The moonlight was hazy.
More than a dozen hunched figures made their way along the mountain path toward Five Lights Temple.
Since Madam Yin had already gone to Chaoge, the mountains were utterly silent. Most of the mist had dispersed, and no demons or monsters were in sight.
When the figures reached the mountain gate, their appearances were exposed by the temple's candlelight.
Their skin was deathly pale, and a wax-like substance seeped from their faces. Their hair tangled together like the wicks of burning candles.
Their garments somewhat resembled monk's robes, while their flesh was withered and covered in scars.
"Senior Brother Ruzhen, is the opportunity the Celestial Venerable spoke of here?"
"That's right."
Old Monk Ruzhen pointed toward the main hall. Its doors stood wide open, and a charred statue could vaguely be seen standing in the center. "The Celestial Venerable's incarnation is inside."
The others revealed reverent expressions and pressed their palms together toward the statue in worship.
Old Monk Ruzhen continued, "I have listened to the Celestial Venerable's teachings day and night. At the Chaoge festival more than a month from now, a Saint may arrive."
"A Saint?!"
"Empress Nuwa will descend during the festival."
Fervor flashed in Old Monk Ruzhen's eyes, and his breathing grew heavy. "The Celestial Venerable has arranged for me to become the attendant of the Nuwa Statue. Then I can Apprentice To the Saint's sect and help all of you attain immortality and the Dao."
Upon hearing the words "attain immortality and the Dao," everyone could no longer restrain their fervor.
"Senior Brother Ruzhen, the Nuwa Statue ought to have a boy and a girl as attendants. Could we perhaps..."
"The girl attendant is someone else."
Old Monk Ruzhen said gravely, "The boy attendant will be selected from the temple's evil