Throughout history, the Tang kings all suppressed Buddhism and revered Daoism.
However, ever since the foreign monks from the Western Regions brought scriptures to the Central Plains on white horses, Buddhism, with its theories of Reincarnation and Karma, spread like wildfire across the land, gaining extremely widespread acceptance.
Although there were periods of decline after reaching its peak.
But since the previous dynasty greatly promoted Buddhist Dharma, incense burned everywhere, and temples dotted the landscape.
Buddhism had long become a formidable force that could not be ignored.
Even now, eight hundred years after the founding of the Great Tang, despite the court's deliberate suppression, Buddhism remains deeply entrenched, rivaling Daoism, and forming its own separate realm outside of secular royal power.
Liangzhou Prefecture, West City Gate.
On the official road, dust billowed.
Two monks, clad in worn kasayas, walked slowly, one after the other, towards the city gate.
The one in front was an old monk with white hair and beard, a gaunt face, and a solemn expression. In his hand, he twirled a string of prayer beads whose original color was indiscernible, murmuring a Buddhist chant with every step.
Following him was a Young Monk, appearing to be just over thirty, with a lingering hint of ferocity in his brows, yet he seemed incredibly respectful in front of the old monk.
The soldiers guarding the city had intended to question them, but for some unknown reason, when their gazes met the old monk's, a chill ran through them, and they unconsciously made way.
The two walked unimpeded into the city gate, passed through several streets and alleys, and finally, in a secluded corner of the west side of the city, stopped in front of an inconspicuous temple.
The temple was small, lacking even a decent plaque.
But as the two approached the door, the dilapidated wooden door creaked open from within.
A Fat Monk, dressed in a grey monastic robe and sporting a large belly, came out with a beaming smile, respectfully performing a Buddhist salute to the old monk.
"First Seat, you must have had a tiring journey."
The old monk nodded slightly in response and walked straight in.
The Young Monk followed him inside, and the Fat Monk quickly closed the door, bowing and trailing behind the two.
"First Seat, the meditation room is ready."
The old monk sat down at the stone table in the courtyard, ignoring him, and simply spoke in a faint voice.
"Is that woman in the city?"
Hearing this, the Fat Monk quickly said, "Yes, yes, this woman is currently very popular in the city; almost no one doesn't know her."
The old monk's speed in twirling his prayer beads slowed for a moment.
"Find out her background, residence, and daily movements."
"Don't worry, First Seat."
The Fat Monk patted his chest and guaranteed, "I've already sent people to watch her for several days. Normally, besides reporting to the Dusi, she goes to the Wei Residence. The rest of the time, she stays in the Jingyao Workshop courtyard, living a secluded life."
"The Wei Residence?" The Young Monk frowned.
"Precisely, the mansion of Wei He, the Great General of the Longyou Demon Suppression Division."
The Fat Monk explained, "I heard that the Wei family's Young Miss has a close relationship with this woman and often invites her over for small gatherings."
A cold glint flashed in the old monk's eyes.
"Understood."
He slowly closed his eyes, saying no more... Inside the small courtyard of the Jingyao Workshop.
Jiang Yuechu stood with her saber sheathed, fine beads of sweat on her forehead.
Again and again.
An afternoon of diligent practice, though not as immediately effective as Dao Cultivation infusion, had deepened her understanding of this saber technique by several points.
She was about to finish her practice and rest.
However, the courtyard gate was gently knocked upon.
Jiang Yuechu frowned.
"Who is it?"
"Lord Jiang... It's me, a servant from the Wei Residence."
A somewhat timid male voice came from outside the door.
The Wei Residence?
Jiang Yuechu walked over and pulled back the latch.
Outside, a young man dressed as a household servant stood sweating profusely. Seeing Lord Jiang, he quickly bowed.
"Lord Jiang, my Young Miss... my Young Miss asked me to bring you a message."
The servant took a breath and said urgently, "Young Miss said that she will be setting off for Chang'an today. The carriage... the carriage is waiting at the West City Gate. She said... she said you don't need to see her off."
Jiang Yuechu was stunned.
She stood at the doorway, watching the servant's retreating figure, momentarily unable to collect her thoughts.
Today... she's leaving today?
