As they listened to Qilian Mi's account, Shen Luo and Bai Xiaotian's expressions gradually darkened. Looking at Zhanguo sitting blankly in the corner of the flying boat behind them, they could not help feeling a measure of sympathy.
As it turned out, Zhanguo had been the king of Danhuan Kingdom. He had been fostered in a temple from childhood, which was why he possessed a kind heart and devoutly believed in Buddhism. After the old king passed away, he naturally succeeded to the throne as the new king.
After becoming king, he worked diligently to govern the kingdom, reduced taxes, built temples, and spread benevolence throughout the land. He made great vows and performed good deeds, hoping to attain true fruition through virtuous acts and accumulated merit.
During his mere three years on the throne, he had repeatedly shaved his head and entered the monastic life, offering himself to Empty Forest Temple, the largest temple in the kingdom, only to be ransomed back by his ministers at great expense each time.
After all this turmoil, Zhanguo had brought peace and prosperity to the people and won their hearts, but he had also gradually drawn criticism from the ministers, while undercurrents began to stir within the court.
Finally, one day, the general who commanded the kingdom's military forces launched a coup, placed him under house arrest, and forced him to abdicate.
Zhanguo had never cared much for state affairs to begin with, so he readily ceded the throne.
The general did not make things difficult for him either. He gave him a sum of money and had him move out of the palace with his queen and two princes, allowing them to live as ordinary people.
Zhanguo had always been pure-hearted and free of worldly desires, so the changes in his