Su Han fell silent. Back then, he had only wanted to survive, to climb higher. He had not thought that much about it.
"Your kindness is genuine, your innate wisdom is genuine, and your perseverance is genuine." The old monk rose and walked toward the center of the platform, where the green lamp stood at his feet. "You have passed all three trials. You may now go and see Buddha."
Su Han stood, feeling that more than half his strength had returned. The remnants of Buddhist power still flowed warmly through his meridians. Following the old monk to the center of the platform, he realized that at its far end stood a door—a very ordinary wooden door. It had not even been painted, retaining the natural color of raw wood. A string of wind chimes hung from the frame, tinkling crisply whenever the wind passed through.
"Beyond this door lies the Great Thunder Sound Temple," the old monk said. "Buddha is waiting for you inside."
Su Han drew a deep breath and reached out to push open the wooden door.
On the other side stood an enormous temple. Its golden roof shimmered beneath the Buddha light. The plaza before the hall was paved with white jade bricks, moss growing between the cracks and soft beneath one's feet. Two rows of monks stood on either side of the plaza, eyes lowered, palms pressed together, as though conducting a Dharma assembly. As Su Han passed them, he could hear their quiet chanting, surging toward him and receding like waves.
The doors of the main hall stood open. Hundreds upon thousands of eternal lamps burned within, their flames swaying as a massive golden Buddha statue sat upon a lotus dais. Its face was compassionate and solemn, its eyes half-closed, a faint smile lingering