At the time of yinshi, the second period of the day, Daoists from the foot of the mountain ascended one after another. Today wasn't a day of rest, and there weren't many visitors offering incense in the early morning.
Zhao Rong did not immediately climb the mountain; instead, he waited for a group of cleaners to follow up the mountain, keeping his eyes on the two familiar figures among them—a thin, tall middle-aged man and an old man with half of his hair white.
Both were responsible for the cleaning of the Spirit Temple, each taking turns on alternate days.
Zhao Rong concentrated and meticulously remembered their walking patterns and behavioral characteristics.
On his way up, he noticed that they did not head directly to the exterior for cleaning, but would first sweep the mountain paths, steps, and resting pavilions before continuing upwards.
Zhao Rong understood that the cleaners did not have a fixed schedule for their temple duties.