Yao Ying’s letter, carried by a messenger hawk across mountains and valleys, was intercepted in Sand City and burned to ashes.

Outside the Holy City.

The sky was dark and gloomy, with bitter wind and cruel snow.

Bi Suo led his guards through the snowstorm. Snowflakes covered his felt hat as hoofbeats echoed behind him. A squad of horsemen galloped out from the city to catch up with him.

He immediately grew alert, signaling to his guards and slowly drawing his blade. When he saw the newcomer’s face, he froze.

It was the Chief Steward from Princess Chima’s residence.

“General, terrible news!”

Bi Suo’s eyelid twitched: “Has the King fallen ill?”

The messenger paused, shaking his head: “General, Prince Mo Biduo has killed Prince Consort A Kelie! Princess Chima is devastated. She requests your immediate return to the city!”

Bi Suo’s mind buzzed and nearly fell from his horse.

A Kelie was dead?

He yanked the reins sharply, turning his horse around and galloping back to the Holy City.

Wails of grief filled the Princess’s residence. Servants and attendants knelt in the long corridor, crying in anguish. Military commanders of the Imperial Guard stood under the walkway, faces filled with fury. Several officials stood to one side, discussing something among themselves.

Bi Suo hurried inside. A Kelie’s corpse lay in a pool of blood, already lifeless.

Princess Chima lay sprawled before his body, face streaked with tears.

Bi Suo fell to his knees.

“Mo Biduo killed him,” Princess Chima raised her head, wiping tears from her eyes, expression ice-cold. “Luojia gave the order. Mo Biduo has already confessed.”

Bi Suo came to his senses, letting out a cold laugh in denial: “Impossible! Why would the King want to kill A Kelie? Where is Mo Biduo? I’ll question him myself!”

Princess Chima’s eyes were bloodshot: “Why did Luojia kill A Kelie? Because Luojia wanted to kill me! A Kelie died by Mo Biduo’s blade trying to save me.”

Bi Suo’s brows furrowed deeply: “The King would never kill you! Stop speaking nonsense. I will uncover the truth and ensure A Kelie’s death is not in vain.”

Princess Chima let out a bitter laugh, her voice slithering like a snake, “Why does Luojia want to kill me? Because I know about his origins! He’s killed so many people to hide his secret, even the Temple Master. Now, he’s coming after me!”

Bi Suo stared at Princess Chima, his eyes filled with shock.

In an instant, everything rushed through his mind – the noble families’ close dealings with Princess Chima, the strange calm in court after the great battle, Mo Biduo being constantly harassed, the merchants’ mysterious deaths, the temple monks accusing Sudan Gu, Bami’er’s imprisonment… All the pieces suddenly fell into place with lightning clarity. He understood everything.

Luojia was already so ill, yet they still plotted against him!

Bi Suo glared at Princess Chima, abruptly standing up. His sword flashed from its scabbard like lightning, and in an instant, the blade was pressed against Princess Chima’s throat.

Luojia had warned him to investigate those who associated with Princess Chima. He had told Luojia that the Princess had cut ties with those people after her marriage.

It was he who had repeatedly shielded Princess Chima, covering for her before Luojia. Though he knew the Princess held some massive secret, he had naively believed she wouldn’t do anything extreme.

Bi Suo was filled with regret.

Princess Chima screamed: “You would kill me for Luojia?”

The blade pressed against her skin – just a little more pressure would slice through her throat.

She struggled in terror: “Bi Suo, have you gone mad!”

Bi Suo trembled all over, looking at Princess Chima’s face, hesitating for a moment.

A loud bang – the door closed behind him. Footsteps flooded in as young military officers rushed into the room, striking his arm with the flat of their blades.

His sword was wrenched from his grasp.

Princess Chima scrambled away, coughing violently, her face taut: “Bi Suo, stop struggling. It’s too late.”

Bi Suo gave her a cold look, letting out a self-mocking laugh.

Indeed, it was too late. Chima had fallen into others’ trap – the noble families must have known about Luojia’s origins for some time.

Although Luojia had anticipated all this, having him and Mo Biduo work together to draw out the true culprits… but now the identity of the culprits hardly mattered. Once the secret was revealed, even Luojia couldn’t control the situation.

“How foolish I was… to believe you…”

His eyes are blood-red, and he casts a hateful glance at Princess Chima.

At her wedding, she had spoken so sincerely about reconciling with Luojia. Luojia had given her a chance, yet she had secretly conspired with the noble families.

A Kelie’s death was on her hands.

He looked around, meeting the eyes of each military officer.

Several showed shame, averting their gaze. Others remained resolute, saying: “Bi Suo, we have no choice. We are loyal to the royal family, loyal to the Tanmo clan.”

They knelt before him on one knee.

Bi Suo said nothing, turning to rush out.

“Stop him!”

Princess Chima commanded coldly.

The crowd surged forward in a mass of bodies. Bi Suo’s face remained expressionless as he crashed through everyone blocking his path, seized a horse, and galloped toward the Royal Temple without looking back.

Outside the Princess’s residence, crowds swarmed. The Imperial Guard formed layers of security inside and out. Nearly half the court officials had arrived, most of them from noble families.

Seeing Bi Suo, they surged toward him.

