44 – The Third Trial

A large crowd had gathered outside the solitary doorframe, watching with tense anticipation. It had been one month and two weeks since Danxing stepped through. Most expected a Xuan to fail even the first trial, let alone reach this point.

Then, a deep, resonant gong echoed across the grounds, just as it had two weeks earlier. For a brief, breathtaking moment, the Heart Refining Pagoda manifested in all its majestic glory.

The pagoda rose like a sacred mountain piercing the heavens, its seven soaring tiers gleaming with an ethereal, otherworldly light. Ancient runes and intricate mandalas flowed across its surface like living scripture, shifting and glowing with inner wisdom. Golden clouds swirled reverently around its base, while rainbow halos crowned its highest spire. The very air around it hummed with profound spiritual energy, carrying the faint scent of sandalwood and the distant sound of chanting. Its presence inspired both awe and reverence. A towering testament to the pursuit of enlightenment, beautiful yet imposing, mysterious yet inviting, as if the structure itself was a bridge between the mortal realm and enlightenment.

The gong sounded once more.

It signaled that the one undergoing the trial had successfully passed the second stage.

Then, as if it were nothing more than a fleeting dream, the majestic Heart Refining Pagoda vanished without a trace. All that remained was the solitary, broken-down main door. A weathered, lonely remnant of what once stood as the heart and pride of Lingshan Temple for over ten thousand years.

The crowd fell into stunned silence. Many monks dropped to their knees, chanting the Tranquil Heart Sutra. That pagoda had been with the temple since its founding. a sacred symbol of their lineage, their perseverance through countless tribulations, and their unbroken connection to the Dao. Its sudden disappearance felt like a piece of their very soul had been torn away, leaving only an aching void where ancient glory once stood.

Jianglong remained seated at the forefront, still praying, still surrounded by a deep, gnawing unease.

‘Satisfied with your choice, brother?’ Changsheng's voice transmitted into his mind.

Jianglong didn’t need to look. He knew Changsheng was standing far behind the crowd. As for the choice, it was the night before the Trial…

Huatian stood sweating profusely just outside the guest grounds. This is for the good of the temple and the world, he kept chanting to himself. Yet fear still gripped his heart like a vice. He wiped the cold sweat from his brow. He could do this. He could drag Xuan Danxing out of the temple grounds and hand him over to the group of cultivators waiting outside. The Xuan was only at the second level of Foundation Establishment while he was at the fifth. It should be easy. The elders of Tianji Sect and the auspicious guest would not interfere.

He swallowed hard, but still couldn’t muster the courage to take a single step. Huatian was no stranger to schemes, but there were so many ways this could go wrong and he had drawn the shortest stick. Especially after reading all those ludicrous stories about the Xuan.

A sudden chill ran down his spine. He turned around.

Jianglong stood there, glaring down at him with gritted teeth and barely contained fury.

Without a word, Jianglong grabbed Huatian by the head and shoved him aside.

“I will deal with this,” he growled.

Jianglong entered the guest grounds. The signs of destruction were still visible in several areas. He had known Changsheng was planning something, but he never imagined it would go as far as sending someone to commit murder.

Then he heard music.

It was unlike any instrument he knew. Similar to a guqin, yet the notes were shorter, softer, and richer. Playing a soothing melody that carries a mournful tone. Inexplicably he followed the sound. Drawn to the otherworldly sound. He is surprised that the melody originates from the Xuan. The root of all this mess. The figure sleeping peacefully on the rocking chair could hardly be described as human. Far from it. Yet there he was, mouth slightly open on his deer skull, gently hugging a small white-furred fawn in his arms.

The surreal figure and the music made everything feel indescribable. He is so defenseless. Killing him would not even take an effort. He raises his arm, but he cannot bring it down. Fragments from the discussion kept resurfacing in his mind. This being had been a mortal not long ago. He had lost his original body and rebuilt it from spiritual beast corpses. He had been adopted for reasons unknown. He had saved the Kingdom of Jin and freed tens of thousands of trapped souls. And yet, because he carried the Xuan name, he had to die.

