Tales of Folk Feng Shui Mysteries

"You're insane! I raised you all these years, and now you threaten me with your life! Go ahead, swallow it! If you die, it's over and done with, I'll pretend I never had a daughter!" Her father was absolutely furious.

But her mother was having none of it. She blocked him, crying as she spoke to Jiang Shiyu, "Xiaoyu, don't be so emotional. We'll talk this through. Your father has high blood pressure—don't upset him."

Jiang Shiyu was crying too, "I just want to save him! Please don't stop me!"

As the two of them were caught in a standoff, the door suddenly opened with a loud chant of "Amitabha, this monk is willing to go with the benefactor."

A tall monk, wearing a dark red robe and a large Buddhist rosary, walked into the room. His eyes were sharp like a dragon and phoenix, and his presence was imposing. Jiang Shiyu gasped, "Master Yicheng, you've come!"

I was equally surprised, not expecting him to help me, but Master Yicheng said, "The master has ordered me to meditate in solitude. I only just left the monastery today, and I heard that the benefactor is suffering from demonic sorcery. So I came to check. I overheard talk about the Wanzangkou outside, and it's too dangerous for you to go there in your current state. I will accompany you."

I suddenly understood. Jiang Shiyu had mentioned before that she started chanting the Ksitigarbha Sutra at the age of eight and had connections with the temple. She had known Master Yicheng for over ten years. In that time, even the coldest of animals would have warmed up to her. So, Master Yicheng's real purpose was to help her, not me.

The sad truth was that I could do nothing but lie here and wait for death. Jiang Shiyu's father and Master Yicheng seemed familiar with each other. After a few exchanges, her father, still fuming, stormed out of the room.

Master Yicheng first bowed to Wang Yi and said, "I've heard from my Taoist friend about the Wanzangkou, and it sounds similar to what my master calls the 'Hell Gate.' I wanted to know if it's the same place."

"Yes, you're right. Master Miaoyin and I have worked together before, and he is a living Buddha. A few days ago, Shiyu went to the temple to seek him, but she couldn't find him. Do you know where he is?" Wang Yi replied.

Master Yicheng smiled courteously, his expression warm and calm. "My master goes to sweep the pagodas every year around this time. I don't know where he's gone this year."

But then, in an instant, his tone changed. The warmth evaporated, replaced by an icy coldness as he glared at Wang Yi, his voice sharp, "Jiang Shiyu is a mortal body. Sending her to the Hell Gate is like sending her to her death. I understand that you care for your disciple, but don't you think it's too reckless to disregard someone else's life?"

"I'm going because I want to," Jiang Shiyu quickly interjected.

Master Yicheng's gaze remained fixed on Wang Yi, and I could feel his anger. The more furious he became, the stronger his aura. In my current state, paralyzed and unable to move, I could still sense the intensity in the room. Master Yicheng was truly angry.

"Are you accusing me?" Wang Yi retorted.

"I wouldn't dare. I'm just stating the facts," Master Yicheng said, his words now laced with tension.

Wang Yi suddenly rolled up his sleeves, his eyes widening with fury. He pointed at me lying in the bed, then turned and jabbed his finger at Master Yicheng's nose, spitting as he spoke, "My disciple is here, hanging between life and death, and I don't have time to discuss philosophical matters with you monks. If Shiyu wants to go, that's between her and Zhang Dabao. What are you, a bald monk, causing trouble for? If you go with her, I'll be grateful, because Shiyu is a good girl. But if you don't, then don't stand here whining or I'll punch you!"