Bi Suo ignored them completely, charging down the long street.

Several figures leaped onto his horse from different directions, many hands grabbing him. A sharp strike to his neck and darkness took him.

Princess Chima, hair disheveled, chased out the manor gates. Seeing Bi Suo subdued, she sighed in relief, turning angrily to the crowd: “We can’t wait any longer. Bi Suo won’t agree to this. We can’t convince him. Let’s go to the Royal Temple now and demand justice for the Prince Consort!”

The crowd exchanged glances. The Commander of the Central Guard drew his sword, shouting: “The Royal Temple is surrounded. The regional armies can’t respond in time to provide support. The King has been deceived by traitors, repeatedly sheltering Han people, employing foreigners, and killing young military officers and the Prince Consort to hide his secret. Today we must obtain the King’s abdication decree!”

The soldiers at the steps responded in unison.

The officials surrounded Princess Chima as they rushed toward the Royal Temple, their footsteps drowning out the wind.

The Royal Temple stood silent in the heavy snow.

The temple guards saw the surging black mass of people approaching, panicked for a moment, and turned to report. Someone struck the warning bell, its deep, solemn tone echoing through the storm.

The Commander rode high, shouting: “So many brilliant young men have died in the Holy City these days, and now the Prince Consort has died mysteriously. We must see the King and demand an explanation!”

Snow fell heavily as the Imperial Guard advanced in waves like towering walls, ready to crush anything in their path.

The temple guards retreated step by step.

In the standoff, the temple gates suddenly burst open with a thunderous sound.

Temple guards carrying a lotus throne emerged from the long corridor, standing on the steps. The man on the throne surveyed the scene, wearing kasaya robes, looking ill and haggard. Yet his presence was like an abyss, like towering mountains – a single glance could make people instinctively submit before him.

Everyone fell silent, still as deep water. Only suppressed, tense breathing could be heard. Several Imperial Guard cavalry were struck with terror, trembling as they knelt, their weapons falling.

With several thuds, others were startled awake, following suit by dropping their weapons and kneeling.

The Commander and officials were also momentarily stunned by Tanmoluojia’s presence. After a while, they came to their senses. The Commander gritted his teeth and shouted: “Everyone gets up! Take up your weapons!”

The soldiers looked at each other, picking up their weapons, but all kept their heads down, not daring to look at Tanmoluojia on the platform.

Yuanjue stood beside Tanmoluojia, stepping forward to shout: “You dare intrude upon the Royal Temple! Such crime deserves death!”

The soldiers trembled.

The Commander let out a cold laugh, stepping forward: “We have committed no crime! Your Majesty, you ordered Mo Biduo to kill A Kelie, and the Temple Master’s death was also suspicious! Today, the court ministers, Princess Chima, and all the great lords are present. You…”

Several arrows whistled through the air. Before the Commander could finish speaking, he screamed and fell from his horse.

The situation changed suddenly. Before the officials could react, temple guards who had long laid in ambush charged out from three side streets. Shadows moved on the walls, thick with drawn bows. Bami’er stood on the wall, waving flags to direct the archers.

Arrows aimed at the crowd below – at Tanmoluojia’s command, they would rain death.

An ambush!

The officials paled in shock, hurriedly hiding behind their guards, retreating in chaos.

Temple guards blocked all exits as archers on the walls drew their bows.

The officials were forced back to the bottom of the steps, huddling together, looking around in confusion.

Princess Chima was startled, retreating toward the temple exit under her guards’ protection. The temple guards followed like shadows, surrounding them.

On the platform, Tanmoluojia suddenly covered his mouth, coughing.

Yuanjue was alarmed, quickly ordering the guards to carry him back into the hall.

Bami’er found the bound Bi Suo, untied him, and brought him back to the main hall.

Bi Suo slowly regained consciousness, suddenly sitting up and grabbing Bami’er’s collar: “Quick, get the King out of the Holy City to Gaochang, hurry!”

Bami’er was stunned – they had just prepared to spring their trap, why leave?

“General, don’t worry. The officials and Imperial Guard who invaded the temple have been captured, Princess Chima has been arrested… The King sent people to all military camps to lock down the military department. They can’t cause trouble…”

These people must be connected to the murders. Though they left no traces, with everyone arrested, something could be learned. Tanmoluojia had him imprisoned as Regent precisely to make these people lower their guard and show their true colors.

Who knew they would be so impatient?

Bi Suo’s eyes widened, his face distorted: “It’s too late! Arresting more people won’t help! Leave quickly! They know everything!”

Bami’er’s heart dropped: “General, what happened?”

Bi Suo didn’t explain, rushing into the inner hall: “Your Majesty, you must leave the Holy City immediately!”

Tanmoluojia had already arranged everything and was nearly unconscious. Hearing this, his brows furrowed slightly as he awoke, his gaze falling on Bi Suo’s face.

At that moment, urgent footsteps sounded outside. A temple guard rushed into the inner hall: “Your Majesty, the Imperial Guard, Royal Guard, city garrison… suddenly none of them will follow orders! Our people sent out were either captured or turned back to guide them! The Prime Minister and Judge are leading them toward the Royal Temple! They demand we release Princess Chima!”

