Serpent Ancestor

In the backyard of the Jiuli Temple, next to a side room, there was a somewhat shabby courtyard. On the ground, there were piles of white fragments shaped like small hills. Under the scorching sun at noon, they emitted a burnt fragrance.

Under a shed not far away, a middle-aged man in a short coat was sleeping soundly with his hands under his head.

This man was in his thirties, not particularly robust. His square face had slightly sunken cheeks, and his large ears were quite noticeable.

Not far from him, a chimney on a house was emitting wisps of white smoke, as if something was being cooked inside.