In the abandoned courtyard, Thomas Tripitaka sat cross-legged beneath a tree, still deep in conversation with the young man.
At first they spoke of the young man's painful experiences, with Thomas Tripitaka gently guiding him. Soon the topic shifted to royal decrees—what makes a decree good, mediocre, or evil. Thomas analyzed each point in detail, drawing on his own understanding. Gradually, the conversation moved from the kingdom's suffering to the method of universal salvation. From the roots of suffering to universal values, Thomas explained everything clearly and thoroughly, making complex ideas accessible.
Whenever Thomas spoke insightfully, the young man couldn't help but applaud and praise him.
In a world in decline, those who have struggled through the sea of suffering are always more willing to embrace the idea of transcendence than those who live in comfort.
The once skeptical gazes vanished, replaced by reverence so complete it bordered on worship.
Gradually, more people began to fill the courtyard. Late at night, the homeless and starving drifted into the abandoned residence, drawn by the words of a venerable monk describing a universal path they had never heard before.
On this cold night, Thomas's words seemed to become their refuge, helping them forget the cruelty of reality and dream of a better future.
They sat cross-legged on the ground, forming a circle around Thomas.
Monkey, Barry Bear, and Prince Adrian, the Little White Dragon, stood at a distance, pushed into a corner and eventually even onto the rooftop as the crowd pressed closer.
Even outside the door, onlookers crowded in to watch.