The Message Left Inside Biyou Palace

Within Shaolin Temple, the Daxiong Baodian was steeped in a mournful, solemn atmosphere.

Kong Wen sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, still manifesting the Dragon Subduing Arhat Golden Body. Yet specks of golden light fell from him, like glazed petals of a lotus, swirling through the air before slowly fading away.

"Good. Your body and mind have reached nirvana, and your Mysterious Pass has been reforged. Half a step forward is within reach." His long white eyebrows stirred faintly as he looked with quiet satisfaction at Xuan Bei, who sat beside him, grief-stricken.

"Ancestor Master..." Xuan Bei pressed his palms together, sorrow in his eyes. He could not bring himself to say more.

Kong Wen chuckled. "We cultivate the Buddha's way and study Zen. We know that all things are empty, and that worldly affairs are empty. We saw through life and death long ago. Why put on the airs of a sentimental child of the mortal world?"

"Abbot..." "Master..." Voices laden with grief rang out all at once.

Kong Wen paid them no heed. He handed the Nine-Ringed Monk's Staff to Wu Si, Chief Monk of Bodhi Courtyard. "The position of Abbot is entangled in worldly affairs. It brings misfortune, not blessing. As my disciple, you have no choice but to shoulder this responsibility."

"Yes, Master." Wu Si, gaunt as a dead tree, could not hide his grief. His hands trembled faintly as he took the Nine-Ringed Monk's Staff.

Kong Wen then turned to Kong Hui and Kong Jian. "My two junior brothers, Shaolin's lineage has not been easy to preserve. I ask you both to devote yourselves to it."

Kong Hui and Kong Jian had witnessed the passing of many elders and peers. They remained relatively composed and answered together.

Kong Wen gave each of them his instructions.