Tongyuan led just two monks across the Five Wisdom Bridge. Long Xuan'en's jade palanquin was carried straight to the square ahead, where five hundred Imperial Guards lined either side and one hundred Imperial Bodyguards formed two ranks beside it. All horses and carriages were left outside the square. Beyond the Five Wisdom Bridge, the way continued up a flight of steps. As a mark of respect for the Heavenly Dragon Temple, the horses and the five hundred Imperial Guards would remain stationed at the foot of the mountain rather than accompany the emperor up.
The jade palanquin slowly settled to the ground before the Five Wisdom Bridge. A little eunuch came forward and knelt before it. Someone inside lifted the beaded curtain, and Long Xuan'en emerged shakily. Stepping onto the little eunuch's back, he was supported by two other eunuchs until his feet finally reached firm ground. Long Xuan'en raised his head and narrowed his eyes at the Heavenly Dragon Temple ahead. Moonlight flowed like water over the vast temple complex, lending it an even more unfathomable air of mystery.
Tongyuan crossed the Five Wisdom Bridge. The two monks stopped, leaving him to approach Long Xuan'en alone. He walked slowly between the ranks to the front of the jade palanquin, pressed his palms together, and said respectfully, "Tongyuan of the Heavenly Dragon Temple pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
Standing to one side, Hu Xiaotian studied the abbot of the Heavenly Dragon Temple. Tongyuan was around forty, with a jet-black beard, a square face, and stern, upright features. His face lacked the kindly brows and gentle eyes one expected of an eminent monk. Instead, he possessed the fierce, imposing bearing of a vajra arhat, making people reluctant to approach him lightly.
Long Xuan'en smiled. "Greetings, Master Tongyuan! It has been