Originally, everyone was supposed to go to the hotel and rest before beginning the investigation. But Duanmu Huai felt that since they were already here, they might as well investigate the clues first and return to rest afterward. So he directly ordered the bus to change direction and head for the shrine.
Shrines were generally located in elevated areas, and this one was no exception. After walking up a long hillside, everyone arrived in front of the shrine. It had already been sealed off, and the police had put up signs prohibiting entry. But to Duanmu Huai, this naturally posed no obstacle. He pushed open the gate and strode into the shrine.
Compared to the shrine in Yōchin Town, this one was much more formal. The main gate had been renovated, and there was a hand-washing basin inside, followed by the worship hall, offering box, and so on. Aside from being somewhat smaller, it was hardly inferior to the shrines in those famous tourist destinations.
Even its specifications were quite formal.
Basically, Japanese shrines all had similar layouts. There was a torii at the entrance, followed by an approach leading through the forest to the shrine. Stone lion statues stood on both sides of the approach, mainly to ward off impurity and evil spirits. After passing along the approach, one reached the worship hall in the main courtyard, where people came to pray. Behind the worship hall was the main sanctuary, which housed the sacred object worshiped by the shrine.
There was also the shrine office. Just hearing the name made it hard to tell what the place was for, but put simply, it was the shrine's general store. The shrine maidens sold amulets and local specialties there, while also handling fortune draws and interpreting fortunes—in other words, it was