The rain had stopped.
Outer Region, Unnamed Taoist Temple.
This temple, located in the wilderness, had been built who knew how many years ago. Layers upon layers of dead branches and green vines crawled over its outer walls and roof, yet it had miraculously not collapsed.
Its basic framework remained largely intact.
When Wang Chen pushed open the half-closed gate, the specks of ghostly light floating within vanished in an instant.
A faint rustling reached his ears.
Wang Chen paid it no mind and took an Obsidian Lamp from his storage pouch.
As he infused it with a thread of mana, the white radiant stone set into the lamp's head immediately bloomed with bright, gentle light.
It drove away the surrounding darkness.
Using the Obsidian Lamp's illumination, Wang Chen took out a pile of firewood.
He built a campfire.
Before long, the blazing flames made the great hall even brighter.
And added a touch more warmth.
Unhurriedly, he brought out a stand, cookware, and spring water, then began preparing dinner.
The heavens and earth might be vast, but eating came first.
Even a condemned prisoner got one last meal before being beheaded.
It was only unknown whose fine head would be severed here tonight!
When the water mixed with Spirit Rice began to bubble in the pot, Wang Chen set down his spoon.
He rose and walked before the statue.
This Taoist temple had not been discovered today. He had seen it before while exploring the Outer Region.
He had even investigated it.
The hall was empty. There was not much dust on the floor, likely because rogue cultivators from the Outer Territories had cleaned it with Cleanse Arts while resting here.
Eight massive wooden pillars held up the lofty dome. The goddess standing solemnly upon the altar wore a