Chapter 22
The next morning, Minister Chen departed for the capital with his entourage. Shortly after they left, as Magistrate Wang was about to enter the magistrate’s office, a soldier on horseback arrived at the gate, carrying an urgent message from the imperial court.
It seemed the court had finally responded. Magistrate Wang hurried forward to receive the imperial edict. It stated that a disturbance had erupted in the capital, suspected to be caused by jiangshi. The Emperor ordered Minister Chen to return immediately with Song Ling and the others to assist.
Magistrate Wang, after reading the edict, immediately sent Brother Wu to summon Li Xinjun. He then informed her of the situation in the capital.
“Miss Li, it seems you must go to the capital. However, Minister Chen has already left, and Doctor Song is still missing. Perhaps you should take Brother Wu and Ah Qi with you.”
Li Xinjun frowned as she read the edict, her heart heavy with reluctance. Brother Wu, sensing her hesitation, leaned in and whispered,
“Maybe Doctor Song followed the jiangshi king to the capital? Otherwise, where would the jiangshi in the capital have come from?”
Li Xinjun’s eyes widened as she considered this possibility. She looked at Brother Wu and nodded, a smile spreading across her face.
“You’re right! Alright, let’s go to the capital.”
Her spirits lifted, Li Xinjun agreed to Magistrate Wang’s suggestion. He immediately ordered another carriage to be prepared for them.
Li Xinjun quickly packed her belongings. She noticed the string of Buddhist beads that Song Ling had given her inside her bag. She remembered Song Ling handing them to her before they entered the cave, saying that the beads could save her life in a moment of need. She put on the beads and then set off for the capital with Brother Wu and Ah Qi.
Ah Qi and Brother Wu rode on the outside of the carriage, guiding the horses, while Li Xinjun sat inside, gazing out the window at the passing scenery. The journey evoked memories. A few years ago, she had traveled this same road to the capital, but with her parents.
She remembered her father telling her that once they reached the capital, they would live a peaceful life, free from the threat of floods. He planned to use their savings to open a rice shop and continue their business. He also wanted Li Xinjun to attend a private school. They had been filled with hope, never imagining the tragedy that would befall them.
Now, she was once again on the road to the capital, inside a carriage, but her companions were no longer her parents. Bitterness filled her heart, but she didn’t cry. She continued to look out the window, her hand instinctively reaching for the crescent-shaped pendant around her neck. She remembered that it was near this very spot that she had met Song Ling.
Song Ling had been passing through on her way down the mountain when she found Li Xinjun, injured and alone. Li Xinjun recalled their time together, their shared experiences. She held the pendant in her hand, remembering the moment they exchanged tokens of their bond. She remembered Song Ling saying that Li Xinjun was her only family. Tears finally streamed down her face.
“Sister Ling, where are you? Are you in the capital?”
They traveled day and night, making good time. As they passed by the foot of Mount Tian, Li Xinjun remembered Song Ling’s promise to take her to the Tianshan Sect. She called for the carriage to stop.
“Brother Wu, can we stop for a while?”
Brother Wu halted the carriage and lifted the curtain, looking at Li Xinjun. “What is it, Little Jun?”
“Brother Wu, do you know how long it takes to reach the Tianshan Sect from here?”
“From here, you can only go on foot. The carriage can’t go up the mountain. It should take about half a day to reach the summit. Do you want to go up?”
“Is it possible? I want to see if Sister Ling is there.”
“I doubt Doctor Song would return to the Tianshan Sect. If she had time, she would have gone back to Chen Family Village to find you.”
“Please, just let me go up and check. I won’t be able to rest until I do.”
Li Xinjun’s pleading eyes were irresistible. Brother Wu sighed and gave in. He and Ah Qi, needing to tend to the horses and carriage, found a suitable spot to set up camp. They promised to wait for Li Xinjun’s return. Li Xinjun set off on foot, following the path leading up Mount Tian.
As she walked, she admired the scenery, the lush vegetation and vibrant flowers. It was just as Song Ling had described: a place of natural beauty, filled with the songs of birds and the fragrance of flowers. Li Xinjun continued her ascent, her heart filled with anticipation.
She reached a stone tablet inscribed with the words “Tianshan Sect” in red paint. She knew she was close and quickened her pace, her heart pounding with hope that she would find Song Ling there.
She arrived at a Taoist temple with a signboard reading “Tianshan Sect” hanging above the entrance. As she approached, two disciples guarding the gate drew their swords, blocking her path.
“Who are you? Why are you trespassing on Tianshan Sect grounds?”
“Greetings, Senior Brother and Sister. My name is Li Xinjun. I am a close friend of your fellow disciple, Song Ling. I’m here to inquire if she has returned.” Li Xinjun bowed respectfully, stating her purpose.
The disciples, a man and a woman, seeing Li Xinjun’s polite demeanor and hearing her mention Song Ling’s name, lowered their swords and returned her greeting.
“Miss Li, Senior Sister Song has been away for a long time and hasn’t returned yet. May I ask why you are looking for her?”
