In November, even the sun's warmth inevitably carried a hint of cold.
The camphor tree outside the gates seemed also lacking in spirit.
An ant seemed lost, spinning alone beneath the high threshold, apart from its group.
Jiang Wang and Jing Li stood with Ku Jue outside the Dragon Subduing Hall for four hours already...
The messenger monk said he would notify the chief and then disappeared without a trace.
Ku Jue stood with his arms crossed and an imposing stance. He seemed more like a debt collector at the door rather than a pitiable man turned away - even though before him was just a tightly closed door.
It was remarkable that he managed to keep such a posture for a full four hours without change.
Jiang Wang stood silently, as silent as a slab of blue stone. He always had ample patience.
Jing Li, wearing the conical hat, squatted nearby, glancing at his master occasionally, seemingly wanting to say something but not daring to.
