In the Moonlight

The fragrance of incense curled in the air.

The Zen room was eerily quiet, with only the soft rustling of writing to be heard.

Yaoying rested her chin in her hand, staring intently at the brush in Tanmoroqie’s hand for a long time.

He remained silent, and so did she.

Bore entered the room carrying a large stack of books, knelt before the desk to organize them for a while, and noticed Yaoying still sitting motionless. He couldn’t help but glance at her, signaling for her to leave quickly and not disturb Tanmoroqie.

Yaoying looked up at Tanmoroqie.

"Leave."

Tanmoroqie set down his brush and spoke softly, but his words were directed at Bore.

Bore looked puzzled but obediently placed the books down and withdrew respectfully, shooting a reproachful glare at Yaoying before leaving.

Yaoying paid him no mind, her bright eyes fixed intently on Tanmoroqie, lost in thought.

Tanmoroqie lowered his gaze, picked up the brush again, and wrote a few characters before realizing he had been unconsciously transcribing scriptures instead of reviewing official documents.

Half the silk cloth was filled with scriptures.

His expression remained unchanged as he set the brush aside, moved the silk cloth away, and picked up a blank sheet of paper with a lotus watermark.

"Haidu Aling is planning to attack the Holy City. Your Highness’s return involves great risk."

Tanmoroqie spoke abruptly.

"Your Highness should have remained in Sand City."

Yaoying hummed in acknowledgment and said, "The Dharma Master’s strategies are well-laid, and my return likely has little impact on the overall situation. However, Haidu Aling’s luck has been remarkably good, and I feared unforeseen complications. The Regent is far away in Samu Valley and cannot attend to the Holy City, so I returned."

Tanmoroqie lifted his gaze. "I did not intend to blame Your Highness."

Yaoying looked at him. "I understand. The Dharma Master is concerned for my safety, worried that something might happen to me."

She paused briefly. "I, too, am concerned for the Dharma Master’s safety, worried that something might happen to you."

Silence filled the room for a long moment.

Tanmoroqie gazed at her, his eyes calm and detached. After a moment of silence, he averted his gaze. "Thank you for Your Highness’s concern."

Yaoying smiled. "Now that the Dharma Master has emerged from seclusion and I know you are safe, my heart is much more at ease."

Tanmoroqie lowered his head, his eyes deep and thoughtful as he looked at the paper. "Where has Your Highness’s brother reached?"

Yaoying snapped back to attention. "According to Yang Qian’s letter, he is coming directly to the Royal Court. I don’t know his exact whereabouts and was afraid of missing him, so I dispatched several teams of personal guards to escort him. Now that the crisis in the Holy City has been resolved, I will set out for Sand City to wait for him. With the Northern Rong in chaos, this is an excellent opportunity for the Western Army to reclaim their homeland. After reuniting with my brother, I will join forces with Yang Qian."

At present, she did not know Li Zhongqian’s exact location. Knowing she was at the Royal Court, Li Zhongqian would expect her. She had sent out several squads of personal guards to wait for him along all possible routes, arranging to meet in Sand City to ensure they would not miss each other. With the Northern Rong territories in turmoil, she wanted to avoid further complications.

Tanmoroqie focused on his writing, the sleeve of his Kasaya brushing lightly over the desk.

He had deliberately avoided her, yet after all his efforts, he could not escape her coming to bid him farewell in person.

"I will have the Monk Soldiers escort Your Highness to Sand City."

He spoke indifferently, his tone cool.

Yaoying waited a moment, observing his apparent lack of concern. She straightened slightly and said, word by word, "During this time, the Dharma Master has treated me with profound kindness and righteousness. I am deeply grateful."

Tanmoroqie looked up at her, his expression unreadable, his eyes devoid of emotion, untouched by worldly concerns.

"It was merely a trivial effort. Your Highness is blessed with good fortune and need not dwell on it."Yaoying met his gaze, their eyes locking. His green eyes were clear and indifferent. She smiled faintly, rose, and took her leave.

"Venerable One, I'm leaving."

Her voice was soft.

"Take care."

Tanmoroqie gave a light hum in response, lowering his head to continue reviewing memorials.

Yaoying walked step by step out of the Zen room, through the courtyard, then turned back for one last look. The hall doors stood open, felt curtains drawn high. Tanmoroqie sat at his desk, golden light shimmering on his Kasaya, ethereal and sacred as if enthroned in a lofty Buddha hall.

She stood transfixed for a long moment before finally turning away.

Under the corridor's shifting light, the jingling of ornaments and rustling of pomegranate-red skirts gradually faded from Tanmoroqie's sight.

Only dappled shadows and faint sweetness remained. Along the corridor walls, lush green Bodhi trees stood in elegant solemnity.

He set down his brush, sitting alone in desolate silence bathed in pale golden light.

...

That afternoon, the unlit room was dim.

