"One, two, three, pull! One, three, two..."
The hemp rope loops over the roof beam, pulled taut; straw sandals scrape against the bricks, leaving white marks.
The muscular laborer wraps the rope around his forearm, exerting all his strength to pull the statue up onto the high platform.
Thud!
The statue settles in place, enveloped in incense smoke.
Gray ashes fall off, breaking into three pieces inside the burner, woodchips from the roof beam trickle down.
The priest stretches his neck, his Adam's apple rolling, oily sweat clinging to his skin.
"First bow, Marquis Xingyi moves mountains and rivers..."
"Second bow..."
Unnoticed in the corner, water reflections ripple as Liang Qu, clad in the [Vortex Divine Armor], hides in a corner of the temple, sniffing the lingering paint scent on the beams, witnessing the people of Pingtan Village offer incense and prayers...
Liang Qu has three temples.
