Monk Bai Mei left the capital and arrived beneath a tree in the outskirts. Another old monk in white waited there, thin as a bundle of dry sticks, looking as though his life was nearing its end. He appeared even older than Monk Bai Mei, yet his bearing was serene. He was Monk Bai Mei's second disciple.
"Master, has senior brother been sent on to his next incarnation?"
Monk Bai Mei nodded. "Your senior brother was too prone to killing in his past lives. Had I not come in person this time, evil Monsters would surely have come to take revenge, preventing him from entering the womb. Though the concentration and wisdom he cultivated over several lifetimes would have protected him, keeping his primordial spirit from being damaged or falling into ruin through calamity, what would have been the point? Killing his enemies would leave old grudges unresolved while adding new ones. Now that he has entered the womb, his cultivation would ordinarily spare him the veil of oblivion between incarnations. I have sealed his spiritual awareness so he can spend a few years in the prince's household as an ordinary child. During that time, other evil Monsters will come to spy and probe. You must protect him in secret and drive them away. Once he is past seven and awakens to his memories in this life, he will be able to protect himself without worry."
The old monk bowed with his palms together. "Amitabha. This disciple will ensure that senior brother grows up safely."
Monk Bai Mei continued, "When that time comes, you too should go on to your next Reincarnation. Through my power to perceive past lives, I have investigated your next life. You should be born in Shandong. After this parting, we must wait a full sixty