This is indeed abnormal. If my guess is correct, the High Priest has already imprisoned the Shepherd God through some unknown means, plunging the situation into madness.
Of course, these thoughts could only be spoken in my heart and not to Ada or Hu Tu.
"Oh? Ada, what do you mean?"
Ada's expression was stern, completely devoid of his usual smile.
He deliberately lowered his voice and recounted his experience from yesterday.
"Yesterday, from the moment I woke up, I felt like someone was watching me. But no matter how much I looked, there was no one else around except my own men."
Ada swallowed, his words tinged with unease.
"You must understand, I am a great warrior of the tribe. The only ones who could shadow me without my notice are a specific group: the High Priest's followers, the Shepherd God's Envoys!"
Ada, you are Hu Tu's confidant. If the High Priest truly plots to overthrow Hu Tu's rule from the shadows, you would undoubtedly be the first to be eliminated.
Oh, wait, you'd probably be ranked behind me.
Although I believed Ada's feeling was genuine, I still sought confirmation for safety.
"Ada, is it possible this is just your imagination?"
"Impossible!"
Ada's expression turned agitated, as if deeply insulted.
"While I may not compare to you, Ba Du, I haven't fought for so many years in vain. This intuition for danger is deeply ingrained in my very bones."
Seeing Ada's earnest assurance, I nodded and looked up at Hu Tu.
"Big Boss, now your subordinate is being tracked by the High Priest's men. What's your stance on this?"
Hu Tu, seeing me staring intently at him, spoke directly.
"Ba Du, I am giving you an order now: you must gain control of the Temple Guards as quickly as possible!"
"The High Priest could turn on us at any moment. You are within the temple, and if he makes a move, you will be his primary target. You must be prepared!"
"Yes!"
I verbally agreed, but my sense of urgency intensified.
Perhaps it was because I refused the Shepherd God's blessing, but the High Priest had suddenly accelerated his plans. Now even Ada was being monitored by lurking Shepherd God's Envoys.
While I didn't know when the High Priest would make his move, it was certain that once he did, the Du'an tribe would descend into chaos.
And the mark of the Mother of All Things on me had not yet been removed. If I didn't act faster, it would all be over!
...
Another three days passed. The Du'an tribe appeared calm on the surface, with the tribesmen living their lives as usual. However, beneath the placid exterior, turbulent currents and tense confrontations brewed.
After giving me instructions, Hu Tu ordered Ada to refrain from leading his warriors out for hunts during this period, to prevent the High Priest from exploiting any opportunities. The official reason given was the cold weather, which caused no undue suspicion.
Upon returning to the temple, I spent my days with the Temple Guards, fostering relationships with my subordinates while quietly awaiting developments.
Secretly, I would often wander near the main temple, hoping to encounter Pan Lili and strike a deal with the sealed consciousness within her body.
Earlier that day, after our late-night discussion with Hu Tu and Ada, I had heard that the Shaman had revived Pan Lili and returned her to the High Priest.
I had expected Pan Lili to seek me out eagerly once she awoke.
However, what unsettled me was that not only was Pan Lili nowhere to be found, but the mysterious man who accompanied her had also vanished, as if neither of them had ever existed.
Could something have happened within the temple?
My heart ached with anxiety daily. Yet, despite being the commander of the Temple Guards, I couldn't simply storm the temple; I needed a legitimate excuse to enter.
Hard work paid off. On the afternoon of the third day, I finally encountered Pan Lili again on the hidden path outside the temple.
However, her face was now devoid of color, and her body appeared extremely weak, her steps unsteady.
I had no idea how Pan Lili had gotten out of the temple, nor the time for pleasantries. I walked directly up to her, and before she could speak, I pulled her into the secluded path.
We walked all the way to the cave where we had met before. After confirming no one was following us, I looked at Pan Lili with a grave expression.
"Pan Lili, quickly, call out the consciousness within your body. I need to speak with it!"
Upon hearing my words, Pan Lili's small face turned deathly pale, as if she had recalled something terrifying. She then turned to flee.
"No, I can't! I need to go back!"
Do you think I'm joking here?!
I grabbed Pan Lili's slender arm and forcibly pulled her to face me.
"Hurry, the situation is urgent. Let It out now!"