Li Xinjun’s heart sank upon learning that Song Ling wasn’t there. She thanked the disciples and turned to leave.
“Senior Brother and Sister, since Song Ling is not here, I won’t disturb you any further. If she returns, please tell her that Li Xinjun is waiting for her in the capital.”
As she was about to depart, a voice called out from behind her. “Young lady, you said you are Ling’er’s friend?” A Taoist nun emerged from the temple.
Li Xinjun turned and bowed to the nun. “Yes, Abbess. I am Song Ling’s friend. Do you know her whereabouts?”
The Abbess, impressed by Li Xinjun’s respectful manner, approached her and studied her features. She found Li Xinjun to be a beautiful and charming young woman.
“How did you meet Ling’er?”
“Abbess, I was attacked by bandits on the road. They killed my parents and stole everything we had. I collapsed from hunger and was fortunate enough to be found and rescued by Sister Ling.”
“Yes, that sounds like Ling’er.”
The Abbess noticed the crescent-shaped pendant around Li Xinjun’s neck and smiled warmly. She took Li Xinjun’s hand.
“My Dharma name is Jingping. I am Ling’er’s master. May I know your name, young lady?”
“Abbess, my name is Li Xinjun.”
“May I see your palms?”
Li Xinjun obediently extended her hands. Abbess Jingping took her hands and carefully examined her palmlines. After a moment, she smiled brightly.
“It is all destined. Jun’er, do you mind if I call you that?”
“Not at all, Abbess. Sister Ling calls me that too.”
“Come with me. I have something to give you.”
Li Xinjun followed Abbess Jingping into the temple. The interior was simple and elegant, clean and serene, exuding a sense of tranquility.
They reached a stone table and chairs. The Abbess excused herself and went into a nearby room. Li Xinjun watched as a group of Tianshan disciples practiced their martial arts. They were all skilled, their swordsmanship similar to Song Ling’s.
She imagined herself training alongside them, sparring with Song Ling, and a smile touched her lips. A short while later, the Abbess returned, holding a book.
She sat down at the stone table and handed the book to Li Xinjun. Li Xinjun took the book and, upon opening it, realized it was a manual for cultivating inner energy. She looked at Abbess Jingping, puzzled.
“Abbess, what is this…?”
“This is a copy of our sect’s inner energy cultivation manual. It is not usually shared with outsiders. However, you are Ling’er’s destined soulmate, so I am passing this on to you. I hope you will master this art and be able to protect Ling’er in the future.”
“But Abbess…” Li Xinjun was overwhelmed and hesitant to accept the book.
“Listen to me. I read Ling’er’s fortune when she was five years old. She is destined for a life of hardship, lacking familial bonds. But she has a strong connection with you. You are fated to be together, and her fortune will change for the better after meeting you. Although there will be challenges, she will overcome them. You are her lucky star, and she will be yours. You are both indispensable to each other.”
“Abbess, Jun’er is stupid. I don’t understand how this is related to the book.”
Li Xinjun looked at the Abbess, confused. Abbess Jingping took Li Xinjun’s hand and examined her palmlines again. She sighed.
“Ling’er is destined for a great tribulation, and only you can help her overcome it. If she fails, she will lose her life. I can see that you have never cultivated inner energy. I hope this book will help you enhance your abilities so that you can protect Ling’er.”
“I understand. I will study hard and become stronger so that I can help Sister Ling.”
“Yes, very good, very good.” The Abbess smiled with relief.
“Abbess, you said I am Sister Ling’s destined soulmate. What does that mean?”
“You are still young. You will understand in time. Remember, Ling’er will face her tribulation when she turns twenty-two. You must be by her side then.”
“Yes, I will remember. I won’t let anything happen to Sister Ling. Don’t worry, Abbess.”
Li Xinjun calculated that Song Ling would turn twenty-two in five years. She resolved to master the inner energy cultivation techniques and train diligently to ensure Song Ling’s safety.
“Abbess, since you can see the future, can you tell me where I can find Sister Ling? We were separated due to some unforeseen circumstances, and I haven’t been able to find her.”
“Go to where there is unrest. You will find her there. She is destined to help people and overcome challenges. She will be where she is needed most.”
“Thank you for your guidance, Abbess. It’s getting late, and I must be on my way. Farewell. I hope to have the opportunity to visit you again in the future.”
“Safe travels.”
As Li Xinjun stood up to leave, Abbess Jingping called out to her,
“Jun’er, I entrust Ling’er to your care. And remember, the Buddhist beads you wear possess great power. They will protect you in times of need. Always keep them with you.”
Li Xinjun looked at the beads on her wrist and then at Abbess Jingping. She nodded firmly.
“I will not disappoint you, Abbess. I will protect Sister Ling. Thank you!”
Li Xinjun ran down the mountain, the Abbess’s words echoing in her mind. She clutched the book tightly and glanced at the crescent-shaped pendant around her neck.
“Sister Ling, wait for me. I’m coming to find you.”
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