Chapter 23: From Darkness, Into Flames

Traveling south from Suye City, through a series of low valleys and narrow passes, one arrives at Qianquan. This is the summer palace of the Tūnyěhǔ. Qianquan is much larger than Suye City, constructed as a military fortress, featuring the grand palace where the khan resides, various temples of different religions, and countless homes, shops, and workshops.

As Xuánzàng walked through the streets of Qianquan, he felt a deep sense of melancholy. In just a few days, the city remained unchanged, yet Tūnyěhǔ had turned to dust.

Qianquan lies on the eastern bank of the Syr Darya River. Following the river south leads to the city of Dàluósī. Dàluósī is a small city, only about eight or nine li long, but it would later become the site of a monumental battle between the two most powerful empires of the East and West. One hundred and twenty years later, the Tang Dynasty would face the newly risen Abbasid Caliphate, resulting in the complete annihilation of Gao Xianzhi’s thirty thousand troops, with only two or three thousand managing to escape back to Anxi. From that point on, the Tang Dynasty withdrew from the Western Regions.

Xuánzàng spent a night in Dàluósī. The next day, he and Qū Zhìshèng inquired about the whereabouts of the David King’s Bottle. However, those they asked either avoided the topic or displayed strange expressions, leaving the two men utterly bewildered.

Noticing the odd behavior, Xuánzàng pressed on, continuing south into the Great Desert. The locals referred to it as the “Hungry Wilderness.” This expanse of red sand was barren, with yellow sands stretching endlessly, devoid of water or grass, and infested with venomous creatures that harmed camels and horses. In the Great Desert, Xuánzàng encountered a group of Sogdian merchants. Seeing him protected by Tūyǔh cavalry, they expressed envy and begged to travel with him. Xuánzàng gladly agreed.

However, that night, while they were lodging, the merchants suddenly drew their swords and launched a surprise attack on Xuánzàng’s party. Fortunately, Dàmózhī, with his battlefield experience, remained calm and commanded the cavalry to eliminate the merchants. Xuánzàng was protected on the side, but by the time he rushed back to intervene, most of the merchants had already been killed. He found an old man among the survivors and questioned, “I have no grievances with you. Why did you attempt to harm me?”

The old man, tightly bound, still looked at Xuánzàng with greedy eyes. “Don’t you know? Word has spread along the Silk Road that a monk from the Tang Dynasty is the reincarnation of a Buddha. Eating his flesh grants immortality.”

“Absurd!” Qū Zhìshèng exclaimed, laughing in disbelief. “How can eating human flesh grant immortality?”

“Absurd? How is it absurd?” the old man retorted defiantly. “I witnessed divine beings manifest in Dàluósī, revealing this secret to us. Thousands heard it! Now, everyone along the Silk Road wants to eat your flesh!”

Xuánzàng was dumbfounded. He realized that it was A Shù who had orchestrated this, trying to prevent him from reaching Tūhuóluó.

Without saying anything further, Xuánzàng instructed Dàmózhī to release the captives. With a heavy heart, he continued on his journey. At dawn, he gazed toward the southern mountains and grasslands, murmuring, “A Shù, we are like brothers, like father and son. You forsook the ties of this world for freedom, but can you truly walk in the sunlight of Persia?”

Qū Zhìshèng, now aware of A Shù’s actions, sighed. “Master, this is an obsession. Just as I disregard the fate of Gaochang for the sake of Shuangyue, A Shù will not care for your life in pursuit of his freedom. We must be doubly cautious on this journey.”

Exiting the Great Desert, they headed west toward Samarkand.

Samarkand is a crucial hub on the Silk Road, spanning an area of about sixteen to seventeen hundred li, with the city itself covering over twenty li. It is strategically located, densely populated, and boasts a powerful military. The king is brave and skilled in battle, commanding respect from neighboring nations. Their army relies heavily on mercenaries, known as “Zhějié,” who are fierce and fearless, making them nearly invincible on the battlefield.

Xuánzàng had initially been excited about visiting Samarkand, but upon arrival, he discovered that it was a Zoroastrian state where Buddhism could not survive. Buddhist monks were driven away by the Zoroastrians, who would set fire to their temples.

This posed a significant problem for Xuánzàng. After much effort, he finally found an abandoned temple to stay in. However, that night, over a thousand people surrounded the temple, brandishing torches and shouting that they would burn Xuánzàng alive.

Dàmózhī was furious and led the cavalry to charge, but the crowd was resolute, and he hesitated, ultimately sealing the temple doors. Confused, Xuánzàng asked for a ladder to be brought so he could climb up and see the frenzied crowd outside. He called out, “Good people, I am merely passing through Samarkand and have not broken any laws. Why do you wish to burn me?”

Someone shouted back, “You Tang monk! The gods have foretold that you are the reincarnation of the Buddha, destined to oppose our Zoroastrian faith. Eating your flesh will grant us divine blessings and eternal life!”

Xuánzàng was speechless, knowing that A Shù was behind this chaos.

“Burn him! Burn him! Eat his flesh!” The crowd roared, surging forward and throwing torches into the temple. The doors were soon breached, and the crowd flooded in. Qū Zhìshèng and Dàmózhī hurriedly helped Xuánzàng down from the ladder and retreated into the main hall, ordering the cavalry to ready their bows and spears, vowing to protect him at all costs.

As the temple began to burn, the Zoroastrians hesitated to approach the archers, instead trapping them inside the hall, waiting for the flames to consume them.

The standoff continued, with the Zoroastrians lighting bonfires and singing and dancing around them, while Xuánzàng and his companions suffered in the burning hall, watching as the structure threatened to collapse. Smoke filled the air, causing them to cough uncontrollably, yet they had no means of escape.

Just then, a thunderous rumble echoed from the distance, and a thousand cavalrymen charged in, led by a tall man wearing a crown. Upon seeing him, the Zoroastrians fell to their knees, exclaiming, “Long live the king!”

It turned out that the king of Samarkand had heard the news and rushed over with the Zhějié cavalry. Upon learning that not only was there a monk from the Tang Dynasty inside, but also high-ranking officials from the Western Turks, he was taken aback and quickly dispersed the crowd, leading his men into the temple to rescue Xuánzàng.