She slowly closed the courtyard gate, turned back into the house, and after a long silence, suddenly shook her head and smiled.
In the end, she still changed her clothes and pushed open the door to leave... Liangzhou Prefecture, West City Gate.
Several carriages, not luxurious but spacious enough, were quietly parked by the official road.
Wei He, dressed in casual clothes, stood with his hands behind his back, softly instructing Wei Qing by the carriage window.
"...Don't be willful on the road, and don't cause trouble when you reach Chang'an..."
"I know, I know, you've been nagging all the way."
From the carriage window, a pretty face, showing a hint of impatience yet unable to hide its disappointment, peeked out.
Wei Qing's gaze occasionally drifted towards the city gate, as if waiting for someone.
Seeing her like this, Wei He sighed inwardly and said no more.
Just then, his gaze sharpened, looking towards the city gate.
A familiar figure was approaching unhurriedly.
Wei Qing also saw her, and a genuine smile instantly bloomed on her face. She lifted the curtain and was about to jump out of the carriage.
"You girl!"
Wei He grabbed her, "What kind of behavior is that!"
Jiang Yuechu had already arrived.
She first cupped her fist towards Wei He in a salute, then her gaze fell upon the woman in the carriage.
"No need to see me off? Then why bother sending someone to tell me?"
Wei Qing jumped down from the carriage and walked up to her, saying self-righteously, "I was just being polite, did you actually believe it?"
As she spoke, she pulled out a small, exquisite brocade pouch from her bosom and tucked it into Jiang Yuechu's hand.
"Here, for you."
Jiang Yuechu looked down. The brocade pouch was embroidered with a few bamboo leaves, warm to the touch, and carried a faint medicinal scent.
"What is this?"
"For calming the mind."
Wei Qing said with a hint of smugness, hands behind her back and chin raised, "Seeing how strong your Killing Intent usually is, I was afraid you couldn't sleep at night, so I specially found someone to concoct this formula."
Jiang Yuechu held the small brocade pouch, her fingertips feeling the granular medicinal herbs wrapped inside.
She was silent for a moment, then looked up at the bright face before her.
"Be careful on the road."
"Mm."
Wei Qing's eyes were a little red.
She sniffled, forcing a smile, "You... you too, don't always be fighting and killing. You're a girl, after all..."
Halfway through her sentence, she laughed herself, "Never mind, pretend I didn't say that. You're different from other girls."
She paused, as if remembering something, then leaned closer to Jiang Yuechu's ear and whispered.
"I believe that with your ability, you will definitely reach Chang'an. Remember to find me then."
Jiang Yuechu looked at her and nodded seriously.
"Okay."
Wei He watched from the side, eventually refraining from urging them, simply turning his back to give them space for their farewell.
"Then... I'm leaving?"
"Mm."
Wei Qing got into the carriage, looking back three times with every step. In the last moment before the curtain dropped, she poked her head out and waved vigorously at Jiang Yuechu.
The carriage slowly started, its wheels rolling over the official road, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Jiang Yuechu stood rooted to the spot, watching the carriage recede into the distance.
Finally, it became a small black dot on the horizon, no longer visible.
Actually, she couldn't quite understand it herself.
Living two lives, she had never really had many friends.
In her previous life, she was used to being a lone wolf, finding social interactions the most troublesome thing in the world.
In this life, she lived by the sword, her life hanging by a thread.
But being with Wei Qing felt... very comfortable.
No need to scheme, no need to be on guard.
Just sitting, eating, listening to her tell interesting stories, and occasionally being dragged by her to tinker with those bottles and jars she knew nothing about.
It was very boring.
Yet she didn't find it annoying.
She slowly opened her hand, looking at the small brocade pouch in her palm.
Behind her, the bustling city gate teemed with people, carriages, and horses.
Wei He patted her shoulder and said, "The sorrow of parting in the human world is the most profound and ineffable, yet it is everywhere. You are still young and have experienced few such things, so it is natural to feel emotional, but do not take it too much to heart."
...
Jiang Yuechu carefully tucked the brocade pouch into her bosom, keeping it close.
When she looked up, the cold clarity in her eyes had returned to its usual calmness and indifference.