The Young Monk skipped happily down the mountain.
He was still just a child, with a mischievous nature that could never stay still. When he sat in the temple chanting scriptures, his mind often wandered. The oversized monk's robe covered in patches looked rather amusing on him.
He had walked this mountain path countless times and knew clearly where every rock and spring lay.
He wiped his nose and carefully cradled his wooden alms bowl.
Turning a bend and leaving the bamboo grove for the lotus pond, the Young Monk suddenly halted. From afar, he stared at a "tiger" sleeping by the lake with a straw hat on her head.
At once, the Young Monk who had been bouncing about moments ago wore a look of astonishment.
What a beautiful tiger. Not even the prettiest women in the village or town were as beautiful as her. The Young Monk had never seen this tiger nearby before. He wanted to go closer but did not dare, afraid his master would punish him if he found out. But she really was so beautiful.
A little shy, the Young Monk hid behind a thick stalk of green bamboo and peeked at her.
By the pond, Bai Yujun, who was sleeping with her legs crossed, smiled faintly.
Bai Yujun had originally disliked the Western Teachings because they had launched a massive assault on the Hundred Thousand Mountains and plotted against the Green Wood Demon King. But the Young Monk was merely an ignorant child. She could not possibly hate him out of misplaced anger. Those monks might be capable of such things, but Bai Yujun could not do the same.
After a long while, the Young Monk tiptoed up to Bai Yujun.
He squatted beside her, propping his chin on his palm as he