Seeing Master Sage Subhuti’s brows tightly knit, Elder Gale slowly placed a black stone on the board and asked, "Master, do you think what I said to Fifth Brother tonight was a bit much?"
Master Sage Subhuti shook his head slowly at the question, his gaze never leaving the chessboard. Picking up a white stone and placing it on the board, he said, "Do you know why, apart from the newly accepted Simon Stone, my nine direct disciples have all achieved something, yet only your Fifth Brother, Elder Sky, remains in the monastery?" (Note: 'Simon Stone' is the correct glossary name. 'Crescent Star Cave' is the legendary abode of Master Sage Subhuti, where seekers pursue enlightenment.)
"I do not know, Master."
Master Sage Subhuti smiled faintly and said with resignation, "Your Fifth Brother is gifted, yet his temperament is honest and stubborn. He lacks cunning, is short on sophistication, and is overly bound by rules. He demands fairness in everything, not knowing when to advance or retreat. But in this world, besides fairness, there are many things that cannot be explained clearly." (Note: In Daoist philosophy, fairness is only one aspect; the 'Heavenly Dao' refers to the cosmic order and the ultimate stage of cultivation, transcending human concepts of justice.)
After a long silence and a deep sigh, Master Sage Subhuti continued, "You must understand, cultivation is a form of trespass, and the path to immortality is fraught with danger. Even if one succeeds, with such a temperament, once he leaves the Crescent Star Cave, he will be devoured by the gods and buddhas, leaving not even his bones behind."
Elder Gale lowered his head in silence, picked up a black stone, and placed it on the board.
"All these years, I’ve had him manage affairs within the monastery to temper him. But tonight, it seems he’s even more rigid than before. Truly, one cannot go against their nature. Tonight’s events may teach him a lesson. As for that monkey, his cultivation has already reached the late stage of Spirit-Focusing in just a few months—far beyond my expectations. Such talent even surpasses Erik Yang in his prime. My hopes for him have not been in vain." With that, he brushed his sleeve, set a white stone before Elder Gale, and changed the topic: "Have you found the Yin-Yang Ebony I asked you to seek?" (Note: 'Spirit-Focusing Realm' is the foundational stage of Daoist cultivation. 'Erik Yang' is a legendary figure renowned for transformation magic. Emotional nuance added to highlight Master Sage Subhuti's pride and concern.)
"I heard that the Southern Sage happened to have a piece, so I traded a few elixirs for it and brought it to you, Master." With that, Elder Sky reached into his sleeve and respectfully presented a block of ebony, pitch-black and about five fingers wide and over a foot long, to Master Sage Subhuti. (Note: The 'Southern Sage' is a venerable immortal known for trading rare treasures. 'Yin-Yang Ebony' is a magical wood used for crafting artifacts in Daoist tradition.)
Master Sage Subhuti took the block and set it aside, saying, "It’s good that you found it. The large piece I obtained years ago was cut into nine blocks, and now there’s not a single piece left. It’s good that you found another."
With that, he casually placed another stone on the board. (Note: The act of playing chess is a metaphor for fate and calculation in Daoist philosophy, reflecting Master Sage Subhuti's contemplative nature.)
Elder Sky smoothed his sleeve, placed a stone on the board, and asked, "Master, is this for Tenth Brother?"
Master Sage Subhuti did not answer directly, but smiled and said, "All nine of you have received one, and he is now my direct disciple as well—how could he go without? By the way, have you seen your Third Brother, Danny Crimson, in recent years?" (Note: 'Danny Crimson' is the eccentric third disciple, renowned for artifact forging.)
"I’ve traveled the northern lands, while Third Brother roams the Eastrealm. We haven’t met, but Eighth Brother Skylar Loft mentioned that Third Brother has been busy forging magical artifacts, searching everywhere for rare treasures. Why do you ask, Master?" (Note: 'Eastrealm' is a mythical continent; 'Skylar Loft' is the exemplary mentor among disciples.)
"In the future, when the monastery needs managing, I intend to entrust those affairs to your Third Brother."
"Oh?" Elder Gale’s hand paused as he held a chess piece. "Isn’t Fifth Brother currently managing the monastery’s affairs…?"
"Your Fifth Brother, ha… The troubles of tonight may not be resolved so easily. Best not to mention it anymore." Master Sage Subhuti shook his head and waved his hand dismissively.
Elder Gale fell silent, playing several more moves before asking, "If we’re talking about the best suited to be a teacher, it’s surely Eighth Brother Skylar Loft. My unruly disciples have improved a lot under his guidance these past years. If you send word, no matter where Skylar is, he’ll surely return immediately. Why then do you prefer Third Brother Danny Crimson? He’s close with Fifth Brother, but his temperament is odd and unpredictable. I’ve heard some disciples fled because they couldn’t stand his ways—hardly the ideal choice. If he’s in charge, he’ll certainly stand up for Fifth Brother, and tonight’s incident won’t be let go so easily. In the future, Tenth Brother Simon Stone may…"
"May well suffer for it!" Master Sage Subhuti laughed cheerfully. "Better to endure hardship here in the Crescent Star Cave than stumble out in the wider world. Besides, the Traveler's Path is a side branch, much like heterodox magic—easy to master, but extremely dangerous. It was popular before the Age of Deification, but now, in this peaceful era, the Heavenly Court’s eyes and ears are everywhere. Without a place to vent one’s violent energy, cultivation may end up a wasted effort." (Note: 'Traveler's Path' is a high-risk cultivation method; 'Age of Deification' refers to the mythic era when gods and immortals were established; 'Heavenly Court' is the celestial government.)
