Bensheng ran without stopping, his eyes shut tight. Disoriented, he knew only that Wu Ni's accomplice might still be nearby; he had to get far away.When he finally halted and opened his eyes, he found himself surrounded by towering trees. The full moon was visible in patches through the canopy of leaves above."Zhouku Forest?" Yeluo panted, laughing breathlessly. "Bensheng, you can really run." He had managed to sprint all the way from the royal palace to the forest.Sanbao smiled. "'The Dharma King is the supreme tree among men, providing universal shade and boundless light to the masses.' Such fine fortune. Why don't we enjoy the moon at our leisure? Is that not a joy?"Yeluo was taken aback. "That's from the first volume of the Benevolent King Sutra..."She and Bensheng exchanged a look."Uncle Sanbao!" they said, now feeling a strong affinity for him, they couldn't help but question him. "You seem deeply knowledgeable about the scriptures... you possess profound magical power, and you're a righteous person. Why become a thief?""Because I desperately want to steal one thing.""What thing?""Time.""...""..."The absurd answer almost made them laugh, but seeing the look on Sanbao's face, the laughter died in their throats.He was profoundly sad."Bensheng, you said you saw a little girl in a cage within that dark space, correct?"Bensheng nodded."She is my beloved."Sanbao gazed up at the boundless moonlight.
"Over a century ago, we were living happily in Yongle Country. Suddenly, one day, she told me she had a premonition that her life would soon end. We sought out a practitioner skilled in the Knowledge of Past Lives, who confirmed she would die in three days. My only recourse was to purchase, at great cost, a temporal treasure—a space that isolates one from the flow of time in our present world. I placed her inside. Though we could never meet again, it would at least prevent her from dying. Since then, I have wandered from country to country, cultivating supernatural powers, stealing artifacts related to time... Sadly, to no avail. The fact you saw her as a little girl indicates that time within the space is decaying or shrinking. Over the centuries, she has been growing younger. Perhaps now... she has even forgotten me."Bensheng felt a heavy weight in his chest. "If her life was ending, there must have been a cause?"Sanbao shook his head. "I consulted every famous physician. Apart from the premonition, there were no symptoms, nothing to treat. The practitioner said her time had been stolen. So, I have only one option..."To steal time back for her.Yeluo, who had been listening quietly for a long while, finally spoke hesitantly. "Uncle... have you heard of the Bell of the Instant?"The Weighing of the PastOn the table in the Weisa Pavilion, a teacup trembled almost imperceptibly, the moonlight reflected on its surface rippling.There was no wind from any direction within the pavilion, so both occupants noticed the disturbance.The white-haired old man seated at the head of the table had two long, leaf-like white eyebrows that drooped over his narrow, squinting eyes. His long, thin mouth gave him a very amiable appearance.He had just finished writing a full scroll of characters, using one hand to hold back his floor-length beard while the other wielded a brush."'Hide the six senses like a tortoise, guard the mind like a fortress; fight Māra with wisdom, victory brings no distress.'"Zhong Lixi, standing behind him with her sleeves tucked together, read the words aloud and laughed. "Old Turtle, you really are fond of tortoises! Must you always include 'tortoise' in your writing?"The old Principal set down his beard and spoke slowly.
"Nonsense. Shouldn't you go see what has happened at the royal palace?""Why bother looking? Someone will report it momentarily, don't you think?"The old Principal opened his eyes and met her gaze. A world of unspoken meaning passed between them.Sure enough, a series of hurried footsteps approached."Old Principal!"The old Principal looked up, utterly composed. "Youshui, no need to panic. Speak calmly. Has the Royal Underground Palace been breached by thieves?"Court Supervisor Youshui, who had just caught his breath, stared in surprise. "You knew?"Zhong Lixi took a sip of tea, supremely at ease. "Did the Imperial Constabulary report the theft and ask you to inform the Old Turtle to send someone to inventory the Academy's items in the palace, to see if anything is missing?"Youshui looked from one to the other in amazement, then smiled wryly. "You two, both 'Great Immortals' in the Knowledge of Past Lives... Since you already know the cause and effect, have mercy and stop teasing me!"The Knowledge of Past Lives, one of the Five Supernormal Powers, allowed one to know past events of oneself and others. Both the old Principal and his disciple Zhong Lixi cultivated this power, often leading to sudden squabbles over who knew more. Youshui had walked right into it.After her laugh, Zhong Lixi waved a hand. "Speak. What does the Constabulary require?""The Imperial Constabulary said most treasures in the Royal Palace are centuries old. They fear younger Academy Instructors might lack the discernment. They asked me to request the Old Principal send a suitable person."Zhong Lixi nodded and set down her cup. "That would be me, then."The old Principal glanced at her. She smiled. "Chiluo and Youshui are of a younger generation. Old Huang is senior, but he hasn't seen those treasures. The only other candidate, Beimen, is currently abroad on business for the Constabulary. Who else is there but me?"Only then did the old Principal nod. "Go then. Proceed with caution.""Don't worry, Old Turtle. I won't disgrace you."
