On this mid-autumn night, the moon shone as bright as day, casting its radiant glow on the temple's glazed tile roofs. The gentle breeze carried the fragrance of incense and purified the air, dispelling earthly worries. Such a serene atmosphere could only be fully appreciated by those who had transcended the ordinary world.

The temple was surrounded by red brick walls, and lush pine and bamboo trees adorned the surroundings. A series of well-preserved, ancient buildings stood in the compound. The main hall was situated on higher ground, and at its center was the scripture repository, with intricate carvings and paintings adorning its structure.

The first floor of this repository housed the abbot's living quarters, arranged with an exquisite simplicity. Other rooms, apart from two occupied by senior monks, were left vacant, ready to accommodate esteemed guests.

Aside from the two senior monks, there was another figure in the hierarchy of the Hengshan Sect. He was known as "The Cloud-Piercing Swordsman," and together, these four senior members of the sect possessed extraordinary martial skills, with One Dust excelling in internal energy and staff techniques while The Cloud-Piercing Swordsman was renowned for his seventy-two mysterious sword techniques. Their combat skills and lightness techniques set them apart, and they held a special place in the martial world.

Beyond these four senior members, there was talk of another senior figure, their senior uncle known as "Iron-Cloaked Monk." However, he had disappeared from the martial world over a decade ago, and his whereabouts remained unknown to this day.

Every year on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the Cloud-Piercing Swordsman would visit the temple to meet with the abbot, bringing with him a cadre of loyal followers. The temple would prepare an elaborate vegetarian feast, not only to host the honored guest but also to serve the entire monastic community. On this night, the secrets of the Hengshan Sect were passed down to the next generation.

The Cloud-Piercing Swordsman was known for his humility and dedication, and he held his fellow disciples in high regard. In all respects, the Hengshan Sect held a deep affection for this elderly martial artist.

In the past, the Cloud-Piercing Swordsman would arrive early to avoid keeping the abbot waiting. This night, however, the sect members found themselves waiting longer than usual. As the moonlight filtered through the trees, they strained their eyes to see the front hall, but the shadows and foliage obscured their view.

One evening, while gazing at the temple's entrance, a dark figure darted from the left, landing gracefully on a tall pine tree to the right. This movement was swift, silent, and seemingly impossible, raising questions about the visitor's identity.

The swiftness was unlike any they had seen before, not even the Cloud-Piercing Swordsman, known for his remarkable agility, had demonstrated such skills. One of the monks thought his eyes were playing tricks, but then another figure descended from the bamboo grove on the left, mirroring the same uncanny speed. Both One Dust and The Cloud-Piercing Swordsman saw it too.

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One Dust offered, "Who is this high-level practitioner visiting our temple? Why haven't they presented themselves to our abbot?" He then soared into the air and, with great agility, flew over the temple buildings, landing on the main hall's roof, inviting the visitor to meet them. He inquired, "Might I know who the distinguished guest is? Your presence here at this late hour is most welcome. Will you accept our humble hospitality?"

As he finished speaking, he landed and paid his respects. A voice from the woods replied, "Why make us climb the Three Treasures Hall? We three brothers have come from afar. Our purpose is simple, and we only sought to find a fellow martial artist, not to alarm the entire sect. Waiting in the shadows seemed to us more fitting."

The sound of a soft laugh echoed through the bamboo grove as the voice continued, "What do you say, dear brothers? Shouldn't we appear before the revered monk? After all, they may not be around to meet us."

From the wall, two dark figures sprang into the air, landing beside their comrade.

One Dust, who had listened carefully, leaped down to join them. He saw a scholar-like figure in white attire with a folding fan, a beggar dressed in ragged clothing but remarkably clean, and a martial artist wearing a long sword and carrying a large bag. All three were middle-aged and held an air of dignity and self-assurance.

One Dust extended his palms in greeting and spoke, "Gentlemen, you have graced our humble temple with your presence. Although we have not yet had the opportunity to greet you properly, I believe we share a common purpose. As for the grievous injuries sustained by your companions, I, as the abbot's senior disciple, am entirely unaware. Rest assured, our abbot will be arriving soon, and I'm certain he will address this matter to your satisfaction. Would you care to sit and share tea while we wait?" He finished his sentence and offered another deep bow.

At this moment, the beggar in rags interrupted, "Tea is not needed. Our only grievance lies in the fact that your sect seems to have overlooked the cause of our brothers' injuries. When your senior brother wounded our companions, your abbot merely stated he was 'unaware of the situation.' We wonder if, should our master fail to show up, you will use this opportunity to evade responsibility entirely. If that's the case, then our journey here has been in vain."

In response, One Dust stepped forward, a hint of anger in his voice, "Retribution for one's actions is a fundamental principle, and debts must be repaid. If my senior brother is responsible for injuring your companions without just cause, then he must take responsibility. His life is the only proper recompense, according to the laws of karma in our Buddhist beliefs. However, if there are underlying reasons, if the conflict was not so simple, and if we were forced into this situation, then I believe a more thorough investigation is required. Yet, the way you describe it, it appears that we are judged solely on the outcome and not the cause. Our senior brother is on his way, and I am certain he will provide you with an explanation. He will offer you justice. For the moment, will you indulge us and await his arrival?"

The discussion had grown heated, and the abbot, One Dust's senior brother, stepped forward from the shadows with a soft voice. "To ascend to the Western Pure Land is the aspiration of all those who follow the Buddhist path. However, those who wish to guide others along that path should not speak so unkindly. One's journey to the land of Amitabha is one's own decision and should be made willingly. Now, if you are willing to become a guide to the Western Pure Land, even one of you, we can discuss a resolution. What do you say?"