The temple's decor was identical, grand and imposing, with flying eaves and bracketed arches, golden glazed tiles, red walls, and intricately painted beams, quite spectacular.
The two walked up the steps hand in hand, the sound of bells in their ears, and the chanting of monks audible in the distance.
Entering the temple, they offered incense money, approached the Bodhisattva, and bowed to light incense.
Then Tang Si walked up to a nearby monk, looking at Kang Xiao Lu for help, "Ask him how to get a peace charm?"
He wanted to get a peace charm for Shi Ran.
The little girl was very timid; with a peace charm's protection, it could bolster her courage and ensure her safety.
Kang Xiao Lu communicated with the monk for a few sentences, then told Tang Si, "As long as you add some incense money and pray for peace before the Bodhisattva, you can have one."
He added, "The peace charms at this temple are all consecrated and very effective."
"Simple."
Tang Si let go of Shi Ran's hand, walked to the offering table, put in a lot of money, lit incense, and knelt on the prayer mat to kowtow and offer incense.
The monk came over with a bowl of blessed water, dipped his fingers in it, sprinkled a few drops on Shi Ran, and handed her a red embroidered peace charm.
"Thank you."
Shi Ran took the peace charm and bowed to the monk.
Kang Xiao Lu conveyed Shi Ran's gratitude.
"Let me help you put it on."
Tang Si looked at the silver lock-shaped peace charm. It was small, embroidered with intricate patterns, exquisite and not vulgar at all.
He walked behind Shi Ran and helped her put it on around her neck.
Shi Ran felt touched by everything Tang Si had done for her.
"There, with the peace charm, all demons and monsters will steer clear of you from now on. You don't have to be afraid anymore."
Tang Si raised his eyebrows and smiled.
Whether the peace charm had actual efficacy or not, it at least offered psychological comfort.
Shi Ran touched the peace charm around her neck and smiled without speaking.
"Hahaha..." Kang Xiao Lu suddenly laughed and reminded them, "This peace charm is in a sachet-like packaging. If you open the packaging, there's a piece of jade inside."
"Really?"
Tang Si was half-believing.
Standing in front of Shi Ran, he fiddled with the sachet and, sure enough, it was indeed a pouch-like bag.
Upon opening it, he found a square piece of white jade with runes carved on its surface.
The thumb-sized white jade had gilded runes. The runes were small and looked like decorative patterns, very grand and beautiful.
The two looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"Are we too foolish?" Shi Ran covered her mouth and giggled.
"What's there to be ashamed of? We're new here and don't know anything."
Tang Si suddenly remembered that the Hidden Clan was rich in mineral resources, with abundant gold, diamond, and jade mines, making jade affordable for every household.
It was no wonder Anthony and the others had been coveting the Hidden Clan.
He looked at the clear white jade on Shi Ran's neck. In their country, it would have sold for at least a hundred thousand, but here it was so cheap.
Indeed, comparing them highlighted the difference.
Afterward, the three wandered around the temple. Seeing that it was already nine o'clock in the evening, they reluctantly returned to Yipinju.
Upon entering the room, Shi Ran closed the door, and as soon as she turned, Tang Si pulled her into his embrace and leaned down to kiss her lips.
"Mmm... Tang Si, what are you doing?" Shi Ran asked.
"You little rascal, can you stay away from Kang Xiao Lu in the future?"