n ancient times, in the region of Hengshan, also known as Nan Yue in Hunan Province, there stood seventy-two peaks, the highest being Mount Zhurong, soaring to an elevation of over 2,800 feet. The mountains surrounded each other, displaying diverse and breathtaking landscapes. The area was rich in historical sites and natural beauty, attracting countless visitors, especially during the summer and autumn seasons. People from hundreds of miles around would come to pay their respects, engaging in rituals like fasting, bathing, and making offerings, walking three steps and bowing every five steps, with sincere reverence and fear, in hopes of seeking blessings and warding off disasters. Such customs were typical of an agrarian and religious society, so it was not surprising.

At the foot of the mountain, there was a small town named after the mountain itself, Yue. Although it was not large in size, it was always bustling with activity. Numerous hotels, teahouses, inns, and local shops lined its streets. The locals were known for their honesty and fair trade practices, and they were hospitable and friendly to passing travelers. The paths leading up the mountain were paved with stone, flanked by towering ancient pine and cypress trees, adorned with unique plants and vibrant flowers, making for an enchanting journey. The mountain was dotted with temples and monasteries, with the Upper Peak Monastery being the largest, housing over a hundred monks.

This story takes place during the reign of King Kang of the Southern Song Dynasty. Despite the turmoil in the central plains, the southern regions enjoyed relative stability, and the natural wonders and historical sites of Mount Hengshan attracted many visitors. The Upper Peak Monastery, located near the Southern Heavenly Gate, was presided over by the head monk, Reverend Yichen. He had a large, imposing presence, yet exuded a compassionate and serene demeanor that commanded respect. Yichen was over seventy years old, but his appearance seemed no older than fifty. This was likely a result of his exceptional spiritual cultivation, allowing him to maintain his youthful appearance. Reverend Yichen strictly adhered to his monastic vows and rarely ventured outside. Once he entered a period of deep meditation, he could remain secluded for two to three months, or even half a year. Despite his extended absences, the monastery thrived with worshippers, and the monks within were known for their exceptional martial skills. However, they kept a low profile and refrained from showing off their abilities.

One year, a local thief named Qian Maicheng happened to visit the monastery. He noticed a pair of silver candlesticks on the altar, which seemed to align with an old saying: "Clear wine entices one's face, wealth moves one's heart." Tempted by the silver, the thief decided to break in that night. It was late, and the monks had already retired to their chambers. Qian, who had some basic martial arts training, made his move silently. He sneaked into the monastery unnoticed, knelt before the altar, and prayed to the Buddha, hoping for forgiveness and success in his theft. He then proceeded to steal the silver candlesticks, which he estimated to be worth over a hundred taels of silver each. In the Song Dynasty, silver was highly valuable, and a sum of over two hundred taels was a considerable fortune.

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As Qian Maicheng prepared to leap over the monastery wall with his ill-gotten gains, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his lower back. His entire body went numb, and he couldn't stand up. From behind, a voice with a cold chuckle spoke, "You dare to steal from this place with your meager skills? Do you not fear the wrath of the Buddha?"

Before Qian could react, his waist was grasped, and the pain in his back subsided. He stood up and turned to see a remarkably handsome young monk, no older than eighteen or nineteen, with a friendly smile on his face, devoid of malice.

Overcome with shame, Qian Maicheng immediately kowtowed and said, "I am a man who has strayed from the righteous path, and I should not have stolen from this sacred place. Now that I have failed, I accept any punishment without complaint. If you, in your mercy, choose to give me a chance to change my ways, I will mend my life. Even if I cannot repay this debt in this lifetime, I am willing to serve like a loyal dog or horse."

With tears streaming down his face, Qian Maicheng presented the stolen candlesticks, bowing his head in remorse.

The young monk accepted the candlesticks and replied with a kind tone, "It seems you have received some education in your earlier years, but perhaps you fell into bad company due to unfortunate circumstances. In Buddhism, we believe that one can always turn away from wrongdoing and seek redemption. As long as you acknowledge your mistakes and strive for self-improvement, you can become a virtuous person once more. I have a silver ingot here, which I carried with me during my travels as a layman. Monks have no use for such wealth. Take it, and may it help you in your time of need."

Qian Maicheng, deeply moved, accepted the silver ingot and bowed again, expressing his gratitude. He asked, "May I know your honorable name, so I may remember the benefactor who showed me such kindness?"

The young monk smiled and replied, "My Dharma name is Qiu Yue, and I am a disciple of this monastery, serving as the chief disciple under our head monk. Since it is late, and you have repented sincerely, there is no need to linger here. You may leave the monastery."

With two more bows, Qian Maicheng jumped over the wall and disappeared into the night, vowing to turn his life around. He eventually encountered a martial arts master who taught him valuable skills. As for Qiu Yue, he faced trials of his own in the Miao territory and was fortunate to be rescued by Qian Maicheng. This marked the beginning of another story.

After this incident, word spread that the Upper Peak Monastery was not to be trifled with, and wrongdoers were deterred from entering its premises at night.