The plane took off and landed in a highland town two hours later. From there, they had to take a motorbike taxi driven by a local to reach the mountain, as the road was steep and treacherous. The mountain was where Zen Master Minh Tam resided in seclusion, so the fewer people who went, the better. That afternoon, only Tran Ngoc Linh and Hoang Hai Van made the climb, without bringing any bodyguards.
The locals could only take them to the base of the main mountain. To reach the temple, they had to climb a 5-kilometer staircase, with many sections nearly vertical.
Hoang Hai Van, now in Tran Ngoc Linh’s young and agile body, found the climb tiring but manageable. On the other hand, Tran Ngoc Linh, now in Hoang Hai Van’s body, felt like this was the ultimate challenge. Seeing Tran Ngoc Linh panting heavily with each step, Hoang Hai Van felt both amused and sympathetic. She extended a hand to help, but since Tran Ngoc Linh was still a boy at heart, despite being in a girl’s body, his pride wouldn’t allow him to accept.
By the time they reached the top, both of them were dizzy and breathless. The small temple appeared before them, isolated and desolate, as if devoid of life. Only the faint scent of incense indicated that someone was indeed there.
Though small, the temple had five sections: three for worship and two for living—one for the Zen master and likely one for visitors. At the moment, all the rooms were empty. The two wanted to look for the Zen master, but after two hours of climbing, they were completely drained and could only sit on a stone bench to wait.
During the climb, all they felt was exhaustion and heat. But now, at the mountain’s peak, they realized how cold it was—especially since it was autumn. Tran Ngoc Linh, now in Hoang Hai Van’s female body, was naturally weaker and started sneezing nonstop. Seeing this, Hoang Hai Van felt a little sorry for him and wanted to move closer to warm him up. However, since this was a sacred place, it wouldn’t be appropriate to show too much physical affection. Instead, she went into the guest house, grabbed two thin blankets, and draped one over him.
“My body is as fragile as a princess. You better take good care of it,” she said.
Tran Ngoc Linh took the blanket, wrapped it tightly around himself, and smiled.
“I have to admit, at first glance, you do seem like a princess. But when you open your mouth and call me a lunatic, that princess image kind of disappears.”
Hearing this, Hoang Hai Van’s face turned red. She didn’t expect this kid to hold grudges for so long. Before she could say anything, Tran Ngoc Linh continued:
“But for some reason, I actually like hearing you scold me. No matter what, it still sounds cute.”
Hoang Hai Van was left speechless. This kid wasn’t just crazy—he had a serious problem. A masochist problem.
 
They waited and waited, and finally, near dusk, the Zen master appeared. The moment he saw the two visitors, he froze for a moment, his eyes filled with both surprise and fear.
After regaining his composure, he invited them inside the temple. Once inside, Hoang Hai Van took three incense sticks, lit them, and prayed—hoping that this time, she could return to her own body smoothly.
After offering incense, Hoang Hai Van and Tran Ngoc Linh sat facing the Zen master. He calmly asked,
“What brings the two of you here to seek me?”
Hoang Hai Van bowed and spoke,
“We heard that you possess the Yin-Yang Eyes and can see souls. That’s why we’ve come to ask for your help.”
The Zen master observed both of them before replying,
“You have come here because you wish for your souls to return to their rightful bodies, correct?”
The two exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up with hope. They hadn’t even explained their situation, yet the Zen master immediately understood that their souls had been swapped. It seemed like this time, their problem could be easily resolved.
Overjoyed, Hoang Hai Van said,
“Yes, that’s right! Please help us, Master. Right now, our souls are switched, and life has been chaotic and uncomfortable.”
The Zen master fell silent for a moment before slowly replying,
“I cannot help you. Only you can help yourselves.”
Hearing this, Hoang Hai Van felt a tinge of disappointment but also a spark of hope. After all, if they could fix it themselves, they wouldn’t have to rely on others. She quickly asked,
“Master, could you explain further? How can we help ourselves?”
The Zen master began to explain,
“Each person with the Yin-Yang Eyes possesses a different spiritual power. I attained my vision through meditation and purification, which grants me pure Yang energy. My Yin-Yang Eyes allow me to see souls, but I can only help them transcend—I cannot transfer them between bodies.”
He paused for a moment before turning to Tran Ngoc Linh, who was currently in Hoang Hai Van’s body.
“But you, young man, have the ability to do it.”
Tran Ngoc Linh, who had been quietly listening the entire time, was surprised to be addressed directly. He immediately asked,
“Please, Master, show me how.”
The Zen master nodded and replied,
“You only need to stay here and cultivate for some time.”
Hearing this, Tran Ngoc Linh immediately stood up, bowed slightly, and decisively said,
“I refuse. Thank you for your time, Master.”
Stay here to meditate? No meat? No… other pleasures? Maybe that was fine for an old man, but for a young guy like him? No way! Honestly, things weren’t that bad as they were now.