The temple stood quieter than Jun Kai expected.
Stone steps led into a small courtyard shaded by old cypress trees. Wind chimes hung beneath the curved roof, their faint ringing blending with the low murmur of incense smoke drifting through the air.
The building itself was modest compared to the capital's grand halls. Age had darkened the wood beams, and moss crept along the edges of the stone foundation.
But the air felt… steady.
Jun Kai stepped inside first.
Rows of incense burners stood before the altar. Thin streams of smoke curled upward toward the rafters where sunlight filtered through carved wooden windows.
Jin Yue followed behind him.
Jun Kai's gaze moved across the altar...and paused.
Several incense sticks were already burning.
Not freshly lit.
But not long extinguished either.
Ash had formed along their stems, but the tips still glowed faintly red.
Jun Kai frowned slightly.
He turned toward the monk sweeping the courtyard nearby.
