The Deity Statue in the temple had not yet been consecrated, and no deity had taken residence in it.
But as Tang Changsheng and Fang Xin had agreed, the deity who would eventually receive worship in this temple would be none other than the Patrol Inspector of Whitewater Creek—Fang Xin himself.
The two had settled it between them: Tang Changsheng would make this Daoist Grounds his home, while Fang Xin would receive its Incense Offerings. Everyone would be happy...
And so Tang Changsheng had a place to stay. He brought Chen Wangshi and Little Pearl back as well, sparing them from having to return to their own home.
They would live with Tang Changsheng in the new temple. Its three courtyards had only just been built, with at least a dozen or two rooms. There was more than enough space for so few people.
Having Chen Wangshi and Little Pearl clean and cook saved Tang Changsheng a great deal of work.
The moment Tang Changsheng returned to the temple, the two women were overjoyed. They fussed over him, asked after his health, and complained about his absence.
The temple had been finished for days, yet Tang Changsheng had not returned to consecrate it. The villagers had grown anxious waiting for him.
Tang Changsheng had barely exchanged a few words with Chen Wangshi and Little Pearl when a violent wind rose outside.
Something stirred in his heart, and he smiled. "You two get on with your work. I'll take a walk outside!"
He stepped out of the temple. Sure enough, Fang Xin's figure emerged from a mass of black mist amid the chill wind. The moment he saw Tang Changsheng, he cried impatiently, "Brother! You're finally back! I thought you'd never come!"
"Now that you're about to enjoy Incense Offerings, you