Dàmózhī, furious, pointed at the king and said, “This is Xuánzàng, the monk from the Tang Dynasty. Both Tūnyěhǔ Khan and Nìshǔshè and Mòhèdūshè regard him as their most esteemed guest. Yet in your kingdom, you allow your people to behave so rudely!”

The king repeatedly apologized, “Your Excellency, Master, I truly did not know you were in my country. Had I known, I would have treated you with the utmost respect and would never have allowed my people to act so disrespectfully!”

“Then why are you here now?” Dàmózhī demanded angrily.

The king sighed, “In recent days, I have been worshipping a miraculous royal bottle, which contains divine beings. Tonight, while praying to the bottle, the divine being appeared and informed me that the monk was in danger. That is how I came to know.”

Xuánzàng was taken aback. “Was it the David King’s Bottle that sent you to rescue me?”

“Yes!” the king replied, puzzled. “Master, do you know the name of that bottle?”

“Not only do I know its name,” Xuánzàng said with a bitter smile, “but I also know that it incited the crowd to burn me tonight.”

At that moment, a booming voice echoed from the tallest tower in the city, shaking the entire town like thunder: “Master, this is merely a small warning for you. Do not obstruct my path again, or our fates will sever from this night onward!”

“A Shù!” Xuánzàng cried out, gazing at the tower under the full moon, filled with emotion. “Quick, Your Majesty, take me to that tower!”

The king, confused, complied and led the Zhějié cavalry to disperse the crowd, clearing a path. Xuánzàng leaped onto a horse and raced toward the tower. The tower stood ten zhang high, serving as a lookout point for the city. When Xuánzàng finally reached the top, however, the David King’s Bottle was nowhere to be found. Only the lonely full moon cast its light over the tower.

“A Shù—” Xuánzàng cried out in despair.

Knowing that the David King’s Bottle was not far from him, Xuánzàng hurriedly left Samarkand, following its trail southward. After passing through seven or eight more countries, he would reach the Iron Gate Pass.

The Iron Gate Pass is the most famous in the Western Regions, marking the boundary between the Western Turks and Tūhuóluó. It is a natural pass with cliffs and iron-colored mountains. At its narrowest point, a person can touch both sides of the cliffs with outstretched arms. The pass features a fortified gate, reinforced with iron and adorned with numerous iron bells, hence its name.

Entering the Iron Gate Pass leads one into Tūhuóluó.

Historically, the Tūhuóluó Kingdom was vast, stretching from the Iron Gate Pass in the north to the Hindu Kush mountains in the south, with the Amu Darya River flowing through it. The Tūhuóluó people once established the powerful Kuṣāṇa Empire here, boasting an army of two hundred thousand at its peak. Later, the Sasanian Persians and the Gupta Empire of India rose to prominence, leading to the decline of the Kuṣāṇa Empire, which was eventually conquered by the Yeda people.

Thirty years ago, the Western Turks and the Sasanian Persians joined forces to defeat the Yeda, resulting in the fragmentation of Tūhuóluó into dozens of small states under Western Turk control. Tūnyěhǔ Khan appointed his eldest son, Tādùshè, as the king of Tūhuóluó, residing in the city of Ahun and ruling over this vast region.

After passing through the Iron Gate Pass and traveling several hundred li, crossing the Amu Darya River, they arrived at the capital of Tūhuóluó, Ahun. A few li from the city, Dàmózhī sent someone ahead to inform Tādùshè. However, upon reaching the city gate, Tādùshè did not come personally but instead sent his eldest son, Tèqín, to greet them.

Upon inquiry, they learned that Tādùshè was gravely ill. Xuánzàng felt a surge of anxiety, fearing that A Shù might harm Tādùshè first. He hurriedly followed Tèqín to the royal palace. Tādùshè was carried on a palanquin to the palace entrance to welcome Xuánzàng and Qū Zhìshèng.

Tādùshè was in his forties, and unlike ordinary Turks, he was tall and fair-skinned, exuding an air of elegance and charm. Qū Zhìshèng was his brother-in-law, and having met years ago, Tādùshè hesitated to recognize him. Upon introduction, he was overjoyed. “Zhìshèng, Master, I have finally awaited your arrival!”

Xuánzàng was taken aback. “Your Majesty, you knew I was coming?”

“Two months ago, I received a message from the king of Gaochang, saying that Zhìshèng had become your disciple and would accompany you on your journey to the West, passing through our country. My wife and I have been eagerly awaiting your visit,” Tādùshè said, a hint of sadness in his voice. “Since then, my wife has longed for your arrival. She married me over ten years ago, far from her homeland, and misses it dearly. Seeing Zhìshèng brings her immense joy.”

Xuánzàng realized that Tādùshè was referring to Qū Wéntài’s eldest daughter.

Qū Zhìshèng, who had not seen his sister in many years, quickly asked, “Brother-in-law, where is my sister?”

“Zhìshèng, she could not wait for your arrival,” Tādùshè wept. “A month ago, she passed away.”

Qū Zhìshèng was stunned, unable to contain his grief as he broke down in tears. Tādùshè struggled to rise from the palanquin and embraced him, both weeping together.

Xuánzàng felt a deep sense of guilt. Because of the snow-capped mountains blocking the road, he had stayed in Kucha for two months and lingered in Suye City for over half a month, failing to deliver Qū Wéntài’s letter to her in time, leaving her to die with regrets.

Tādùshè inquired about Qū Wéntài’s situation, and Xuánzàng and Qū Zhìshèng exchanged glances, taking a long moment before Qū Zhìshèng finally mustered the courage to recount the tragic events in Gaochang. Tādùshè was stunned, unable to comprehend that a eunuch’s conspiracy had led to the deaths of two princes and left Qū Wéntài paralyzed.

Qū Rénshù and Qū Déyǒng were the biological brothers of Qū Hédūn, both born of the Turkic princess. Tādùshè lamented deeply but was still glad to see them. That evening, he hosted a banquet in the palace for the two, inviting Qū Hédūn’s children to meet their uncle. The older child was only eleven or twelve, while the younger was merely seven or eight. Both were polite and well-mannered, and they bore a striking resemblance to Qū Zhìshèng. Unable to hold back, Qū Zhìshèng embraced the children and wept again.

