The Dragon Temple

Since centuries back, acolytes have been trained in Long Si, the Dragon Temple. The monastery was founded in the year of the rooster, 625 AD, seven years into the Tang Dynasty. In spite of following the omens and establishing the temple in the most auspicious location, its founders all succumbed to terrible afflictions. But according to an old prophesy, their fate was still to save the nation from an ancient threat, and the monastery was duly taken over by dedicated followers. All students at Long Si must study history, scripture, meditation, chanting and gong fu—the ancient fighting technique. Some boys arrive as young as four or five, others turn up later, but regardless they must all observe strict discipline and push through brutal daily drills. Long Si is not for everyone. And it certainly isn’t for girls.