Fenxi Crossing.
On the vacant land beside the wooden trestle bridge, a gigantic oil-paper umbrella stood erect to provide shade. Underneath it, there was a long brown-lacquered table.
A small frame the height of a forearm with four legs, shaped like a doorway, rested on the table surface. A round white jade ring with gold threads inlaid was hanging in the middle of the frame.
Below it dangled five teardrop-shaped jade pendants, each the size of a peanut, suspended by silver threads.
"Stretch out your hand," commanded a thin, sullen old man over fifty in a cold voice.
Chen Mu extended his left hand shakily, very nervous.
The old man took off the huge iron bracelet, examined the inner wall of the bracelet, and then squinted at the jade pendants.
A breeze blew by, causing the pendants to sway, but they never once clinked together.
"You may go," the old man said indifferently. "You're too weak. Eat more."
