On the summit of Horizontal Mountain was a small temple with no plaque hanging over the entrance. Outside the temple was a massive and lush cypress tree that seemed to have been there since ancient times.

The area outside the temple was brightly lit by a series of lanterns, and there were around a dozen men and women who appeared to be servants gathered outside the temple in small groups, chatting quietly with one another.

Inside the temple were five or six men of ages ranging from 20 to 40 who were drinking with one another. Their faces were flushed red with the alcohol that they consumed, and peals of laughter were ringing out incessantly, while a series of opened wine jugs were strewn all over the ground. 

These men appeared to have come from noble backgrounds, as evidenced by their speech and mannerisms, and they were discussing all types of topics, including politics and recent events. 

In a drunken state, one of the men stripped down to expose his upper body, then raised his wine cup up high as he turned to the statue of the Azure Maiden and chortled, "I don't care if you're a god or a spirit, I'm not afraid! If you dare to reveal yourself, then I have the courage to invite you to drink with us! 

“Azure Maiden, if you're willing to step down from your pedestal tonight, then that would be sure to make for a fantastic story, and you'll be revered for generations to come! To you, Azure Maiden!”

The drunken man was stumbling around unsteadily as he threw his head back to consume his cup of wine, but most of it spilled onto his body and the ground.

His friends were constantly throwing jibes at him, and...