Youshui, watching fearfully, sneaked a glance at the old Principal's expression and found he truly wasn't angered by the "Old Turtle" address, increasing his awe for Zhong Lixi.Clearing the RuinsZhong Lixi left the Weisa Pavilion and flew skillfully to the Royal Palace.Looking down from the air in the moonlight, she couldn't help but shake her head and sigh. The devastation of the underground palace was likely unprecedented since its construction.Besides a ring of Imperial Constabulary guards holding lanterns, several Academy Instructors were gathered, discussing forming an inspection array. But the palace was utterly smashed, treasures buried under stone blocks, leaving them at a loss.Zhong Lixi landed and exchanged greetings. The Constabulary nearby had decided to have guards move the stones.Three men joined forces, chanting as they strained, barely lifting one block slightly. But their strength faltered, and it thudded back down. The guards cried out, only to discover a pool of water had somehow formed at their feet.The water gathered rapidly, directly lifting the massive stone block.Everyone turned in surprise to see Zhong Lixi, a single hand raised, palm flat. She hadn't even chanted an incantation. The water, appearing from nowhere, obeyed her command. Soon, stone blocks throughout the palace were lifted by pillars of water, even fine dust and debris swirling into the currents.In less than half an hour, the Royal Underground Palace was restored to order. All the rubble was piled into a small hill, firmly frozen by water turned to ice. On the hot summer night, the large ice block emitted a refreshing coolness, soothing and pleasant.Whispers broke out among the onlookers."Is that Court Supervisor Zhongli?""They say she started going out to subdue demons and aid the world six years ago. When she returned recently, her Base Garment had already become a Tattered Robe. The speed broke Court Supervisor Youshui's record."The Constabulary captain, pleased that the cleanup task assigned to them was completed instantly, stepped forward to thank Zhong Lixi."Thank you, Court Supervisor Zhongli, for your assistance...
Zhongli?" He paused, glanced at the flute at her waist, and asked, "Might I ask if the Supervisor hails from one of the Four Great Families, the Water-aligned Zhongli Clan?"Someone quickly explained for the benefit of others. "According to the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment, the Four Great Elements are Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind—distinct, non-confusing states. Earth's nature is solidity and obstruction; Water's is moisture and wetness; Fire's is heat and dryness; Wind's is movement and change. Ancient cultivators specialized in supernatural powers aligned with one of these elemental states, perpetuating these arts through family lineages. Later recognized by both the royal house and the Academy, they formed the current 'Four Great' magical lineages."Understanding she was from a prestigious clan, their expressions grew markedly more respectful. The Academy Instructors hurried over for instructions."Court Supervisor Zhongli, we will activate the inspection array. Each Academy treasure from the palace will be examined within it. We ask the Supervisor to observe from the side without exertion. Please simply instruct us if any crucial matters are discovered.""Well met. I came precisely for this purpose."She compliantly took a seat to the side. The Constabulary cleared space for the Instructors, who sat in formation, hands clasped, chanting incantations. Zhong Lixi, propping her chin on her hand, stared blankly at the array's glow.Artifact by artifact rotated within it, opened, were inspected, and set aside.Regardless of their once-proud origins or the glorious masters they had accompanied, they now shed all arrogance, meekly allowing themselves to be checked for damage. Zhong Lixi looked at them; she recognized some, having once belonged to her schoolmates, teachers, juniors...A simple, unadorned staff came into view. She started slightly, her eyelashes fluttering involuntarily."Wait..."The Instructors stopped immediately at her word. The staff hung in the air, slowly rotating."Court Supervisor Zhongli, what is it?" a female Instructor asked.She smiled faintly. "It's nothing. Just seeing an old acquaintance's magical tool."Seeing her reaction, the female Instructor manipulated the spell, moving the staff to float before Zhong Lixi.
"Since it belongs to an acquaintance, Court Supervisor Zhongli must be familiar with it. Please inspect it for any damage caused by the intruders."Zhong Lixi was momentarily taken aback, then stood and took the staff in her hand."Thank you."The familiar feel instantly spread through her entire being upon touch. Her hand slid down, finding a thumb-shaped indentation. It was slightly larger than her own finger. Gripping it tightly, she could almost feel the traces of sweat..."Little Xi!"A black-haired youth, drenched in sweat, tossed the staff over. "Take this back to the dorm for me. Big Lǘ and I are heading to Six Dusts Street to have some fun.""You! Do you have to turn my name into an animal too to be happy? My surname is Lǘqiū! Even if 'Lǘ' sounds like 'donkey,' don't call me that!" a brown-haired youth standing nearby said with a proper, gentle smile.These two—one slovenly, one neat—how they became inseparable was something Zhong Lixi could never figure out.She was highly displeased, holding not only his staff but also his stinky practice clothes. Even Lǘqiū, who was from the Fire-aligned branch of the Four Great Families, carried his own dirty clothes. How could he have the nerve!"Jiāyè! Carry your own smelly clothes!"Jiāyè ignored her, slinging an arm over Lǘqiū's shoulder without looking back. "That's what you get for being the little junior sister! Your Court Supervisor is our Court Supervisor's junior brother. By seniority, these chores fall to you."Lǘqiū glanced back, seeing her holding the staff, twice her height, looking like a little cleaning lady. He quickly patted Jiāyè. "Don't go too far. Little Xi is the disciple doted on by every Court Supervisor in the Academy. Be careful when you get back."Jiāyè was nonchalant, until a sudden chill touched the nape of his neck, as if an icicle rested there. He immediately changed his expression. "Haha, of course not! How would I dare bully Little Xi? Little Xi, it's like this. Big Lǘ and I are going to Six Dusts Street because we heard a merchant from Yongle Country arrived with a flute made from the ancient divine bamboo of Mount Kunlun. Its sound is light and melodious, perfect for a magical tool for you.""Really?" She was pleased but skeptical. "Then why not take me?"
