Chapter 191

Chapter 191

Nobody could say for certain.

Just as Zhan Meng was about to succumb to the generous man's invitation for free grilled meat, the crowd surrounding them parted, making way for an approaching figure—a tall, lean man in his early forties, with a slight silvering at his temples and pale skin. His attire closely matched Xie Yinxue's, save for the missing star pin on his shoulder.

The residents of Na Luota City lowered their heads in respect, murmuring, "Lord Oguste."

"Yinxue, Thirteen, you're back?" The man approached Xie Yinxue and Thirteen with a joyous demeanor. "It's been so many years. Look how you've grown!"

Thirteen instinctively looked at Bian Yuchen for guidance, but receiving no hint, he let out a nervous chuckle without replying.

The man turned to Xie Yinxue, "Where's your father? Didn't he return with you?"

Xie Yinxue replied, her voice icy, "He's dead."

Oguste let out a sigh, his face filled with melancholy, "Ah... It's unfortunate. But you were all out there, beyond our reach and assistance."

Xie Yinxue didn't continue the conversation. Although Oguste had recognized her by name, she didn't know him. Hence, when he inquired about her father, she simply told the truth.

Fortunately, Oguste didn't prolong the small talk. After a brief glance at the group behind Xie Yinxue and Thirteen, he got straight to the point, "These are your friends, right? You mentioned them in your letters."

This instance had assigned each of them an identity. Without knowing the specific background, Shi San could only go along and reply, "Yes, indeed."

"You're really planning to return to the Dakonas Islands to seek the Temple of the Lost Lands?" Oegust's brows furrowed, deep concern evident in his eyes. "A massive storm is approaching. It's perilous for you there, and I must remain to oversee the city. Why not stay in the city for a few days, and I'll accompany you once the storm passes?"

The storm's end was still seven days away, and Yinuo had advised them to leave before its arrival. Without hesitation, Shi San responded, "No need, we can manage on our own."

"Very well." Oegust lightly touched the multi-pointed star pin on Xie Yinxue's shoulder, then glanced at the spear in Shi San's hand, "In any case, with the Temple key and the Spear of Destiny with you, you should be able to return safely."

"So that pin is the key to the temple," Zhan Meng muttered, rubbing his stubbly chin, "And what's the spear for?"

"What else could a spear be for?"

Holding up the assault rifle slung on his back, Mu Jinhai chuckled, "Your question's akin to asking us mercenaries what our guns are for."

A spear, a blade made for thrusting, is unquestionably a weapon designed for combat.

Oegust, standing before them, continued his questions to Xie Yinxue and Shi San, "So, when do you plan to leave?"

Xie Yinxue replied, "Today. The sooner, the better."

"Today?" Oegust appeared genuinely surprised, his demeanor sincere as he inquired, "Aren't you all weary from the journey? Don't you need a night's rest?"

Zheng Shu whispered to Mu Yujie, "He seems keen on keeping us here."

Yun Qian observed the same and joined the quiet conversation, asserting, "We cannot stay."

"The treasure map mentions crossing a rainforest to access the 'Dark' Dakonas Islands. To avoid getting lost, we need a blessing from the Chief Priest of Naluota City's new temple," Mu Yujie translated the message left by a previous treasure hunter, staring intently at Oegust, "That Chief Priest is likely him."

After listening, Bian Yuchen subtly nodded to Shi San, who then cautiously inquired, "Lord Oegust, we intend to depart today for the Temple of the Lost Lands. Might we request your blessing?"

"Of course, follow me."

Oegust's ready agreement reinforced his identity as the Chief Priest of Naluota City's temple. Leading them along the city's cobblestone path, they eventually arrived at a grand Doric-style temple.

Constructed from pristine white marble, its walls boasted exquisite reliefs. Many depicted figures clutching the multi-pointed star pins with obscured faces or warriors brandishing the Spear of Destiny. A layer of gold dust shimmered under sunlight, making the temple both sacred and resplendent.

Guards, dressed similarly to Shi San and holding spears, though not purely gold, stood outside. They bowed in unison upon Oegust's arrival.

Without glancing at them, Oegust turned to the group, "Come inside."

Once inside, Oegust asked everyone else to remain in the temple's main hall, taking only Xie Yinxue up the steps. They stood side by side before a flawless, immense statue whose face, like those on the temple walls, remained indistinct.

Augustus respectfully bowed his head toward the deity's statue, then took a golden bowl placed before it. He removed the multi-pointed star brooch from Xie Yin Xue's shoulder and fully immersed it in the clear water inside the bowl.

Then, something extraordinary happened: after the brooch settled at the bottom, the clear water in the bowl transformed into a liquid resembling gold.

Using his middle finger, Augustus scooped a bit of the golden mixture and drew a droplet-shaped golden pattern on Xie Yin Xue's forehead. He then handed the bowl to the young man, saying, "Go, bless your friends. That's our duty as priests."

