I struggled to process the sudden change in Grandmaster and Master.
After all, that sword had been held against my neck just moments ago.
"G-Grandmaster..."
"I don't understand what you mean..."
Grandmaster laughed at my bewildered expression. "Don't be nervous. We were just testing your sense of right and wrong, and the strength of your convictions. That was the final test."
"The abbot of a Daoist temple needs both virtue and ability. He must understand reason, distinguish right from wrong, and earn everyone's recognition of his character. Since I'm qualified to serve as this temple's abbot, would I really make you murder an innocent child just to test you?"
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Grandmaster, that was one hell of a joke..."
"This wasn't a joke. It was a very serious question."
Master took over, his expression turning solemn. "As you just said, anyone can make mistakes. No one is absolutely right, especially when a life is at stake. We mustn't act rashly. We should exercise the utmost caution. If you put blind faith in us, then what you believe in isn't the truth. It's just us."
"Even if you believe in the truth, if you obey an elder's mistaken instructions out of fear of their authority and kill someone who shouldn't be killed, then we're no different from the people we're fighting. From there, we'll only keep making one mistake after another."
Grandmaster sighed. "We have no right to take anyone's life, nor are we qualified to judge whether someone is good or guilty. This is a society governed by the rule of law. You've received a higher education. You should understand the weight those words carry."
"But sometimes, certain people don't take those words seriously. Some can even place themselves above them, and there's nothing