The pure white lotus arrived and settled silently before the Blood Guanyin.
It made no other move, appearing to wait for the Blood Guanyin to make her own choice. The Blood Guanyin gazed at the lotus with hollow eyes, showing no reaction. She set off, walking aimlessly forward, while the pure white lotus followed quietly at her side. One person and one flower, destination unknown.
Before long, the Blood Guanyin arrived at a small mountain village. She walked straight into the village without hesitation, yet none of the villagers could see her. Everything was peaceful. Some labored in the fields, others were busy at home, and some sat chatting and laughing under trees. A few village dogs ran and played in groups. It was a village as ordinary as any other—one of countless such places across the world.
Yet, in this mundane setting, the Blood Guanyin felt something indescribable. Her hollow eyes stared blankly at the scenes in the village, her long-lost Buddha-heart lost in unknown thoughts. As she wandered deeper into the village, she saw a house at the very northern edge. In the courtyard, vegetables grew, and a small yellow dog lay fast asleep with its tongue lolling out. Beside the dog sat a beautiful woman holding an infant who looked to be barely two months old. The baby seemed uncomfortable, letting out whimpering cries despite being held.
Chapter 1042