When it is done I will surely return to the mountain in person to restore it, and thereafter I will make offerings to it day and night, praying that both Masters attain the true fruit!" With that he knocked his head heavily on the ground.

Master Pude raised his hand slightly, but though his speech had gradually grown fluent, the movements of his body were still numb; his arm stirred only a little and then stopped. Fortunately the Venerable Pu Cheng had already stepped over and helped Ming Li to his feet, saying gently, "Benefactor, there is no need for this. Rise and speak."

Fa Cheng came over as well, and only then did Ming Li slowly stand. The Venerable Pu Cheng smiled and said, "Since my junior brother Pude has brought out the treasure, he has agreed to lend it to you. Set your mind at ease."

Ming Li was overjoyed and was about to bow in thanks when Master Pude's voice sounded: "Benefactor, there are a few words I would say to you."

Ming Li at once composed his face and said, "Pray speak, Master. I am all ears."

Master Pude said slowly, "This treasure is both upright and wicked; above all it can delude the will. To one whose heart is a bright mirror, who walks openly and uprightly, it is of great benefit; to one who is not, it stirs the heart-demon as it did just now, and turns to devour him instead. My acquaintance with you is not deep, Benefactor, yet I can see that your cultivation is remarkably profound, that you have broad knowledge of many schools and are versed in all methods, and that your potential for future cultivation is no small thing—your attainments will far surpass our own. But, Benefactor, you are strong without and weak within; your spirit runs high while your heart is hollow, and the heart-demon has already become a great affliction, like a sharp sword hanging above your head. Do you understand?"

Ming Li was silent a long while, then said, "I will conceal nothing from you two Masters: I have never cared to attain the heights of creation or to win long life. As for life and death—after so many turns of fortune, I have come near to feeling there is nothing left in life to cling to. The mortal world is illusion to me; why should I care for a trifling heart-demon? The only reason I still run about this world is that there remain in my heart a few persons, few indeed, whom I cannot abandon. Since I cannot abandon them, I must live on, however humbly, to repay those who understand me." He raised his head slowly and smiled faintly. "As for the rest, Masters, there is no need to trouble yourselves on my account."

Master Pude gazed at Ming Li for a long time, sighed once, closed his eyes, and spoke no more.

Ming Li bowed to Master Pude, stepped forward, and carefully wrapped the Universe Reincarnation Disc in the black cloth once more. He placed it in his bosom with the utmost reverence, and the Venerable Pu Cheng pressed his palms together and said, "Take great care in all things, Benefactor."

Ming Li nodded. Suddenly his brows knit; he slapped his own forehead and laughed. "Look at my memory—I was so happy I forgot everything. How is this treasure to be used? I have not yet asked!"

Master Pude slowly opened his eyes and exchanged a glance with the Venerable Pu Cheng, who was looking his way. There was a question in Pu Cheng's eyes, but Master Pude only gave a soft sigh and slowly shook his head.