During the banquet, Tādùshè said to Xuánzàng, “Master, you have traveled a long way. Why not stay in Ahun for a few days? Once I recover, I will personally accompany you to India.”

Xuánzàng clasped his hands in gratitude and asked, “Your Majesty, when did you fall ill?”

“A month ago,” Tādùshè replied. “Since Qū Hédūn’s passing, I have been consumed with grief, and my health has deteriorated.”

“Oh,” Xuánzàng sighed in relief. A month ago, it seemed unlikely that A Shù was involved.

Tādùshè, being very perceptive, noticed Xuánzàng’s expression and couldn’t help but ask, “Master, you seem quite concerned about the timing of my illness.”

Xuánzàng hesitated for a moment. “Your Majesty, may I ask you to dismiss your attendants? I have something important to discuss with you.”

Tādùshè was taken aback. “Is it something serious?”

“Brother-in-law,” Qū Zhìshèng said solemnly, “there is indeed a grave matter at hand. Our arrival concerns your safety.”

Despite his illness, Tādùshè remained alert and immediately ordered his attendants to leave the palace, sending the two princes back to the inner palace, leaving only the three of them seated together in the hall.

“Master, if you have important matters to discuss, please feel free to speak,” said Dushé.

“Your Majesty, are you aware of the great turmoil occurring in the Turkic royal court?” Xuanzang asked.

Dushé’s expression darkened immediately, and he gritted his teeth, saying, “Master, are you referring to the incident where Moheduo assassinated my father? I have already received news about it. I was just planning to mobilize my army and march north through the Iron Gate Pass to avenge my father! However, I am currently gravely ill, and if my army were to leave the Iron Gate Pass, it would likely alert Nishu. Therefore, I first sent envoys to the Nushi tribe to seek their support; even if they did not assist me, I at least needed them to remain neutral. My envoys have not yet returned, so I am preparing my army for battle in the meantime.”

Seeing that Dushé was already aware of the situation, Xuanzang spoke directly, “Your Majesty, if you attack Moheduo, Nishu will only be pleased and will not obstruct you. However, you must be cautious of Tieli. Nishu originally intended to come to Tuhuo to request your assistance in leading an army against Moheduo, honoring you as the Great Khan to jointly eliminate him. However, Tieli, out of jealousy for Nishu not respecting him as Khan, has secretly sabotaged this plan, which is why Nishu could not come.”

“Tieli?” Dushé fell into deep thought and finally sighed, “I have not seen him in ten years. Back then, he was just a child, and my father spoiled him for no reason. I never expected that now, for the position of Khan, he would disregard my father’s hatred. It’s fine; I have been in Tuhuo for over twenty years and have grown accustomed to it. I do not wish to become the Great Khan. Once I have avenged Moheduo, I will return to Tuhuo. If Tieli wants to be the Khan, let him have it!”

Xuanzang admired Dushé’s indifference to power and said, “Your Majesty, while you wish to march, there are those who do not want you to do so.”

“Oh?” Dushé asked, surprised. “Who?”

“Moheduo.”

Dushé laughed heartily, “Master, he is my enemy; what right does he have to stop me?”

“The David King’s Vase,” Xuanzang said softly.

Dushé was taken aback. “Is that the treasure of Sasanian Persia?”

Tuhuo borders Sasanian Persia to the west, so he was naturally aware of this item.

Seeing that Dushé had heard of the David King’s Vase, Xuanzang felt relieved and recounted how Moheduo had obtained the vase, using the pretense of offering a treasure to assassinate Tongyehu and the entire royal court’s central officials. He continued, “What Moheduo fears most is your alliance with Nishu against him. Therefore, the third wish he made regarding the David King’s Vase is to have it kill you.”

Dushé was skeptical. “Then why am I not dead?”

“For some unknown reason, the David King’s Vase must come to Tuhuo before it can kill you,” Xuanzang explained. “Upon hearing this, I have been tracking its whereabouts and arrived in Ahua City. It has been following me closely, and I estimate it has just reached the royal city.”

Although Dushé doubted the vase’s power, he was moved by the monk’s efforts to protect him. “Master, rest assured, in Ahua City, no one can kill me.”

However, Qu Zhisheng had experienced the power of the David King’s Vase and felt apprehensive. “Brother-in-law, the magic of the David King’s Vase is terrifying; I have seen it with my own eyes alongside my master. You must strengthen your guards during this time. No bottles or jars should be allowed near you.”

“Understood,” Dushé nodded. “You need not worry about my safety. Zhisheng, during this time, stays with the Master and rests well in the city. I am to marry a new Kehadun in three days; the wedding will be grand, and if the David King’s Vase intends to kill me, that would be the best opportunity.”

“Brother-in-law is marrying a Kehadun?” Qu Zhisheng was taken aback. Since he met Dushé, he felt that this man was genuinely devoted to his sister, not pretending. He never expected that just a month after his sister’s passing, he would remarry.

Dushé’s face flushed, and he spoke softly, “Zhisheng, I had no intention of marrying; it’s just that this Kehadun resembles your sister so much. My eldest son, Teqin, encountered her by chance a few days ago and brought her to me. I felt as if your sister was standing before me, and she seemed twenty years younger. Seeing her made me want to cry, and I thought that marrying someone who looks just like your sister might please my two children!”

“Oh?” Qu Zhisheng was surprised. “Is there someone in the world who looks so much like my sister?”

Before he could say more, Xuanzang pulled him aside, smiling and clasping his hands in a gesture of blessing. “Then congratulations, Your Majesty.”

Xuanzang smiled on the outside, but a sense of unease stirred within him, a feeling of dread blossoming in his heart like a lotus flower.

Dushé initially wanted to invite Xuanzang and Qu Zhisheng to stay in the palace, but Xuanzang politely declined, explaining that as a monk, it would be quite inconvenient to reside in the royal palace. Dushé did not insist and ordered accommodations for them in a nearby Buddhist temple, arranging for attendants to serve them.

Dushé’s health had not yet recovered, and after seeing them settled, he felt his body give way and took his leave to return to the palace. Qu Zhisheng escorted him out, and just as he saw him off, he hurried back, calling, “Master! Master!”

