21/07/2018, 9 AM. North Central in China, Kutabu Desert.
Thanks to the huge project of sealing the sand with plants and grasses, many areas in the desert were covered in turf or shrubs when viewed from the sky.
They intersected one another and were well-proportioned, forming neat green boxes, which looked like a huge chessboard laid down between heaven and earth.
In the center of the desert stood an ancient altar.
Nine steps built from marble led towards the heart of the high platform.
The high platform was empty.
Apart from the spotless marble surface, there was nothing else.
Stone tables, praying mats, such common arrangements for offerings were nowhere to be seen.
There was no sign of the three main poultry offerings, no fruits, and not even one altar of incense was present, let alone items of incense.
It was extremely simple, exceptionally dignified, and distinctly solemn.
