Chapter Five: The Buddhas of Dunhuang Have No Backs

Heat shimmered over Dunhuang. Eclipse tourists filled every hotel for a supposed Totality Heritage Exhibition. Qi Zhaoye's global streaming company controlled every camera outside the Mogao Caves. On huge screens, Qi—a composed man in a black Zhongshan jacket—promised two hundred million viewers a broadcast from a grotto never before opened. “The only candidate to survive the final round last time,” Isabel murmured. “Now he runs the Council's arenas.” On-screen, Qi seemed to hear. He looked past the camera and nodded to Lu. At midnight, the Lightless Grotto opened behind a Buddha in Cave Seventeen. Twelve candidates entered. Every lamp worked, yet nothing cast a shadow.