Qing Province, the border wilds of Xining Commandery.
The plains stretched wide, covered in wild grass and rotting wood piled layer upon layer. To the west lay an unbroken range of snow-clad mountains; to the north, deserts spread far and wide, windblown sand rising on every side.
Cattle and sheep drifted slowly across the wilderness like clouds. Ahead, crowds of men and women, half foreigners and half people of Great Li, prostrated themselves with every step as they made their way toward the temples and treasure halls clustered at the center of the plains, like fish swimming into the sea.
The temples were resplendent, colorful flags and Scripture Banners fluttering above them. The main hall towered in magnificent splendor, with four Buddhist pagodas-white, red, black, and green-at its corners. Iron walls enclosed the pagodas, demonic qi intertwining with radiant light. The murals depicted all manner of demons, spirits, heavenly kings, and mighty warriors, their forms hideous and terrifying.
A crowd of mortals gathered before the temple gates. A gleaming golden plaque bore the imposing, magnificent words "Formless Temple." The gates were tightly shut.
The gates slowly opened a crack, and a powerfully built monk stepped out. He wore yellow robes and had thick brows, heavy lips, and an ape-like face.
At his appearance, the mortals outside the temple fell silent, not daring to make another sound. Scattered among them, quite a few children of seven or eight stepped forward, most with frightened eyes, their parents holding them firmly and pushing them ahead.
The ugly monk looked around, then approached the children. His palm, as broad as a cattail fan, passed over their heads one by one. Most showed no response, but radiant light arose from a few, their bodies turning transparent to reveal stark white bones.
"Good. These few have