What was I thinking?!
I was stunned for a moment after hearing Hu Tu's words, and then began to ponder.
It wasn't entirely without benefits for me to become the new Temple Guard Commander.
Although this position was under the control of the High Priest, it would also grant me access to many temple secrets, which might allow me to find a way to remove the black spider from my body.
Moreover, Pan Lili was now the Saintess of the Du'an tribe, and the man accompanying her always made me feel uneasy. I was very curious about what they were plotting.
As the saying goes, you can't catch a tiger cub without entering the tiger's lair.
Sometimes, the rewards and risks are equivalent. If I wanted to resolve the doubts in my heart, I had to accept the High Priest's assignment.
After weighing the pros and cons, I still felt conflicted and couldn't make a decision. So, I scratched my head and looked at Hu Tu.
"Great King, I can't make a decision right now. Please give me some time to think."
Hu Tu had calmed down by now, and Ba Du had already returned to his seat, which would make me appear magnanimous.
"Ba Du, don't feel any pressure."
"If you truly decide to become the new Temple Guard Commander, don't worry. With me here, that old man won't dare to do anything to you."
I looked at the overly confident Hu Tu and felt a bitter smile in my heart.
If I hadn't been around, the High Priest would have already eliminated Hu Tu's loyal followers like Ada and Da Zhi.
As for Hu Tu himself, he might have abdicated with dignity, or in the style of barbarians, died of an unexpected "illness," and the High Priest would have installed another puppet.
When it came to scheming, Hu Tu was truly clueless, unaware of his own limitations and how he could possibly contend with the High Priest.
However, it was also good this way. At least Hu Tu had some humanity. If I had a superior like the High Priest who was shameless and black-hearted, I would have found a way to get what I needed and run away long ago.
Or perhaps, he had some hidden trump card that I didn't know about?
Regardless, I was currently Hu Tu's subordinate on the surface, so he wouldn't likely move against me.
"Great King, I understand."
I gently pounded my chest with one hand, feigning reluctance, and bowed to Hu Tu.
Just as I was about to turn and leave, a thought suddenly struck me. I stopped and turned back to look at Hu Tu.
"Great King, do we have any beast hides that record history in our tribe?"
"Hmm? What do you need them for?"
"When I was young, an elder in the tribe told me a story, but it had no conclusion. I still can't forget it, so I wanted to see if there were any records of it, to fulfill a wish of mine."
Hu Tu looked at me for a few seconds, and seeing my sincere expression, he nodded and agreed.
"It's good to look at stories while recuperating. Some of the inherited beast hides are with the temple, and some are with me."
"I'll instruct the person in charge of guarding the beast hides. Whenever you want to see them, Ada can take you there."
This was perfect!
If I could find a way to resolve the black spider from the beast hides at Hu Tu's place, I wouldn't be in such a dilemma!
At that time, the High Priest, the Du'an tribe, all of them could get lost!
I would just leave, letting these people fight amongst themselves!
I instantly became excited, but I managed to suppress my emotions, only showing a hint of happiness on my face and thanking Hu Tu.
"Great King, I'm fine now, so I'll go back to recuperate."
I bid farewell to Hu Tu and, lifting the door curtain, was about to step out when Hu Tu called out to me.
"Ba Du!"
I turned back, looking at Hu Tu with a questioning gaze.
Did he have something else to tell me?
"Everyone has secrets. As long as you are a member of the Du'an tribe for one day, I will protect you for one day."
The ambiguous words were both a warning and a reminder. Meeting his meaningful gaze, I paused and then averted my eyes.
"Great King, no matter what happens, I will always be your person."
With that, I turned and walked out.
On my way back, I kept pondering the meaning of Hu Tu's words.
What was it about me that made Hu Tu suspicious enough to suddenly issue a warning?
After much thought, I concluded that the problem must stem from the death match when I suddenly counter-killed Gui Du Si.
At that time, I had almost lost consciousness and was unable to refuse the power offered by that voice.
It was likely this that Hu Tu saw through.
And thinking about it now, if even Hu Tu could see the issue with me, then it was even more so for the High Priest, who specialized in religion.
Thinking of this, I let out an involuntary bitter laugh and touched my nose.
Since I had used this power to defeat Gui Du Si, I had to bear the consequences of using it.
Even if I had been conscious at the time, I probably couldn't have refused that voice.
At that moment, I was no match for the transformed Gui Du Si and was on the verge of being beaten to death.
If I couldn't even survive, what right would I have to stand here and worry?
The breeze is calm, but the foolish are troubled.