Farewell

Throughout the ages, the kings of Great Tang had all suppressed Buddhism and exalted Daoism.

Yet ever since the barbarian monks of the Western Regions had brought scriptures to the Central Plains on a white horse, the Buddhist Order, relying on its doctrines of reincarnation and karmic retribution, had spread across the land like a prairie fire.

Though it had also known periods of decline after reaching its zenith.

After the previous dynasty had vigorously promoted Buddhism, however, Incense-Fire Power had spread everywhere, and temples had risen in great numbers.

The Buddhist Order had long since become a colossal force that could not be ignored.

Now, eight hundred years after Great Tang's founding, even with the imperial court deliberately suppressing it, the Buddhist Order remained deeply entrenched. It stood in rivalry with the Daoist Order and had formed a world of its own beyond secular royal authority.

Liangzhou Prefecture, west city gate.

Dust billowed along the official road.

Two monks clad in worn cassocks were slowly making their way toward the city gate, one before the other.

The one in front was an old monk with snow-white beard and hair. His face was withered, his expression solemn. He fingered a string of prayer beads whose original color could no longer be discerned, murmuring a Buddhist invocation with every step.

Following behind him was a younger monk, seemingly only a little over thirty. A lingering viciousness hung between his brows, yet before the old monk, he appeared incomparably respectful.

The soldiers guarding the gate had intended to step forward and question them, but for some reason, the moment their gazes met the old monk's, a chill ran through their hearts, and they unconsciously stepped aside.

The two entered the gate without hindrance, passed through several streets and alleys, and finally stopped