With matters in Baoling Prefecture settled, Lü Dongbin and Zhuang Yan went their separate ways. Moluo gathered with Zhuang Yan and the others for several days before setting off once more on his journey in pursuit of the Dao, encouraged by Zhuang Yan.
"Divine Lord, where are we going?" Chi Ling asked Zhuang Yan for instructions.
Zhuang Yan replied calmly, "Follow your own wishes, but do not forget the purpose of this journey."
Vanguard Hu clasped his fists. "Rest assured, Divine Lord. Safeguarding peace in the mortal realm is my duty."
Chi Ling added, "Do not worry, Divine Lord. I have always hated wickedness. If we encounter dealings like those of Yuanjue Temple again, I certainly will not spare them."
Zhuang Yan looked at his two subordinates. "You have lived on Spirit Platform Mountain for a long time and mostly traveled around Guangci Prefecture. It is time you saw the wider world. Go."
Vanguard Hu turned to Chi Ling. "Which direction will you choose?"
"West," Chi Ling answered.
Vanguard Hu nodded. "Then I will head north."
The two saluted Zhuang Yan once more, mounted the clouds, and headed off in different directions. Zhuang Yan watched them disappear into the distance before turning into a streak of light and vanishing beyond the horizon.
Three months later, Vaisali City, India, Western Ox Continent.
The holy city was especially bustling today, with a million devout believers gathered there. Mahavairocana's birthday would arrive in three days, and the entire city was preparing for a grand Buddhist assembly.
In previous years, more than a thousand eminent monks would have gathered on the scripture platform by now. Yet only two or three hundred sat there today.
"The great calamity between Buddha and demons has not yet passed. The monks of every temple can barely look after