The Chef's Collapse in the Hall of Punishment
Within the cold confines of the Hall of Punishment, the torches still danced, but their light now seemed even dimmer, as if sensing the suffering taking place. Zhao Huo's body hung limply from the stone pillar, his gray monk's robes now soaked with blood that continuously seeped from the wounds on his back. The blows had landed on his back, arms, and legs, leaving clearly visible purplish bruises on his pale skin.
His head drooped, his once neat hair now disheveled and damp with cold sweat. His breath was shallow and ragged, indicating that he had reached his limit. His eyes were tightly shut, and his body no longer responded to the relentless blows of Monk Tao Jin.
"Stop!" Monk Fa Xing suddenly yelled, his voice sharp, breaking the silence. He realized that Zhao Huo had passed out, perhaps even nearing death. "He has fainted! Continuing to beat him will only kill him, and we have yet to obtain a confession!"
Tao Jin, his face red with anger, finally halted his assault, his staff stopping mid-air. He was panting, frustration evident in his eyes. "Stubborn fool! Even in this state, he refuses to confess!"
Fa Xing rose from his seat, walking closer to Zhao Huo. He prodded Zhao Huo's body with his foot. There was no response. He sighed, anger mixed with irritation. Zhao Huo's silence and lack of resistance were the most disruptive elements to his plan.
"Take him back to his cell. Let him recover a bit, then we will continue later," Fa Xing commanded.
However, before the monks could move, heavy footsteps echoed from the dark corridor.
The Abbot's Arrival and the Miraculous Salve
The door of the Hall of Punishment creaked open, revealing the resolute figure of Abbot Xuan Ye standing in the doorway. His aura of leadership filled the room, making the torches seem to flicker brighter. Behind him, Monk Hui Jian followed with an expressionless face, but his eyes gazed sharply at Zhao Huo and Fa Xing.
Abbot Xuan Ye stepped inside. "What is happening here? Why is this interrogation so brutal? I have commanded that he must not die before we obtain the truth."
Fa Xing immediately bowed respectfully, concealing his surprise. "Abbot! We... we were merely trying to obtain a confession from this traitor. He is extremely stubborn."
"He has fainted," Xuan Ye interrupted, his gaze cold on Fa Xing. "This is no longer an interrogation. This is excessive torture. I have said, no death."
Abbot Xuan Ye then turned to face Fa Xing and the other monks. "All monks leave this place. Now. Only Hui Jian will remain."
Fa Xing was stunned. "Abbot, with all due respect, I believe I should remain here to continue the investigation."
"I believe I have been clear enough," Xuan Ye retorted, his voice now sharp and uncompromising. "I will not repeat my command. Leave!"
Abbot Xuan Ye's Inner Qi surged slightly, pressing down on everyone in the room. Fa Xing knew he could not resist. With a face showing displeasure, he bowed again and then exited the Hall of Punishment, followed by Tao Jin and the other monks, all of whom appeared uneasy and confused.
The door of the Hall of Punishment closed behind them.
Xuan Ye looked at Hui Jian. "Hui Jian, come closer. Take this salve."
The Abbot handed him a small bottle containing a golden-green ointment. "This is a miraculous salve made by Tang Feng of the Tang Family. Apply it to Zhao Huo's wounds. This salve will instantly restore the condition of his injuries."
Hui Jian took the bottle and gently applied the salve to Zhao Huo's back wounds. As soon as the salve touched his skin, a miracle occurred. The gaping wounds began to close, the blood stopped flowing, and the purplish bruises slowly faded. Zhao Huo's pale face started to regain some color, and his breathing became more regular.
III. The Grand Plan in the Hidden Dragon Cave
After finishing applying the salve, Hui Jian looked back at Abbot Xuan Ye.
"Abbot," Hui Jian said, "What is the next step? We cannot allow him to return to his cell."
Xuan Ye nodded. "Precisely, Hui Jian. Therefore, my plan is this: We will confine Zhao Huo in a cave. Not just any cave, but the Hidden Dragon Cave."
Hui Jian was astounded. The Hidden Dragon Cave (Mandarin: Qian Long Dong) was a secret place known to only a handful of senior monks. The cave was located in the deepest and most secluded part of Shaolin's back forest, hidden behind a series of complex natural formations and illusions. It was said that the cave was once used by Shaolin ancestors for extreme meditation.
"The Hidden Dragon Cave (Qian Long Dong)?" Hui Jian repeated, slightly gasping. "But Abbot... that is a very difficult place to reach, and very few know about it."
"Precisely," Xuan Ye said. "No one is to know about Zhao Huo's presence there. Not even the most loyal guard monks should know who they are guarding, or what they are guarding."
"Why, Abbot?" Hui Jian asked, growing more perplexed.
Xuan Ye looked at him with a serious gaze. "There are several reasons. First, Zhao Huo's continued presence here, alive, can further cause division within the Alliance. Rumors are already spreading, and hatred towards him will only increase. His presence becomes a weak point that can be exploited by our enemies."
"Second, there is a high possibility that he will continue to be targeted by the Demonic Cult, if they know he is still alive. They might try to silence him completely. Furthermore," Xuan Ye sighed, "Fa Xing... it seems he has already realized that he is under suspicion."
"By placing Zhao Huo in the Hidden Dragon Cave (Qian Long Dong)," Xuan Ye continued, "the first reason is for his own protection. There, he will be safe from his torturers, from Demonic Cult spies, and from Fa Xing's intrigues. No one will be able to find him."
Xuan Ye paused, looking into Hui Jian's eyes. "And the second reason... I want Zhao Huo to be considered dead from the torture."
Hui Jian gasped. "What?! Why so, Abbot?! You don't mean... to kill him, do you?!"
"Do not panic, Hui Jian," Xuan Ye said, raising a hand. "I do not intend to kill him, but merely to stage it. By confining him in the Hidden Dragon Cave, he will be safe there, out of everyone's sight. No one will search for him anymore, and the Demonic Cult will think they have successfully silenced him. The Alliance leaders will see it as a fitting 'punishment,' and this will temporarily ease political tensions."
"Confine him for one month there," Xuan Ye commanded. "Continue to provide for his needs. Do not let him starve, and give him the opportunity to fully recover, both physically and mentally. After that..."
"After that, Abbot?" Hui Jian looked at him expectantly.
Abbot Xuan Ye's eyes now glowed with a burning determination, mixed with deep wisdom. "After one month has passed, I will handle him myself. It is time for the Dragon to be guided to become Shaolin's true strength."
Hui Jian was astounded. This plan... was very daring and dangerous, yet brilliant.
"I understand, Abbot," Hui Jian said, bowing deeply. "I will ensure Zhao Huo is safe in the Hidden Dragon Cave. I will carry out your command."
Xuan Ye nodded, a heavy burden lifted from his shoulders. "Very well. Now, let us move him carefully. We must do so without attracting attention."
With that, the two of them, the Abbot and the Head Monk of Shaolin, began to unbind Zhao Huo from the pillar, preparing to take him to his secret hiding place. Outside the Hall of Punishment, the Jianghu still roiled in confusion and suspicion, unaware that behind Shaolin's ancient walls, the seeds of hope and a greater plan of retribution had just been sown.