Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1316: The Prayer Festival Commences

The Prayer Festival carried immense importance in the Snowy Plateau Region.

It was exceptionally difficult for local devotees to make their way to Sangha Monastery and partake in the central ceremonies, and even more so for outsiders.

However, on this occasion, their journey alongside Pagyi Gesang allowed for direct access to the festival's heart.

Such a coveted opportunity was not to be squandered by anyone.

Consequently, a plea was made to Zhang Yi: could they accompany him, foregoing the confines of Mu Yan's Shadow Space?

"While we could observe from within the Shadow Space, it's akin to the vast difference between watching television and experiencing reality firsthand. We truly desire to witness it with our own eyes!"

Zhou Haimei's smile was radiant as she looked earnestly at Zhang Yi.

Even Lu Keran, his large eyes blinking, conveyed a face brimming with anticipation, though no words were spoken.

More than two years had elapsed since the calamitous start of the Apocalypse.

In this desolate, frozen world, an all-encompassing silence prevailed, rendering such large-scale gatherings a rarity.

Who wouldn't yearn to witness such an event in person?

"I heard there are slated to be performances!"

Yang Siya whispered softly.

Gazing at their eager expressions, Zhang Yi couldn't help but release a sigh.

"Your presence together tends to attract undue attention. You're aware of my consistent preference for maintaining a low profile."

Prior to their arrival, for the sake of security, Zhou Ke'er had employed her [Physical Alteration] ability on each of them, subtly refining their features.

Yet, this intervention was merely superficial, insufficient to drastically reshape one's physique or visage.

Especially for the women, whose appreciation for aesthetics remained paramount, ensuring their continued attractiveness even after the modifications.

It's worth noting that the women within Zhang Yi's circle were no ordinary individuals; they were either celebrated stars from the entertainment industry, scions of esteemed lineages, or gifted prodigies of the highest caliber.

Their inherent beauty was indeed rather conspicuous within the current context of the Snowy Plateau Region.

"What cause for concern is there? Sangha Monastery teems with lamas, are they not meant to be detached from worldly affections?"

Yang Siya, linking her arm through Zhang Yi's, purred, "Do permit us to observe. Besides, with you present, our safety is assured."

Zhang Yi cast her a glance tinged with mock exasperation. "The monks of this era are veritable businessmen; do you truly believe they remain untouched by feminine allure?"

Despite his words, Zhang Yi ultimately assented to their request.

He merely stipulated that they should veil their faces when the time came, remain close behind him, and refrain from straying.

Zhou Ke'er and the others erupted in immediate jubilation.

Their profound excitement for attending the Prayer Festival was palpable.

Zhang Yi idly stroked his chin, contemplating the prospect of establishing a song-and-dance ensemble from the populace of Tianhai City once his schedule permitted.

Should there be a shortage of performers, he could readily enlist assistance from Blizzard City.

Zhu Zheng would undoubtedly grant him such a favor.

Furthermore, with Frog and Totoro already proficient musicians, augmenting them with additional instrumentalists would undoubtedly elevate their spirits.

...

On the day the Prayer Festival officially commenced.

Zhang Yi and his companions joined Pagyi Gesang's procession, heading towards Sangha Monastery.

Although the occasion was a religious observance, Pagyi Gesang's Private Soldiers maintained their presence, fully armed, with Suolang Deji staying close to Pagyi Gesang's person.

Zhang Yi's contingent traveled in their own vehicle, positioned directly behind Pagyi Gesang's automobile.

Upon approaching the outskirts of Sangha Monastery, a vast expanse of dense, dark heads became visible in the distance.

The wind howled with a fierce chill, with external temperatures plummeting to an estimated minus seventy or eighty degrees Celsius – a severity where any exposed skin risked extreme danger.

Nevertheless, the devotees of the esoteric sect, displaying a fervor bordering on fanaticism, knelt and prostrated themselves piously outside the hallowed grounds of Sangha Monastery.

Clad in worn, patched padded garments, they knelt upon the frozen earth, cradling incense burners, their lips moving in silent, fervent prayers.

