As night fell, the village lights began to flicker on, one after another, their gentle glow reflecting the serenity of the village.
Under the guidance of the villagers, Jay and Wilk found a simple yet cozy place to rest. However, before they could sleep, an elderly native knocked on their door, bringing an important piece of news.
"Young ones, I hear you're interested in the Land of Black Peril."
The old man sat on a wooden chair in their room, his tone low and tinged with caution. "If you truly intend to venture into that forbidden land, you might want to visit the temple on the mountain."
"A temple?" Jay frowned. "Are you saying there's a temple on the mountain behind the village that can help us cross the Land of Black Peril?"
The old man nodded, lifting his teacup and gently blowing on the steam. "Indeed, the temple is said to be ancient. Within it resides a mysterious master, known simply as 'The Master.' It is rumored that he is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also versed in the secrets of the spirit realm. Many, whether they are natives or spirits, seek his guidance when faced with unsolvable problems."
"Sounds like a legend," Wilk remarked skeptically, crossing his arms. "If this master is so powerful, why doesn't he just solve the problem of the Land of Black Peril for you?"
The old man shook his head and sighed. "I don't know. They say the master has an eccentric personality, but his abilities seem undeniable."
Jay and Wilk exchanged a glance and decided to investigate the temple. Jay asked,
"Could you guide us there? We truly need to cross the Land of Black Peril."
The old man chuckled and replied, "Of course. I'll take you there tomorrow morning. For now, rest well tonight." With that, he left.
Jay turned to Wilk and said, "The Land of Black Peril is indeed blocking our path. This could be a good chance to solve the mystery; it's too strange to ignore."
Wilk nodded. "Rest first. We'll set out tomorrow."
The village was shrouded in a thin morning mist, the air cool and damp. The villagers were already busy with their chores as Jay and Wilk prepared to follow an enthusiastic villager up the mountain in search of the fabled mysterious master.
"This master isn't an ordinary person. It's said he not only masters various arcane arts of the spirit realm but can also see straight into a person's heart. If you truly wish to cross the Land of Black Peril, he will surely point you in the right direction," the villager explained as they walked.
Jay listened thoughtfully and asked, "If the master is so powerful, why doesn't he just deal with the dangers of the Land of Black Peril himself?"
The villager shook his head with a sigh. "The master's duty is to guide those who are lost, not to eliminate all the dangers of the spirit realm. His presence is more about offering opportunities to those in need, not solving every problem for them."
When they reached the foot of the mountain, the villager was about to lead the way when a figure emerged slowly from the thick mist. It was a monk clad in robes, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and holding a staff. He was lean, his expression serene.
"Are you heading to see the master?" the monk asked in a low, calm voice as he stopped before them. He lifted his head, revealing a delicate but pale face. "It so happens I am from the temple. The master is my teacher. Let me guide you up the mountain; I know the path better than anyone."
The villager hesitated, then whispered to Jay, "This monk is indeed from the temple, but it's rare to see him come down the mountain. I don't even know his name. What do you think?"
Jay and Wilk exchanged a glance. Jay nodded, "Since he's from the temple, it might be more convenient to let him lead the way."
The monk smiled faintly, turned, and began leading the way. "The mountain path is treacherous, but as long as you follow me closely, you will be safe," he said calmly.
The journey up the mountain was steady, the monk walking as though he knew every rock and turn intimately. However, Jay started noticing something unusual. The monk's staff didn't seem to be made of ordinary wood but some kind of metal. Its head emitted a faint glow, as if imbued with some kind of power. Moreover, though the monk's steps were light, each time his foot touched the ground, there was a barely perceptible tremor, as if he was hiding something.
"Wilk, do you think there's something strange about this monk?" Jay asked quietly, his voice low enough for only Wilk to hear.
Wilk nodded, his eyes scanning the monk's figure with caution. "I do. His aura may seem calm, but there's a faint oppressive feeling to it, almost as if he's not an ordinary person."
At that moment, the monk abruptly stopped and turned to them with a faint smile. "Are you two doubting me?"
Jay and Wilk's hearts tightened, but they maintained their composure. Jay smiled back and said, "Of course not. We were just thinking that you and the master are both quite mysterious."
The monk stared at them for a moment before his smile deepened. "Mysterious? Perhaps. But when you arrive at the temple, all will become clear."
