Dustin made his way unhindered to the summit of Quandary Mountain, finally stopping at the entrance of the monastery. Hanging above the entrance was a sign with two large words-Scenic Monastery.
The monastery was neither large nor small, and it appeared quite ordinary, showing signs of age and wear. Who would have thought that the once influential Prince of Carsonne would hide in such a small monastery?
Dustin lightly knocked on the monastery door but was met with no response. After a few seconds, he knocked again, with more force.
“Coming, coming,” a childish voice echoed from inside. The door opened, revealing a seven or eight-year-old novice monk who peered out and curiously asked, “May I help you, sir?”
“I got lost in the mountains and happened to see a monastery here. I thought it was convenient to ask for some water. Is that possible?” Dustin spun a tale.
“Of course, please come in,” the novice said without suspicion, opening the door and inviting Dustin inside. Rare to see an outsider, the novice was excited, bombarding Dustin with questions like, “Where are you from? How did you end up here?”
The novice added, “There are many wolves and leopards in Quandary Mountain. Luckily, you got lost during the day. If it were nighttime, it would be dangerous.
“Are you hungry, sir? There’s some vegetarian food in the kitchen. If you don’t mind, you can have some to fill your stomach.
“Oh, by the way, if you don’t know the way, I can guide you down the mountain later.”
“Thanks a lot.” Dustin smiled faintly. He found the novice monk quite interesting.
“Don’t mention it!” the novice grinned. “Master said monks should be compassionate. If someone is in trouble and we can help, we should. Saving a life is worth more than a gold mine.”
“May I ask how many people are in your Scenic Monastery?” Dustin asked, changing the topic.
“How many people?” The novice counted on his fingers and said, “We have abbot, our master, and two of master’s colleagues, plus me. So, that makes five of us.”
“Among your five, is there a monk named Lumen?” Dustin asked again.
“Lumen?” The novice was puzzled. ” Sir, do you know our abbot?”
“I don’t know him, but I’ve heard of him,” Dustin said casually. “Abbot Lumen has a great reputation, and I’ve always admired him.”
“I didn’t expect Abbot Lumen to have a great reputation. No wonder master and master’s colleagues respect him so much,” the novice exclaimed.
“Can you take me to meet Abbot Lumen? I have some doubts and would like to seek his advice,” Dustin said.
“No problem, follow me,” the novice readily agreed, leading Dustin straight to the monastery hall.
However, just as they reached the entrance of the hall, two muscular monks appeared out of thin air, blocking Dustin’s way. In their piercing gaze, wariness and suspicion were evident.
“Sir, please stop. This hall is a sacred ground, and outsiders are not allowed inside!” the monk on the left said in a low voice.
“I’ve come to see Abbot Lumen. I hope you can make an exception,” Dustin said calmly.
“Abbot Lumen is in seclusion and does not meet outsiders. Sir, please leave!” The round-faced monk on the left gestured with his hand.
Unmoved, Dustin calmly said, “If Abbot Lumen is in seclusion, then I’ll seek an audience with Prince of Carsonne- Donovan Lindsor.”
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the two monks swiftly changed.
