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墨書 Inktalez
Unlike Misha's poetic recitations, the scriptures of Western Shu Esoteric Buddhism felt dry and gloomy, lacking any sense of beauty. Misha, well-versed in the texts, commented that they were a jumbled mess, overly dogmatic. Yet the Believers listened with reverence, their expressions serious.
As the chanting concluded, a small commotion arose among the Believers; they craned their necks, eyes fixed on the side door of the Eastern Hall. The bell tolled nine times, and the door swung open to reveal a throng of people escorting a Mature Young Woman toward the grand square.
The girl sat upon an exquisite Lotus Throne, carefully lifted by others. She wore a long dress with a white base adorned with a golden Buddha Statue pattern, her body draped in Gold and Silver Prayer Beads and other ornaments that elevated her already delicate features to an unattainable height. The Believers knelt once more, repeatedly calling out for the Goddess, while the High Monk joined them in reverence.
The girl's eyes were vacant, her face expressionless. Yet her tightly clasped hands, veins bulging slightly, betrayed her true emotions. She was afraid. She wanted to cry out for help but found no avenue to do so.
Among those carrying her were several Relatives. Even knowing what awaited the girl, they wore smiles that seemed brighter than anyone else's in attendance. Not only were they happy themselves, but they also attempted to transfer this emotion to her. Displeased with her stiff demeanor, one relative whispered reprimands meant to encourage her to show more enthusiasm, but constrained by her current status, they could only lower their voices.
"Who are you putting on a stern face for? Not everyone gets the chance to serve Buddha; you should be grateful."
"The money earned from the temple helped us build a house, marry off your brother, and send your younger sibling to school. Our family is doing well; there's no need to worry."
"When you reach heaven, remember to mention our soon-to-be-born sister or niece in Buddha's ear. It would be a great honor if we could have more girls serving."
"When you go up to offer sacrifices later, don’t shout or make a scene; it’s disrespectful to Buddha and brings shame upon our family. Just endure it for a moment."
"Oh right, I forgot—you’re deaf and can’t hear me. Be good and listen; do you understand?"
Repeatedly mouthing words of encouragement in hopes of catching the girl's attention, she merely glanced at them with a blank stare before turning away again.
Another relative quietly grumbled about how she had been chosen for this role—an awkward goose who might anger Buddha with her foul temper and bring misfortune upon them all.
Meanwhile, other relatives strode confidently like victorious generals, basking in the envious glances of other Believers.
The girl was carried to the center of a white jade altar. As soon as she touched its surface, fear replaced the vacancy in her eyes. Her body trembled uncontrollably as she attempted one last act of resistance; her frail form surged with an instinct for survival as she struggled against those trying to subdue her.
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