C8 Rebirth

You possess a unique constitution that attracts creatures with keen senses of smell, especially here by the banks of the Western River, where unknown fierce beasts may lurk. I couldn't leave because I needed to protect you from any potential harm. As a monk, I refrain from taking life, so I carry a stick merely to scare off peculiar animals," the Mentor explained with compassion. "Monks adhere to sets of precepts—three, five, ten—not to act foolishly, greedily, or violently. And in this darkness, as I've mentioned before, I find myself lost."

I was astonished that such a skilled healer could lose his way. How could this be? The old monk then advised, "But for now, focus on regulating your breath. I will seal your acupoints—Divine Seal, Heavenly Vault, Spirit Ruins, Central Court—before clearing the last of your blood stasis. Without this, no deity could save you from internal injuries. Afterwards, I'll teach you a meditation practice."

Rupert sat in meditation while Kerwin employed a healing method previously unseen by him. Kerwin's fingers pulsed with a potent inner force, pinpointing acupoints with what seemed like an invisible energy guiding Rupert's body. Rupert sensed his body gently rising inches off the ground. Suddenly, Kerwin's right hand emitted beams of light, targeting each acupoint with precision, while his left hand orchestrated movements in a dance-like fashion. After some time, Kerwin completed the treatment and retracted his energy.

Rupert felt rejuvenated, his energy surpassing its prior limits. "Master Kerwin, I must say, your knowledge of acupoints and medical theory is exceptional. How can you claim to not know your way back? That's preposterous!"

"Ah! As a monk, I don't indulge in wild talk. I truly don't understand why I'm like this. Within my own home, I can easily find my bed and blankets, but once I step outside, I'm lost after just a few streets. I often rely on the guidance of kind souls or fellow monks to return to the monastery. Alas, I seem to have forgotten the directions of east, west, north, and south..." Kerwin chuckled with a hint of naivety.

A monk, unbound by worldly concerns, diligently kept their surroundings tidy and comfortable, often engaging in meditation and scripture recitation, detached from worldly strife. Three days prior, the monastery had sent him out to beg for alms. During his travels, he stumbled upon Silvermere Lake, a veritable paradise rich with rare and exotic herbs. He was eager to gather some to craft medicinal pills that could aid humanity. However, the further he roamed, the more lost he became. By chance, he encountered a benefactor in need, whose spiritual practice had gone awry. Lacking any immediate solution, he stayed to care for the benefactor, thus he had not returned to the monastery for three days, surely causing concern.

"Mentor, how have you managed these past three days? With nothing at your disposal, how did you survive?"

"It was quite simple. The area is abundant with wild herbs, and as monks devoted to Buddha, we live simply, which is the first step in our practice. Look at this; it's quite a luxury for us! There are so many mushrooms, peanuts, and greens, all delicious when roasted over a fire. Benefactor, you must be hungry after waking up. Why not have a bowl to ease your hunger? Please, use my bowl and chopsticks..." Kerwin, the monk, always had a kind heart and was open about it.

Rupert, without hesitation, began to eat, saying, "Mentor, it's been so long since I've savored the rich, earthy taste of home. It brings back memories of my childhood, yet it also reminds me of the serious illness I suffered at the age of eight..."

"Amitabha! Benefactor, there's no need to repay kindness, and what I've explained is merely scratching the surface. Your health is just beginning to improve; you must meditate and rest here before making any plans for tomorrow morning," the old monk advised. "Also, why do you carry the essence of Ginseng within you? This Ginseng, known by many names such as Blood Ginseng and Jade Essence, was your saving grace when your energy was reversing. Without it, you would have been beyond help! Have you noticed any blockages in your meridians while practicing martial arts? Are you interested? I can gradually impart my knowledge to you, providing a thorough lesson on the human body."

"Mentor Kerwin, you're a man of your word! Ever since I was a child, I've been fascinated by the human body's meridians and acupoints, yet I've never had the privilege of being guided by a knowledgeable teacher. Today is a serendipitous moment for me, and I must seize the opportunity to learn from you!" Rupert recounted his life's journey from childhood to adulthood. It was a rare chance he couldn't afford to miss—a truly golden opportunity.

"Amitabha! Rupert, you are indeed a person of great fortune, one whose luck seems unending. From what I understand, the Lifefruit is an exceptionally rare treasure in this world. According to the Buddha's teachings, it is not something that one can come across without having accumulated good deeds over several lifetimes. This Celestial Relic can be considered the gem of the Heavenly Magnetic Mountain, a fruit of the divine tree that predates creation itself. I've studied numerous scriptures and can only describe its form, having never had the fortune to lay eyes on it myself. How you came to possess it is a testament to the profound depth of your divine fate."

"Then there's the phoenix egg, a marvel that appears once in a century. It's an object many dream of possessing. Yet, like fresh vegetables, its value lies in its newness. Once separated from its mother, it can only be preserved for a brief period before it becomes as lifeless and ineffective as any inanimate object..."

"That's why even ancient emperors, despite their efforts to find such sacred items, often failed. By the time they secured and delivered them, the items had lost their potency, and without the knowledge of how to use them, their power was squandered... Amitabha, I have erred by speaking so casually of taking life, thus committing a verbal misdeed..." Kerwin recited the Buddha's name in penance.

"Master, your insights are profound and articulate, reflecting a lifetime of wisdom. What fault could there be in that? Besides, by passing on our knowledge, we bestow a gift of learning upon future generations—a blessing, not a transgression. If we are to be judged on the merits of right and wrong, it should be left to posterity to appraise our actions. Vanity and pride need not be contested in the here and now..."

"Rupert, your statement cuts through to the core of the enigma. Ah, so tell me, how do you think you'd perceive the world if you were on the verge of death? Ah, but I digress with my wild speculations..."

Seeing his mentor's loyalty, Rupert shook his head and said, "No worries. Just lay it out for me, Master Kerwin. Haven't I faced my share of life-and-death struggles? If the heavens show mercy, they'll grant me more time. If not, then I should have checked out sooner, right? Why fuss over it so much?"