Chechi Kingdom.
A temple outside the city stood in ruins, its walls crumbling and its grounds devastated.
The five master and disciples ate wild greens and drank thin porridge, their faces grim as they stared at the crowd of monks nearby. The monks were covered in dust and grime, their bodies bearing numerous lash marks.
"It seems Bodhisattva Lingji was right. The Holy Monk and his disciples really have come to save us! Back when our old abbot was still alive, he received guidance from Bodhisattva Lingji. What a pity he can't witness our Buddhist disciples rising again and reclaiming our rightful place in Chechi Kingdom."
A short, gaunt monk with a sallow face and white beard said.
He clutched Tang Sanzang's arm with both hands, tears streaking down his face. His miserable appearance brought tears to the eyes of the other monks as well.
"Holy Monk, please save us!"
Someone started the plea, and all the monks pressed their palms together and knelt before Tang Sanzang. Their pitiful, victimized appearance was enough to stir anyone's sympathy.
"Bah!"
Zhu Bajie spat right in the monk's face.
When they had first arrived in Chechi Kingdom, they saw several Daoists forcing this group of monks to work, so Sun Wukong had freed them at Tang Sanzang's request.
Sun Wukong had also explained why Chechi Kingdom revered the Three Pure Ones' Daoist teachings and looked down on Buddhism.
"Twenty years ago, Chechi Kingdom suffered a terrible drought. You fat, well-fed monks did nothing but exploit the people. You couldn't even get Buddha or the bodhisattvas to send down rain. It was the three Imperial Advisors who called up the wind and summoned the rain, ensuring Chechi Kingdom's weather stayed favorable."
"Earlier, you tricked the three of us, claiming that the three Imperial Advisors