Another temple guard ran in, looking bewildered: “Your Majesty, the temple elders demand we withdraw from the Royal Temple… The elders say they must see the King and request his abdication…”

Yuanjue’s face went pale, blood rushing to his head.

The Imperial Guard had turned, court officials followed Princess Chima to force their way into the temple, other garrisons all switched sides, and even the monks came to force the King’s abdication.

Why?!

The King was so benevolent, so beloved. When opposing the noble families, the Royal Guard and Central Imperial Guard had loyally protected the King. Why did they suddenly all refuse to follow the King’s orders?

Princess Chima had never won people’s hearts – how did she and the Prime Minister suddenly become allies?

Tanmoluojia’s expression remained unchanged as he looked at Bi Suo.

“Bi Suo, what have you hidden from me?”

He asked, his manner calm as if he had long expected this day.

Bi Suo’s eyes filled with tears as he knelt and kowtowed.

He had kept it from Luojia for over twenty years but finally failed to keep it hidden.

“Your Majesty… your birth mother was not the previous Queen… your birth mother was a palace slave… she was Han Chinese…”

Yuanjue and Bami’er were stunned.

How could the people of the Royal Court accept their Buddha’s Child being born of a Han Chinese slave?

Tanmoluojia was lost in thought for a moment.

“So that’s it.”

He said calmly, his jade-green eyes like dead water, without a ripple.

No wonder Chima had broken ties with him over the Zhang family affair, hating him for so many years. He was born of a Han slave – Chima had never truly seen him as a brother.

“Bi Suo,” Tanmoluojia asked, “what of my birth mother?”

Bi Suo choked back sobs: “After your birth, that Han woman passed away. The Queen despised Han women and didn’t want to keep you, ordering you to be thrown into the river… But when you were born, there were divine omens – the sky filled with clouds and celestial music drifted down, as if deities and Buddhas had manifested. The people of the Holy City marveled at this. The wet nurse was Buddhist and dared not take life. She persuaded the Queen to keep you, saying they could use the omens of your birth to intimidate the noble families. The Queen had given birth to her son two days before, and fearing the noble families would take her child, she followed the wet nurse’s suggestion and had you given to the noble families instead…”

Who would notice an insignificant slave? Only when the Han woman gave birth did the palace realize she had been pregnant. No one knew two princes had been born in the palace those few days.

Afterward, Tanmoluojia was imprisoned by the noble families in place of the Queen’s child, enduring countless hardships.

Bi Suo’s voice was bitter.

This secret had been buried in his heart. He hadn’t dared tell Luojia the truth, knowing that even if Luojia learned of his origins, he would still shoulder this burden without hesitation. But how heartbroken would Luojia be upon learning the truth! It might affect his state of mind, causing him to lose control of his powers.

From birth, Luojia had been the Queen’s pawn!

Tanmoluojia looked at Bi Suo: “The Queen’s child… was it you?”

Yuanjue and Bami’er’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Bi Suo’s whole body trembled, tears streaming down like rain.

“Yes.”

He was Luojia’s brother, born two days before him.

The Queen, knowing the noble families wouldn’t spare the Tanmo Clan, had secretly sent Bi Suo to the First Princess’s residence. The Princess raised him, letting him inherit the Ashina family title.

He had grown up without worries, enjoying fine clothes and food, deeply loved. As he grew older, he played among the flowers, attracting admirers, never experiencing any hardship. Meanwhile, Luojia was confined in the dark judgment hall, never seeing daylight.

When he learned of his true identity, he visited the judgment hall. Seeing that youth reading Buddhist scriptures in his cell, guilt overwhelmed him. He had expected Luojia to be gloomy, sensitive, and volatile, but Luojia was so calm and steady, more intelligent and hardworking than any of them.

The Queen, his foster mother, and Princess Chima had all told Bi Suo that making Luojia king was just a temporary measure. Once the Tanmo Clan grew strong, they would kill Luojia and make him king instead.

Bi Suo didn’t want to be king. Luojia had suffered so much – how could the Queen so ruthlessly dispose of him after using him?

Bi Suo became Tanmoluojia’s personal guard, swearing eternal loyalty. He wanted to use his loyalty to make amends to Luojia. Luojia was his brother, bearing the Tanmo Clan’s burden alone while he, the elder brother, had lived in pleasure. This was his only path to redemption.

Later, the Queen died, and his foster mother passed away too. Princess Chima urged Bi Suo to reclaim his prince status and compete with Luojia for power. Bi Suo firmly refused, making a pact with Chima that in this lifetime, no one would reveal Luojia’s true identity.

Bi Suo knew that if Luojia’s identity was exposed, he wouldn’t resort to murder to cover up the secret, but the noble families wouldn’t miss this chance to frame him! That’s why Luojia couldn’t abdicate.

Now, his fears had come true.

Chima had leaked the secret.

Bi Suo wept hoarsely: “Chima is my sister… she suffered greatly as a child… I thought if I took good care of her, she wouldn’t betray me… Your Majesty, I have failed you.”

It was too late. Everything was too late. Nothing he could do would make up for what he owed Luojia.

He prostrated himself, continuously kowtowing until his forehead bled.

Suddenly, a cool touch on his forehead.

