Chapter 1293: The Temple of Bayuan Village

Although known as the Land Abandoned by Gods, the Glimmering Gold Plains actually have numerous temples. Its distance from Beijia also means it’s far from the Spirit Void Deities, allowing other gods greater influence here.

"Although Puyin God was recorded in Shao Jian's notes, it's been a hundred and fifty or sixty years since then. I need to confirm it's still active," He Lingchuan said. He therefore first sent people to investigate.

If a temple's incense is burning strong, it generally indicates the deity is still present. Furthermore, Puyin God has consistently performed miracles over the past few years.

To gain more human followers, displaying miracles is an essential strategy. Of course, manifesting miracles is very energy-consuming, and as a minor deity, Puyin God's ability to demonstrate them is limited.

Over a hundred years ago, on the annual Sky Sacrifice Day, Mitian would descend with magnificent miracles, a truly spectacular sight. The people of Panlong City, bringing their elders and children, would flock to the city's outskirts, turning it into a commemorative day.

Puyin God lacks such potent divine power, unable to manifest such grand spectacles. Instead, it must employ more artful methods, such as appearing to individuals to grant wishes, or utilizing believers to accomplish tasks.

Dong Rui wanted to ask, "Why choose this Puyin God?"

"According to Shao Jian's notes, Puyin God is neither one of the Spirit Void Deities nor a wild god. It belongs to another group of heavenly gods, whose supreme leader is called Shali Tian. They are the primary adversaries of the Spirit Void Deities."

Dong Rui replied playfully, "You're not trying to play the 'enemy of my enemy is my friend' card, are you?"

"No, even the Shali Deities are dangerous. Shao Jian himself nearly exposed himself back then, and I have no intention of getting deeply involved. That's why I asked you to bring the gear." However, they hadn't brought the macaques; two monkeys would be too conspicuous.

After turning a bend on the mountain path, a clear road stretched ahead, and buildings on both sides gradually became more numerous.

Bayuan Village was close at hand.

Both were dressed in robes and veiled hats. As many travelers wore similar attire, their appearance didn't stand out.

It was likely not market day, as the village wasn't bustling. Low earthen houses dotted the landscape, and the ground was filthy, kicking up dust whenever cattle or horses passed. Occasionally, small puddles appeared by the roadside, their surfaces covered with suspicious foam.

The villagers they encountered walked with their heads bowed, their faces grim. Bayuan Village was pervaded by a suffocating atmosphere.

Dong Rui asked someone for directions. The person simply pointed, without turning their head: "There, go to the end."

"Excuse me, what's happening here? Why does the atmosphere feel off?"

"There's another war brewing up ahead, wars every few days," the person sighed repeatedly, their tone unclear whether from resentment or self-pity. "We can't live like this; they're leaving us no way out!"

The two noticed his weathered face, crow's feet around his eyes, and two missing teeth. Yet, upon closer inspection, he appeared to be only in his early to mid-thirties.

"Where is the war going to be?"

The person pointed east, wavering for a moment, and then walked nearly two *zhang* away before his voice drifted back: "Shizhou Tou."

Shizhou Tou was a city. Before departing, He Lingchuan had familiarized himself with the local geography; Shizhou Tou City, ten *li* to the east, served as the region's gateway.

If Shizhou Tou were to be caught in conflict, the flames of war would most likely spread here.

Civilians encountering deserters would likely be plundered; encountering pursuing soldiers, they would also be plundered. Yet, the grim reality was often that after encountering deserters, they would soon face pursuing forces as well.

No wonder the villager looked so listless.

In the Glimmering Gold Plains, war was hardly an anomaly; most people could only resign themselves to it.

The two continued forward and soon arrived at Puyin Temple.

The large open space in front of the temple—where most markets were held—made the temple building itself appear relatively modest, occupying less than three hundred square meters. Its vermillion walls and high, pointed roof distinguished it from any architectural style He Lingchuan had previously encountered.

Most temples were built on elevated ground, and Puyin Temple was no exception, situated atop a small hill. The two had to ascend sixteen stone steps to reach the main hall.

However, upon reaching the top, He Lingchuan and his companion discovered the temple doors were tightly shut, guarded by five men outside.

It was immediately apparent that these five men had military training, as they all carried weapons at their waists.

He Lingchuan had good hearing and could hear murmuring prayers from inside.

Temple priests typically stand by the deity's statue, sprinkling holy water on kneeling supplicants and uttering auspicious phrases like 'may all your wishes come true' and 'may wealth flow abundantly.' However, what He Lingchuan heard now were incantations of 'united effort,' 'invincibility in battle,' and 'triumphant victory'...

Were the distinguished guests inside performing pre-battle prayers?

When Dong Rui stepped forward, the five men immediately drew their weapons and blocked his path:

"Wait!"

He Lingchuan made a gesture, indicating that they should avoid conflict with the guards.

The temple was quiet, yet no protective barrier seemed to be in place, as He Lingchuan could distinctly hear breathing from within.

After a while, someone sighed, clearly disappointed:

"Puyin God did not appear."

Another person, likely the temple priest, whispered, "Commander Yang, do not be disheartened. Puyin God observes you and will continue to test you."

Commander Yang replied with a touch of self-deprecation, "I hope it doesn't test us for too long, or Shizhou Tou will be lost."

The temple priest hastily interjected, "The deities are omniscient, Commander Yang, choose your words carefully!"

Then the door creaked open, and the temple priest emerged, leading a man, who came face to face with He Lingchuan.

This man, approximately twenty-three or twenty-four years old, was tall and lean, with a short beard and piercing eyes, clearly indicating martial prowess.

Seeing He and Dong with their faces obscured by veiled hats, he couldn't help but frown.

The temple priest also exclaimed, "Please remove your veils! It is disrespectful before the deity!"

Different deities have different customs, but to come here for worship while concealing one's face was considered insincere.

Dong Rui said bluntly, "It's the same whether we take them off or not."

This temple priest was being quite fussy.

Before the temple priest could speak, the guards placed their hands on their weapons. "Did you not hear us tell you to remove your hats? If you wish to enter, take them off, or we will remove them for you."

Dong Rui chuckled, and indeed removed his veiled hat.

Others still couldn't see his true face, because underneath the veiled hat, he was actually wearing a wolf-head mask!

This was a special mask commissioned by Songyang Prefecture, designed to block divine probing. He Lingchuan had ordered a batch, and Wanqifeng had brought them all to the Glimmering Gold Plains for this occasion.

The two, visiting Puyin God, naturally could not show their true faces to the deity.

As was said earlier, it made no difference whether he took it off or not.

However, upon seeing them, all seven people present visibly paled. The five guards clanged their swords as they drew them, while the temple priest hastily retreated two steps, crying out, "Zhao Army! The Zhao Army's ghost face! Commander Yang..."

Commander Yang strode forward, his face revealing murderous intent: "You dare come here to hunt me? You're seeking your own death!"

Seeing him about to swing his two large axes, He Lingchuan pulled Dong Rui back and stated gravely, "Misunderstanding. We came to find Puyin God, not to cause trouble, and certainly not to kill anyone!"

Dong Rui interjected, "We're from out of town; we don't know anything about the Zhao Army."

Commander Yang still glared menacingly: "Take off your masks before speaking."

He Lingchuan casually removed his veiled hat, revealing a dragon-head mask. Without engaging Commander Yang further, he tossed something into the temple.