Within Wuzhuang Temple, waves of wind rustled through the pines, and cranes called across the marshes. It truly had the air of an immortal's blessed sanctuary.
Though Qingfeng and Mingyue were covered in mud, once they returned to their own domain, their backs straightened almost despite themselves.
They led the master and his disciples through the second gate and into the main hall.
At the center of the altar stood an incense burner made of five-colored earth, honoring the two words "Heaven and Earth."
Xuanzang offered incense according to custom.
Standing to one side, Qingfeng and Mingyue had already used a cleansing spell and changed into fresh clothes. Some of their aloof pride had returned to their faces as well.
"Please look, holy monk."
Qingfeng pointed at the two words, pride coloring his voice:
"The Three Pure Ones are our master's friends, the Four Emperors his old acquaintances, the Nine Luminaries his juniors, and the Origin Stars his lesser guests. None of the gods and Buddhas filling the heavens are worthy of receiving a bow from our master. Only Heaven and Earth, which nourish all things, deserve his incense."
Xuanzang nodded slightly, his expression calm. "Heaven and Earth give life to and nurture all things. They naturally deserve reverence. With such breadth of spirit, your master is indeed an exalted man."
His response neither flattered nor contradicted them, leaving all the boasts Qingfeng and Mingyue had prepared stuck at their lips. It was as unrewarding as punching cotton.
Mingyue's eyes shifted, and he cupped his hands. "You must all be tired after your dusty journey. Our master is away, so it would not be appropriate for us to keep you in the front hall too long. The guest rooms are ready. Please go and rest first. As for the vegetarian