Chapter 134 Preface (1)
“The day is darkening.”
As the venerable monk, his chin framed by a thick white beard, murmured with a sigh, the young novice who followed him replied in a cheerful voice.
“That’s only natural, Master, as time passes.”
“Heh heh… It’s not merely the sky growing dark.”
The monk gazed at the stars beginning to shine as evening fell.
Some had grown brighter compared to years past, while the auxiliary star near the Big Dipper had gradually dimmed.
If even the faint light of that auxiliary star were to vanish, what would become of the future of Zhonghua?
And how would the young monk beside him manage to survive?
His heart grew heavy once more, and the old monk stroked his beard with his large hand.
“The world will grow dark.”
“Um, I don’t really understand Zen riddles…”
“The demon, which had been lying dormant, is gradually stirring.”
At those words, the young monk gasped and covered his mouth.
Does ‘demon’ refer to Mara, who even sought to deceive the Buddha?
The novice monk asked in a trembling voice.
“Shouldn’t we tell the Abbot? Shaolin Temple is already complicated enough with all the talk.”
“If it’s Master Munjeong, he’ll handle it well.”
The venerable monk, Master Museong, had no doubt in Master Munjeong’s virtue.
From his youth, Munjeong had excelled not only in martial arts but also in governance, a disciple hailed as a star among the abbots.
Yet one worry lingered.
“Shaolin is no longer what it once was. Factions are divided, groaning under battles for fame and glory—things unnecessary for the Zen Way… I fear we’ve placed too heavy a burden on Munjeong.” “
