The golden cloud layer finally came to a stop above the village. Buddha light shone everywhere, Sanskrit chants rolled vast and mighty, and the golden radiance spilling from the clouds spread toward the village, only to be blocked at its edge by some invisible barrier.
Everyone in the village faced a formidable enemy, staring fixedly at the cloud layer overhead. Then the clouds shifted, revealing several golden figures surrounded by Buddha light, flawless and perfect, looking down upon all living beings from on high.
"Southern Borderlands ancient village territory. Visitors, halt!"
The black-robed elder riding a giant beetle shouted sternly. He did not waste breath asking why they had come. It was obvious they were not here as guests, so there was no need to show them a friendly face.
White's arms and calves were covered in lustrous white scales. Red light gleamed in his eyes, and his teeth were sharp as he stared fixedly at the phantom golden Buddha in midair, a threatening growl rumbling from his throat.
"White, they seem to have come for you." The butterfly flew to White's side, and the girl seated atop it spoke softly.
"I know." White nodded. "But it has nothing to do with that monk. Something must have happened in the village."
The golden light was brilliant and peaceful, while the Buddha Image shone dazzlingly. Ordinary people would probably have immediately knelt and kowtowed at the sight, but White found it deeply, deeply uncomfortable. Sure enough, the monk in the village was much more pleasing to the eye.
Everyone watched the uninvited guests in the sky as though facing a great enemy. Buddha Lord stood on a field ridge, quietly observing the Buddha light filling the distant heavens.
In midair, one of the golden figures pressed his palms together, his appearance