Chang'an, Tang Dynasty.
Outside one of the halls in the Imperial City, an enormous raised platform had already been erected.
Countless monks sat cross-legged beneath the platform, quietly chanting Buddhist scriptures. Beyond them stood countless high officials of the Tang Dynasty, scions of noble families, and royal princesses and marquises.
It could almost be said that...
Nearly every figure at the pinnacle of power in the Tang Dynasty had gathered in the vast square outside this palace.
Even Li Shimin sat high in the viewing stand outside the palace, coldly watching everything before him.
He wanted to take a good look at just how these people from the Buddhist School intended to put on this show.
Didn't they want me to play along?
The crown prince, Li Chengqian, has already gone to find his Master. He still hasn't sent word after all this time, which must mean his Master is willing to help. Otherwise, he would have had more than enough time to return.
From that alone, the Tang Dynasty still has a few cards up its sleeve.
Even if I can't stop them now, finding some way to stall for time, or even just disgust them a little, shouldn't be a problem.
Meanwhile...
The sight before Tang Sanzang made his scalp prickle.
After all, he had never even been a class officer in his previous life, yet now he was suddenly expected to stand before so many people-and expound Buddhist scriptures, at that...
Just thinking about it made him cringe with embarrassment.
Even with a system at his disposal, Tang Sanzang's heart was a bundle of nerves.
But he had no choice.
Since he was already here, talking any more would do no good. He had to grit his teeth and get on with it.
With the two abbots