Bi Suo looked up.

Tanmoluojia held his gilded dharma staff, touching it to Bi Suo’s brow. “This is for the best… After my death, you will succeed to the throne and can quickly stabilize the situation… The noble families cannot all be killed, nor can they be treated lightly. I have already drafted plans and told you everything. Follow them step by step… This crisis is also your chance to establish authority… The Buddha’s Child cannot hold the throne forever… Using me as bait to draw everyone out – Bi Suo, find Mo Biduo and work with him from both inside and out…”

Bi Suo opened his mouth, shock, guilt, and bitterness flooding his heart. Unable to control himself, he broke into sobs.

“Your Majesty, what about you?”

What would happen to Luojia?

Tanmoluojia raised his eyes, looking toward the east through the window.

“Remember what you promised me.”

Bi Suo’s tears flowed like a spring.

Several sharp whistles cut through the air as iron arrows pierced the felt curtains, embedding themselves in the hall’s carpet, their fletching vibrating.

Outside the hall, footsteps jumbled together as flames rose and shouts echoed back and forth.

Yuanjue snapped to his senses, trembling as he threw himself before the couch.

“Your Majesty, let’s escape through the secret passage!”

The court ministers knew the King’s origins now – they would surely depose him!

The wind blew, stirring the felt curtains, as cool sandalwood incense filled the room.

Tanmoluojia sat on the couch in his loose kasaya robes, gaunt and emaciated, fingering his prayer beads as he spoke softly: “All things are impermanent, arising and passing away. When arising and passing cease, that tranquility is bliss.”

Years ago, when he chose to don Sudan Gu’s mask, he had foreseen his end.

If I don’t enter hell, who will?

He just hadn’t expected it would be because of his origins.

Fortunately, sensing the coming storm, he had sent her away.

“Follow Bi Suo, assist him as king. Don’t worry about me… My time is near, and I have no more attachments.”

He held his prayer beads as he spoke to Yuanjue and Bami’er.

Yuanjue broke into sobs.

Bami’er’s eyes were blood-red.

“There’s still a chance! There’s still a chance!”

Bi Suo suddenly jumped up, drawing Bami’er’s sword and rushing out of the inner hall, his eyes crimson.

“Close the temple gates! Kill everyone who invaded today, don’t let a single one escape!”

Outside was chaos. The temple guards and monks spun in confusion, staring dumbfounded at his words.

“Kill them all?”

Bi Suo strode forward with his sword: “Kill them all! Leave none alive!”

He headed straight for the imprisoned Princess Chima, swinging his sword down.

Kill Chima, and no one could question Luojia’s identity anymore. Kill her!

Princess Chima’s hair was disheveled, her teeth chattering as she stared blankly at Bi Suo’s sword descending toward her.

He’s gone mad! He’s mad!

“Bi Suo, I’m your sister! Your only family!”

Bi Suo continued striking.

Princess Chima screamed as she dodged away.

“General!”

The people nearby cried out in fear, grabbing his waist.

“General! Don’t be rash! We can’t possibly kill so many people!”

“General!”

Bami’er ran out after him, “The King has fainted.”

Bi Suo suddenly came to his senses, dropping the sword and rushing back to the inner hall.

Tanmoluojia had lost consciousness. He was already exhausted and felt his days were numbered. Now, learning of his origins – even an iron will couldn’t withstand this.

Bi Suo collected himself, wiping his face clear of tears, his gaze somber as he gestured for Yuanjue to carry Tanmoluojia.

“Go! Through the secret passage! To Gaochang!”

Luojia had struggled so hard, exhausting himself for the royal court, yet just because he was born of a Han woman, the Central Imperial Guard had all turned against him.

The Master’s prophecy had come true.

Outsiders couldn’t kill Luojia, powerful enemies couldn’t defeat him.

Only when his own people struck would the knife cut to the bone, leaving Luojia’s heart dead as ashes.

Bi Suo’s blood surged through his body.

He didn’t care about the chaos in the Holy City anymore!

Luojia’s previous arrangements, those plans… he didn’t want to manage any of it!

He just wanted Luojia to live!

At least, while Luojia lived, let him see Princess Wenzhao one more time!

They rushed into the secret passage.

…

Soon, news spread through every street and alley of the Holy City.

The people were horrified.

The royal central army, fully armed, had surrounded the Royal Temple. Every exit was heavily guarded by layers of Imperial Guards, their armor and swords gleaming cold light. The temple monks trembled as they gathered in the main hall, silently reciting scriptures.

Prajña had been copying sutras in the scripture hall when he heard the commotion outside. Running out to see soldiers searching everywhere, his jaw nearly dropped.

The temple guards had actually let these people in? Had they gone mad?

He cursed the temple guards, then cursed the soldiers: “How dare you disrespect the King?”

The soldiers herded the monks together, corralling them.

The Prime Minister stood on the high platform, shouting: “The Buddha’s Child is unfit to be king! He is not of the Queen’s bloodline! Bi Suo is the Queen’s son!”

Princess Chima was helped onto the platform. Gritting her teeth, she produced two imperial edicts.

