She glanced at the devout worshippers again.
This Mazu Temple had reportedly stood here for quite a few years.
Though it was neither grand nor imposing, it still held the faith of the local people.
Forget it, she told herself. In a temple this big, with countless incense sticks and candles, there's little point fretting over a few unlit ones.
Beyond the back door of the Dragon King Hall stood a red perimeter wall.
They had reached the end.
It was already impressive for an island like this to have a Mazu Temple with four halls.
Its grounds were hardly small.
To the right of the back door, a long gravel path led all the way to the front.
Worshippers were not supposed to retrace their steps during a temple visit, so those who had finished their prayers could return to the front courtyard along this path.
Song Ning was in no hurry to return. She walked a little farther along the wall and discovered two more side halls to the east and west of this one.
They stood parallel to the Dragon King Hall.
But she had no intention of visiting them.
She had spotted a small gate in the corner of the perimeter wall that led to Back Mountain.
In principle, Mazu temples were built facing the sea, with a mountain at their backs.
This one was no exception.
The main hall faced the shore, while the halls behind it nestled against the mountain.
The mountain was not tall. It was simply the only rise on Ping Tan Island that could qualify as one.
Song Ning and the two men were about to leave through the small gate when they discovered it was locked.
As they looked around, two people who appeared to be staff members approached.
"No