He grinned, pulling Lǘqiū along, his long legs striding away rapidly. "Good girls shouldn't go to such places. Leave it to the boys. We'll be back soon..."...Lost in the memory, her hand drifted down, finding a knife mark on the staff."Big Lǘ, I've pretty much mastered staff techniques. I can even block your Flame Blade. But the Court Supervisor still refuses to teach me supernatural powers. I don't know what I'm lacking. Can you take a look?""Let me see... you passed the Academy Exam long ago... I really don't understand these adults. Tell you what, Jiāyè, let's sneak out of the dorm every night to Zhouku Forest. No one will find us there. I'll teach you.""Deal!"She had braved the heavy rain to bring them food, only to be stunned upon arrival."Little Xi, look how amazing Jiāyè is! He's even learned my clan's fire magic. He can summon a fire dragon in the rain!"Furious, she yelled, "Setting the mountain on fire lands you in prison for life, you two idiots!!!"...Zhong Lixi snapped back to the present. She lifted her hand slightly, and the staff traced an arc in the air, landing firmly in her other hand—just as its owner often did. But he had never used it again.All warm memories ceased the day before the Selection of the Enlightened.Jiāyè, holding the staff, pressed it against his master's chest in disbelief. "Master, why? Why can't I participate in the Selection?""Jiāyè." The Court Supervisor fixed his hawk-like eyes on him. "Put down the staff.""You never wanted me to become Enlightened. That's why you refused to teach me the secret arts.""Jiāyè!"Zhong Lixi, held by the hand of a kind-faced young Court Supervisor, stood inside the Weisa Pavilion, watching the scene on the training grounds."Did Big Brother Jiāyè do something wrong?" she asked.The young Court Supervisor spoke as slowly as a turtle. "No, he did no wrong. He is merely too intelligent."Was being too intelligent a barrier to cultivating secret arts, to
becoming Enlightened? Her large eyes filled with confusion."He is a beast-clan, inferior to us humans. His intelligence frightens us."Why think that? Aren't beast-clan and human clan the same life? Isn't intelligence a good thing? Why be afraid?Enveloped in immense bewilderment, unable to comprehend what was happening, she could only watch as Jiāyè threw down the staff and turned away.He was never seen at the Academy again.The Selection proceeded swiftly. Lǘqiū, on whom great hopes were pinned, passed the Court Examination and was chosen as the next Enlightened One. He was to strike the world's greatest divine artifact—the Bell of the Instant. Its toll would herald a new temporal age for the continent.Yet, unthinkably, Lǘqiū failed. He was consumed by immense Malice, which tore open a passage to the netherworld, releasing countless ghosts and demons to rampage across the mortal realm. In an instant, the continent became a living hell.Human power was insignificant before the netherworld. Unless one was dead...So Jiāyè died.He offered his body and lifeblood as a sacrifice, charging into the heart of the Malice to pull Lǘqiū out.Jiāyè's Court Supervisor, mortally wounded in the ensuing battle, was nearing the end of his cycle of rebirth. On his deathbed, his hawk-eyes dim, he clutched the young Court Supervisor's hand."Junior Brother, it is all my fault. A single mistaken thought harmed my two most beloved disciples. With no Enlightened One left, I can only ask you to take my place, succeed me as Principal, and safeguard the continent.""Senior Brother, rest assured."Even after decades of relentless warfare, countless innocent lives were lost. Finally, the upheaval stirred those above Kunlun into action. The Kunlun Divine Scrolls manifested, their final question forming the cornerstone for achieving Enlightenment."Although I have intervened, oversights are inevitable. You must later resolve and compensate the innocent commoners who suffered. You cannot be careless with the next Enlightened One."After decades of subduing demons and aiding the world, the young Court Supervisor had become the old Principal. He clasped his hands, bowing respectfully to the Venerable One upon the lotus
throne. "I heed the Venerable One's command."Before departing, the Venerable One suddenly pointed to Zhong Lixi, standing behind the Principal."This child shall accompany me to the realm above Kunlun."Zhong Lixi shuddered violently. She knew the disdain she had hidden so deeply had been seen by the Venerable One.It was true. She disdained cultivation, even disdained the position of the Enlightened One. She only wanted to understand the root cause of this farcical calamity, by any means necessary!But the Venerable One gave her no chance.