Footsteps sounded from the side door.

Bi Suo crept stealthily into the hall. "My King, I deliberately exited through the main gate, circled outside the city, and changed clothes before returning. The Princess shouldn't suspect anything..."

Disguised as Su Dan Gu, he had passed before Li Yaoying with the leopard, ridden out of the city, and taken a long detour to make everyone believe the Regent had gone to pursue Wahan Khan.

As Bi Suo spoke and entered the Zen room, he suddenly sensed a sharp murderous aura, freezing mid-step and looking up.

Tanmoroqie sat at his desk holding Buddhist beads, expressionless, cold light flickering in his jade-green eyes.

"She's gone?"

He asked in a low voice.

Bi Suo's heart sank. Studying his expression carefully, he dared not approach further. "My King... The Princess left the city just now."

He had seen Yaoying departing the Holy City surrounded by her guards when returning.

"My King, if you give the order, I can bring the Princess back."

Tanmoroqie's gaze remained icy. "I am a Sramana," he whispered.

Bi Suo sighed inwardly, not daring to persuade further, and cautiously reminded him: "My King, it's time for your Power dissipation."

Having left seclusion before completing the process while still ill, he was truly risking Qi deviation now.

Tanmoroqie stood and walked toward the hidden entrance to the secret passage, his silhouette stern and forbidding.

The secret passage was dark and narrow.

Descending long stone steps, a golden arc flashed in the tunnel as the leopard's low growl echoed. A furry head nudged against his palm.

Tanmoroqie's aura grew even colder. Ignoring the leopard, he walked alone through the long, narrow winding passage, bypassing a crevice barely wide enough for one person. Ahead suddenly opened into a cavern where daylight filtered through cracks in the ceiling, illuminating the grotto's contours. A clear hot spring steamed in the center, filling the cave with mist.

He approached the stone platform and sat cross-legged, circulating his energy.

Time passed unknowingly. Moisture soaked his Kasaya as moonbeams flowed like water onto the damp stone before him.

In the deep silence, sudden footsteps echoed from the tunnel depths—something soft padding on the slick bluestone.

A blurred figure gradually approached the cavern.

Tanmoroqie opened his eyes, dark blue light shimmering in their depths. "Ari," he called clearly.

The sounds ceased.Tanmoroqie continued circulating his energy. Moments later, the dark glint in his eyes faded, and he slowly stood up, removing his kasaya. This stone cave was his recuperation place. After each power dissipation, his legs would swell, making movement difficult. The hot spring water could alleviate the pain.

A faint sound came from behind the mist, followed by suppressed breathing.

Tanmoroqie suddenly halted his undressing, raised his eyes, and swept his gaze like lightning toward the corner.

"Come out."

The shadow trembled, then slowly emerged from the darkness. Moonlight from the cave roof flowed quietly as the mist dispersed, gradually revealing her radiant features.

She stood in the cool moonlight, her hair thick and jet-black, skin fairer than snow, with clear, sparkling eyes that shimmered with emotion.

He stood on the stone platform, his kasaya half-removed, preparing to step into the pool.

Through the curling, damp mist, their eyes met.

Tanmoroqie remained silent.

...

The sound of dripping water whispered around them.

Yaoying stood before the stone platform, enduring Tanmoroqie’s icy gaze, feeling so awkward that sweat broke out all over her body.

She had long planned to leave for Sand City to wait for Li Zhongqian immediately after Su Dan Gu and Bi Suo returned to the Holy City. Her luggage had been packed long ago. After meeting Tanmoroqie, she and her guards departed the city, but just outside the gates, Monk Soldiers from Wang Temple approached, saying that Bore had a very important item to give her and insisted she return personally to receive it.

The Monk Soldiers spoke with such seriousness that Yaoying, recalling something she had forgotten to tell Tanmoroqie, turned her horse around and headed back to the city.

At Wang Temple, Bore acted mysteriously, dismissing everyone else and pulling her to a secluded spot, telling her to wait. He said the item must be handed to her personally and couldn’t be witnessed by others.

Yaoying waited in the long corridor for what felt like ages, but Bore never reappeared. As dusk approached, she began to suspect he had forgotten about her. She circled around the corridor, hoping to find a Monk Soldier to ask, but the area was deserted. Then, a shadow flickered in the corner, and a leopard suddenly leaped down from the wall, snarling and roaring at her.

Startled, she realized Bore had led her into the leopard’s territory. A chill ran down her spine as she tried to retreat, but it was too late.

The leopard arched its back, forcing her down the stone steps. Its eyes gleamed with a cold light. Fearing she might provoke it, she stepped back cautiously, losing her way until she found herself pushed into a narrow passage. Seeing a faint light at the other end—possibly an exit—and hearing voices, she hurried toward it.