“Before their deaths, both the previous King and Queen left edicts passing the throne to the Queen’s son. Tanmoluojia is not the Queen’s true child, but born of a Han slave! The Zhang family pushed him onto the throne only to confuse the royal bloodline. The true king is Bi Suo!”

Everyone was stunned into silence.

Prajña stood among the group of monks, his feet growing cold.

The Buddha’s Child wasn’t the king?

The monks’ minds were in chaos as they whispered: “What should we do?”

The Prime Minister looked down at the crowd: “Will the Elder please come forward!”

An extremely elderly monk climbed the steps, looking at the frightened monks below and sighing.

“The Buddha’s Child was not born of the Queen… Fearing his identity would be exposed, he killed the Temple Master, the Prince Consort, and court officials… Before his death, the Temple Master left a letter…”

The old monk’s face was full of pain.

“The Buddha’s Child is Regent Sudan Gu.”

“I am Bodhiruci’s junior fellow disciple and have seen the technique the Buddha’s Child practices. It is a secret Buddhist method – those who practice it risk being consumed if their minds are unstable, driving them to kill in madness. Now that the Buddha’s Child’s identity is exposed… if not stopped, he will surely become a demon…”

As his words fell, monks brought forward piles of weapons, books, and masks before everyone.

“I swear by the Buddha’s name that every word is true. If I speak falsely, may I fall forever into hell. The Buddha’s Child is Sudan Gu – every time the Buddha’s Child went into seclusion, it was merely to deceive people.”

In the snowy day, thunder suddenly crashed.

Rolling thunder boomed continuously, making everyone’s ears ring and bodies tremble.

The Buddha’s Child was actually the Regent!

The Buddha’s Child had killed countless people!

The Vajra Asura who killed without mercy and the compassionate Buddha’s Child of profound Buddhist wisdom were the same person!

Prajña’s strength drained completely as he collapsed to the ground.

In the chaos, several soldiers rushed out from behind the hall: “They’ve fled! No one’s inside – they must have escaped through the secret passage!”

“Who knows where the secret passage entrance is?”

Everyone shook their heads.

An Imperial Guard called out: “There’s a secret passage exit that leads to the beast garden!”

“We can’t let Sudan Gu escape… he’s already begun killing innocents indiscriminately…” the old monk shook his head and sighed, pressing his palms together. “Either let him continue as king, or kill him…”

The Prime Minister exchanged glances with the others, quickly making their decision.

They couldn’t accept a Han slave’s son as king. The Buddha’s Child and the Regent being the same person was a hidden danger they couldn’t control – they must eliminate the Buddha’s Child and support Bi Suo’s ascension.

“After them!”

Armor and swords clashed as the soldiers all gave chase.

Prajña followed them in a daze.

The news had already spread to every corner of the Holy City.

Outside the Royal Temple, crowds surged. Commoners stood stunned at the temple gates, expressions blank. Some shouted, some argued loudly, but most of the devout believers knelt in the snow, wailing in deep sorrow.

The Buddha’s Child and the Regent were the same person! The Buddha’s Child they revered wasn’t the Queen’s son, but a Han slave’s child!

“I don’t believe it!”

“It’s false! The Buddha’s Child has achieved nirvana – this Sudan Gu is an impostor! He’s impersonating the Buddha’s Child!”

One after another, believers crashed against the temple gates in anguish, blood spraying.

Prajña’s vision blurred. He touched his face to find it streaming with tears.

His Buddha’s Child was false.

Prajña turned and ran.

Soldiers, temple guards, civilians, officials – waves of people rushed toward the beast garden.

The personal guards protecting the beast garden moved to block them. Princess Chima raised the imperial edicts as the Central Imperial Guard stepped forward shouting: “The previous King and Queen’s edicts are here – stand down immediately!”

People and horses tumbled in chaos. Human voices and horse neighs merged as several groups collided. No one knew whose orders to follow. Panicked figures and shouts were everywhere in the confusion.

Bi Suo, Yuanjue, and Bami’er carried Tanmoluojia out through the secret passage. Several horses galloped toward the back mountain, a colorful leopard following closely at their side. Over twenty loyal personal guards covered their retreat, shooting arrows while riding to fell the pursuing Imperial Guard.

“It’s Sudan Gu’s leopard! The Buddha’s Child really is Sudan Gu!”

“Catch them!”

“Capture the false Buddha’s Child who defiled the dharma!”

Inflammatory shouts rose and fell from the crowd, a deafening roar as people surged forward.

Arrows whistled through the air as personal guards fell from their horses one after another.

Suddenly, urgent hoofbeats sounded from both sides of the long path. Imperial Guard cavalry in blue robes and white coats emerged from behind snow-covered rocks, drawing their bows and surrounding Bi Suo’s group.

Arrows fell like locust rain. Everyone took arrows to their arms, shoulders, and legs, gritting their teeth as they broke off the shafts.

The leopard roared in fury, leaping at a guard about to loose an arrow, literally tearing off half his palm.

The guard clutched his mangled hand, his screams echoing over the snowy landscape.

Everyone shuddered. Others drew swords and advanced, stabbing at the leopard again and again. The leopard roared in anger, jumping at another guard and raking its claws across his belly.

The guards retreated in terror behind the rocks, a dozen men drawing their bows simultaneously.

Arrows rained down on the leopard.

