"Hm?"
Atop Small Hill, the robed man speaking with Shilifu She suddenly changed expression. He leaped from his horse and landed in front of him.
"Grandmaster Moro, what are you doing?" The sudden move startled Shilifu She, but he understood at once. "An enemy is coming?"
"And no ordinary enemy," the Monk said with a sigh. He lightly dismounted and came to Shilifu She's side. Pressing his palms together, he said, "Yabghu, please dismount at once so this humble monk can protect you."
"Dismount?" Shilifu She frowned. "The enemy hasn't even appeared, and you want me off my horse? That's the act of a coward! Besides, these warhorses were raised on water from the sacred mountain. Even the Living Buddha said they've gained spiritual awareness and are the finest of the finest..."
The Monk shook his head. "However they were raised, they're still beasts. Faced with disaster, they'll panic and scatter. You won't be able to control them, and the enemy may even turn that to their advantage. Please let this humble monk protect you. The one coming may be beyond Envoy Moro's ability to handle."
"Grandmaster, you know who's coming? Then shouldn't you go help..." Shilifu She frowned.
Whoosh!
A sudden rush of flapping cloth sounded as the robed man appeared before Shilifu She in a blur.
"Master Shi Nuo hasn't necessarily identified the newcomer. He simply isn't certain he can win."
With a sweep of his robe, he sent runes flying into the air. They gave off a bright, warm, soothing aura that enveloped Shilifu She.
"Rest assured, Yabghu. My lord's power knows no bounds. He will keep you safe."
His voice held confidence and composure.
"Amitabha!"
At Shi Nuo's invocation, his Kasaya flew from his body and spun in midair, becoming a golden dome that descended over