Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2628

The shrine was small and had no name. It looked ancient, with even the moss on the stone slabs at the corners of the walls exuding a sense of history.

Inside, they saw a few people who looked like local villagers paying their respects. The villagers weren’t surprised to see them and even offered a friendly greeting. “Here for some sightseeing?”

Jenny, who could make friends with anyone, struck up a cheerful conversation.

The shrine was small, shaded by green pines and weeping willows. The faint sound of chanting seemed to drift from an unknown source, hovering over the grounds. Standing in the central courtyard, the chirping of birds and buzzing of cicadas outside only emphasized the shrine’s serene and ethereal atmosphere.

The main hall was ahead. While it lacked the grandeur of a large temple, the entrance was imposing and the statues inside were tall, inspiring a natural sense of reverence. A place like this, hidden deep in the mountains and shrouded by forest, had to be home to a wise man dedicated to quiet contemplation.

Sylvia respected faith but wasn't a believer herself, so she didn’t join Jonas and the others in kneeling. Instead, she followed a small path toward the back. Bamboo lined the walls, rustling in the wind like a sacred chant.

She passed through a moon gate into a small courtyard. Just as she was about to step inside, a deep, quiet voice stopped her. “Don’t wander off.”

Sylvia turned to see Gabriel following her.

“There’s no gate here. It should be okay to go in, right?” she reasoned.

Just as she spoke, an old, kind voice answered, “You may. Please, come in.”

Sylvia looked over and saw a wise man in a simple gray robe sweeping fallen leaves with a broom. His beard was completely white.

She pressed her palms together. “Hello. I’m sorry to bother you.”

The wise man smiled warmly. “All who find their way here are brought by fate.”

Sylvia shot Gabriel a subtle, questioning look and stepped into the courtyard. Gabriel followed with a sigh.

The wise man set down his broom and sat on a cushion, his presence radiating an otherworldly calm. He poured two cups of tea and placed them on a simple wooden table. “Where have you two come from? And what do you seek?”

“What does it say?” Sylvia asked.

The wise man recited in a slow, aged voice, “The moon on the water, the flower in the mirror, all begins as illusion. Life is like a dream, but this dream is not a dream.”

Sylvia frowned. “You said it was auspicious. What does that mean?”

The wise man pointed to an old well in the courtyard. “The moon in the well is the moon in the sky. The person before you is the person in your heart. The dream is not a dream; you must wake in time to avoid becoming a mere spectator in your own life.”

Sylvia glanced at Gabriel, a strange sense of déjà vu washing over her. She felt like she had heard or read those words somewhere before.

Gabriel was leaning against a large Bodhi tree, his gaze sharp, his lips pressed into a thin line.

“You don’t understand, my dear? No matter. One moment,” the wise man said. He rose and shuffled toward the small house behind him.