The sun shone brightly, the heat unbearable, and the occasional chirping of cicadas could be heard.

On a road leading to a small town below, two monks, one old and one young, were walking forward.

They were both dressed in coarse white robes.

The difference was that the old monk wore a string of Buddhist beads around his neck, a Zen staff in his hand, and a white robe with gold patterns.

The young monk carried a box on his back, which contained several scriptures, writing brushes, inkstones, and some spare clothes.

There was also a Buddha statue, which had been blessed and possessed a certain spiritual power.

Judging from their direction, they were heading into the town.

The young monk, about twenty years old, had the appearance of a young man, and looked a little listless.

The old monk, despite his age, had the air of a highly accomplished monk, full of energy.

"Master, hurry! I'm dying of thirst!" the young monk in front called to the old monk behind him. "What's the rush? We're almost there," the old monk replied leisurely.

His pace quickened.

The master and disciple had been traveling all day, exhausted and thirsty. Seeing a small town ahead, they decided to get something to eat.

The young monk, lacking the old monk's power, was exhausted, his face pale.

Eager to quickly get to the town to find something to eat and replenish his energy, he unknowingly slipped ahead of the old monk.

The old monk, noticing this, quickened his pace to catch up. Soon, the two entered the town.

Arriving in the town, they were amazed by the various shops and vendors hawking their wares.

"This town doesn't look big, but it's quite lively!" the young monk exclaimed.

"Master, there's a teahouse up ahead. Let's go there."

The old monk nodded.

So, the two of them headed towards the teahouse. Seeing two monks, one old and one young, approaching, the waiter hurried out to greet them. "What would you like to eat?"

"Two plates of cakes and a pot of tea," the old monk replied.

"Please come inside, it will be ready in a moment," the waiter replied.

The master and disciple then walked into the teahouse, found a seat by the window, set their belongings aside, and sat down.

A moment later, the waiter placed two plates of cakes, a pot of tea, and two cups on the table.

The old monk then pulled a silver ingot from his pocket and handed it to the waiter.

The waiter took the silver and walked away.

The young monk, thirsty, picked up the cup and poured himself some tea.

The old monk looked on without comment, as if he was used to it.

After a few sips of tea, the young monk asked, "Master, how long will it take us to return from this trip?"

"As soon as we're done!" the old monk replied. "Those people are such idiots! They insisted on having you, Master, personally take care of this, making me suffer for nothing."

The young monk muttered to himself, feeling unhappy.

"Stop complaining! This matter is serious. It's beyond the reach of ordinary people. I have to personally take action," the old monk patiently reminded him.

The young monk obediently took a few more sips of tea.

He knew it was serious, but he was tired and thirsty after such a long journey, and he felt a little unhappy and wanted to complain.

At this moment, the old monk also picked up his cup, poured tea, and began to drink.

After a few sips of the tea, he felt much cooler, less hot.

Then, the two of them each picked up their plates of pastries and began to eat.

After a while, they heard whispers coming from the next table.

"Have you heard? There's been a lot of unrest on the mountain outside the town lately," one of them asked.

"Rumor has it that a demon haunts that mountain and devours livestock. Many cattle and sheep that approach the mountain mysteriously disappear.

A few days later, the bodies of the missing cattle and sheep appear near the dilapidated temple on the mountain.

The bodies have been drained of blood, leaving only hollow shells, a terrifying sight," another person replied.

Then, another person took up the conversation, saying,

"Not only that, but even the shepherds have disappeared, no one has seen them alive, no one has found their bodies.

The authorities have been unable to uncover the cause, and it remains an unsolved case.

Now, no one dares approach that mountain, saying it's cursed and devours people."

This rumor gradually spread throughout the town, and people avoided the mountain, fearing they would be devoured by the mountain if they approached.

Before they knew it, the master and disciple had finished the cakes on the table. At this point, the young monk asked, "Master, where are we staying tonight?"

The old monk picked up his staff and said, "We're not staying in the hotel tonight. Let's go to the dilapidated temple on the mountain outside the town."

The young monk, puzzled, asked, "They say there's a demon. Why are we going?"

In fact, even as the old monk listened to the others' talk, he had already guessed that this was most likely a demonic presence.

That's why he decided to go to the mountain and take a look.

Then he had the young monk carry his suitcase and baggage, and they left the restaurant and headed for the mountain outside the town.