“Ali, look out!”

Bi Suo shouted.

The leopard dodged nimbly, leaping at the guards. Fighting through their fear, they engaged it with spears, swords, and lances. The leopard was soon bristling with arrows, its sleek fur soaked with blood, yet it kept lunging forward to protect its master.

Seeing the leopard weakening, the guards surged forward together, driving their spears deep into its body. The leopard struggled, killing and wounding several more guards before turning to look at the barely conscious Tanmoluojia on horseback. It lifted a paw slightly, then collapsed. The guards advanced, driving their spears down hard.

The leopard’s body convulsed a few times, then went still.

“Ali!”

Yuanjue cried out in anguish.

A deep eagle’s cry rang out as a massive grey eagle suddenly dove down, its talons raking fiercely at the Imperial Guard.

The guards hurriedly shot arrows. After wounding several guards, the eagle let out a mournful cry and flew skyward with two arrows in its body, flying lower and lower.

“Garuda!” Yuanjue shouted, “Fly away! Quickly!”

Bi Suo’s eyes were red enough to drip blood as he looked at the dense ring of guards closing in and the civilians in the distance.

“You just watch while your king is hunted down!”

The civilians looked at each other uncertainly.

Yuanjue shouted in despair: “Let us through! The King is dying – must you pursue him to death?”

“Please, let us pass!”

“Over ten years ago, when the Northern Rong besieged the city, all the nobles fled with their families. The King was only thirteen – he could have escaped, but he didn’t! He knew the Northern Rong would massacre the city, so he led the temple guards back to defend the Holy City.”

“Eight years ago in summer, the mountain snow wouldn’t melt. Nothing grew for a hundred li around. When disaster struck everywhere, the King opened his private treasury to save the people, saving countless lives!”

“Seven years ago, the King personally led troops to clear the trade routes of raiding tribes. He established trade with Western countries, lowered taxes, attracted merchants, and made the Holy City’s markets the most prosperous on the trade routes.”

“When the powerful trampled your farms, stole your wives and daughters, plundered your wealth – the Regent brought you justice. He upheld the law fairly, never executing the innocent!”

“Every time the Northern Rong invaded, the King donned armor and fought, exhausting himself to keep the people safe and prosperous.”

“The King knew he wouldn’t live long, so he established alliances with other countries to ensure the royal court’s stability after his death…”

“The King was never selfish!”

Yuanjue cried out: “Just because he’s not the Queen’s son, you would destroy him?”

The soldiers’ faces showed emotion, some quietly lowering their weapons.

One of Bi Suo’s colleagues, formerly a trusted general of Tanmoluojia, rode forward: “Bi Suo, he’s not our king. He’s a Han slave’s son who favored Han people and foreigners. He’s unfit to be the royal court’s ruler!”

“Yes, he’s Sudan Gu!”

“He’s unfit to be the Buddha’s Child!”

“He’s lost control of his powers – we can’t let him escape!”

“A Han’s son isn’t fit to be our king! Even less fit to be our Buddha’s Child! He deceived us! Deceived the Buddha! He deserves death!”

“He defiled the temple!”

The civilians said coldly.

The soldiers tensed, gripping their swords.

Bi Suo rode forward, his gaze sweeping over the unyielding soldiers and the indifferent civilians. He threw back his head and laughed.

“I once thought Luojia would truly go mad.”

“I watched him constantly, fearing his resolve would waver if he felt emotion.”

“I feared love would make him lose control of his powers. I tried everything to stop him.”

Bi Suo looked back at Tanmoluojia.

“But he didn’t. He always remembered his duty. The one he loved respected his faith and choices, never forcing him to abandon his position.”

Bi Suo raised his head, looking at the soldiers firmly blocking their path and the angry civilians around them. He spat and sneered.

“I never imagined that one day, those who would drive Luojia to desperation would be his own people! The royal court he protected with his life’s blood!”

“It’s not that he’s unfit to be the royal court’s ruler – it’s that you’re unfit to have such a king!”

The long path fell silent except for the howling wind and snow.

The Imperial Guard commanders frowned, exchanging glances.

They knew of Tanmoluojia’s years of hardship, but the royal court had never allowed a Han slave’s son to take the throne. Moreover, the Buddha’s Child Tanmoluojia being the same person as Regent Sudan Gu, who had killed so many – the noble families deeply hated Sudan Gu, and the people couldn’t accept Tanmoluojia’s origins. They had decided to support Bi Suo’s ascension and must force Tanmoluojia to abdicate.

Suddenly, a voice rang out: “He’s long known his identity and has been finding ways to protect Han people all these years. He wants to give the royal court to the Han! If we let him go, he’ll find the Han of the Wei Dynasty and bring them back to attack us!”

“Are we to be enslaved by the Han?”

“Those not of our kind must have different hearts!”

The Imperial Guard commanders snapped to attention, shouting: “We can’t let him escape! He’ll conspire with the Han!”

Bi Suo drew his sword: “Who dares stop me?!”

As everyone struggled in confusion, Princess Chima rushed over with her people: “Bi Suo, come back!”

Bi Suo’s face was dark as water, his eyes red as he moved his horse to shield Yuanjue. Tanmoluojia was unconscious, held tightly in Yuanjue’s protection.

