Dust returned to dust, earth to earth.
Auspicious clouds gathered, and the tower ship sailed on.
Between heaven and earth, the golden palms of Non-Abiding Nirvana came together, then slowly vanished without a trace.
After a battle that shook heaven and earth, the sun rose as usual.
Within Subduing Dragon Temple, the startled birds circled several times before folding their wings and settling upon the rooftops.
Splash.
Foam churned, fishing nets overturned, and dead fish with white bellies slid across the ground, their shed scales sticking to the stone.
The monks who fished fished, and those who moved pond stones moved pond stones, rebuilding Reclining Elephant Lake. With nothing else to do, the outstanding disciples of the major sects joined in as well, clearing away the cracked stone slabs and collapsed walls nearby. The work was in full swing.
Many of the temple's small houses had low thresholds and had been flooded, so everything had to be taken out to dry.
Judging solely by the scene, it truly carried something of the atmosphere of a Buddhist Treasure Land being attacked, then rebuilt afterward.
Outside Subduing Dragon Temple, countless believers watched the Golden Buddha vanish into the void, feeling lost. Though filled with reluctance, they still did not wish to leave. They formed long lines to enter the temple, waiting to offer a stick of Coiled Dragon Incense and catch a glimpse of the Ninth Buddha's true appearance, perhaps even a corner of Mahavairocana.
"Chirp!"
A bird called softly.
As Non-Abiding Nirvana disappeared, another great battle came to an end in a neglected corner.
Ripples swelled across the river, blood streaking the white foam.
A Marsh Weasel, its body covered in patchy bald spots and its eyes swollen purple, emerged from the river. It took two rough breaths, shook its head