So, Xie Yin Xue took the bowl, holding it with both hands, and began walking toward the center of the temple.

At that moment, those standing side by side in the temple's center, looking up at the youth descending step by step from the elevated platform, were momentarily entranced.

Because the beautifully pleated Hiton garment he wore flowed like a mist around him, contouring closely to his figure. As he walked, it accentuated the elegant and wondrous curves of his waist and hips, almost revealing the even whiter skin beneath the dangerously thin fabric. Paired with his sandy-golden long hair, he looked less like a devoted priest serving in the temple and more like a deity worshipped within, his every glance exuding an inviolable sanctity.

Before they realized it, the young man was before them. Emulating Augustus, he dipped his finger into the bowl's golden liquid and began to bestow blessings on their foreheads, starting with Ying Yi Ling on the far left.

"Th-thank you..."

Ying Yi Ling, brought back to her senses by the touch, glanced at Xie Yin Xue's delicate face, her ears turning red. Her stuttering made it seem as if she wanted to say his name more than expressing her gratitude.

As if uttering his name could bridge the distance between them and the deity-like figure before them.

Compared to the sullen-faced Bu Jiu Zhao on the far right, Xie Yin Xue seemed in high spirits. Smiling at Ying Yi Ling's words, he softly replied, "You're welcome."

Ying Yi Ling's heart fluttered wildly at his smile. But remembering the young man was seemingly paired with the man in the black Tang suit, her excitement quickly waned.

Leaning forward, she sneaked a peek at Bu Jiu Zhao at the end of the line, thinking he wasn't that impressive. She couldn't fathom what Xie Yin Xue saw in him, unaware they couldn't see Bu Jiu Zhao's true appearance.

Zheng Shu felt the same way. So, when the youth approached him, he couldn't resist teasing, "Xie Yin Xue, Bu Jiu Zhao's a scoundrel. Look at all the people he's been with. Why don't you try doing the same?"

"Do what?" Xie Yin Xue raised an eyebrow, "Find multiple partners like him?"

Zheng Shu nodded vigorously, "Exactly! I won't mind if you still love him."

Bu Jiu Zhao: "..."

Xie Yin Xue couldn't help but let out a deeper smile upon hearing this.

"I do mind!" Fortunately, Liu Bu Hua was quick to defend her 'little godmother', Bu Jiu Zhao, and immediately intervened, "Zheng Shu, your love is twisted. Being a third wheel isn't good. I don't approve of this!"

Despite Zheng Shu acting like an infatuated puppy, when push comes to shove, he'd sell out Xie Yin Xue without hesitation. The only one he truly cares about is his blood-related sister.

Mu Yu Ji was well aware of her brother's nature. To prevent any animosity from Bu Jiu Zhao, she quickly reprimanded Zheng Shu, "You're just as bad. Do you think you're worthy of Mr. Xie?"

"Whether I'm worthy or not is up to Xie YinXue to decide," Zheng Shu said, raising an eyebrow suggestively at Xie YinXue. "Right?"

In response, Xie YinXue switched from his pointer finger to his middle finger when drawing the pattern on Zheng Shu.

Zheng Shu protested, "Did you just flip me off? Why the special treatment?"

"Yes," Xie YinXue admitted unabashedly, "I am treating you differently."

By the time he said this, he had already approached Bu JiuZhao.

Being a head taller, Bu JiuZhao required Xie YinXue to look up to meet his gaze.

However, before the young man could raise his head, Bu JiuZhao, although still wearing a displeased expression, leaned down as if he was a devout believer bowing to a deity.

And for him, Xie YinXue chose to use his ring finger to draw the golden pattern.

Bu JiuZhao couldn't comprehend why Xie YinXue switched fingers again, nor did he understand Zheng Shu's uproar over being given the gesture with the middle finger. He was just irritated that so many here were coveting Xie YinXue without shame, even after he'd declared Xie YinXue as his beloved.

...After all, Xie YinXue only had eyes for him.

But despite his irritation, when Xie YinXue had to tilt his head up, Bu JiuZhao instinctively lowered his, and as the young man's cool, gentle fingertip landed on his forehead, a single thought filled his mind: Xie YinXue's hand seems warmer than before.

Perhaps it was because of the warm water he secretly sent to Liu BuHua on that snowy night.

Moments later, as the blessing pattern was completed and Bu JiuZhao felt the cool touch receding, he tried to straighten up, only to find his face cradled by Xie YinXue in the next instant. A chilling sensation swept over him, reminiscent of the biting snowstorms that once imprisoned him.

Perhaps he'd always be ensnared by this coldness, thought Bu JiuZhao.

Like at this moment, he willingly bent down again, led by the young man's minimal force.

The young man, holding his face, closed his eyes slightly and leaned in, their lips meeting— as if a divine being descended from the shrine to bestow a sacred kiss upon his devotee.