Outside the Land God Temple, a clear breeze swept up to the entrance, stirring a few fallen leaves.
Within the small swirling gust, Yi Shuyuan took shape, and the leaves that circled him several times slowly settled to the ground.
During the first few days of the first lunar month, every temple in the city was flourishing with offerings. Even at night, Yi Shuyuan could smell the rich sandalwood fragrance from outside.
"Sir, I heard the Land God here has been around for a very long time-as long as Mingzhou City itself."
"Mm."
Yi Shuyuan answered softly and walked toward the Land God Temple.
Many Land God temples were small; some were nothing more than a low little hut.
Mingzhou City's Land God Temple had a long history spanning three dynasties, with at least six renovations. With its full complement of halls, sweeping eaves, and interlocking brackets, it looked scarcely less impressive than the City God's temple.
It was rather amusing: Yi Shuyuan had once assumed that the Netherworld was subordinate to the Celestial Court, but City God Xiang had indicated that they each governed their own affairs.
The fact that Lady Shuntian had first sought out the Land God, and that the Fire Department Deity had done the same, suggested something of that relationship.
Some Land Gods were invited out from City God temples, while others were spontaneously worshipped by the people or invested by the imperial court. They might also receive recognition from the Celestial Court. In short, the relationships within the divine path were far more complicated than Yi Shuyuan had imagined.
Inside the temple, the statue's eyelids quivered. A wisp of faint smoke then drifted outside and turned into a slightly stooped old man.
Yi Shuyuan showed no discourtesy, bowing first in greeting.
"Yi Shuyuan pays