Their next destination was Meishan Temple, located just a fifteen-minute walk from Yuelu Academy. As they drew nearer to the temple, the tranquility of the surroundings seemed to deepen, and Heinz began to impart another lesson in history.
"Meishan Temple was established in 1423 by Liu Chen, who would come to be known as Master Yulan," Heinz began, his voice carrying a hint of reverence. "Liu Chen envisioned a place where Buddhist and Taoist practices could come together. Driven by a desire for peace and a fresh purpose beyond his earlier life, he dedicated himself to founding a sanctuary where spiritual growth and a deep appreciation of nature could coexist."
Heinz's explanation took on a tone of admiration as he continued. "Master Yulan's approach to enlightenment was one of balance. He combined rigorous meditation with a profound respect for the natural world. His goal was to create an environment that fostered both inner reflection and personal development, allowing for a harmonious connection between the spiritual and natural aspects of life."
He then turned to discuss the temple's evolution under new leadership. "In 1456, Abbot Zhiwei, a devoted follower of Master Yulan, assumed the role of abbot. Under his guidance, the temple experienced significant reforms. Zhiwei focused on formalizing meditation practices, establishing educational programs, and increasing community engagement. These changes helped Meishan Temple grow into a renowned center for both spiritual and cultural activities, marking its place as a prominent institution in the region."
They finally reached the entrance of the temple, and Yasushi paused to survey the surroundings once more. The temple exuded a sense of meticulous care, with recent upgrades enhancing its venerable presence. A small booth stood nearby, its purpose clear — a donation box for visitors to contribute towards the temple's maintenance and preservation.
As they approached, each of them dropped a coin into the box, a gesture of support before stepping onto the temple grounds. The area unfolded before them, adorned with a variety of gardens, statues, and decorative elements that evoked the ambiance of a historical drama or animated scene.
"This is the initial garden, which doesn't have a specific name," Heinz began, gesturing expansively. "But there's much more to see and understand, so please follow me."
Heinz guided them further into the temple, his enthusiasm evident. "Ahead lies Serenity Hall. This structure, conceived by the architect Chen Long, is a pivotal part of Meishan Temple. Inside, you'll find a jade statue of the Enlightened One, masterfully sculpted by the artisan Gao Feng. The wooden panels of the hall are adorned with detailed carvings depicting scenes from Buddhist scriptures and episodes from Master Yulan's life. These intricate designs make Serenity Hall a central space for both worship and meditation."
They stepped into Serenity Hall, where the atmosphere was a mix of deep calm and visible effort. The hall was filled with individuals seated on mats or the polished floor, deeply engaged in meditation. Yasushi observed a mix of locals and tourists among them. The tourists, in particular, seemed to grapple with the practice — many fidgeted restlessly or appeared unable to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
As they exited the hall, Heinz's chuckle broke the silence. "Many tourists attempt meditation, but not all succeed. It's more than simply sitting with closed eyes. True meditation demands concentration and a clearing of both mind and spirit to achieve genuine peace."
Yunxue and Jingliu responded in unison, "I can't do it."
Yasushi, with a smirk, added, "I doubt I can manage it either." He recalled a time in his earlier years, a failed attempt at meditation that had left him feeling awkward and ridiculed, a memory that had discouraged him from trying again.
Their path led them to a larger garden, noticeably different from the previous one. This space was adorned with intricate sculptures, statues, koi ponds, bamboo groves, and winding stone pathways. The design of this garden was clearly deliberate and harmonious.
"This garden was crafted by Lian Mei," Heinz began, gesturing to the surroundings. "It features koi ponds, bamboo groves, and stone pathways, all thoughtfully integrated to create a peaceful space for reflection. Each element serves to merge natural beauty with the temple's spiritual intent."
+-+
They remained at the temple for a few more hours, savoring the peaceful surroundings until their hunger grew too strong to ignore. As the day progressed, the sun began its descent, its orange light starting to cast a warm glow over the entire town of Mengyinhu.
Throughout the day, Yasushi and his companions had noticed several individuals following their movements. Although they were aware of who these followers were, they chose to bide their time rather than confront them, waiting for the right moment.
As evening approached, Heinz spoke with a resolute tone. "I'll head off now and set our plan in motion, Lady Jingliu, Lord Yasushi. It should take no more than five minutes. Once I've completed my task, I'll send a text message to let you know. At that point, make your way to Huanglong Waterfall."