Jianglong slowly lowered his arm. Nothing about the thing in front of him makes sense. Someone carrying the bloodiest name in the world, yet who had performed many selfless acts. Someone who had staked his life to save a city of strangers, but claimed he only cared about those within arm’s reach. Someone who had stayed here for Fumo. Because Fumo was the first to call him “brother” outside his own circle. That it had to mean something.

The thought of Fumo drifting away because of this weighed heavily on him.

‘If you cannot, you can… drag him outside.’ Changsheng's voice transmitted into his mind.

Changsheng is behind him. It is clear he is here to check after Jianglong has sent Huatian away.

‘Changsheng…’ Jianglong pauses, ‘I am your senior brother. What does it mean to you?’

‘Well of course it means I want the best for you.’ Changsheng answers in an instant.

‘I see.’ Jianglong turns away from the Xuan. 

‘He will take the trial.’ Said with a finality, walking past Changsheng out of the guest grounds.

‘Remember senior brother,’ Changsheng speak once more, ‘demons are best at twisting people’s minds.’

Back to the present. 

Jianglong still stood by his decision. He would not kill Danxing for the sins of his father, nor based on the harm he might cause in the future. Yet the gnawing unease in his chest had only grown stronger. It was still unclear to him why his master had chosen this particular trial. Part of him thinks that his master wants to convert Xuan Danxing into Buddhism. After all, a Xuan cultivating the Arhat path is simply unheard of. 

But fragments of the discussion kept resurfacing. His master had lied. There might be a more sinister reason behind this. He pushed those thoughts aside. After all, he was the eldest disciple. This was what he believed was best for everyone.

—

With the space of the third trial. Abbot Zhaoshi sat on an elevated seat. Two figures appear from the beam of light. Remnant spirits of previous Abbots that have their bodies placed within the Heart Refining Pagoda at the end of their lifetime. Of all the remnant spirits housed within the pagoda throughout its long history, these two were the only ones that remained.

The first, from the Trial of Compassion, appeared stern and firm, his expression grave and unyielding, like a mountain that had weathered countless storms. The second, from the Trial of the Path, radiated a soft and gentle presence, his features kind and serene, like a calm lake reflecting the moonlight.

“Our new guest is quite an interesting individual,” the Abbot of the second trial began cheerfully. “He pulled out a hammer. I thought he was going to use it to hit me.”

The Abbot of the first trial ignored the subtle jab. “This Xuan has pulled himself out of the Karma Purification Abyss,” he said immediately, cutting straight to the most important point.

“That is good then?” the second trial Abbot asked, turning serious as he sensed there was more.

“No, it is not,” the first trial Abbot shook his head. “I have checked multiple times. It is not because the Xuan has little negative karma. But because he has so little Karma, good and bad, almost nothing. It is unnatural.”

“Does that not mean it is a sign of high purity?” the second trial Abbot suggested. “One who has cleansed most of their karmic burdens, very close to achieving true detachment.”

“Or he has cut off all karmic ties in a dangerous way,” the first trial Abbot countered. “As not even a mortal above ten years of age can have so little karma. Either he has detached from the world in an extreme way, which is unlikely from how he acted during the first trial, or he has done and thought little to nothing in his lifetime. Which is also impossible. It is as if he was neither alive nor dead before arriving in this world.”

The second trial Abbot’s gentle expression grew solemn. “A soul so light it barely touches the world… This is unprecedented.”

DRUMM DRUMM DRUMM

A loud knocking sound came from the door. Each knock shook the entire space.

“But also very powerful.” The second trial Abbot adds.

Abbot Zhaoshi remained silent for a long moment, his scarred face unreadable. He has remained silent throughout the discussion. The two trial Abbots look towards Zhaoshi. Everyone here knows what the others have to say so saying anything further is unnecessary. The two Abbots vanished into motes of lights and Zhaoshi finally permitted the door to be opened.

