Although Purple Lake City was much warmer than the town, you could still feel the weather gradually cooling. But the moment they crossed into the temple, it was like entering a completely different world. The temperature became wonderfully comfortable, and the air was fresh, unaffected in the slightest by the crowds.
Inside the temple gate was a spacious open area. There was just one tall tree on each side, each a little over ten meters high. Their thick branches and leaves spread wide, covering a considerable area and blocking most of the sunlight and rain.
Many worshippers who came to pay their respects lingered beneath the trees. Some stood, others sat, and they all seemed to enjoy being there.
Blondie squeezed into a spot, spread his arms without a care, and took a deep breath. Puzzled, he said, "I can't smell anything."
"How can that be?" A Hai was under the tree too, smiling contentedly. "The leaves smell so fresh."
Blondie sniffed again uncertainly. After making sure there was nothing wrong with his sense of smell, he tested the air for impurities. "See? I told you there's no smell. The air under the tree is no different from anywhere else... Don't believe me? Come and smell it for yourself."
The last sentence was directed at Xu Huo.
As an injured person, Xu Huo received special consideration from the local worshippers. Wherever he went, people offered him their places, and they even helped him toward a spot close to the tree trunk.
"The trees before the Goddess are good for your health. Take a few deep breaths," a middle-aged woman said.
Xu Huo thanked her, then imitated the others, savoring the air flowing beneath the tree.
Blondie looked dubious. "What does it smell like?"
Since they were on someone else's turf,