Xuanzang was washing up and turned back. “What is it?”

“In the palace, why did you pull me back and not let me ask?” Qu Zhisheng was somewhat dissatisfied. “My sister has just passed, and my brother-in-law is to remarry. I cannot accept this; why didn’t you let me confront him?”

“Zhisheng,” Xuanzang pondered for a moment, “do you know the Teqin who came to greet us today?”

“I don’t know him well, but I’ve heard of him,” Qu Zhisheng replied. “Teqin is my brother-in-law’s eldest son, but he is not my sister’s child; he is from my brother-in-law’s previous Kehadun. My brother-in-law is naturally gentle, while Teqin is keen on warfare, cruel, and fond of killing, which does not endear him to my brother-in-law. A couple of years ago, when I was in Gaochang, my father received a letter from my sister saying that my brother-in-law intended to establish my nephew as his heir, but it seems that nothing was finalized, and I do not know why.”

Xuanzang twirled the prayer beads in silence for a moment. “Why is Teqin so eager to arrange this marriage for Dushé? It is rare for a son to arrange a marriage for his father in the Tang Dynasty.”

“Haha…” Qu Zhisheng laughed. “The Turkic people do not have the same formalities as the Tang. He wants to please his father and gain favor, so he will do everything he can.”

“Then how did he find someone who resembles your sister?” Xuanzang continued to inquire. “Your sister is of Han descent; finding someone with such a resemblance in Tuhuo would be quite difficult, wouldn’t it?”

“That is true,” Qu Zhisheng scratched his head. “Master, do you think there is something suspicious about this?”

“It’s hard to say,” Xuanzang shook his head. “We are newcomers and do not understand the situation. Let’s gather more information in the next few days; I feel a bit unsettled.”

Qu Zhisheng whispered, “Are you worried about Ashu?”

Xuanzang gazed out the window and sighed, “If I calculate the time, he should be here. Perhaps he has already arrived.”

Qu Zhisheng’s mood also grew heavy.

That night, both of them slept uneasily, waking early the next day to stroll through the sunlit streets of Tuhuo. Tuhuo City serves as a transportation hub for the Western Turkic, Indian, and Sasanian Persia empires, bustling with activity. The architecture showcases the essence of three different civilizations, and the streets are filled with temples, with the chanting of various religious monks echoing from within, giving the city an air of mystery.

As they walked through the narrow streets, behind them, Damo Zhi led several Turkic soldiers with curved sabers for protection. Xuanzang gazed at the vibrant marketplace, his mind elsewhere.

“Master, what are you thinking about?” Qu Zhisheng asked.

“I was wondering where Ashu would stay if he arrived here,” Xuanzang replied.

Qu Zhisheng smiled wryly, “Tuhuo City is so large; searching for him would be like finding a needle in a haystack.”

“No,” Xuanzang shook his head. “Although Tuhuo is a Buddhist nation, there are many fire worshippers. Ashu is a devout fire worshipper; having left his homeland and missing his family, he would certainly think of his father upon arriving in this place, which is just a step away from Persia. The person he respects most in life is the fire worshipped deity, Hormozd. He believes he shares a similar fate with Hormozd, both waiting in vain due to a promise made by their fathers. He would pray earnestly, asking Hormozd to bless him to return to the sunlight of Persia.”

Qu Zhisheng’s eyes lit up. “Then the place he would stay is… the fire worshippers’ temple!”

“Exactly,” Xuanzang nodded. “It is the temple!”

Qu Zhisheng thought for a moment and then grew despondent again. “But there are at least a hundred fire worshippers’ temples in this city; how are we to find him?”

“There’s no other way,” Xuanzang sighed. “Sometimes, we must put in the hard work. If Ashu is to come, he must have persuaded merchants to bring the David King’s Vase into the city. You should first inquire at the Tuhuo government office about the merchant caravans that have entered from the north in the past half month, checking the names of each caravan leader. Then, visit each fire worshipper’s temple to see if they are staying there. Merchants usually stay at inns, but if anyone is staying at a fire worshippers’ temple, they must be carrying the David King’s Vase!”

“That’s a good plan!” Qu Zhisheng brightened. “Master, why don’t I ask my brother-in-law to send someone to assist? That way, we can find out quickly.”

“No, no,” Xuanzang quickly waved his hand. “Ashu is very alert. If you make a big fuss, it will surely alert him. He may have been watching us all along; perhaps at this very moment, there are eyes in the crowd observing us.”

Qu Zhisheng was startled and looked around, but he could not see anything unusual.

“Zhisheng,” Xuanzang cautioned again, “you have seen how fanatical those influenced by the David King’s Vase can be; you must not let your guard down. Do not push too hard, for at this moment, he has become a truly formidable person, capable of easily inciting chaos in this country.”

Qu Zhisheng shivered and silently nodded, then immediately went to the city’s government office.

As Dushé’s brother-in-law, he easily obtained Dushé’s decree, ordering officials at all levels to cooperate unconditionally. He quickly acquired information about merchants entering the city from the tax officials. Qu Zhisheng did not dare to use the locals, so he took Damo Zhi’s Turkic soldiers to inquire about each caravan.

Meanwhile, Dushé was busy preparing for his wedding. A king’s wedding involves numerous details, mobilizing nearly the entire city, with envoys from nearby countries coming to offer their congratulations. Tuhuo City was even more bustling.

Qu Zhisheng searched for three days, questioning dozens of merchant caravans, but he found no trace of Ashu. He persisted in his investigation, but on this day, Dushé’s wedding ceremony began. Dushé personally invited Xuanzang to preside over the blessing ceremony. Concerned for Dushé’s safety, Xuanzang had no choice but to set aside his search for Ashu and go to the palace. Qu Zhisheng, who was already reluctant to attend his brother-in-law’s wedding, continued his search for Ashu.

The wedding was grand beyond measure. Xuanzang personally checked the guards around Dushé and inquired with Dushé’s trusted aide, the head of the guards, whether Teqin could place people among the guards.

The head of the guards smiled. “Master, you need not worry. Teqin has not been favored for many years and has rarely entered the palace in recent years. What ability does he have to buy off my subordinates?”

Seeing the guard’s confidence, Xuanzang felt somewhat reassured.

