During the conversation with the high priest just now, I keenly noticed something: why were both the Shepherd God and the high priest urging me to perform the blessing ceremony?
I could understand the Shepherd God's haste. After all, He was in a predicament, and the only lifeline was for me to find that symbol.
But why was the high priest so eager for me to perform the blessing ceremony?
This was something I couldn't fathom.
At first, I thought the high priest wanted me to die in the ceremony due to my weakened state. However, now, considering the Shepherd God's plea, it seemed the truth was far from that simple!
After much thought, a bold idea surfaced in my mind.
Could the recipient of this blessing ceremony not only be me but also that old fox!
I rapidly sifted through information in my mind, and the more I thought, the more I felt my deduction was correct.
Although I didn't know the high priest's current plan, it was definitely related to the ceremony I was to perform in a couple of days!
By the time I returned to the temple guard camp, the sun had already set.
After a hurried bite to eat, I found Hu Jialuo, who was about to rest.
"Commander, what do you need me for?"
Hu Jialuo looked somewhat surprised to see me seeking him out, as anyone would be at this late hour.
"Don't make a sound, come with me quickly!"
Hu Jialuo's tent was adjacent to many temple guards' tents. Fearing the news might leak, I called him up to come with me to my quarters.
While I was still unclear about the high priest's arrangements, it didn't stop me from making some preparations. Hu Jialuo, this pawn I had placed earlier, was now useful.
Hu Jialuo followed me to my tent. As the commander of the guards, I lived alone, in a very quiet spot.
"Hu Jialuo, can I trust you?"
I looked at Hu Jialuo seriously, this warrior I had promoted myself.
"As long as Commander commands, my life is yours!"
Seeing my serious expression, Hu Jialuo also became serious. He pounded his chest heavily and knelt on one knee to pledge his loyalty.
"Good! I need you to do something for me. During the blessing ceremony in a few days..."
Under the moonlight, I told Hu Jialuo the entire plan I had conceived on my way back, earnestly admonishing him at the end.
"This matter concerns both our lives. You must not tell anyone else. On the day of the blessing ceremony, act according to my signals."
Hu Jialuo nodded forcefully at me and disappeared into the night.
Watching Hu Jialuo's retreating figure, I felt a sense of relief.
In fact, on my way back, I had also considered the other deputy commander, Hu Tou, who had kowtowed to me.
However, after much hesitation, I chose Hu Jialuo.
After all, absolute loyalty is not given to the disloyal.
Although Hu Tou had more experience and could command more respect, he also had other options.
He could temporarily submit to my authority under my power, or he could defect to the high priest under pressure.
Such a fence-sitting subordinate could only add glory but not provide crucial support.
Hu Jialuo was the opposite. He was promoted by me. If I were to fall, even if the high priest didn't kill him, he wouldn't be able to hold the position of deputy commander anymore.
Therefore, only Hu Jialuo, who had no other way out, was the subordinate I could entrust with important matters!
"Hahahaha..."
A burst of laughter jolted me from my thoughts. I instinctively looked towards the nearby bushes and instantly drew my sword.
"Who's there!"
I roared and lunged forward like a leopard!
I didn't care who was in the bushes. The content of my conversation with Hu Jialuo was highly confidential. Anyone who overheard it had to be eliminated to prevent leaks!
The person in the bushes had not expected me to be so decisive and ruthless. Caught off guard, I subdued him instantly, placing a glinting hunting knife at his throat.
"Don't do it, Commander Ba Du! It's me!"
This cry was filled with a desperate desire to live. I pulled the man out of the bushes and into the moonlight, where I finally saw his face.
It was none other than the mysterious man who had always been by Pan Lili's side!
"Oh? So it's you, kid! Sneaking around in the bushes eavesdropping late at night is not a good habit."
Recognizing the person, I didn't lower the steel knife at his throat but smiled meaningfully.
"Commander Ba Du, we can talk about anything. But could you please put down the knife around my neck first..."
"I have something important to tell you!"