The last wall of Xiqi's capital crumbled to dust beneath the torrent of the Human Emperor's iron cavalry.
This war, stirred up by the Heavenly Mandate and ended by Humanity's Dao, drew to a bloody close.
Yet high in the void, where mortal eyes could not see, another pursuit had only just begun.
Dozens of streaks of golden Buddha Light, like a swarm of startled locusts, fled madly toward Southern Jambudvipa's western border, burning their Origin for speed.
They were the last survivors of the Western Teachings who had infiltrated the Eastern Land.
Leading them were several bodhisattvas whose cultivation had reached the Daluo Golden Immortal realm.
In days past, their sacred countenances had been solemn, the Merit Golden Wheels behind their heads brilliant. Their every movement manifested boundless Buddhist power, bringing salvation to all beings.
But now, where was even a trace of compassion or solemnity on their faces?
Only panic, terror, and a desperation etched into their very marrow remained.
"Faster! Go faster!"
"We're almost out of Southern Jambudvipa!"
"Once we return to the Western Ox Continent, we'll be safe!"
A bodhisattva roared hoarsely.
Fine cracks covered his golden body.
Those injuries had come earlier, outside Chaoge City, when the aftershocks of the suction from Daji's terrifying Demon Jar struck him.
Eight hundred arhats had been refined into nothingness above Chaoge City with a mere raise of a demon consort's hand.
That news, like the most vicious curse, had utterly shattered the Buddhist hearts of every one of them.
They had come to the Eastern Land on Saint Zhunti's orders to spread their doctrine, taking advantage of the chaos of the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation to guide lost Humanity and seize a share of Humanity's Dao Fortune for the Western Teachings.
In their eyes, this should have