The head of the guards continued, “Master, His Majesty has ordered me to unconditionally obey your commands. You may freely mobilize the troops within the palace. If you have any orders, please feel free to give them.”

Xuanzang did not expect Dushé to trust him to such an extent, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. “I have no specific orders, just one thing: no bottles or jars, anything that can hold something, should be allowed near His Majesty.” Although the head of the guards did not understand, he solemnly complied. Xuanzang thought for a moment and added, “Except for the two princes, no other boys around ten years old should be allowed near His Majesty.”

“Understood,” the head of the guards replied earnestly. “Please rest assured, Master.”

During the blessing ceremony, Dushé and the new Kehadun bowed in gratitude under Xuanzang’s lion throne. Xuanzang took a special look at the new Kehadun. He had never seen the princess of Gaochang, but this Kehadun bore Han blood, her beauty striking and extraordinary.

Just after finishing the ceremony, Qu Zhisheng rushed over, drenched in sweat, and upon seeing Xuanzang, he could not even catch his breath. “Master! Master! The David King’s Vase has been found!”

Xuanzang was taken aback. “Where?”

“In a fire worshippers’ temple in the northwest of the city!” Qu Zhisheng looked at Xuanzang with admiration. “Master, you truly have foresight. I learned from the tax officials that there have been twenty-one merchant caravans entering the city from the north in the past half month. I went to each caravan to inquire, and most of them stayed at inns. However, there was a Sogdian merchant named Alibu who went to the fire worshippers’ temple to pray and has not returned since. I searched for Alibu and found him in a very remote fire worshippers’ temple in the northwest of the city. I did not dare to disturb him and hurried to find you.”

Xuanzang took a deep breath. “Good. Let’s go meet this Alibu!”

At this point, the wedding ceremony was nearing its end, and everything was calm, with no incidents occurring. Xuanzang gave a few more instructions to the head of the guards before taking Qu Zhisheng to the fire worshippers’ temple.

By now, dusk had fallen, and the vast sunset illuminated the ancient city of Tuhuo.

The marketplace was preparing to disperse, with merchants happily counting their day’s earnings, while passersby hurried home. The narrow streets were filled with the ordinary yet captivating essence of life.

Xuanzang and Qu Zhisheng rode swiftly through the streets, accompanied by Damo Zhi’s Turkic cavalry, struggling to navigate through the marketplace as they headed northwest. The northern part of Tuhuo City is elevated, and traveling northwest involves a steady uphill climb, making their progress slow.

The Zoroastrian temple stood atop a desolate earth mound, surrounded by an overwhelming emptiness. Only this temple quietly towered, exuding a sense of abandonment in the world. As Xuanzang approached the temple, the daylight had already dimmed, casting a golden hue on the eaves of the building.

When he was still a mile away from the temple, Xuanzang instructed Qu Zhisheng and Damo Zhi to stop. He dismounted and slowly walked toward the Zoroastrian temple. Passersby nearby looked at him in surprise; a monk entering a fire-worshiping temple was indeed puzzling. Xuanzang paid them no mind and calmly ascended the temple steps.

The temple was small, consisting of only a main hall, and it appeared somewhat neglected. Perhaps due to its remoteness from populated areas, the incense offerings were sparse, and the painted walls were peeling, creating a sense of desolation.

At that moment, the temple door was closed. As Xuanzang approached, he was about to knock when the door creaked open. A priest wearing a tall white hat emerged, followed by a merchant, presumably Alibu. The two greeted Xuanzang with the customary gestures of the Zoroastrian faith.

“Are you the Xuanzang Master from the Tang Dynasty?” the priest inquired.

“Amitabha, I am indeed,” Xuanzang replied, unperturbed, and pressed his palms together in greeting.

The priest said nothing further but stepped aside, “The deity has been waiting for you for a long time. Please, Master.”

Xuanzang entered silently, while the priest and the merchant remained outside, gently closing the door behind him. They knelt at the entrance, facing the sun, reciting obscure scriptures.

Once the door closed, the interior of the temple grew dim. In the center, a sacred fire burned, its flames dancing, casting flickering light and shadow across the hall. At the heart of the hall stood the statue of Hormozd, depicted as a solemn figure with a grand halo around his waist, enormous wings on either side and an outstretched bird tail below. In his left hand, he held the Ring of Promise, while his right hand was extended, guiding the way to paradise. Beneath the halo, two ribbons hung down. Zoroastrianism teaches a duality of good and evil, reminding followers to choose between virtue and vice.

Beneath the statue of Hormozd, illuminated by the sacred fire, lay King David’s vase, quietly resting.

Xuanzang said nothing as he approached, sitting cross-legged opposite the vase, gazing at it with sorrowful eyes.

“Master, you have finally come,” the vase sighed deeply as if filled with profound sadness.

“I have come to take you home,” Xuanzang replied.

“Master, will I truly be able to walk under the sun of Persia when I return home?” the vase asked.

“Yes, you will. The sun shines upon all living beings, and it will shine upon you as well.”

“Master, can I become a clown in the circus, happy every day?”

“Yes, you can. There, you will find your homeland and your loved ones. When you see them happy, you will be happy too.”

“Master, will be a clown bring joy to those I love?”

“Yes, it will. All beings will laugh. When they forget how to smile in their sadness, they will see joy in your face and find happiness.”

“But, Master, I am afraid,” the vase said. “For thirty years, I have hidden in this small vase. This copper vessel wraps around me; though cold, it feels safe, like my father’s icy embrace. But the world outside is so vast, and I feel lonely, scared, and helpless.”

“Do you want to know how Guanyin Bodhisattva blesses you?”

“Master, I want to hear.”

“In this world, children and beings who experience all kinds of terror and suffering, I have vowed to ensure your life is complete and unobstructed, free from sorrow. I wish for you to see through the troubles of life and death and to realize the true light. I pray for your completeness, that you be free from all demonic harm…”

Xuanzang recited softly, his eyes closed, fingers moving over the prayer beads, tears welling up as he seemed to pour all his years of practice, emotion, and devotion into this transformed version of the Great Compassion Mantra.

