The Shaolin Temple...
The name "Shaolin" itself holds deep meaning. "Shao" refers to Mount Shaoshi, a peak in the Songshan mountain range, while "Lin" means "forest." Thus, Shaolin translates to "the temple in the woods of Mount Shaoshi."
Established in 477 AD during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, the Shaolin Temple stands majestically in the Songshan mountains of Henan Province.
Just as countless rivers and streams eventually merge into the sea, all martial arts traditions are said to trace their origins back to the Shaolin Temple. This belief is widely accepted among martial artists.
However, to be precise, it would be more accurate to say that the true source of Shaolin martial arts lies not in the temple itself, but in the teachings of the Indian monk Bodhidharma (Tamo), who arrived at Shaolin around 500 AD. (*A minor historical note... but an important one.*)
Those who have read the previous chapters may recall the term *Nine Shadows Scripture*—a variation mentioned by the Lord of the White Horse Fortress before his death. For over a century, a unique version of this scripture had been secretly preserved within the Shaolin Temple's archives.
But what exactly is the *Nine Shadows Scripture*? To understand its variant, we must first speak of the original.
Over three hundred years ago, a legendary martial arts manual known as the *Nine Shadows Scripture* existed. Its contents were so profound—and so deadly—that countless martial artists perished in their pursuit of it.
Younger sisters lost their brothers. Wives became widows. Children grew up fatherless. Mothers wept for their fallen sons. The martial world was drenched in blood—a dark and brutal era.
Finally, the five greatest martial masters of the time gathered atop Mount Wansong to settle the matter in a single, decisive battle. The victor would claim the scripture.
Amidst the bitter winter winds and swirling snow, they fought relentlessly for seven days and seven nights.
Though the four other masters were nearly equal in skill, Wang Zhongyuan—the founder of the Chongqing Sect—proved slightly superior. He emerged victorious and took the *Nine Shadows Scripture* with him.
Why was this scripture so coveted? The answer was simple: its immense value.
What secrets did it hold? The *Nine Shadows Scripture* compiled Bodhidharma's combat experiences after his arrival in China, including advanced techniques, internal injury treatments, and esoteric fighting forms—a culmination of nine years of meticulous documentation.
It was said that mastering even a single technique from the scripture could elevate a martial artist to unparalleled heights. With such power at stake, was it any wonder that men coveted it? Greed, after all, is an inescapable human flaw.
By the fall of the Song Dynasty, martial artists had deemed some techniques within the scripture too brutal to be taught. Thus, they decided to extract and seal away these forbidden arts within the Shaolin Temple. From that moment, peace gradually returned to the martial world.
As centuries passed, the original *Nine Shadows Scripture* faded into obscurity. Only its variant remained, hidden deep within Shaolin's archives. And so, the legend of the *Nine Shadows Scripture—Variant Edition* was born.
***
The transition from winter to spring painted the landscape in a dreamy haze—half mist, half light—a scene so poetic it could stir melancholy in even the hardest of hearts. A lone traveler, no older than seventeen, ascended the winding mountain path of Songshan in Henan Province.
Though the beauty of the season surrounded him, the young man walked with his head slightly lowered, his steps steady and unhurried. Despite the long journey, he showed no signs of fatigue—his movements were sharp, his posture firm. His compact yet muscular frame carried an air of quiet strength, as if his very hands could crush the world if he so desired.
This was none other than *Little Monkey*, the young disciple sent by the Lord of the White Horse Fortress to deliver a message to the Shaolin Temple.
The path grew steeper, but the stone steps laid centuries ago under Emperor Xiaowen's decree made the climb manageable.
At a sharp bend in the trail, a breathtaking sight unfolded—a vast temple complex, its grand halls standing as a beacon of martial tradition. This was the Shaolin Temple, the pinnacle of the martial world.
***
As Little Monkey ascended, a sudden voice called out:
*"Halt, young one. State your purpose here."*
Before him stood two young monks. One was short, his eyes half-lidded in a perpetually drowsy expression. The other was tall and agile.
*"I seek an elder of Shaolin. I bear a message,"* Little Monkey replied flatly.
His tone was firm, almost cold—a reflection of his hardened worldview. His sharp features and unyielding demeanor only deepened the monks' disdain.
*"Such arrogance! Do you not know that Shaolin is a den of dragons and tigers?"* The short monk suddenly lashed out with a *Monkey Plucks the Fruit* strike—a precise, lethal technique from Shaolin's 72 arts, aimed at dislocating Little Monkey's shoulder.
Caught off guard, Little Monkey instinctively countered with *Mountain-Splitting Fist*, a devastating Chongqing technique.
***CRACK!***
The short monk was sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth before he collapsed, lifeless.
The remaining monk paled. *"You—you murderer!"* He turned and fled toward the temple.
Little Monkey stood frozen. His first real fight… and he had killed a Shaolin monk.
There was no turning back now.
*Run, Little Monkey. Run to the ends of the earth if you must.*
***