Jay and Wilk frowned slightly. It wasn't just the monk's sudden appearance at the foot of the mountain that unsettled them. His entire demeanor, combined with the lack of the calming presence one would expect from a monk, felt off. Monks were supposed to radiate an aura of peace and piety, but this monk had none of that. In fact, he seemed to carry a faint trace of malice.
"Wilk," Jay whispered, scanning their surroundings, "we'll need to stay sharp once we're inside. I have a feeling there's more to both this temple and the Land of Black Peril than we've been told."
As the morning mist gradually dissipated, the full view of the temple emerged. It was an ancient structure, with its vermilion gates weathered and worn, yet still exuding an air of solemnity and grandeur. However, as Jay stood outside the gates, he felt a strange and inexplicable sense of discord. The surrounding trees were unnaturally quiet, as though even the wind deliberately avoided this place.
The monk stood before the gates, his expression calm as he addressed Jay and Wilk. "Please, follow me. The master is already waiting in the inner sanctum. He will help unravel the mysteries of the Land of Black Peril for you."
Jay's brow furrowed slightly, his tone probing. "I don't recall mentioning that we were here because of the Land of Black Peril."
The monk's serene smile remained unshaken. "The master has already instructed us. When visitors seek the Buddha, they are to be taken directly to the inner sanctum, bypassing the outer hall. The master will meet them personally and address their concerns."
Jay stared at the monk for a moment, his deep gaze searching for any hint of deception. Yet, the monk's demeanor was almost unnervingly calm, free of any flaw.
After a pause, Jay nodded and said softly, "If that's the case, then we'll trouble you. Thank you."
Wilk remained silent beside him, his fingers lightly tapping the hilt of his weapon. It was clear he was on high alert, sharing Jay's unease about the temple and the monk's behavior.
As they followed the monk into the temple, Jay immediately felt a faint sense of oppression. The interior was even quieter than the outside, with their footsteps muffled by thick stone tiles. Ancient Buddhist statues and murals adorned the walls, their seemingly serene depictions taking on an unsettling quality under the dim light.
Jay's eyes lingered on one mural in particular. It depicted a dark swamp filled with countless skeletal arms reaching out as if struggling to grasp something. His heart skipped a beat; the image seemed to echo the legends surrounding the Land of Black Peril.
Noticing Jay's gaze, the monk smiled and offered an explanation. "This mural portrays the ancient legend of the Land of Black Peril. According to the tale, the swamp originated in the chaotic early days of the spirit realm and became a gathering place for vengeful spirits. Our temple's duty is to safeguard this sanctuary and prevent the malevolent aura from contaminating other regions."
Jay responded with a faint smile. "It seems your temple carries a heavy burden."
The monk nodded solemnly. "Indeed. That is why the master personally receives every seeker, guiding them and helping them find their path."
After passing through the main hall, they arrived at a long, dimly lit corridor. Oil lamps flickered on either side of the hallway, their light casting faint shadows that seemed to shift and move. Yet when Jay looked directly at them, there was nothing there.
"This place is unnerving," Wilk muttered under his breath to Jay. "Stay alert."
Jay gave a slight nod, signaling Wilk to remain calm. He knew that the temple was hiding secrets, and their arrival had likely drawn the attention of someone—or something—within its walls.
At the end of the corridor stood a finely carved wooden door, its surface adorned with intricate Buddhist patterns. The monk stopped and turned to Jay and Wilk. "The master is inside. Please, enter."
Jay and Wilk exchanged a glance before Jay pushed open the door. Beyond it lay a spacious inner sanctum. At its center sat an elderly monk on a meditation cushion, his kasaya draped over his shoulders. His eyes were closed, hands pressed together in prayer, as if lost in deep meditation.
"The visitors have arrived, Master," the monk said softly.
The old monk slowly opened his eyes, his gaze deep and unfathomable, carrying an undeniable aura of authority. He swept his eyes over Jay and Wilk before speaking. "You've come from afar for the sake of the Land of Black Peril, haven't you?"
Jay frowned once again, a thought forming in his mind: They're directly stating our purpose again. Is this a coincidence, or have they been aware of everything from the start?
"Indeed," Jay replied calmly. "We've heard that you possess unparalleled knowledge of the spirit realm and can guide the lost. That's why we've come to seek your wisdom."