A deer skull peeked inside. “May I come in?”

—

“So… What’s the third trial all about?” I asked, still gripping my hammer and railgun.

“It is nothing special,” Abbot Zhaoshi said calmly. “Just personal teachings from me. Please, take a seat.”

It didn’t feel like a lie. But I still had no idea what the motherfucker was planning.

“Nah,” I refused. “I think I’ll keep standing for now.”

“Suit yourself,” he said as I began circling him slowly.

“Tell me,” Abbot Zhaoshi starts. “What do you think about the previous two trials?”

“The first trial is bullshit.” I answered directly.

“Is that so?” Zhaoshi’s expression remains unreadable. “Not even a lesson worth learning?”

“No.” I shook my head. “Frankly, if you think what I did in the first trial is a mistake, perhaps that’s the reason this Lingshan Temple is where it is right now.” I tried to prod him. “Lead them to less suffering. Manage other people’s greed. Do not get attached.” I said in a mocking tone, walking with wide strides as I continued circling. “Fucking idiots.”

“Is that what your faith teaches you?”

“Fuck no. But it teaches me that those three things rest solely on one’s own decision. And I know damn well that no one likes being told what to do.”

“You speak of anarchy.”

“I say people have the freedom to choose for themselves. Yes, you can give them guidance. But ultimately, you can do nothing more than hope the other party listens and chooses to do good. Which is why me being punished for other people’s greed is bullshit. What even is the purpose of that hell-like thing?”

“It is the Karma Purification Abyss,” the Abbot explained. “In the past, cultivators from far and wide came to Lingshan Temple to have their karma purified or to cleanse themselves of heart demons.”

“So if they are not good enough, they die there?” I asked, stating the logical outcome.

“That is correct.”

“Haha!” I let out a sharp laugh. “I don’t believe you. Judging by how you monks treated me, it is far more believable that you kill those who get out, as they are more dangerous. Didn’t you want less suffering?” I raise my proverbial eyebrows. Fuck it, I project a thick raised eyebrows on my head for emphasis.

Of course, like in the previous meeting, Abbot Zhaoshi doesn’t answer.did not answer directly. If he admitted the temple always let go of those who pulled themselves out of the Karma Purification Abyss, he would lose the legitimacy to hold me here. Logically he would answer with…

“Of course it is different with each individual.”

“Oh no, it is a case by case basis.” Both me and the Abbot said at the same time with me speaking in a mocking tone.

The Abbot’s expression didn’t change. “The trial exists to temper the heart. Those…

“This little back and forth will lead us nowhere don’t you think?” I interrupt his little justification. “Why don’t you just tell me what you want? All this theatrics to kill me is starting to feel tedious.”

“I did not want to kill you,” the Abbot replied.

Once again, I tasted that bitter lie.

“Your lie is unbecoming of you,” I snapped back immediately. Even as his emotions showed no outward change.

I crossed my arms, hammer and railgun still in each hand. “I get it. You’re a coward.” I nodded to myself. “And that’s okay. But frankly, your attempt to have some sort of moral victory is…”

“ENOUGH!” Abbot Zhaoshi’s voice was level but impossibly loud, resounding multiple times throughout the space.

I pointed my railgun where the Abbot was supposed to be. Only to find myself suddenly within a pitch black void.

“More of your stupid trials?” I growled, mouth opening wide in anger.

“I have done nothing but show you patience.” I aim my railgun to where the voice came from. Only to see something emerging from the water. 

“You are just disappointed I didn’t die.”

She will die. Just like the rest.

My hand paused as the figure that emerged was my senior sister Zhaoxia. She grabbed the arm holding the railgun and dragged me down into the dark.

“You killed me.” She accuses me, her tone deep in sorrow. “It’s because you didn’t let go that I die!” She shrieks. Blood flowing from her mouth and eyes.

