Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, in the chaotic Profound Yellow Heaven.
"Master, several years have passed since Xuanzang left Chang'an.
I have watched that scripture seeker journey west, and his travels have been quite peaceful," Daoist Beiyuan said softly.
Lu Yuan did not open his eyes, merely saying, "Peaceful? Look closely."
Within the water mirror, Tang Monk rode a white horse along a mountain path.
The white horse's hooves moved lightly, its steps steady as it crossed loose stones and shallow streams.
Tang Monk sat upright in the saddle, holding the Nine-Ringed Monk's Staff, his expression serene as he silently recited scriptures.
No figures could be seen beside him, yet Buddhist light faintly flowed along the mountain path.
The tigers, wolves, and other beasts beside the road caught the scent from afar and fled in panic.
The poisonous miasma in the mountain ravines was swept aside by an invisible force before he even approached.
"The Buddhist Sect's Dharmapalas are clearing the way in secret," Lu Yuan said calmly.
"The Six Ding and Six Jia, the Five Directional Jiedi, the Four Duty Meritorious Officers, and the Eighteen Guardian Sangharamas take turns on duty day and night.
They dare not reveal themselves and alarm mortals, but they sweep the road ahead utterly clean."
Daoist Yuanchu frowned. "Then isn't Tang Monk being kept in the dark?"
"Mortal eyes cannot see gods and Buddhas. He merely thinks himself blessed and fortunate." Lu Yuan's gaze deepened slightly.
"This is precisely the Buddhist Sect's method: letting you receive favors without letting you know you have received them.
Over time, you come to believe that all of this is the protection of Buddha Dharma, and that without the Buddhist Sect, you cannot move a single step."
Daoist Honglu looked thoughtful. "When Tang Monk left Chang'an, I saw the