Master Duanchen gathered the three pilgrims in a side hall, leaving them to talk through their own matters while he stepped back.0

“My apologies for the spectacle, benefactors.” Master Duanchen smiled apologetically. “I usually don’t resort to violence when receiving pilgrims.”0

“Great master, you are a man of character.” Meng Jingzhou placed a hand over his chest, impressed by the abbot’s earlier actions.2

Master Duanchen sighed. “Actually, cases like the third pilgrim have become common in recent years. I have no idea why.0

“They seemed to have fallen into some strange trance, viewing their wives and children as shackles, whereby they abandon their families and enter monastic life. After several months or years, they get over it and want to return to secular life. I’m not sure about faraway...3