Nara's Todai-ji Temple?
Built in 740 AD, Todai-ji is over 1,200 years old and holds the title of the world's largest wooden structure.
But Luke had no interest in going there. Since he was already in Nara, he figured Toshodai-ji was the better pick.
"I want to check out Nara, but let's skip Todai-ji. How about Toshodai-ji instead?" Luke said.
Nara is a city with deep significance for both Chinese and Japanese cultures.
To break it down simply: Chinese history is divided by dynasties, while Japanese history is split into "eras."
We'll skip the pre-Asuka era—it's basically Japan's primitive period in the eyes of most folks back home.
The Asuka era kicked off Japan's feudal age, marked by events like the Taika Reforms, roughly equivalent to China's Sui Dynasty and early Tang Dynasty.
After that came the Nara era, when Nara was Japan's capital, aligning with China's mid-Tang Dynasty.
Later, when the capital moved to Kyoto, Japan entered the Heian era, comparable to China's late Tang, Five Dynasties, and Northern Song periods.
Then came Japan's three major shogunate eras, named after the shogun's base: Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo.
Nara, the ancient capital of the Nara era, holds special meaning for Chinese people because it was modeled almost exactly after the Tang Dynasty cities of Chang'an and Luoyang.
Standing in this city feels like wading through the river of time, catching a glimpse of the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty's peak.
Toshodai-ji, where Luke wanted to go, was founded by the Chinese monk Jianzhen after he traveled to Japan and arrived in Nara, the capital at the time. He later passed away there.
Luke wasn't big on spirits or divine blessings.
But a system task was a system task, and if he had to visit a temple, why not one with some historical ties like Toshodai-ji?
"Alright, your call. It's about 150 kilometers, so we'll get there in roughly two hours," GAKKI said.
Their red Toyota zipped along, carrying the two of them toward their destination.
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…
Toshodai-ji was established in 759 AD and completed in 770 AD, seven years after Jianzhen's death.
Luke stood in the snow, gazing at the Tang-style architecture from over a thousand years ago, silent and still.
"Not going inside?" GAKKI asked, pointing at the main hall—the Kondo.
"Nah, let's walk around the back," Luke replied, leading the way.
Beyond the Kondo, Toshodai-ji boasts a lecture hall, sutra repository, treasure house, ceremonial hall, and drum tower. At its peak, it housed 3,000 monks, making it a massive complex.
"That area's not open to tourists," GAKKI said, sounding a bit anxious.
But then she watched as Luke pulled out a stack of cash, said a few words to the monk blocking his path, and the way was cleared.
"Honored guest, you're welcome to enter," the monk said, his face all smiles.
Luke grinned and waved GAKKI over, leading her inside.
"Ugh, these monks are such an embarrassment to our country," GAKKI huffed.
"Not really. Monks are like this everywhere—it's just human nature. They're just offering a little extra access," Luke said with a chuckle, brushing it off. "Let's check out the Miedo Hall. I hear there are some great paintings there."
The Miedo Hall houses 68 sliding panel paintings, including Cloud Shadows, Waves' Roar, Huangshan Dawn Clouds, Yangzhou Breeze, Guilin Moonlit Night, and Auspicious Light. They're definitely worth a look.
Ahead lay a large patch of untouched snow, uncleared since the area was closed to tourists.
Heavy snow from the past few days had piled up thickly.
Luke trudged forward, leaving deep footprints in the pristine snow.
GAKKI followed, her small feet stepping into the big prints he left behind.
It made walking easier, and she flashed a happy smile.
The two moved in tandem, leaving a long trail of footprints in the snow.
Luke, glancing back at GAKKI hopping along behind him, found it amusing.
With a smirk, he started taking bigger strides, stretching each step as far as he could.
This threw GAKKI for a loop. Though she was tall, her legs were shorter than Luke's 6-foot-2 frame.
To keep up with his footprints, she had to leap forward on tiptoes with every step.
Haha! Nailed it!
But before she could celebrate, she lost her balance and pitched forward, about to faceplant into the snow.
"Ah!"
In the next instant, Luke's strong hands caught her.
He pulled GAKKI into his arms, just like the time she'd jumped from the treetop.
His warm breath brushed her face, making her heart race.
In the freezing snow, she felt like she was melting.
Luke steadied her and patted her head. "You okay?"
GAKKI shook her head vigorously, trying to clear her racing thoughts.
"I'm trying so hard to keep up with you," she said earnestly, "but I'll get there."
Her words carried a double meaning.
Luke smiled. "Don't worry about getting left behind. I'll always have you with me."
He held out his right hand.
GAKKI grabbed it tightly, her lingering worries fading as a sense of security washed over her.
Suddenly, she remembered something and pulled a bracelet from her pocket, handing it to Luke. "I made this for you—a blessing knot. I was going to give it to you after praying at Todai-ji, but Toshodai-ji's just as good."
Luke took the colorful bracelet, clearly handmade with intricate care. It must've taken ages.
Woven from nine different-colored cords, the number nine symbolized perfect fortune—a lucky number that made the braiding process even trickier.
GAKKI had even woven Luke's name into the design, which must've taken extra hours.
"Thanks. I love it," Luke said.
He didn't ask how long it took her. The effort was clear, and that was enough.
GAKKI probably wouldn't have told the truth anyway—she'd worry he'd feel burdened. But it had to have taken hundreds of hours.
As Luke slipped the bracelet onto his wrist, GAKKI's eyes lit up.
They didn't say much more, just held hands and walked through the snow.
Luke led, GAKKI followed.
…
…
After touring Toshodai-ji, Luke and GAKKI left through the back gate, hand in hand.
A voice suddenly called out, "Excuse me, are you Mr. Luke?"