７３

  The next morning, as soon as I went out on the street, I found that Chang'an was already under martial law. What is meant by martial law is that all shops are closed, everyone is not allowed to go out, and there is no way to enter or leave the city. Everyone stays in place. On the streets, only officials and soldiers, as well as some people with urgent business, were moving about. I and Xi Le were leaning against the window looking outside, and Xi Le asked me: "What are you thinking?"

  I said: Think for a moment how to get the sword, and then deceive again.

  Xi Le said: I think you're different from before.

  I said: It's impossible. Without experiencing anything major, how can it be different from before?

  Xile said: You are different from when you were in the temple before.

  I said: Actually, they're all the same.

  Xile said: You always remember that sword, but a sword is ultimately an external thing.

  I said: I think it's not like in the legend, we are all the same people. I feel that with that sword around, I have a sense of security.

  Xǐlè shuō: yuánlái nǐ yě yào ānquángǎn.

  Translation:

  Xi Le said: So you also want a sense of security.

  I said: Yeah, it's possible to think that others are carrying their heads on the streets. I always thought I was a good person, and Master is about to make me a savior, but I'm the one who knows what will happen best.

  Xile said: When are we going to get the sword?

  I said: Right away.