Elder Gale’s gaze left the chessboard, fixing on Master Sage Subhuti for a long moment. "Master, you truly care deeply for Tenth Brother. Still, Fifth Brother’s words tonight were not without merit. If you continue this way, I fear peace will be hard to come by."
Master Sage Subhuti slowly straightened and met Elder Gale’s eyes. "Is peace truly a blessing?"
"This..."
Master Sage Subhuti casually lifted his teacup, took a sip, and said, "The Daoist arts are known to have four stages: Spirit-Focusing, Spirit-Absorption, Spirit-Refinement, and Spirit-Transformation. Few know there is a fifth stage above these—the Heavenly Dao. Now, the Daoist Patriarch cultivates 'Wu Wei' (non-action), the Buddha cultivates 'No Self.' Cultivation is supposed to defy the heavens, yet everyone ends up yielding to fate. How laughable! Seeking the Dao is meant to steal the secrets of heaven and earth, yet it all turns out like this—what benefit is it to the world? No wonder Tripitaka, the Buddha's second disciple, vowed to save all living beings." (Note: 'Heavenly Dao' is the ultimate stage of Daoist cultivation; 'Wu Wei' is the principle of effortless action in Daoism; 'No Self' refers to Buddhist selflessness.)
Master Sage Subhuti gave a bitter smile and let out a long sigh.
Elder Gale was shocked and quickly asked, "Master, do you intend to help him?"
Master Sage Subhuti replied helplessly, "Tripitaka seeks the path of universal salvation, aiming to transcend Buddhism and establish his own way. My cultivation is of the same lineage as Lord Lao, but I lack such ability. I merely go with the flow. As a teacher, I must honor the vows made at initiation. The monkey wishes to defy fate; when he first entered the monastery, I pointed out the proper path—if he cultivates the Sage's Path, he will achieve modest success and live out eight hundred years in peace. But he insists on the Traveler's Path... Perhaps it is destiny. He has come three hundred years early, adding a twist to the world's fate." (Note: 'Sage's Path' and 'Traveler's Path' are cultivation methods; 'Lord Lao' is the supreme Daoist patriarch; 'Tripitaka' is the Buddha's second disciple.)
With that, Master Sage Subhuti picked up a white stone.
"Snap!"
After placing the stone, he lifted his head, gently stroked his long beard, and smiled.
Elder Gale widened his eyes and scanned the chessboard for a long time before bowing and sighing, "I am no match for you, Master."
Master Sage Subhuti laughed softly, "The Sage's Path may not be as formidable as the Traveler's Path, but it rarely leads to disaster—most who follow it die peacefully. In the end, it all comes down to calculation. Like chess, victory comes from foresight and preparation. Of all under heaven, Lord Lao is the greatest master of this art." (Note: 'Calculation' here refers to cosmic foresight and fate; 'Lord Lao' is the Daoist patriarch renowned for his wisdom.)
"Master, aren’t you just a step away from the Heavenly Dao yourself? When it comes to calculation, you may not lose to Lord Lao." Elder Gale flattered.
"A tiny difference can mean a thousand miles apart." Master Sage Subhuti gently waved his hand, stood up, and walked to the window. Gazing at the rolling clouds in the moonlit sky, he smiled, "Lord Lao has already achieved the Heavenly Dao and Wu Wei, residing high in the Thirty-Three Heavens at Tusita Palace. Though he only oversees teaching and not governance, few things in the world escape his notice. How could I compare? But if Simon Stone, who began his cultivation three hundred years early, leaves the mountain, who knows if even Lord Lao can foresee what’s to come." (Note: 'Thirty-Three Heavens' is the highest celestial realm; 'Tusita Palace' is Lord Lao’s residence.)
As these words fell, a bolt of lightning split the sky, illuminating Master Sage Subhuti’s aged face.
"When wind and clouds gather, the world is remade! Hahaha!"
His hearty laughter echoed in the wind.
Elder Gale bowed deeply.
......
High above the Ninefold Heavens, Lord Lao suddenly opened his eyes, his brows knitting as his ten relaxed fingers dug sharply into his flesh.
A drop of fresh blood slowly seeped from the corner of his mouth.
A celestial attendant in purple robes hurried forward and asked, "Master, what has happened?"
"Crack—" A crisp sound rang out.
Lord Lao slowly turned his head, eyes wide with shock and fear.
On a massive floating black rock, covered in countless flickering script illusions, an almost imperceptible crack had appeared.
Lord Lao’s wrinkled eyes narrowed to a slit as he hesitated, "The Heavenly Dao has split—who could possess such power?"
......
Amidst the raging wind and rain, Master Sage Subhuti stood smiling into the storm.