Then she saw a tall man in the mist, his back to her, removing his kasaya to reveal damp shoulders glistening with fine sweat.

In the moonlight, he stood bare, the lines of his back muscles distinct as if oiled, glowing with a honeyed sheen. The kasaya, half-soaked, clearly outlined his form from waist to long legs, exuding latent power.

Yaoying froze for a moment, then quickly held her breath and tried to retreat, but Tanmoroqie turned his gaze toward her hiding spot.

"Come out."

He spoke, his handsome face cold and solemn in the mist.

Yaoying shivered involuntarily, goosebumps rising on her skin. She stepped out and offered a faint smile. "Venerable One, I was trying to avoid Ah Li and accidentally stumbled in here."

Bi Suo had previously mentioned that Tanmoroqie would soak in the hot springs to relieve leg swelling when his condition flared up, especially when he had to handle official duties despite his injuries.

This stone cave must be that very hot spring.

Tanmoroqie watched Yaoying, his kasaya half-off, his eyes as cold as ice.Yaoying felt her scalp tingle under his gaze. It was just an accidental glimpse of him undressing, no big deal... she’d seen it before anyway. As a monastic, he probably didn’t care.

While she was silently grumbling to herself, a soft rustling sound echoed through the stone cave as a kasaya fell to the ground.

Tanmoroqie watched her, his emerald eyes calm as water, his expression unreadable as he loosened his fingers. The kasaya wrapped around his waist slipped down.

Yaoying froze, her eyes widening: Huh?!

Still undressing?

She made a move to retreat, but Tanmoroqie’s gaze followed, settling on her face. His eyes weren’t fierce, yet they carried a heavy, oppressive force.

"Come here."

He spoke calmly.

Yaoying stood her ground.

Suddenly, Tanmoroqie swayed backward.

Her heart leaped, and she instinctively rushed forward.

Tanmoroqie steadied himself against the stone platform and looked up at her.

Yaoying noticed something strange in his eyes, as if he didn’t recognize her. Softly, she asked, "Venerable One, what’s wrong? Should I call Bore over?"

Tanmoroqie ignored her, stood up, and stepped into the hot spring.

Bewildered, Yaoying watched him immerse himself in the steaming water. As she turned to leave, he suddenly lifted his head, his gaze fixed intently on her, as if he would pounce the moment she moved.

She glanced back and saw the leopard crouched in the corner, its predatory eyes fixed on her, gleaming ominously.

Yaoying stopped moving.

"Venerable One?"

She called out again.

Tanmoroqie remained silent, soaking in the hot spring. Sweat streamed down his face and body, his muscles taut, brows furrowed, his expression a mix of pain and clarity. His emerald eyes never left her.

Yaoying glanced at his legs beneath the water and gasped—they were visibly swollen.

"Are you having an episode, Venerable One? Is there medicine? I’ll call Bore!"

She turned, scanning the area, and spotted a pile of medicine bottles on a nearby stone table. Hurrying over, she found a familiar bottle—she had cared for him before. She sniffed it, bit open a pill to taste it, then poured a few into her palm and returned to the stone platform to feed them to Tanmoroqie.

He swallowed the pills, his gaze icy as he gripped her wrist.

"Venerable One?"

Yaoying leaned closer, studying his expression.

In the next instant, he suddenly tightened his grip. Caught off guard, she felt the world spin as she tumbled into the hot spring. Warm water surged around her, instantly soaking her clothes and clinging tightly to her skin.

Yaoying coughed violently, wiping water from her face as she looked up into his calm eyes.

He leaned against the pool’s edge, watching her coldly, his palms scorching like hot iron against her waist.

It took Yaoying a moment to regain her senses. A cool breeze swept past, her soaked hair clinging to her temples and neck, making her shiver. She realized she was lying in Tanmoroqie’s arms, yet he held her with the same expressionless demeanor.

He was naked; she was drenched. The slick spring water and his burning palms pressed against her waist, separated only by the thin, wet fabric of her clothes.

Yaoying stared blankly at Tanmoroqie.

If not for his serene expression, rigid posture, and utterly undisturbed eyes—serious as a meditating Buddha—she might have suspected he’d done it on purpose.

She struggled slightly, prying his fingers away in the water.

He grunted softly, his brow furrowing.

The restraint around her waist loosened abruptly. Yaoying quickly pulled away, water splashing as he murmured something under his breath.Yaoying drew closer. "Venerable One?"

"It hurts."

He gazed at her, his voice soft, sweat tracing paths down his face. His eyes were still as deep wells, betraying no hint of pain.

Yet he had clearly uttered the word "hurt."

Had he been enduring pain while speaking with her during the day?

Yaoying’s throat tightened.

...

Mist swirled, and moonlight streamed through the cave’s opening.

Tanmoroqie lifted his eyes to Yaoying, his gaze desolate, as if beholding an illusion.

He believed this was a dream.

