I recall that my master was a person who often spoke in a mysterious and obscure way, otherwise he wouldn't have become the master. No matter how he treated others, he always treated me well, everything was for me to become stronger and faster, he often gave me special treatment, it seemed like he never considered me as a Shaolin monk, I could even skip reciting scriptures every day.

  Master said, "If you don't believe in your heart, then it's useless to practice." This led to my habit of pretending not to believe whenever I didn't like something. But some things can't be divided into believing or not believing, because they are concrete actions, such as sweeping the floor.

  Master said I was special and that if my power could protect Shaolin in times of danger, then it would be worth recalling old favors. It's certain that I couldn't believe in Buddhism, maybe there were some exaggerated stories about it. Shaolin and Buddhism, although inseparable, are not the same thing, since they have different names, so no matter what, I am from Shaolin.

  From a young age, Master taught me some principles, which made me think that principles are actually meaningless, any sentence can be considered a principle, if you only seek principles. I could only recall Master's previous words, many of which even he himself couldn't remember clearly. His appearance was always kind and gentle, it seemed like to become a respected elder in Shaolin, one must have a kind face, if from childhood one had an ugly face, no matter how kind-hearted they were, they wouldn't be able to join Shaolin.

  Maybe that's why those with unkind faces went to other sects. And maybe the reason Shaolin has been able to last for so many dynasties is because everyone has such a gentle face, I wonder how many people are ruthless and cruel enough to raise their hands against their own grandfathers? Master was truly strange, in my heart, his impression will always be between that of a grandfather and a father. I really don't know what it is.

  And Shī Gē (senior brother) Shì Kōng, has been treated almost the same as me since we were young. There's a rumor that he is the crown prince, but his mother was bullied by the empress, so she secretly sent him out to be raised. Once he grew up, they would send him back, and when the time is ripe, he could become the emperor. I think this is impossible, it's probably just an excuse made up by Shī Fù (master) to explain why we are a bit special, so that all the other disciples will be convinced.

  My senior brother is a very strange person, I always thought he should have some special abilities, but in fact, until I left, nothing was discovered. And he has been enthusiastic about doing household chores, but it seems that there is no achievement except for the hook. But my senior brother seems to be tireless. He is also a person who gives me a very strange impression, because of our special status, we have always played together, but I always feel that he is just an intimate playmate and cannot pour his heart out to him, which is very strange, especially after Xi Le came.

  Now they are all gone. I think if it were my master, he might have let go of this matter, there's no big difference, just can't meet each other anymore. And I reckon at least I'll be sad for a while, but fortunately, happiness is still here.