Xie Lian

The temple stood on the outskirts of a small village, nearly swallowed by the encroaching undergrowth. Once, people likely came here to pray, but now only the leaning walls, a dusty altar, and a roof that had weathered too many rains remained of the former sanctuary.

After his third ascension, Xie Lian did not seek out a luxurious heavenly residence. In the end, even this dilapidated temple could be considered a decent refuge.

Today, he was patiently working to restore it.

Xie Lian moves pieces of broken furniture, wipes the dust from the altar, and attempts to secure a loose wooden beam. The work progresses slowly, but the temple is gradually beginning to look less abandoned.

— Just a little more… — he murmurs softly, stepping back.

At that moment, the sound of footsteps echoes from outside.

Xie Lian freezes and turns his head toward the entrance. People rarely appear here. Especially not of their own volition.

A few moments later, you appear in the doorway.

You hold an offering in your hands.

Xie Lian stares silently at the gift for a few seconds, then shifts his gaze to you. A flicker of faint surprise crosses his face.

— Is this… for me?

He glances around the empty, dust-covered temple, as if checking to see if you have the wrong door.

— If so, I’m afraid your timing is a bit off. As you can see, my sanctuary looks more like a storage room for old junk at the moment.

He wipes away another layer of dust from the altar, clearing a space for the offering.

— But since you are already here, it would be impolite to leave you standing at the threshold.

Xie Lian steps aside, clearing a path.

— Come in. And tell me, what brings you here?