National Guardian's Gone and We're Done

Chapter 268 - 267: Is This Destruction Not a Kind of Rebirth?

"This is the White Elephant Empire, the largest nation on the South Asian Subcontinent.

The river basins of the White Elephant Empire are one of the cradles of ancient humanity, hence its name.

The White Elephant Empire is extremely rich in resources, with nearly a hundred different types of mineral deposits.

Its mica production ranks first in the world, while its coal and barite production are third.

Along its long coastline are a wide variety of ecosystems,

such as eight thousand one hundred kilometers of mangrove swamps, brilliantly colored coral reefs, gracefully swaying seagrass beds, soft sandy beaches, rolling dunes, mysterious salt marshes, and muddy flats..."

The kind-faced monk murmured softly as he walked slowly forward, describing the various aspects of the White Elephant Empire to the monks behind him.

Every monk’s face was filled with anticipation and longing.

"Master, doesn’t that mean this White Elephant Empire is an excellent place?" one of the younger monks asked, his eyes full of curiosity as he looked all around.

"Naturally.

I once read one of the Four Great Classical Novels of the Great Xia Empire, *Journey to the West*.

In *Journey to the West*, the final destination where the Tang Monk and his disciples obtained the scriptures was the White Elephant Empire.

The White Elephant Empire is the birthplace of the Buddha, a Paradise for us monks.

It’s a pity that the White Elephant Empire no longer has the Great Leiyin Temple,

and instead worships Brahma Heaven, Shiva, and Vishnu.

Paradise has become a fallen nation.

Therefore, the Buddha has sent us to save this fallen nation.

This time, we will restore the glory of the Buddhist Sect and rebuild the Great Leiyin Temple on the lands of the White Elephant Empire.

From now on, this place will no longer be called the White Elephant Empire. It will be called the Western Heaven."

The kind-faced monk stopped walking. Gazing out over the vast, boundless lands of the White Elephant Empire, he said with a smile, "A few of you, go and bring everything over from our Little Leiyin Temple.

We are going to build the true Great Leiyin Temple here.

We will make all the Empires and Evil Spirits on Blue Star come to our Western Heaven to seek the scriptures and receive salvation."

"Yes, Abbot Tonghua."

Several monks stepped out from the group, pressed their palms together, and bowed to the kind-faced monk.

Abbot Tonghua watched them leave, then continued leading the remaining monks forward. "This is a very fine land. It’s just a pity that the former ruler of the White Elephant Empire was a fool.

It also suffered destruction at the hands of that Demon named Chu He, which is what led to its current state.

Everything is guided by fate.

How is this destruction not also a kind of rebirth?"

"Abbot Tonghua, this place looks even more prosperous than the other cities we passed through in the White Elephant Empire," a young monk remarked, looking curiously at the modern metropolis ahead.

"Of course it’s prosperous. This is the Royal City of the White Elephant Empire, named Bird City.

Do you know why it’s called Bird City?

Because Bird City is home to a massive number of birds.

This is also the largest commercial center in the northern White Elephant Empire. We’ll build our Great Leiyin Temple in Bird City.

Only Bird City in the White Elephant Empire is worthy of our Great Leiyin Temple," Abbot Tonghua said with a smile.

Even in a time of extreme chaos, this place still maintained the prosperity befitting a Royal City.

On the wide, tree-lined boulevards, modern skyscrapers soared into the clouds on both sides.

What truly brought this scene to life,

were the well-arranged ancient buildings and colorful havelis,

their primary colors of red, yellow, and blue complementing the blue sky and white clouds.

The streets were lined with bustling shops, creating a lively atmosphere.

Vendors skillfully prepared all sorts of White Elephant Empire snacks,

the rich aroma of spicy samosas filling the air, and the cloyingly sweet ladoos looking utterly mouthwatering.

Customers sat leisurely or stood casually, indulging in this feast for the taste buds.

As the sun climbed higher, Bird City grew even busier.

Endless streams of pedestrians moved through the city,

while traditional tuk-tuks coexisted with modern taxis, subways, and the occasional luxury car,

all forming a vibrant urban tapestry.

Just then, the tranquility of the street was violently shattered.

The sun had been lazily casting its light on the stone-paved road, illuminating the hurried and unhurried steps of pedestrians,

but suddenly, everything became strange and unsettling. A deafening shattering sound

erupted from the top of a distant skyscraper, the noise vibrating through everyone’s eardrums and souls like a clap of thunder.

Immediately after, a black shadow streaked across the sky at an unbelievable speed.

It was a colossal lizard of immense size. Its scales glinted with an ominous luster, and its body nearly blotted out half the sky.

With destructive force, it mercilessly smashed through thick glass windows.

Accompanied by a deafening ROAR, the lizard landed heavily. The impact of its massive body hitting the ground was like a mountain collapsing, and every inch of the street trembled under the immense force.

The surrounding shops, as fragile as paper in that moment, were swept up in the storm of its impact.

Shards of glass flew everywhere like sharp raindrops, slicing through the air, sight, and serenity alike.

Merchandise inside the shops scattered across the ground—exquisite porcelain, glittering jewelry, and a dazzling array of goods.

In that instant, they all became meaningless.

Some were trampled into fragments, others were swept away by the violent gust, disappearing into the chaos.

Doors and windows were unable to withstand the immense force, exploding one after another with piercing shrieks.

And the innocent pedestrians—some had been immersed in the joy of shopping, some were hurrying on their way, and others were laughing and chatting with family and friends.

All of these beautiful moments were torn to shreds by the sudden disaster.

Many of them had no time to react before they were swept up by the terrifying force.

Their bodies twisted and broke under the immense impact, and blood bloomed like evil flowers, dyeing the street red.

The air grew thick with the heavy stench of blood and despair.

As for the building struck by the giant lizard, cracks spread rapidly from the point of impact like a spiderweb.

Finally, the entire building snapped in the middle with a deafening BOOM.

Bricks, steel bars, and chunks of concrete, carrying the stench of death, rained down on the terrified crowd and the street below.

The unfortunate people inside either fell screaming or tried to grab onto something, only to helplessly let go and be reduced to puddles of gore.

In that moment, life seemed so fragile.

The entire street, once bustling and prosperous, had instantly transformed into a living Hell.

Screams, cries, and pleas for help mingled together.

Some people stood frozen on the spot, their eyes vacant, unable to accept the sudden turn of events.

Others stared wide-eyed, their bodies trembling, trying to wake from the nightmare.

Still others collapsed to the ground, tears and despair intertwined, crying out the names of their lost loved ones.

"Abbot Tonghua, that’s an Evil Spirit," a monk said nervously, his palms pressed together.

"This Evil Spirit has arrived at the perfect time."

Abbot Tonghua’s face still wore a calm and carefree smile. He also pressed his palms together,

but between his hands was a string of Buddha Beads.

An ordinary person would have been frightened stiff by the sudden appearance of the giant lizard,

but Abbot Tonghua felt a surge of unexpected joy.