The abbot issued a cough, his expression turning kind and amiable once more. "Benefactor, the Buddhist temple has its own rules. You are not allowed to do as you please. Control yourself."

I knew this wasn’t the time to shed all pretences. If they were to join hands, we certainly wouldn’t be able to leave. "Fine then!” I grumbled. “I'll have to endure it for tonight. Why do you have so many stupid rules?!"

"Stay in your rooms and don’t wander about at night,” the abbot sneered. “There are wolves on the mountain."

Bingxin walked to the room next to ours. However, she couldn’t resist turning back to look at me as if frightened so I gave her a look of assurance. 

It was getting dark and Dali was about to turn on the lights when I stopped him. I scanned the room, looking for tools I could use. My eyes laid upon a bamboo chair that seemed perfect for my plan. Breaking off one of the chair legs, I proceeded to pull out some cotton from the quilt and wrapped both ends with a cloth.

Dali curiously...