Like previous dreams, a demon had taken her form, appearing once more in his slumber. It smiled coyly at him, called out softly, settled into his embrace, and wrapped its supple arms around his neck, gently pulling him closer.

In the past, it would whisper sweet nothings, coo with enchanting charm, and employ countless seductive wiles to tempt him, urging him to abandon his spiritual path.

He remained unmoved.

Tonight, under the silver moonlight, her eyes brimmed with compassion.

"Venerable One, does it hurt?"

Her delicate fragrance enveloped him—cool, soft, and jade-like, distinct from the spring’s scent.

Dreams are dreams precisely because they stem from desire, born of inner demons.

Tanmoroqie faced the phantom, his expression unreadable, and murmured, "It hurts."

This was the first time he had spoken to an illusion.

The apparition stared at him, stunned.

After a long pause, she asked again, "Venerable One, what can I do to ease your pain?"

Tanmoroqie studied her for a long while.

The illusion felt so real—every smile and frown vivid and lifelike.

"Stay with me," he said.

Only by confronting the illusion, by facing his own desires, could they dissipate.

In the next moment, Tanmoroqie closed his eyes, silently reciting Scriptures, waiting for the phantom to fade.

...

Water dripped steadily.

Tanmoroqie sat motionless, eyes shut tight, his bare shoulders and back glistening with sweat.

Yaoying climbed out of the hot spring, her robes soaked through, shivering uncontrollably.

The leopard lay at the cave entrance, its eyes glowing like phosphorescence in the dark, occasionally emitting low, warning growls.

Yaoying glanced around, disoriented by the winding, twisting passages. Night had fallen again, and without lamps lit in the tunnels, she risked getting lost without guidance.

Moreover, given Tanmoroqie’s current state, it was best she stayed with him until he regained clarity.

With a resigned sigh, Yaoying grabbed a neatly folded Kasaya from the stone table, shook it out, and draped it over herself. She moved to the table, fumbled for flint, and after much effort, managed to ignite some wood shavings.

A charcoal brazier stood ready in the stone cave, suggesting Tanmoroqie often bathed in the hot springs here.

As flames leaped up, she felt the discomfort of her damp clothes. Glancing back at Tanmoroqie, she saw him seated motionless in the pool, utterly silent.

She moved the brazier to a corner, sheltered behind a protruding boulder, removed her wet garments, and wrapped herself in the Kasaya. Then she picked up the Kasaya Tanmoroqie had earlier discarded and draped it near the brazier to dry.

The charcoal crackled and popped. Warmth seeped into her bones. Rising, she returned to the stone platform, dampened a cloth, and pressed it gently against Tanmoroqie’s lips.

Tanmoroqie opened his eyes, his jade-green gaze fixed intently on her.

Soft fingertips brushed lightly over his mouth.

Yaoying smiled at him and asked softly, "Venerable One, are you feeling any better?"

He remained silent.

Seeing he still seemed dazed, Yaoying stopped questioning. She settled beside the stone platform, occasionally leaning close to check his complexion, worried he might faint.

The night passed. The moon’s radiance above gradually softened, and pale dawn light filtered into the stone cave, casting scattered patches of luminance across the floor.The spring water remained warm. After Tanmoroqie finished regulating his breath, he opened his eyes. His gaze swept over the stone platform and suddenly froze.

A few strands of long hair had fallen into the pool, their ends soaked and tangled together, damp and glistening. The strands drifted with the water, gently entwining around his arm and brushing against his bare chest.

His eyes followed the hair upward.

A crown of dark, silky hair; a full, smooth forehead; long, curled lashes; a snow-delicate nose tip; slightly pouted lips; a delicate chin... The young woman lay beside the stone platform, resting her head on her arm, fast asleep. Her jet-black hair cascaded freely, covering half the stone platform.

She wore a loose monk's robe, its sleeve slipped down, revealing half of her jade-like arm. Clasped tightly around her wrist was a string of cool, smooth bodhi rosary beads.

This was not a dream.

Tanmoroqie lifted his gaze, the visions from last night's dreams surfacing in his mind one by one.

Why was she here, when she should have left the Holy City?

He had let her go time and again, yet she stubbornly returned.

From the depths of the hidden passage came the soft sound of footsteps.

Bi Suo's figure appeared at the cave entrance. The leopard, hearing the steps, sprang forward. He tossed a piece of cooked meat to distract it, then stepped into the cave. His eyes widened as he took in the scene.

Yaoying leaned against the stone platform, clad in a clearly oversized monk's robe, her hair flowing loosely, cheeks flushed, with a string of Buddhist beads encircling her arm.

Tanmoroqie sat in the pool, unclothed, looking down at her. Sensing Bi Suo's gaze, he lifted his eyes to glance at him.

A shiver ran through Bi Suo. He set down the tray he was carrying and retreated without a sound.