Tens of thousands assembled before the monastery, resembling a herd of sheep cast down, awaiting flaying and butchery.

A poignant image from Zhang Yi's childhood, that of a slaughterhouse near his hometown, flickered in his memory, prompting an unsettling parallel.

The crucial distinction lay in the lambs' enforced submission versus the voluntary, even prideful, devotion of these individuals.

With such a colossal congregation, Monk Soldiers were naturally deployed to enforce order.

Wielding long whips, they swiftly descended upon any devotees obstructing the path, driving them aside.

A wide, unobstructed thoroughfare emerged, leading directly into Sangha Monastery.

Their motorcade was compelled to halt at the perimeter; out of deference, the advance into the monastery necessitated proceeding on foot.

Emerging from their vehicle, Zhang Yi and his group were clad in heavy winter attire, rendering the frigid temperatures imperceptible.

After an extended journey, they finally reached the most revered monastery in the entire Snowy Plateau Region.

Surrounding Sangha Monastery, a multitude of monks formed a circle. These individuals hailed from smaller, outlying monasteries and lacked the qualification to enter and partake in the grand festival.

Zhang Yi calmly instructed Liang Yue and the others, "Keep a vigilant watch on our surroundings. If any superhumans from beyond this region arrive, I suspect they will make their appearance here too."

Following the conclusion of the Prayer Festival, the prominent powers would inevitably make their way to the Great Snow Mountain.

Consequently, this significant event held immense importance; the enigmatic Epsilon-level beings would surely not let this festival pass them by.

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately began to scrutinize the individuals around them with great care.

As Pagyi Gesang led them into the monastery, the spectacle within was truly breathtaking and opulent.

The interior and exterior of the monastery presented a stark contrast, like two entirely different realms.

Every single beam and pillar within this sacred place exuded an ancient and holy aura, a testament to immense expenditure of both time and wealth.

Pagyi Gesang then cautioned Zhang Yi, "When the festival officially begins, it is customary for monks from all monasteries to convene and deliberate on Buddhist teachings. This session tends to be quite protracted and somewhat uneventful, typically lasting at least half a day. I trust you will exercise patience."

Zhang Yi acknowledged this. "That is perfectly fine."

Indeed, the Prayer Festival commonly spanned a duration of three to five days, as people from across the entire Snowy Plateau Region gathered to offer their worship.

Pagyi Gesang departed first. As the local chieftain, he was obligated to pay his respects to the Lord of the Charnel Ground, in addition to fulfilling numerous other ceremonial duties.

Aware of Zhang Yi's aversion to unnecessary fuss, he assigned several of his subordinates to accompany Zhang Yi and explore the vicinity.

His sole instruction to Zhang Yi was to refrain from venturing too far or entering the Buddha halls without good reason, to ensure no offense was inadvertently caused.

Zhang Yi readily agreed.

Fortuitously, the location was abuzz with activity at the moment. With throngs of people arriving from every direction, monks from diverse locales congregated, commencing their so-called discussions on Buddhist doctrine.

Zhang Yi and his companions drew nearer, observing the unfolding proceedings.

The Dharma debates conducted by the esoteric sect were surprisingly engaging, bearing a resemblance to a formal dueling format.

A designated arbiter presided at the forefront, awaiting other monks to step forward and issue a challenge. A monk who lost the debate was compelled to retreat in shame and defeat.

Witnessing this scenario, Zhang Yi couldn't help but liken it to village elders bickering amongst themselves. Their delivery lacked sufficient force, necessitating emphatic gestures to bolster the perceived strength of their arguments.

Despite the potentially tedious nature of the proceedings, the sheer variety of topics covered in the debates proved to be a redeeming factor.

Zhang Yi and his group ambled through the nearby areas, observing numerous rounds of these debates, much like watching neighborhood aunties engage in spirited arguments.

With Zhou Ke'er, Liang Yue, and the others providing their company, the experience was far from dull.

Yang Siya produced some sunflower seeds she had personally roasted, generously sharing them with the group, and they all proceeded to crack seeds while engrossed in the spectacle.