Princess Chima gritted her teeth in hatred: “Bi Suo, you are the royal court’s true king. I promise you, we’ll spare Luojia – just strip him of his throne!”

Princess Chima flew into a rage: “I have Father King and Mother’s imperial edicts! The temple monks, civil and military officials, Central Imperial Guard, temple guards, and the Holy City’s people… everyone stands with me! They’re all loyal to the Tanmo Clan! Luojia only gained their support because he bore the Dharma name!”

Bi Suo’s gaze was dark: “The Tanmo Clan lost power long ago! Your glory, the royal court’s stability, my years of freedom – Luojia paid for it all with his life! Without Luojia, the Holy City would have been trampled under Northern Rong hooves long ago! How did Luojia’s origins spread so quickly? Why haven’t the armies arrived? Who leaked Sudan Gu’s identity? Someone is inciting the people, stirring chaos! You’re just their pawn!”

“Once they achieve their goals, I’ll be nothing but a puppet. How could the noble families truly respect me?”

As his words fell, several sharp whistles cut through the air as iron arrows shot from all directions, carrying cold killing intent, forming a deadly net around him.

Princess Chima raged, whipping the commander beside her: “Who ordered you to shoot? What if you hit Bi Suo? He’s your king!”

The commanders hurriedly dodged, ordering a cease-fire.

But in the chaos, soldiers couldn’t hear commands clearly. People kept shouting and cursing as arrows continued to whistle overhead.

“General, this way!”

Over a dozen horses burst through the Imperial Guard from behind. The riders were all powerfully built, forcefully creating a gap. Their leader gestured to Bi Suo: “General, come this way!”

Bi Suo recognized Jin Bo and his men. Startled, he immediately turned his horse to charge through. Yuanjue, Bami’er, and the other guards quickly followed.

Jin Bo and his men protected their escape from the encirclement.

The Imperial Guard was momentarily confused before giving chase. Another horse darted out from the side, its rider’s sword dancing wildly.

It was Prajña, the Buddha’s Child’s guard, who had brought Jin Bo and his men.

He scattered caltrops from his sleeve to cover their retreat.

“Whether or not the King is the Queen’s son…”

He drew his sword, making a Buddhist mudra.

An iron arrow pierced his chest, spraying blood.

He held his ground on horseback at the narrow exit, his round face filled with determination.

“I only know that the King saved us slaves, let us study Buddhism like him, gave us food and warm clothes. We no longer had to go hungry and cold, no longer feared being dragged away and beaten to death for no reason…”

He cut down an Imperial Guard soldier with one stroke.

“The King treated me as human.”

Regardless of whether the King was the Buddha’s Child or ruler, he would never betray him.

Arrows whistled through the air, filling his body.

Prajña fell from his horse.

Bi Suo looked back, his eyes nearly bursting. The pursuers were catching up – he dared not delay. Spurring his horse to a gallop, he led Yuanjue into the mountain valley, saluting Jin Bo.

“I never expected the Prince would stand up in our time of need.”

Jin Bo returned the gesture, smiling: “I’m a Northern Rong prince. If not for the Buddha’s Child’s mercy, how could I be alive today? Besides, the Buddha’s Child saved me once before. How could I not help when he’s in danger!”

Bi Suo laughed coldly. Jin Bo would risk death for Luojia, while the royal court’s people discarded him like worn shoes.

He drew a dagger and gave it to Yuanjue: “Take the King to Gaochang. The noble families won’t spare him. Only Princess Wenzhao can save him.”

Yuanjue choked as he took the dagger: “What about you, General?”

Bi Suo wrapped a headscarf around his face, leaving only his eyes visible: “I’ll hold them off.”

Hoofbeats grew closer. Everyone exchanged tearful glances and brief salutes before hurriedly separating.

…

Yuanjue’s group escaped through the back mountain passage, leaving their pursuers far behind.

Just as they emerged from the cliff face, a large force approached across the snowy ground, looking like a black flood in the distance, dark banners flying in the wind.

It was the Right Army stationed nearby.

Yuanjue’s group broke into cold sweat, protecting Tanmoluojia tightly in their midst.

A rider galloped out from the Right Army, racing up to them and calling out: “Princess Chima and the court officials have proclaimed to all that Sudan Gu is a Han’s son, unfit to use the Tanmo Clan name. Our general doesn’t want to harm you – leave quickly!”

Yuanjue’s heart loosened slightly, hope rising: “Could you spare us some horses?”

The man shook his head, drawing his bow to shoot an arrow at Yuanjue’s horse’s feet: “Not arresting you is already merciful. Go now! If you don’t leave, don’t blame us for showing no mercy!”

Yuanjue smiled bitterly, leading the guards in another direction.

They passed White City, several estates, several tribes.

All had once received the King’s grace.

Everyone who saw them avoided them like poisonous snakes.

“Leave quickly! We won’t shelter you!”

When they tried to beg for water and medicine, people sealed their city gates, refusing entry despite their cries and pleas outside. Some even tried to hunt them down, hoping to bind them and claim rewards in the Holy City.

Jin Bo raged: “The royal court’s people are just like us Northern Rong. Stop being polite – let’s just take what we need!”

