Dong—

As the bell of Chanlin Temple echoed through the monastery, this year's Water Grove Dharma Assembly officially began.

In the center of the temple, Yuankong, draped in a yellow kasaya and holding a Vajra Pestle, was the first to step out of the hall, followed by a group of monks.

Two white-bearded monks closely followed Yuankong on either side. The monk on Yuankong's left held a jade purification bottle, which was clearly not a magical artifact but merely a ceremonial prop.