The first inner disciple in line stepped into the archway, holding a polished brass incense burner. He squeezed his eyes shut and recited a loud, dramatic prayer.
BZZZZZZT!
A bolt of red static struck his bronze burner. Black soot blasted into his face, singing his eyebrows off in a puff of smoke.
Above his head, the holographic screen lit up in fiery red:
[APPLICANT: ZHAO FENG | AFFILIATION: GALE SECT INNER HALL]
[MORAL SCORE: 14 / 100 — REJECTED!]
[CRIMES: STOLE CHARCOAL BASKETS FROM ELDERLY MORTALS DURING BLIZZARD!]
Zhao Feng stumbled backward, coughing black smoke. “This machine is rigged! I gave two silver coins to a roadside temple last week!”
