Sandalwood incense curled through the quiet chamber.
A short, stout figure in plain emerald monk's robes was already seated inside, a halo of Buddha Light suspended behind his back.
His face was round, his features kindly.
But anyone who looked closely could sense the intense malice lurking in his eyes.
He was one of the Buddha Incense Golden Temple's only two surviving ancient buddhas!
[Ancient Buddha Yuefa]!
"The bishop has arrived."
Hearing the door open, Ancient Buddha Yuefa slowly raised his eyes toward the blond bishop entering the room and said in a hollow voice:
"Though you are a little late."
"Master Nu Fa of our temple has already passed away."
The Blond Archbishop showed little surprise at the news.
He had already prepared himself for it on the way here.
He sat down across the long table, straightened his clothes, and said heavily:
"My condolences, Master."
"This truly exceeded our expectations..."
"No matter."
Ancient Buddha Yuefa shook his head, cutting off the pleasantries before dropping another bombshell:
"There is no time for mourning now. Even the Sword Ancestor of the Universal Sword Tomb is gone."
"..."
The Blond Archbishop's mouth visibly twitched. "I see."
But before he could ask for details-
Ancient Buddha Yuefa waved his hand again, his tone terrifyingly calm:
"Let us dispense with the useless talk for now."
"I did not come here to blame your White Tower Church for its failures."
"After all, our two factions agreed on this together beforehand."
"Now that things have changed, we can only say that fate has made fools of us."
He paused, a sharp gleam flashing through his narrowed eyes:
"I came here merely to tell you one fact, Bishop."
"With that brat's vicious disposition and insistence on avenging every slight, after killing Nu Fa and the Sword