"As expected of Shaolin! This Mahavira Hall is so magnificent, so imposing! And so many faithful worshippers!" Standing high on a mountain path, Huang Xiao looked back at the magnificent Mahavira Hall below. In front of it lay a broad, open square, and beyond that were the steps up the mountain, stretching all the way here from its foot with no end in sight. Both the steps and the square teemed with people, all pilgrims who had come to offer incense and pray for their wishes.
Huang Xiao knew Shaolin was divided into front and rear halls. The front hall was where ordinary people burned incense and prayed, and it more or less served as a source of income for Shaolin. Besides helping the poor, those incense donations were enough to keep Shaolin's monks comfortably fed and clothed. Moreover, successive Imperial Courts had bestowed rewards upon Shaolin, so it owned considerable land. Renting that land to commoners to farm also brought in substantial rent each year.
Thus, Shaolin Temple was actually very wealthy. At least, these renowned great sects were all like this, with their own sources of income. Otherwise, what would so many disciples eat and drink?
"Junior Brother Huang, once we cross this hill, we'll reach the rear hall," Liaochen said.
After following Liaochen over the hill, Huang Xiao saw the rear hall. Its buildings were very plain. Compared with the magnificent Mahavira Hall in front, this place looked like a dilapidated temple.
"It cannot be helped. That is how worldly people are. The extravagance of the front hall was not actually Shaolin's wish. We had no choice," Liaochen said with a sigh. Seeing Huang Xiao's expression, he understood what was on his mind.
"That's natural. Those are the things worldly people pursue. By contrast, your sincere devotion