“Fuck off...” I pulled myself up, powering through with raw soul force. But more and more figures appeared. The deer and the wolves, screaming about their husband and mother. Then Jinlian. Her beautiful face appeared beside mine. Her serpentine lower body was already coiling around me. Her soft hands gently traced the length of my deer skull, making me shudder. My heart thumped wildly. I tried to look away.

YOUR DESTINED ENEMY!

KILL HER! KILL HER!

The face of the scared village girl came into sight. The same face she wore when I saw her at Jinchuan. The same face she wore when I ate her brother’s soul. The delicious taste of the brother’s soul appeared in my mouth again. Then another, saltier taste. From the red thing I ate after the battle. Another soul that I ate, and I didn’t know who. As if a weight was placed on my mouth, I was dragged further down.

Butchered, skinned, eaten

All will rejoice in her death

Underneath my mouth was Yinrui. Bleeding from a wound. Skinned but still barely alive. All I needed to do was close my mouth to taste her. Pain bloomed bright in my heart as I forced myself to refuse.

I move my left arm. The one wielding the hammer. Then, like dusting off my sleeve, I swept away the entire illusion. It consumed almost all my Qi and soul power. I shook my head. A painful headache and loud ringing echoed deep in my brain. I was back within the third trial space.

“YOU GODDAMN MOTHERFUCKING COWARD!” I aim my railgun. But a flash of white light erupts.

“Let go of your weapon. Repent and swear the oath.” The voice crashed directly into my mind. 

I released the hammer, but gripped the railgun with both hands even tighter. My fingers dug into the metal with enough force to warp it against the overwhelming compulsion trying to make me release it. Pain and fury surged through my body. My teeth ground together until I heard my own skull creak.

BOOOM!

I throw everything into one last act of defiance. All my remaining soul power and Qi. The railgun fired with a deafening thunderclap. The bullet grazed the side of the Abbot’s head, right where his scar ended. The wound was shallow, but it was enough. If it healed, he would now have a full scar across his forehead. Even he looked momentarily surprised that I had managed to retaliate.

“NO!” I bellowed, voice raw with righteous fury. “I grew up believing in freedom, only to realize it had been taken from me since my grandfather’s time! This gun is the only thing left! So that any men and women, the powerless, and the unworthy can keep what is theirs! So that we can point it at any motherfucker who deigns to take anything from us, even our own God!

“I know men like you!” I continued, voice shaking with anger. “Motherfuckers perched on their high towers, preaching charity, compassion, and detachment to others while you have nothing to lose! Men like you are the first to surrender other people’s rights! The first to abandon your principles the moment you feel threatened! You want to kill me?! Then use your own goddamn hands!”

Zhaoshi looked at the creature in disbelief. Clearly exhausted, that a single gust of wind will knock him off. He had never even thought his weapon could wound him. What in front of him solidifies into a demon. He will kill… so many people. There’s no more ground for any moral victory. He has to kill this demon right here and now.

Then Zhaoshi broke into cold sweat. The moment the thought of rising to kill the creature crossed his mind, he felt the familiar killing intent. Far behind him, outside this space, Xuan Xuechen was watching over his son. The certainty of death gripped him once again, just as it had three hundred years ago.

But what shook him the most is that he glimpsed someone beside the creature. Bright and divine, but gone after he blinks. It made him doubt his own senses. But if what he saw was true, there was another presence watching over the being before him. Immediately he thought of letting Danxing go, of protecting his disciples and the temple, flashed through his mind.

Then a deep sense of defeat overwhelmed him. He had already proven Danxing right the moment he finished speaking. His own guilt and grudge laid bare. Both had produced so much negative karma that it had eroded his golden body to the point that a Foundation Establishment weapon could harm him. There was nothing just in this trial.

Abbot Zhaoshi let out a weary sigh.

“Xuan Danxing. You passed. You may leave this temple unharmed.”