“Master…” a muffled cry emerged from the vase, its patterns shifting eerily, sliding silently apart. The sorrowful mass rolled out, slowly spreading on the ground, transforming into a human form.

A Shu stood naked, tears streaming down his face as he sobbed and embraced Xuanzang, weeping loudly.

Xuanzang slowly opened his eyes, saying nothing. He took out a set of clothes from his bag. “A Shu, these are clothes I made especially for you. I know that one day, you will wear them and walk freely in the sunlight and among the crowd. Come, try them on.”

A Shu cried as he put on the clothes, glancing at the shoes beneath him, murmuring, “Master, I miss the sheepskin that wrapped my feet.”

Xuanzang smiled, taking A Shu’s hand. “Come, A Shu, let me show you what this world is like.”

A Shu obediently grasped his hand and stepped out of the dim hall. Behind them, King David’s vase silently closed again.

As they reached outside the hall, night had fallen. The priest and the merchant were still kneeling at the entrance. They looked up, their faces streaked with tears, gazing at A Shu. “Son of the deity, are you leaving us?”

A Shu raised his head, looking toward the lights in the city of Tokharistan below the hill. “I want to seek the joy that belongs to humanity.”

Then, he held Xuanzang’s hand and slowly descended the steps. The two behind them broke into tears.

Xuanzang accompanied him down the hill. Qu Zhisheng and Damo Zhi waited at a distance, but neither approached; they simply followed silently.

Xuanzang led A Shu onto the streets of Tokharistan. “A Shu, can you imagine? Right now, the night envelops this city, and we see nothing. But in a few hours, a brilliant sun will rise in the east, illuminating the city. At that moment, this city will become bright, and you will even see the dust in every corner.”

A Shu gazed ahead, entranced.

“A Shu, can you imagine? At this moment, the streets are empty, and all the buildings seem lifeless. But when the sun rises, children will begin to cry, and adults will awaken. They will first wash away the fatigue from their faces, revitalized to greet a new day. In an instant, the streets will be crowded, their bodies brushing against you, just like a kind father embracing you, completely different from the cold embrace of King David’s vase.”

“There will be the smell of sweat, the sounds of shouting and discarded shoes on the ground,” A Shu closed his eyes, slowly imagining.

“That is how beings live,” Xuanzang said, “ordinary and mundane. Everyone experiences sadness and misfortune, and it is precisely because of this that when sadness and misfortune pass, they will find joy. A Shu, why do people find happiness? Because the sadness has passed.”

A Shu opened his eyes, gazing at the ancient city of Tokharistan, filled with sorrow. “Master, I’m sorry. I think I have disappointed you.”

“Why?” Xuanzang asked.

“Because A Dushi will die tonight.”

Xuanzang was taken aback. A Shu murmured, “I arrived in Tokharistan half a month ago. I had Alibu offer me to Teqin. Teqin is A Dushi’s eldest son, but he has been neglected for many years. I used my powers to easily conquer him. I told him that Moheduo had rebelled, killing the Tongyehu Khan, and Tieli was also dead. The Ashina family is the only one that can inherit the title of Khan now, and Nishu will soon come to welcome him to the royal court. If A Dushi dies, he will be the only heir. Teqin has long been trying to please A Dushi. Not long after the death of Princess Gaochang, he found someone who resembled her, intending to present her to A Dushi to seek favor. But under my persuasion, his desire for favor turned into a desire to kill.”

Xuanzang panicked. “Could it be that the new Kehadun is the one who will assassinate A Dushi?”

“Yes, Master,” A Shu murmured. “No matter how tight the defenses are, how can they stop the poisoned wine on the wedding night?”

“A Shu,” Xuanzang suddenly broke into a cold sweat. “You go back to the Zoroastrian temple. I will go save A Dushi.”

“Okay.” A Shu nodded, his expression sorrowful. “Master, if A Dushi is dead, will you still treat me the same?”

“A Shu, I have vowed to ensure your life is complete and unobstructed, free from sorrow,” Xuanzang said seriously. “No matter your mistakes or fears, I will help you see the light again, free from worries.”

After saying this, Xuanzang hurriedly called Qu Zhisheng and Damo Zhi, explaining the situation to them. They too panicked, quickly mounted their horses, and thundered down the night streets toward the palace. A Shu silently watched Xuanzang’s retreating figure, tears blurring his vision.

When Xuanzang and the others arrived at the palace gates, they saw the city walls ablaze with lights, and troops were mobilizing, rushing toward the royal city in waves. Xuanzang’s heart sank; he knew it was too late.

Teqin’s plan to assassinate the king was meticulously crafted.

On the wedding night, A Dushi, seeing the new Kehadun, who looked just like Princess Gaochang, could not help but be entranced. Kehadun raised a golden cup to toast A Dushi, who drank it all in one go and collapsed dead on the spot. Then, Kehadun took A Dushi’s seal and wrote a decree, summoning Teqin to the palace.

Teqin received A Dushi’s seal for mobilizing the army and immediately ordered the troops to seal off the palace and Tokharistan. It was not until dawn the next day, after completely controlling the city, that he announced A Dushi’s death and passed the throne to himself. According to the Turkic succession marriage system, he would take the queen as his Kehadun.

Xuanzang and Qu Zhisheng were heartbroken. Qu Zhisheng was particularly worried about his two nephews, telling Xuanzang that these two children were orphaned and would surely be killed if left in Teqin’s hands. Xuanzang was also anxious and proposed to enter the palace to pay respects. Teqin agreed. With the help of the head of the guards, they secretly took the two sons of Princess Gaochang out of the palace and hid them in the temple.

Teqin indeed harbored intentions to poison the two princes. Upon hearing that the two princes had gone missing, he immediately suspected Xuanzang and Qu Zhisheng, becoming furious. He led cavalry to surround the temple, intending to seize the two. As both sides faced off, a thunderous sound erupted from the city gates, and countless troops surged into the city.

Teqin was alarmed. Just as he was about to send someone to inquire about what was happening, a wave of black iron surged forward, led by a knight—Nishu!

Teqin had seen Nishu before. Deep down, he felt guilty. Seeing this formidable figure commanding troops, he felt anxious and hurried to greet him. Nishu ignored him, dismounted, and entered the temple to first pay respects to Xuanzang. Teqin awkwardly followed him inside.