Yasushi nodded in response. "Got it. I'll head to my position once you're set." With that, Heinz moved away from their group, his purpose clear as Yasushi and his companions prepared for the next step.
Yasushi turned to Jingliu and Yunxue, his expression thoughtful. "Let's head to the waterfall," he said, his tone firm but casual. "Once we've spent a few minutes there, I'll separate from the group."
They set off toward their destination. As they approached the secluded waterfall, Yasushi noticed an increase in the number of people trailing behind them. The path to the waterfall was relatively short, but halfway there, Yasushi lowered his voice and said, "Let's pause for a moment. I'll split from you here; it seems like some of those people might be after me."
Jingliu and Yunxue nodded in agreement. They stood for a moment, engaged in light conversation, while Yasushi subtly began to distance himself from them. After a brief period, Yasushi slipped away from the pair, disappearing into a different part of the area. Jingliu and Yunxue continued toward the waterfall, and the group of followers, now split, followed their lead: one faction trailed after Jingliu and Yunxue, while the other pursued Yasushi.
+-+
Yan Jia, seething with anger towards Yasushi, trailed him with a group of accomplices, intent on making him pay for his perceived transgressions. They had followed his path through the thickening dusk, each step fueled by her determination to confront him. But within moments, Yasushi seemed to vanish from view. The encroaching darkness made their task harder, yet they hadn't expected him to disappear so abruptly.
"What? Where did he go?" a young man in the group asked, his voice tinged with confusion and frustration.
"I don't know, man. He just vanished. It's not even that dark yet," another member replied, scanning the surroundings with growing anxiety.
They arrived at a small clearing, their footsteps crunching softly on the underbrush as they searched for any sign of Yasushi. The sun's light had finally disappeared, and the area was now enveloped in near-complete darkness, surrounded by dense forest and towering bamboo. The once-familiar landscape now seemed unfamiliar and ominous.
"Should we leave? It's starting to feel a bit eerie here," one of them suggested, unease creeping into their voice.
"Be quiet," Yan Jia snapped, her patience wearing thin. "We're not leaving until I get my hands on that bastard." She silenced any further objections with her forceful tone, resolute in her intent to find Yasushi.
Suddenly, a low, ominous rumble reverberated through the clearing, drawing the group's attention. An eerie, haunting melody began to drift through the air, sending a shiver down the spines of many.
"What the hell!?" one of them exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and confusion.
From above, on the elevated rocky platforms to their right, a figure materialized. The only discernible feature was the unsettling sight of its eye sockets, glowing a stark, eerie white.
"Aaaaaaaaaaah!!! A monster!" one of the boys yelled, his voice cracking in fear before he collapsed, unconscious. The rest of the group shifted uneasily, their expressions a blend of anxiety and terror.
As the moon began its climb into the sky, casting a pale light across the landscape, the figure's true nature came into focus. It was not a monstrous entity but rather a person clad in an elaborate costume. The suit was dark, nearly black, and clung to the figure's body, providing a seamless blend of flexibility and protection. A prominent bat emblem adorned the chest, its silhouette sharply contrasting against the fabric. The cape, long and flowing, rippled menacingly in the breeze, capable of spreading wide to mimic the wings of a bat.
The mask on the figure was adorned with pointed ears, obscuring his entire face except for his mouth and chin. The eyes of the mask were fitted with white lenses that emitted a faint, chilling glow, creating an unsettling, piercing stare. His utility belt, secured firmly around his waist, was packed with an array of gadgets and tools, each item carefully arranged in its designated slot.
The gauntlets encircling his wrists were reinforced with layers of protective material and boasted sharp, retractable blades. The entire outfit projected an intimidating aura, crafted to instill fear in the hearts of wrongdoers while providing both robust defense and adaptability.
Indeed, Yasushi had chosen to don a costume reminiscent of Batman — a figure whose role in this world bore striking similarities to the "ManBat."
Yasushi stood there, a shadowy figure in his elaborate costume, his presence cloaked in silent menace. The disguise was flawless, crafted to obscure his identity and present him as a mere hired muscle for the Yang family. He surveyed the group with a detached air, his eyes hidden behind the mask's darkened lenses.
"So, you're the ones I'm supposed to handle?" His voice cut through the air as he leaped from the ledge. Before anyone could react, he vanished from sight. Panic ensued; the boys accompanying Yan Jia were struck down, writhing in agony, clutching their midsections as they collapsed. Yasushi's movements were swift and precise, like a well-choreographed sequence from an action-packed anime.
