The general frowned at once and was about to order his men to stop them, but his expression suddenly turned utterly despondent.
The next moment, all the soldiers guarding the temple fell silent. Without saying a word, they stepped forward and opened the sealed gates.
"Creak."
Dust swirled through the sunlight.
The black-armored troop passed through the silent soldiers and barged straight into the temple.
They went around the imposing screen wall, its carvings exquisitely detailed, and crossed several courtyards before finally reaching the main hall.
The soldiers originally guarding the place had seemed ready to demand an explanation, but they, too, abruptly fell silent. Without a word, they went over and opened the main hall's doors, then retreated to a corner and stood motionless.
The black-armored knights all dismounted. Their leader, the Town Suppressing General, strode to the carriage and dropped to one knee. His voice was stiff and cold as he declared, "We respectfully invite the Great Immortal to take his place!"
"We respectfully invite the Great Immortal to take his place!"
The knights throughout the troop knelt one after another, their voices heavy with gloom.
At the sound, several richly dressed officiants emerged from the rooms on either side of the main hall.
Their expressions were deeply downcast. They went to the carriage, knelt, and offered incense. Then, working together, they drew back the curtain, revealing the hunched figure of an old Divine Statue within.
"We respectfully invite the Great Immortal to take his place!"
Amid their drawn-out, melodious chant, the Divine Statue was carried into the main hall and returned to its shrine.
The officiants, the Town Suppressing General, and the others stepped forward once more to burn incense and pray. They also brought out offerings prepared in advance and presented them.
The thick incense burned