Chapter 37 — A Single Cry Startles the Deafened Soul Awake

Huo Ye must not be sent to his death!

" Upon the platform, Shen Mu was desperate to steady his heart—but when the life of the one dearest to him hung in the balance, how could that heart ever be still? The Silent Artisan gestured with his hands, aa-aa, a few times.

The Blind Elder leaned upon his staff and said unhurriedly, "No need to remind him. This temple fair is a trial.

If he comes through it, he grows up. If he does not, he is still a child. " After a moment, Shen Mu slowly rose to his feet, looked at the tall, gaunt little monk opposite him, and said slowly, "Monk, is there a Buddha in your heart?

" Chenghuai pressed his palms together and said gravely, "My Buddha is ever in my heart. " Hu— Shen Mu spat out a mouthful of turbid breath, and the vital essence within his body turned overbearing and fierce, as though a spirit that knew neither heaven nor law came surging up out of his small frame.

"I!

" He stepped forward, and the momentum that poured from his small body gave a man the stirring sense of heroic grandeur, of sturdy bones standing erect like a god; his voice shook the deaf and startled awake the dulled: "In my heart there is no god, no Buddha, no demon!

I am god, I am Buddha, I am demon! " At these words, the white-browed monk seated opposite Huo Ye showed astonishment on his face, and turned to look at Shen Mu!