Pillar of Yita

”Maybe we shouldn’t have come to this place...”

Parker rubbed his hands, cautiously watching the shadowy, narrow alley not far away, whispering to Tianlan beside him, trying to persuade her to change her mind. In the alley, a few dim streetlights illuminated long-lasting candles inside mist-covered glass, flickering intermittently, casting golden light on the pothole-filled street and dirty snow water.

The buildings on both sides were cramped and old, with a greasy sign hanging in the cold wind, creaking, unsure what kind of shop it was. The buildings on both sides were dark, mostly with closed doors and windows, not a single ray of light escaping.

Those few people went into the house at the end and never came out again, leaving only the two of them standing like fools in the cold wind for half an hour, shivering.

But the little girl was unmoved, leaning against the wall looking in that direction, not turning her head, only impatiently waving her hand: ”Stop causing trouble, we are on a secret mission.” She spoke with heartfelt sincerity: ”Parker, can you be a bit patient?”

The Papalarian rolled his eyes.

He thought, this is purely a whim, without a detailed plan or any preparation, playing house like a child, this counts as a secret mission?

However, Parker knew the little girl’s temperament well, reasoning with her would most likely result in his loss, gaining nothing in the end. He thought for a moment, then carefully chose his words: ”But we haven’t told Miss Atira.”

Tianlan finally turned her head, eyes wide, looking small and cute: ”Are you crazy? If you tell Sister Atira, how can we get out? Do you want supper or not?”

That cursed supper!

Parker thought, no supper was worth standing in the cold for half an hour—he covered his thick scarf, hiding half of his round face underneath, yet still shivered from the cold.

A true Papalarian would never leave the warm south; how did he end up on Atira’s and the Big Cat People’s pirate ship? Parker completely forgot his actions in Sanxiak, filled with regret.

Then he sneezed.

”Shut up, Parker.” Tianlan was very dissatisfied, feeling her teammate was not professional at all.

”Alright, I’ll shut up,” the Papalarian answered spiritedly, then asked, ”Can we really have a warm meal later?”

The little girl looked hurt, incredulously saying: ”Parker, when have I ever lied to you?”

Often, Parker thought.

But he consoled himself, having already stood in the cold for half an hour, might as well eat.

Parker watched the distant lights, feeling cold and hungry—it seemed a myriad of illusions emerged from the lights, placing him in a luxurious hotel. Servants were bringing hot food on silver trays like flowing water, roasted meat with crispy skin, sizzling fat, juices separating from the bone, with thick aroma, golden candlelight, and assorted fruits and vegetables.

Making his mouth water profusely.

He picked up a knife and fork, about to start, but Tianlan kicked him back to reality. ”Attention, they’re coming out!” Tianlan said tensely, pretending her voice was very small.

Fortunately, there were no Rangers on the other side; otherwise, those ’little mice’ could be dragged out even from across the street.

The Papalarian was furious, thinking, you mind your own business, what does it have to do with me, where is my supper? Gone. His heart was filled with sadness, yet his black eyes still reflected a few figures.

One of them was the arrogant young Alchemist, from the four who had entered the house earlier, now only three remained. But those who came out with them included another group.

That group was also four, wearing thick coats and cloaks, with hats. The two sides were conversing about something, which couldn’t be heard from this side,

Among the four, one seemed a bit bored and unintentionally glanced this way. Tianlan saw the face distinctly under the streetlight and couldn’t help but cry out in surprise.

Frightening the Papalarian senseless, quickly pulling her back.

Luckily, the opposite Scouting Skills were average, not hearing this low cry. ”Are you crazy?” Parker whispered, ”You don’t want us to become supper, do you?”

Tianlan realized her mistake, embarrassedly chuckled. But she pointed outside, surprised: ”Did you see that!?”

Parker nodded, his Perception much higher than Tianlan’s, naturally seeing clearly—the face under the light was none other than their old nemesis.

The Big Sister of the Dragonfire Guild.

The two were practically old acquaintances, having been enemies before they met Fang Hong. Even Fang Hong’s first time helping them was to take down this ’Big Sister.’

Later they became rivals again in Dolifen, after which the Dragonfire Guild disappeared because of collusion with Cultists. They had some sighs then, not expecting the other side to take such a path.

It was unexpected that the ’Big Sister’ would appear here—

”What is she doing here?” The little girl’s gaze ’suddenly’ became ’sharp’: ”Indeed, I said that person is sneaky, must have a problem—they’re colluding with the Dragonfire Guild, huh.”