White clouds drifted lazily, a gentle breeze murmured by.
A yellow-robed monk sat on a bluestone beside a pool, holding a scroll of scriptures as he recited softly toward the water.
For every two lines the yellow-robed monk recited, he explained the passage once in the plainest words.
Within the emerald-green pool, a long silver-scaled dragon lay coiled into a ball. Its enormous draconic head emerged from the water, staring intently at the yellow-robed monk, its huge golden eyes brimming with earnest attention.
Like a devout believer listening to a dharma master expound upon the supreme mysteries.
Seeing the dragon's earnest expression, the yellow-robed monk showed a trace of delight. To enlighten such a divine beast would be a great merit indeed.
"You should uphold the precepts, guard your heart, and diligently cultivate the true dharma. One day, you shall attain the wisdom of prajna..."
Just as the yellow-robed monk was instructing the dragon, someone beside him spoke aloud. "This dragon is savage by nature. Even if it enters the Buddhist gate, its evil disposition will not change. Better let me help the Zen master deliver this dragon from suffering."
Hearing someone speak such ill words, the silver-scaled dragon's golden slit pupils flared with rage and killing intent as it glared straight at the newcomer.
The newcomer was a young man of peerless handsome features, dressed in white with a sword at his waist. He stood beneath a willow by the pool. As the breeze passed, emerald willow branches and the hems of his robes swayed and fluttered together, lending him an indescribably elegant, carefree charm.
The yellow-robed monk made a placating gesture toward the silver-scaled dragon, signaling it not to give in to rage.
He rose to his feet and pressed his palms together in salute toward the white-robed