"Dad, Mom, look! We're here!"
"Look, that's the Dragon King Temple!"
"Wow! It's so beautiful! So magnificent!"
The young child's voice made Azhdaha stop just as he was about to leave.
Nantianmen, where the Dragon King Temple stood, was far from both Liyue Harbor and Qingce Village.
Most people who came to offer incense therefore set out in the morning, arrived in the afternoon, and hurried home after their offerings while it was still light.
For that reason, most worshippers arrived around noon or in the afternoon. Almost no one came after dark.
Although he had already grown tired of humanity's tedious wishes, for some reason, Azhdaha hesitated the instant he heard that young voice.
He felt that a family willing to bring a child out after dark to offer incense might be exceptionally devout.
As the Dragon King, he ought at least to hear what they had to say.
He abandoned the thought of leaving and melted into the darkness.
In the darkness, a couple arrived at the Dragon King Temple, holding the hands of a little girl with small braids.
They did not notice Azhdaha and simply led their child into the temple.
They neatly arranged their offerings on the altar, then offered incense and poured wine.
"Grandpa Dragon King, Changchang made this osmanthus cake herself. I hope you like it."
The little girl took a pastry wrapped in oiled paper from her pocket and carefully placed it on the altar.
Then she followed her parents' example, reverently performing three bows and nine prostrations.
The family of three carried out the entire ritual with such care and devotion that even many of the worshippers who had come over the past several days could not compare.
Even Azhdaha, hidden in the darkness, could not help nodding to himself