Dong-
As the bell of Zen Grove Buddhist Temple rang throughout the temple.
This year's Waterwood Dharma Assembly officially began.
In the center of the temple, Yuankong, clad in a yellow kasaya and holding a Vajra, stepped out of the main hall first, followed by a group of monks.
Two white-bearded monks followed closely on either side of Yuankong. The one on his left held a Jade Purifying Bottle. Of course, it could not possibly be a Dharma Treasure; it was probably just a ceremonial prop.
The white-bearded monk on his right held the Eight-Treasure Canopy-a large umbrella with gold-thread edging and eight pieces of colored glass, each a different color, dangling from its rim.
Holding the Vajra, Yuankong walked with steady steps, reciting Buddhist Scriptures.
The monks behind him also recited Buddhist Scriptures.
The white-bearded monks on either side of Yuankong both had Foundation Establishment cultivation, and the Buddhist scriptures they chanted seemed to carry some peculiar Spell Arts.
It swiftly quieted the previously noisy, bustling atmosphere.
Chu Xingchen frowned slightly and asked, "The Buddhist Sect pulls this sort of thing too?"
Yaoqin sneered. "Why else do you think Buddhism is still so unwelcome in Central Province?"
Seeing his senior sister's puzzled gaze, Li Xingtian explained:
"Those two white-bearded monks used Buddhist Sect Spell Arts that can shake people's minds."
Li Yingling nodded in realization.
The ceremony continued.
With a solemn expression on his little face, Yuankong approached the meditation cushions that had been arranged.
The cushions had been placed directly in front of the spirit tablets. Yuankong sat down first, then looked up and saw his senior brother.
He stood amid a pile of flowers and spirit tablets, wearing a kindly smile, looking for all the world as though they were holding his funeral.
And there was the