Qingfeng Gorge, Bodhi Institute.
The century-old temple that had once been wreathed in incense and filled with chanting had now long since become a Human Hell.
The vermilion mountain gate had shattered and collapsed. The gilded Buddha statues had been hacked beyond recognition by sharp blades, blood streaming everywhere.
The air was thick with the stench of blood, mixed with the burnt smell of smoldering incense and candles, enough to make one retch.
Of the one hundred and seven monks of Bodhi Institute, only a scant dozen or so remained alive. Some were badly wounded and coughing blood; others had lost the ability to move. All sat cross-legged.
The members of the Heavenly Evil Cult stood encircling them.
The Heavenly Evil Cult leader stood at the front with his hands behind his back, his expression sinister and his aura as cold as mist from the Nine Netherworlds.
His gaze fell upon the old monk at the forefront, whose kasaya was stained with blood and whose face was haggard. He slowly spoke.
"Zen Master Fajing, Bodhi Institute has already paid the price of over a hundred lives for the Fire Bodhi."
"You are compassionate at heart, Zen Master. Watching your disciples die one after another before your eyes, do you truly feel not the slightest softening of heart?"
His tone was calm, but it concealed bone-piercing killing intent.
"Amitabha..."
Fajing pressed his palms together. His lowered eyelashes trembled faintly, while grief churned in his clouded eyes. His voice was steady, yet it carried a tremor he could not suppress.
"You threaten with blades and coerce with slaughter. Even if this old monk wished to answer, I have no answer to give."
"The Fire Bodhi is a sacred treasure of this institute's forbidden grounds, ripening only once every ten years. It was