**Chapter 7: Exploration**
The performance ended, and the marionette gave a graceful bow. Although Lu Li didn't understand the opera, the beauty of the performance was universal.
"That was incredibly beautiful. Even celestial maidens couldn't compare. Truly, you've devoted your life to this art!" Lu Li applauded. Anyone who dedicates their life to a single craft deserves respect, and perhaps this lifelong dedication is what made the puppet show so enchanting.
"Thank you for your kind words," the old man replied modestly, though his eyes shone with confidence in his craft. He had devoted his life to puppetry and took great pride in his skill. However, he soon sighed and shook his head, falling silent as he sat back by the fire, lost in memories.
Seeing the old man deep in thought, Lu Li turned his attention to exploring the temple. In the dreamscape, the marionette mentioned that everything had significance. Yet, in the dreamscape, he hadn't seen the temple, suggesting it lacked importance. However, the headless Buddha within had transformed into a fearsome monster.
The Buddha's death had affected the real world, but unlike in the dreamscape, the marionette bore no cracks in reality. This discrepancy suggested either the Buddha or the temple had a hidden significance. Additionally, the ghouls surrounding the temple further indicated something unusual about it. Determined to uncover its secrets, Lu Li began a thorough exploration.
The temple was small, with nothing notable besides the headless Buddha statue. Glancing at the old man, who remained lost in thought, Lu Li examined the altar and the cracked statue. Climbing onto the altar, he pushed the Buddha, finding it structurally sound despite the cracks. Circling behind the statue, he discovered some damage that seemed to have been caused by a tool, forming a hollow.
Inspired, Lu Li stepped onto the hollow, pressing against it and using his weight to leverage himself. He could almost picture someone hiding behind the statue, chiseling away at the neck until the head could be removed.
Although this discovery was intriguing, it didn't help him uncover the temple's secrets. He continued his search, focusing on the altar itself. Freeing his muscle restrictions, he pushed the Buddha again, causing some stones to fall. The noise startled the old man, but he remained silent.
With another push, the statue toppled, leaving only a few base stones. Lu Li carefully moved these aside, revealing a layer of dust. Clearing it away, he knocked on the surface, hearing a hollow sound. Smiling, he identified the boundaries and pried open a concealed compartment, revealing a small box with a letter attached.
Removing the letter, Lu Li opened it to find ancient, hastily scrawled writing. A prompt appeared in his vision:
**[Obtained Key Item for Side Quest: Source of the Ghouls, Translating...]**
**[To the future: Whether you are a monk or a thief, heed my words. The item within this box is the source of all evil, a cursed object. I wished to destroy it but feared the loss of ancient wisdom. My own greed also played a part, so I built this temple and placed a Buddha statue to suppress it. If you are benevolent, destroy it. If malevolent, guard it well. Signed, an unnamed sinner.]**
**[Obtained Side Quest: Source of the Ghouls]**
**[Quest Description: Someone obtained a powerful item, feared its danger but coveted its power. They suppressed it under the Buddha statue. When the statue's head was stolen, a series of events unfolded...]**
**[Quest Objective: Find the item responsible for the ghouls' creation.]**
**[Quest Hint: The item isn't in the box; it exists in the dreamscape.]**
**[Quest Reward: Retrieve the item and earn 500 game points, provided you can obtain it.]**
Lu Li set aside the letter and opened the box, finding it empty. The real treasure lay in the dreamscape, within the temple there. Recalling the marionette's actions and the letter's hints, Lu Li began to piece together the puzzle. Smiling, he turned to the confused old man.
"You... did you find something?" the old man asked cautiously.
"Nothing, just an empty box," Lu Li replied. Just then, they heard noises and ghoul growls outside. Holding the empty box, Lu Li walked to the temple door, opened it slightly, and threw the box far away. "The item isn't here! You can leave now!" he shouted.
There was a commotion outside, followed by angry roars. Lu Li returned to the fire, threw another stick outside, and waited. The noise gradually subsided. After a while, Lu Li and the old man peeked outside, finding the ghouls gone. Although Lu Li still felt malevolent eyes watching from the darkness, the immediate threat had passed.
The old man sighed in relief, holding the marionette tighter and sitting back by the fire. Lu Li checked the wood supply, realizing it was running low...
End of the chapter.