Yuanjue gave up hope, no longer seeking aid from cities they passed. When they needed anything, they let Jin Bo’s men take it. Racing on horseback, they escaped pursuit after pursuit, finally reaching Sand City.

The Sand City commander had been recalled. Yuanjue’s group disguised themselves as believers seeking medical care to enter the city. Once past Sand City, they could reach Gaochang.

The city was packed with people, the atmosphere oppressive. Both sides of the long streets were crowded with families carrying bundles, faces filled with grief.

“What’s happening?”

Yuanjue asked around.

“War is coming!” A herder clutching a child hurried past. “The Northern Rong Prince Hai Du Aling has returned with an army of 100,000! They’ll trample the royal court!”

Yuanjue shuddered and kept asking questions, cold sweat breaking out as he learned more.

Days ago, court officials had deposed Tanmoluojia in the names of the previous King, Queen, and Princess Chima, installing Bi Suo as king. Fearing army rebellion, they recalled all commanders to the Holy City, putting their own trusted men in charge. The various factions quickly developed conflicts, with constant friction. Military orders and edicts flew everywhere – morning brought one decree, night brought another, throwing the army into chaos.

Surrounding small tribes, hearing the royal court had installed a new king, declared independence.

The Northern Rong’s Hai Du Aling had just borrowed some troops to attack the Western Army, planning to retake several important towns to boost morale. Learning of the royal court’s internal strife, he immediately changed course, persuading forces that had long coveted the royal court to lend troops, gathering an army of tens of thousands.

A large tribe guarding the royal court’s eastern gate, hearing Tanmoluojia had been harmed by the noble families, was grief-stricken and furious. They opened their gates directly. The Northern Rong alliance rejoiced, taking a shortcut through the desert from the east to attack the Holy City directly.

The army was reportedly now approaching the Holy City.

The court was leaderless, arguing endlessly even about who should command troops. In less than a month, they had already suffered several defeats. The royal court’s people, remembering the Northern Rong’s past brutal massacres, panicked and could only pack their belongings to flee west.

Yuanjue’s feelings were mixed.

As someone of the royal court, he certainly didn’t want the Holy City occupied by the Northern Rong. But after experiencing Tanmoluojia’s deposition, he had no energy left to worry about the Holy City’s people.

He only wanted to get Tanmoluojia to Gaochang, to reunite him with Princess Wenzhao.

“Keep this from the King, don’t tell him about this.”

Yuanjue instructed the guards.

These days Tanmoluojia drifted in and out of consciousness. When awake, he would ask about the Holy City’s situation. Fearing his worry, they lied that Bi Suo controlled the court.

The guards solemnly agreed, returning to the carriage.

Jin Bo sat his horse by the window, talking with someone inside.

Yuanjue approached: “I bought travel papers from a silk merchant. We can go to Gaochang now.”

A hand lifted the carriage curtain as Tanmoluojia’s voice rang out: “Where is the Northern Rong alliance now?”

Everyone froze.

…

The royal court, Holy City.

The Northern Rong alliance advanced unstoppably, taking over a dozen important towns. The Holy City was in grave danger.

The court kept issuing edicts, but nearby tribes delayed sending aid: they only recognized the Buddha’s Child – others’ orders couldn’t move them.

When news of another frontline defeat arrived, Holy City residents fled en masse. Just as they left the city, dust clouds rose ahead. Terrifying horn blasts sounded as Northern Rong alliance troops in dark armor surged toward the Holy City from all directions like ocean waves. Black banners flew in the wind, their presence overwhelming.

The people fled back in terror.

The Northern Rong alliance didn’t rush to attack, first making camp and digging fortifications. City residents consoled themselves: perhaps the Northern Rong wouldn’t dare attack.

The next day, the Northern Rong beat war drums and began their assault.

The Holy City defenders hadn’t expected such a quick attack. In their chaos and hasty response, they relied on crossbow carts improved by Tanmoluojia to repel the alliance’s first wave.

The Northern Rong alliance wasn’t as orderly as the Northern Rong cavalry, but their tactics were more flexible. After several days of failed attacks, they brought out siege engines, concentrating forces to destroy the crossbow carts on the walls.

Ten days later, the Holy City’s last crossbow cart was completely unusable.

Everyone knew the Northern Rong alliance would massacre the city. When that happened, men, women, old, and young would all suffer violation. Every able-bodied person in the city climbed the walls to defend.

Below the walls, corpses piled like mountains.

That day, before dawn, several Northern Rong alliance camps opened their gates. Horns wailed as cavalry first rode out in neat formation, followed by infantry in ranks. Tens of thousands of troops arrayed before the Holy City, their drums, hoofbeats, and fierce soldiers’ shouts splitting the heavens.

The Northern Rong alliance was launching another assault.

City residents were terrified, crying to heaven.

On the walls, royal court soldiers wore faces of despair.

Suddenly, a majestic eagle’s cry descended from high above as a massive grey eagle swept over the battlefield.

The soldiers stared in shock, their eyes growing wild with fervor.

On the horizon, black lines surged faintly.

Someone cried out, tears streaming.

In the dawn light, a snow-white banner with gold patterns floated gently in the brilliant morning rays.