After seeing Lin Guo off.
Zheng Qing's faint smile faded. Burdened with thoughts, he silently walked deeper into the alley.
Although today was the Lantern Festival, time in this alley seemed frozen. No matter when he came, it always exuded that gloomy, silent air. Tall blue-gray walls stood solidly on either side like sturdy cages, creating an intense sense of oppression that made people tread more quietly with every step.
In such surroundings, even the leaves growing from the vines on the walls seemed a shade darker than those outside.
Only when Zheng Qing reached the Institute of Abnormal Life did he feel the oppressive atmosphere around him loosen slightly. The lanterns hanging on either side of the entrance cast overlapping patches of oval light. In the center stood a low, long table laden with offerings: wine, celery, dates, chestnuts, and vegetable soup.
It was also a Shicai Ceremony.
However, compared with the ritual at Qingqiu Mansion, the Institute's arrangement looked much shabbier. Aside from the wine and somewhat less refined dishes, there were no ceremonial instruments displayed nearby, such as dharma conches, dharma drums, golden bells, or jade chimes.
As for why their family's altar table had been placed outdoors, Zheng Qing guessed it might be because Dr. Duzem was not originally from Huaxia. Or perhaps the courtyard was simply too small to fit the table. It was also possible that the Doctor was informal by nature and wanted to use this table to offer sacrifices to the two Door Gods on the door as well—because Zheng Qing noticed a small incense burner beside the altar. The incense inside had not yet burned out, and three thin streams of white smoke rose from its holes, disappearing into the Talisman Boards on the door.
Although Shen Tu and Yu Lei