Seeing Nishu, Xuanzang and Qu Zhisheng finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Amitabha, Nishu, what brings you to Tokharistan so suddenly?”

“Master, after defeating Moheduo in Suiye City, I pursued him relentlessly. He fled to Jincheng, and only then did I withdraw my troops, hastily rushing here to welcome A Dushi back to the throne. I never expected to hear that A Dushi had died as soon as I entered the iron gate,” Nishu explained, then turned to glare at Teqin, coldly saying, “Teqin, what should you call me?”

“Uncle… Uncle,” Teqin stammered.

“Very well. Since I am your uncle, you must honestly tell me how your father died!” Nishu shouted angrily.

“Uncle!” Teqin immediately burst into tears. “I don’t know the cause of my father’s death. Last night, he was newly married, and I drank too much. While I was sleeping in the mansion, someone from the palace came with my father’s decree, summoning me to the palace. When I entered, I found my father had already died. When I asked Kehadun, he told me that they were about to retire for the night when suddenly a whirlwind swept through the room, and a pitch-black demon emerged.

The demon wielded a long spear and shouted that Moheduo sent him to kill my father, then struck down with the spear. My father was unharmed but turned black and purple, dying on the spot. The demon vanished without a trace. I was terrified, fearing it was a demonic disturbance, so I took my father’s seal and mobilized the army to control the royal city.”

“Devil?” Ni Shu sneered, “Do you believe that?”

“I have no choice but to believe, Uncle,” Te Qing replied earnestly. “Today, my disciples searched door to door for the murderer. Finally, we received news that Mo He Tuo obtained a David King bottle. He made a wish to the devil inside the bottle to kill my father. It is said that this is common knowledge among the Turks. Uncle, both my father and grandfather were harmed by Mo He Tuo. You must help me! I will gather a great army and follow you to ensure Mo He Tuo’s death.”

Ni Shu’s expression shifted as he pondered for a long time before waving his hand. “Very well. Since you have a desire for revenge, you need not stay here any longer. Go immediately to organize your troops, and when the time comes, we will march north together for vengeance! As for your kingship, once we have dealt with Mo He Tuo and a new Khan is enthroned, we will discuss your title then.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Te Qing sighed in relief, bowing repeatedly before leaving with his men.

Once he departed, Qu Zhi Sheng could no longer hold back. “Ni Shu, you fool! It was Te Qing who harmed my brother-in-law. Why don’t you kill him?”

“Qu Zhi Sheng, you are the real fool!” Ni Shu shouted angrily. “Even if he fabricated this story, can you prove it wrong? Besides, I only brought a thousand men. Do you want my troops to die here fighting Te Qing in Tuhuo?”

“Hmph, so you finally admit you’re afraid of death,” Qu Zhi Sheng mocked.

“Bullshit!” Ni Shu was furious, “Am I someone who fears death? Do you know how many brave warriors died when I fought Mo He Tuo? Why do you think I came to Tuhuo? Because both Mo He Tuo and I can no longer hold on! As soon as the Tuhuo army marches north, the situation will change immediately!” He ignored Qu Zhi Sheng and turned to Xuanzang, lamenting, “Master, Da Du She is dead, and the dead cannot be revived. Should I risk the destruction of both the Western Turks and Tuhuo for one person’s revenge? Te Qing has also promised me that once he becomes king, he will gather a great army to fight Mo He Tuo. For the sake of stabilizing the Western Turks and avoiding prolonged chaos, what does it matter if I endure this moment of anger?”

“Amitabha,” Xuanzang clasped his hands together, “I practice Buddhism and do not understand politics or war.”

Ni Shu nodded. “Thank you for your understanding, Master.” Anger flashed across his face. “But this matter cannot end here. Wherever the David King bottle goes, disaster will follow. Gaochang, the Western Turks, Tuhuo—all will suffer greatly, leading to the destruction of nations. Today, I must burn this scourge!”

“Ni Shu, do not act recklessly,” Xuanzang warned.

“Master, my mind is made up.” With that, Ni Shu mounted his horse and led his cavalry away with a thunderous rumble.

Xuanzang grew anxious and called Qu Zhi Sheng, hurrying toward the Zoroastrian temple.

By the time they arrived, Ni Shu and Te Qing’s men had already surrounded the temple. They smashed open the temple doors and carried the David King bottle out, shouting angrily and spitting at it as they made their way to the palace square.

“Ni Shu, don’t—” Xuanzang desperately tried to push through, but the crowd was too dense. After Te Qing’s propaganda, the people of Tuhuo believed that the David King bottle had killed Da Du She. The crowd was furious, with fire worshippers raising torches and shouting to burn the bottle.

The street was packed with people.

As Xuanzang struggled through the crowd, someone tugged at his sleeve. He turned to see A Shu smiling at him from the throng.

“A Shu!” Xuanzang exclaimed, lifting him. “You weren’t in the bottle?”

“Master,” A Shu beamed, “I want to walk in the sunlight. I will never be a bottle person again.”

“Good, good, good.” Xuanzang was overjoyed. “But the David King bottle…”

“If Ni Shu wants to burn it, let him!” A Shu looked at the David King bottle surrounded by the crowd, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “It has committed so many crimes. Let it be my shell. If it burns, I will forever remain in this world!”

The crowd surged away, with Ni Shu and Te Qing riding on horseback, deliberately inciting the people’s anger. They needed to redirect this fury toward the David King bottle and Mo He Tuo.

As the crowd flowed past Xuanzang and A Shu, it was like the tide receding from the shore. Soon, the entire street was empty except for Qu Zhi Sheng, who remained by their side. The three walked silently through Tuhuo City. They reached the marketplace, where merchants from various countries shouted in different accents, showcasing a dazzling array of goods.

A Shu pointed to an elderly merchant with a prominent nose and a thick beard. “Master, he speaks Persian. His accent is close to that of Taixi Feng.”

“Then he must be from your hometown!” Xuanzang smiled.

“Yes!” A Shu sighed. “It’s been two years since I last heard the accent of my homeland.”

A Shu stepped forward, bowed to the elderly merchant, and greeted him in Persian, “Elder.”

The old man was surprised to hear his accent. “You are from Taixi Feng?”

