As they ascended, wooden plank corridors alternated with tunnel passages, leading past numerous caves. Some caves served as shrines and temples housing Buddhist statues, while others were the living quarters of monks.0

The temples varied in size depending on the deities they enshrined. In contrast, the monks’ quarters were often cramped—some barely large enough to fit a single wooden bed or a few planks and a handful of scriptures and personal belongings. 0

These quarters had no doors, allowing passersby to see everything inside with just a glance. The monks residing there, however, seemed completely unconcerned, neither worried about theft nor bothered by the lack of privacy.0

Many monks were engaged in chanting and studying scriptures, so absorbed that even when Master Xuanhua, the abbot of the temple, passed by with his guests, they remained oblivious to his presence.0

“The prefect is currently a guest at Xuanbi Temple,” Master Xuanhua said as he bent down to pass through a low, narrow cave passage. “I have been away for three days, so I am unsure if he has already left. If the prefect still hasn’t left, once you summon the Rain God, it should be easier to discuss matters with him.”0

“The prefect is also here because of the drought?”0

“Indeed.”0

Unknowingly, they had already climbed to the midpoint of the mountain. The calico cat, which had been following along, occasionally paused to look outside, realizing just how high they had ascended.0

The height was enough to make even a cat feel the danger.0

Ahead, a large cave suddenly came into view.0

This cave was as wide and deep as the main hall of a typical temple—in fact, it was the main hall of Xuanbi Temple. Inside, numerous divine statues were enshrined. At the very center sat the Lord of Ten Thousand Buddhas, flanked by several Buddhas. Next were...0