The fragrance of sandalwood grew stronger.
The mountain wind swept through the flags, making them flutter and sound. Thousands of believers gathered below the altar, and the Buddhist mantra surged like tides, rising and falling.
The Medicine Buddha Glowing Statue was placed at the center of the high platform, illuminated by countless lamps, making it radiant as if the whole mountain was submerged in a sea of golden light. Master Huiming held a willow branch and sprinkled holy water before the altar, his voice like a bronze bell: "May all beings be free from suffering and attain joy, may ignorance dissipate, and enlightenment illuminate the world."
"May ignorance dissipate—"
Tens of thousands of believers chanted in unison, their voices layering and echoing throughout the valley.
