Lin Mu's gaze remained fixed on the central pit, from where a faint but intense pull emanated. The sheer gravity of the place weighed down on his bones, yet his interest only deepened.
"I have questions," Lin Mu said finally, turning to the abbot. "I need to understand what this place truly is… and what you all are doing here."
The old monk gave a slow nod. "You deserve that much. Especially if you carry the White Jade Ruyi."
He gestured for Lin Mu to sit, and though the ground was like a slab of lead beneath him, Lin Mu lowered himself without issue.
"We are cultivators of a special Buddhist body cultivation technique," the abbot began, his voice stronger now, reverberating faintly despite the heavy air. "It is called the Great Burden Sutra. Unlike most cultivation paths that revolve around Qi or spiritual enlightenment, this Sutra tempers the body—specifically, by enduring the weight of existence itself."
"Weight?" Lin Mu echoed.