As Yan Jia spun around, her eyes widened in alarm. Yasushi's hand shot out with blinding speed, seizing her by the throat. He raised her effortlessly, his grip unyielding. Her hands flailed, trying to pry his fingers from her neck. The armor of his costume proved its worth, impervious to her desperate attempts, its authenticity evident in its defensive capability.
"You've caused too much trouble for the Yang family," Yasushi's voice dripped with feigned menace as he spoke. "How about I end this once and for all? It would settle everyone's issues, and of course, there's always money to make the world go round. We could easily arrange for your parents to relocate, either abroad or to another part of the country."
Panic flashed across Yan Jia's face. Her eyes widened in terror, her breath growing shallow as Yasushi's grip tightened. Her complexion changed to a disturbing hue, the lack of air making her struggle for each breath. She attempted to speak, but no words emerged — her voice strangled by the relentless pressure.
"Or perhaps a permanent injury would be more fitting?" Yasushi's tone remained cold as he used his free hand to grasp her arm. Slowly, he began to apply force, the subtle crunch of bones beneath his grip sending a wave of muted agony through her. Yan Jia's mouth opened in a soundless scream, her body contorting in response to the pain.
Yasushi observed her with a detached gaze, easing his grip just enough to make her squirm but not to inflict serious harm. He had no intention of causing her real injury, but he needed her to believe in the threat he posed. If this was necessary to prove his point, then he was prepared to see it through.
"I think that's enough," came a voice from behind Yasushi.
He turned to find a woman standing there, her presence commanding immediate attention. It was Anfeng, a figure he had encountered only briefly before donning his costume. He nodded in silent agreement and released Yan Jia. She crumpled to the ground, her body convulsing as she gasped for air, her eyes wide with remaining fear.
Yasushi crouched beside her, his gaze fixed on her with an unsettling coldness. "If you continue to trouble us, we'll make sure every detail about you reaches the public eye. And I will return to deal with you personally. You have two options: leave this town and never return, and keep silent about us, or—"
A clicking sound punctuated the air as Yasushi drew an object from behind him. It was a plastic knife, though it appeared quite realistic. He pressed the blade against Yan Jia's throat, the menace in his voice clear. "Your life ends here."
Tears streamed down Yan Jia's face, her voice trembling with desperation as she pleaded, "I'll leave! I'll leave! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry for all the trouble I've caused!"
Yasushi rose to his feet, his expression unyielding. "Leave. Be gone before the end of tomorrow," he ordered with a curt finality.
Yan Jia began to crawl away, her movements frantic. Her companions, similarly shaken, scrambled to their feet or knees and fled in a chaotic scramble. Some ran, while others crawled, each person driven by a frantic urge to escape Yasushi's imposing presence.
Once they had disappeared from sight, Yasushi exhaled deeply and removed his mask. "Never again. I didn't enjoy that," he said, his face contorting with discomfort as he spoke.
Anfeng, glancing at him with a hint of curiosity, inquired, "What was that crunching sound?"
Yasushi looked at her and produced a small brown bag from his pocket. He squeezed it, creating a noise reminiscent of bones cracking. "She was so terrified that she probably believed I had actually broken something. It worked to my advantage. How's Jingliu's side?" he asked, shifting the topic.
Anfeng adjusted her earpiece, her fingers moving with practiced ease as she posed a series of questions into it. After a moment, she nodded to herself, then turned to face Yasushi. "They've finished their tasks as well. Lady Jingliu managed fine; she's capable of defending herself. Yunxue was there too and assisted her in fending off the stalkers," she said, her tone reassuring.
"I see, that's good to hear," Yasushi replied, his voice carrying a hint of relief. "I suppose we can consider this wrapped up. It's been quite the effort to get rid of these pests." He exhaled deeply, the weight of the task lifting off his shoulders.
Anfeng's lips curved into a smile. "You're quite an enigma. I've never seen someone of your age carry off a role like this so convincingly. You really did look like you might end her life."
Yasushi's expression grew somber. "It's a past I'd rather not revisit. But if it comes to it, I won't hesitate to use it." He paused, then added, "Enough with the dramatic talk. Let's head back and join the others."
Anfeng laughed softly at his response, but her agreement was clear. "Very well, Lord Yasushi," she teased lightly. With that, she and the rest of the staff who had accompanied them began to move, making their way back to rejoin Jingliu and Yunxue.