The Grand Priest's accusatory tone irked me, and I felt my temper flare.
"Grand Priest, if you're going to speak like that, it's pointless. I cannot accept the Shepherd God's blessing with a crippled body. This not only disrespects me but is also a grave insult to the Shepherd God!"
You old fox, if you're so keen on setting a trap for me, then I won't hold back!
I've figured out why the Grand Priest is so insistent that I receive the Shepherd God's blessing right now.
The reason is simple: the ritual for the Shepherd God's blessing is a near-death experience. Every generation, only the strongest warriors of the Du'an tribe can successfully complete it.
The Grand Priest sees that my physical condition is poor and wants to force me to undergo the Shepherd God's blessing immediately.
Given my current physical state, even if the Grand Priest doesn't interfere with the ritual, there's a high probability I'll die on the spot.
This way, the Grand Priest can eliminate me, the thorn in his side, without lifting a finger. It's a truly sinister plan.
"Fine, Badu! I'll give you a few days to recover!"
"However, the Shepherd God's blessing is not something you can simply refuse. I'll give you one week. After one week, regardless of your recovery, you must undergo the ritual!"
The Grand Priest's face was grim as he issued his ultimatum. Yet, it puzzled me. He could have continued to pressure me, but for some reason, he changed his tune.
However, whether the Grand Priest genuinely couldn't force me to comply or if he had some other scheme, it no longer mattered.
I had achieved my goal for this trip. A week from now, my presence in the Du'an tribe would be uncertain, so I had nothing to worry about.
"Alright, it's a deal! If there's nothing else, Grand Priest, I'll take my leave."
As soon as I finished speaking, I saw the Grand Priest gesture towards Pan Lili, who stood beside him like a wooden puppet.
"The Saintess needs to see the Great King. You will escort her."
I felt a bit puzzled. Pan Lili was just a puppet, wasn't she?
Why would the Grand Priest not go to see Hu Tu himself, but instead send the Saintess?
However, their affairs had nothing to do with me. So, I nodded and led Pan Lili out of the vast hall.
As soon as we stepped outside, the discomfort I felt vanished. For some reason, even though there was no apparent danger around us, I had felt an extreme sense of unease, as if a fatal threat was lurking in the shadows of the hall.
I glanced back at Pan Lili and noticed she was completely different from before.
During our exchange in the hall, Pan Lili had been incredibly arrogant, even questioning me directly. But now, with just the two of us, she remained silent, following me without a word.
How could this person change so drastically, like a Sichuan opera mask performer? She had been argumentative and unreasonable earlier, and now she was as silent as a mute. Was she ashamed and afraid to speak to me?
But this was fine. I didn't want any more interaction with Pan Lili. If she started pestering me again, she would be like an annoying fly buzzing in my ear, and I'd have to teach her a lesson.
"Badu..."
After leaving the temple, we walked deeper into the Du'an tribe. When we reached a secluded area, Pan Lili's voice suddenly drifted from behind me.
Damn it, this woman opening her mouth must mean trouble!
Impatiently, I turned around, ready to reprimand Pan Lili. But what I saw made my scalp tingle.
Pan Lili's eyes were vacant, filled with bloodshot veins. The mysterious markings on her face were faintly glowing, and the intricate lines formed a symbol I couldn't understand.
It was clear that Pan Lili's body was not under her own control.
I cautiously took two steps back, my gaze fixed on Pan Lili.
My first thought was that the Grand Priest was remotely controlling Pan Lili's body, and the mysterious patterns on her face might be some form of curse. I wouldn't be surprised if Pan Lili suddenly exploded.
"Are you human or ghost?!"
Even with the sun high in the sky, I felt a chill run down my spine, especially under the gaze of those inhuman eyes.
Pan Lili slowly raised her left hand. It seemed the consciousness controlling her body was still somewhat clumsy with operating a human form.
"Badu, save me... save me..."
I was utterly bewildered. This plea for help didn't come from Pan Lili, but from the consciousness that now dominated her body.
Could it be that Pan Lili was like a Jinchuriki in Naruto, with a deity sealed within her?
"Save you? Who are you?!"