"Your Majesty has played this well."
Tang Sanzang gave a proper Daoist salute. His voice was so calm that no one could hear a trace of emotion.
"Since Your Majesty has granted us our travel permit, we'll trouble you no further."
"We've had our fill of the Crow-Cock Kingdom's 'peace' as well."
The false king on the dragon throne nodded slightly. His gentle smile remained in place, making him look like a perfect doll.
"Safe travels, Daoist masters. May this eternal peace protect you all."
Tang Sanzang had just turned to lead the squad out of the hall when—
"Please wait, Daoist masters."
A cool, even voice rang through the hall.
Everyone looked toward the speaker. The Quanzhen Sect Taoist who had stood beside the false king with his eyes closed, as motionless as a clay statue, slowly opened them.
The Taoist had a gaunt face and wore a faded Eight Trigrams robe. His aura was restrained almost beyond detection.
He looked at Tang Sanzang. There was none of a monster's viciousness in his eyes, only compassion and hope.
"I hear you are accomplished masters from the Eastern Tang Empire, and heirs to an orthodox Daoist tradition."
The Taoist bowed and performed an impeccably proper Daoist salute.
"I have preached in the Crow-Cock Kingdom for many years, but I cannot do enough alone."
"Would you be willing to stay a few days and hold lectures here, spreading the Daoist teachings?"
"If you could help the true principles of Daoism take root in the Crow-Cock Kingdom, I would be... deeply grateful."
His appeal was utterly sincere. Every word spoke of loyalty and devotion to Daoism.
The members of the Preaching Squad felt a jolt as they listened to this "Quanzhen Sect Taoist."
Here was something that could stop the Preaching Squad