In a temple swirling with incense, Bai Lingmiao sat cross-legged upon a lotus-shaped stone table, her long hair flowing over her shoulders. Ferocious teeth peeked from the corners of her mouth, and her white hair concealed black porcupine quills and green Snake Scales. However, this was a significant improvement. She now had the proper number of eyes on her face—two, although one of them was still that of a beast.
The monks of Da Qi's Zhengde Temple surrounded Bai Lingmiao's Lotus Platform. Seated on meditation cushions, they rhythmically struck wooden fish. As they did, they chanted obscure Buddhist scriptures. "In the Lotus Pond Ocean Assembly, Amitabha Tathagata, Guanyin, and Mahasthamaprapta sit on the Lotus Platform, ascending the Golden Steps. Their great vow unfolds, wishing for all to leave the mortal dust. Namo to the Lotus Pond, Ocean Assembly Bodhisattva, Mahasattva..."
