As his words fell, they seemed to carry some mysterious magic. The monks, who had been in utter chaos moments before, instantly stopped whatever they were doing, put down everything in their hands, and stood in place with their heads bowed, murmuring "Amitabha," not daring to make another sound.
Zen Master Hai Guang had practiced Buddhism all his life, but this was the first time he had ever seen anyone dare wreak such havoc right on the Buddha's head.
Just then, an intensely murderous presence that sent a chill through him broke through the temple gates, crossed the front courtyard, and strode toward him without the slightest concealment.
Hai Guang's heart tightened. He could already sense clearly that the newcomer's cultivation was unfathomable, certainly no lower than his own!
He silently mourned for a moment for the prized disciples he had sent out to sea.
Clearly, this uninvited guest must have been the cultivator who had taken his mount, the White Bone Bird, beneath the sea.
Since this powerful enemy had come to his doorstep brimming with murderous intent, the fate of those capable disciples was easy enough to imagine.
Yet no matter how he thought it over, he could not understand. He had never met this cultivator and had no quarrel with him, past or present. Why would the man go to such lengths?
Whatever his reasons, however, this man must not leave Guanchao Temple alive today!
Otherwise, if word got out, would it not make the East Sea Sea Buddha Lineage look bereft of capable men, unable even to stop some petty troublemaker who came to its door?
Zen Master Hai Guang slammed his staff against the gleaming golden-brick floor with a heavy, solid thud.
"Return to your rooms and fetch your ritual implements. Take your positions around