Liu Xin eyes the mat filled with shoes for some time, deciding whether or not he values politeness or the ability to run more in a place like this. Glancing at the bar though, he shrugs his shoulders and begins to remove his boots, carefully removing a dagger from his right boot first and tucking it into his belt. As he finds a place to put his boots on the mat, he looks to see if any of the other shoes look out of the ordinary, like they might belong to an outsider as opposed to on of the monks in the temple.



After placing his boots down, he turns to his companions and asks, "Now that we are here, perhaps it is best if we review what we know about the Temple to the Serene Virtue of Yi. While it certainly looks well kept, it doesn't seem like the place that regularly hands out rewards worthy of kings."

Sai removes his boots, but also the mottled gray and black hooded robes that he wears over his armor.

"If a temple such as this is promising great wealth, then it tells me that there is difficulty between our hands and the coin, likely a timetable as well. No matter. I doubt that they would waste our time if it were not worth our while nor theirs if it were not within our talents"

Hon Yin smiles warmly as the priests receive them though he speaks very little, instead bowing deeply when they retreat into the temple. When they are gone he relaxes his stance, leaning heavily on his spear, and takes in the sights and sounds of the temple. Losing himself for a moment in the disciples chanting he comes to when he hears Liu Xin speak.


"Regularly I doubt but you'd be surprised exactly how much wealth lies in the hands of the temples and monasteries. Our ancestors demand their tribute after all and this temple honours the Yi Dynasty. If it is coin that drives you I assure you they will have deep pockets."

"Ah yes, I had often wondered where the coins laid at the feet of our ancestors went. Gold always felt a little heavy for the spirit realm, it is good to know it may yet be heavy enough to drop into our pockets."

Liu Xin stopped looking at his surroundings and faced his companions.

"Forgive me, it is not the dead that brings such sharp words to my tongue, I have simply met too many of the living. If it truly is the ancestors in need of our help, I have no quarrel, and if it is not... Well, I have yet to refuse a dishonest man's coin."

Liu XIn turns to the door and indicates the bar.

"Speaking of which, perhaps some of the more mystically inclined in our party could determine what wards were placed on the door after our entrance. I am sure we are safe here, but it is always good to know what our hosts desire to keep out, or in."

Liu Xin turns again and examines the floor for signs of other outsiders, if they did not take off their shoes, then they should have left tracks.

Sai says to Liu, "I wouldn't worry so much about their protections. It's best to know your exits, I agree, but I can't imagine why the priests here would invite us in if they intended to harm us, so I have no worry about being able to leave. I also doubt any danger on its way here would have anything to do with us and and if the temple's defenses become a concern, I'm sure we'll be brought up to speed then. If there is no time, then the sort of wards won't really matter, now will it?

"Relax, soldier. Let us keep our attention listening for someone to greet us and tell us what this is all about."

Hon Yin taps the end of his spear against the tiled floor of the temple while he waits for their hosts to reappear. Already his patience was beginning to wear thin. "From their letter they made it sound urgent. I wonder what task is so important to call him away." He sighs heavily and soon begins pacing the length of the chamber.

Chen Wu clicks his back. Long trips like those always take the best of him. "Whatever their reason for urgency is, I just hope this job is worth traveling half the empire for. I'm getting too old for cold trips like that." The sorcerer straightens his gray hair and cleans some dust from his trench coat. He reaches the pistol's grip, beneath the coat, to check if the item is still there. He created the habit of unconsciously doing that from time to time, because of how valuable he considers the weapon to be. This is going to be BIG, he always repeated in his mind.

Sai rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Are there any other conditions or stipulations? Does the statue have to take a specific route? Are there any modes of travel we must avoid?"

Chen Wu approaches the statue, passing his hand on his stubble, with a curious look. "I'm pretty sure that money is more than enough to keep my mouth shut, but do yo mind if I ask who would want this thing and what exactly it does?" He says that while trying to recall anything about the road between the two cities and their possible destiny.

Hon Yin bows deeply as Hozi introduces himself and listens intently to the monks story. "An incredibly generous offer for so seemingly simple a task. This pilgrimage must truly be important if you need to expend such an amount to see it done - and to mercenaries no less. Dire times indeed."

Straightening himself up and pushing a few loose hairs out of his face Hon Yin nods reassuringly to the monk. "Hozi, you have my word that the statue will reach it's destination unharmed and with as much speed as we can muster. So long as it remains in my care I will ensure it completes it's journey."

Chen Wu needs to make a new History check for information on Gusing.

Sai says, "We thank you for your concern, though we are well aware of how common violence is these days."

Liu Xin mentally reviews the statue in his mind and tries to recall any significance it might have.




His gaze then sharpens slightly as he considers the head priest thoughtfully. "Yes..we are aware of how commonplace violence has become, but do you have specific reasons to think protection is necessary? Presumably this is not the first such trip the statue has taken. Has it been waylaid before? What about the previous messengers, for such a regular trip it seems odd to not have a more permanent method of conveyance. I think our party is agreeable to your offer, but I wonder if we should have any specific concerns for our journey."

Liu Xin examines the priest's face for any signs of deception.