The once-bustling streets of Chang'an were now shrouded in dust.
One brand-new temple after another sprang up from the ground like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.
Whether in the bustling markets south of the city or the quiet spots in the north, vermilion pillars and glazed tiles could be seen everywhere.
Naturally, the commotion drew the attention of the whole city.
Inside an old, well-established teahouse in the eastern part of the city.
Several men crowded around a table, cracking melon seeds as they pointed and commented on the temples being built outside the window in full swing.
"Hey, Liu the Third, what do you think the court's up to?"
A man in a short jacket lifted a big bowl of tea with a chip in its rim, took a loud slurp, and wiped his mouth. "These days, taxes have only just let up a little. Why are they launching another massive construction project?"
The man they called Liu the Third was broad and burly. His cultivation had reached the Ink-Dotting Realm, making him someone of standing in Chang'an.
At this, he lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "You don't know? I heard His Majesty had these built especially to pray for blessings for our Great Tang."
"Pray for blessings?"
Skinny Monkey chimed in, looking unconvinced. "You have to worship a god to pray for blessings, don't you? But look inside those temples—there's nothing in them, not even a clay statue. What god are they supposed to worship?"
"Exactly. We usually worship the Dragon King for good weather and a bountiful harvest, or the God of Wealth to bring in gold by the day. These empty temples... Are we supposed to worship the air?"
The men burst into laughter.
Liu the Third shot Skinny Monkey a glare. "Get out