Candles blazed brilliantly, and guards stood in stern ranks.
Looking out, one saw only a forest of palace corners and roof tiles layered like scales.
Its golden, jade-green splendor was indeed the very image of worldly wealth and grandeur.
After rising from his couch and leaving the hall, Jin Shanxin ignored the eunuchs and palace maids kowtowing to him. Riding a trail of colored smoke, he headed straight for a small jade-green temple high in the empty heavens, encircled by Gang Wind and the Turbid Tide.
Two Yama Great Generals guarded the temple entrance, each holding a talisman plaque, bronze chains wound around his waist. The aura of resentment and baleful energy around them surged skyward, their ferocity unparalleled and their presence imposing.
Seeing that the visitor was Jin Shanxin, the two Yama Great Generals did not stop him. They shifted aside, opening a narrow path for him to enter the temple.
"Thank you, divine generals."
Though he knew these two Yama Great Generals held no higher status than servants guarding a door, Jin Shanxin dared not put on airs. After a slight nod, he delayed no further.
He straightened his robe and sash, adjusted the tall crown on his head, and took a deep breath. Only then did he enter with a solemn expression and respectfully address the interior:
"Your disciple Jin Shanxin pays his respects, Teacher."
After he spoke, not a sound answered from within the temple. There was only cold silence.
Jin Shanxin dared not grow impatient. He waited patiently for a while, then kowtowed heavily again, his manner even more reverent, and called out once more.
And this time.
Still no sound came.
Only after this had happened three times did Jin Shanxin finally feel bewildered.
He boldly raised his head, only to see that the