“Yes, I am from Taixi Feng.” A Shu replied happily. “I have been away for two years and have finally met a true countryman.”

“Ah, child, may the glory of Hormozd shine upon you forever,” the old man blessed him.

“Elder, may I ask how His Majesty Khosrow II is doing?” A Shu inquired, thinking of his father. “When I left Taixi Feng, I heard the emperor was ill with dysentery and bedridden.”

“Khosrow II?” The old man was taken aback. “He passed away long ago.”

“What?” A Shu’s face changed dramatically.

Although Xuanzang did not understand Persian, he sensed something was wrong. He quickly patted A Shu’s head and asked the old man in Tuhuo language, “What happened?”

The old man, understanding Tuhuo, replied, “This monk, I just told this child that Khosrow II passed away two years ago. In February of the previous year, his son Shiruye conspired against him, first burning his throat with incense charcoal, then strangling him.”

A Shu stood frozen, stunned. He had waited thirty years in the bottle for his father’s last wish, traveling thousands of miles to the Tang Dynasty. His only dream was to fulfill his father’s wish and no longer be a bottle person, walking in the sunlight of Persia every day. After enduring hardships, facing ambushes from Mo He Yan Qian, experiencing the twists and turns of losing the bottle, and surviving the life-and-death crisis of Gaochang’s internal strife, he finally found a way through Mo He Tuo, causing the Western Turks to fall into chaos and bloodshed. He had ensured that the Western Turks could no longer collaborate with Hilak to invade Persia.

But just as he was about to return home with high hopes, his father had died. He had passed away just after he left Persia.

While he fought, the person he fought for had already left this world. All his struggles and hardships over the past two years had been in vain.

“And then?” Xuanzang asked urgently, “What is happening in Persia now?”

“It’s the end of a chaotic era! After Shiruye ascended the throne, he killed all seventeen of his brothers. But he is a man cursed by heaven; six months later, he died of plague,” the old man explained. “Then the seven-year-old prince Ardashir II ascended the throne, but in April of this year, he was deposed by General Shah Beilaz. A month ago, I heard that Shah Beilaz was hanged by his opponents in Taixi Feng. Khosrow II’s youngest son, Javan Shir, ascended the throne, but just a few days ago, a group of merchants from Persia said that Javan Shir was killed. Now, Khosrow II’s daughter, Buran, is in power.”

The three fell silent, shocked that Persia had descended into such chaos, resembling the end of a dynasty.

“Master,” A Shu said, half-laughing, half-crying, “Can I still go home?”

Xuanzang felt a pang in his heart, grasping his hand, unsure of what to say. “A Shu…”

“Master, does Persia still have sunlight?” A Shu asked.

Xuanzang could not answer.

A Shu slowly withdrew his hand and walked away in solitude. The sunlight shone on Tuhuo City, illuminating him, but he felt as if he were not walking in the sunlight but still trapped in the darkness of the David King bottle.

In front of the palace square, a crowd of angry citizens had gathered. A high platform was erected in the center, with roaring flames burning below. The David King bottle sat atop the platform, being scorched by the fire.

The crowd erupted in a thunderous roar of anger: “Burn it! Burn it! Devil! Monster! Revenge for Da Du She! Revenge for the Great Khan!”

Below the platform, Ni Shu and the monks he invited sat nearby, chanting scriptures loudly to suppress the evil bottle with Buddhist teachings.

At that moment, a child emerged from the crowd. He climbed onto the platform, stepped on the beams, and walked toward the David King bottle. The crowd fell silent, watching the child in astonishment.

Beneath him were the burning flames, and ahead was the scorched David King bottle, surrounded by thick iron chains. The child walked silently along the beam, through the flames, toward the David King bottle. The crowd below watched in silence, the vast palace square filled with stillness. No one knew where this child had come from or where he was going.

The child reached the side of the David King bottle and reached out to touch it. Suddenly, the bottle slowly split into two halves, revealing its inner core, resembling a womb. Flames burned below, but at that moment, it was not cold; it was warm. It was not dark, illuminated by sunlight and fierce flames.

Xuanzang and Qu Zhi Sheng rushed to the base of the platform, and Xuanzang looked up, tears filling his eyes as he murmured, “Come back, child, come back…”

The child seemed to hear his call, looked down, and smiled at him. His body then shrank into a ball, comfortably lying inside the womb of the David King bottle. The bottle slowly closed.

In the Zoroastrian legend, the universe originally had nothing, only the deity Zervan existing in solitude. One day, the god grew lonely and wished to be a father, praying for a thousand years. When the child he loved was born, he could not bring him into this world, feeling deep regret: “My child, I waited a thousand years for your birth, but now you must wait nine thousand years for me.”

Then he vanished into time and space, never to return. That child eternally waited in darkness and solitude.

Xuanzang’s eyes filled with tears as he sobbed softly, watching the David King bottle slowly heat up, turning red, and finally melting into drops of copper, dripping into the flames. He knew that the child abandoned by his father could never return home. Even if the sunlight of Persia shone on that land for thousands of years, it could not dispel the cold and darkness surrounding that child.

“Master, I miss home,” Qu Zhi Sheng cried, “I miss my father.”

“Zhi Sheng, your journey to the West can end now, for you have found what the Buddha wanted to tell you,” Xuanzang said through his tears, gazing toward the southeast, toward the land of India. “As for me, I must continue on the long journey to the West.”

**“Journey to the West: The Record of the Great Tang and Brahma”** 

Now fully available, please read.

When Xuanzang finally set foot on the endpoint of his journey to the West—the land of India—he found himself ensnared in the power struggles of the five great empires: Tibet, the Western Turks, Persia, the Arabs, and India.

Amidst the chaos, a strange woman became the target of everyone’s ire. This woman possessed the memories of thirty-three lifetimes, each repeating the same fate—first adored by many, then tragically dying young. No matter how she struggled, she could never escape this cycle of destiny.

Legend has it that the one who unravels the mystery of this cycle will gain the power to influence the Western Regions. In an instant, kidnappings, assassinations, and espionage cases unfolded one after another, creating a wave of bloodshed across the Western Regions. In this power struggle spanning the Eurasian continent, who will emerge as the final victor?