Pillar of Yita

Master Sta’s deep voice naturally drew quite a bit of attention, especially from the nobles of the Southern Region, who looked at Fang Hong with a hint of envy.

Although the people of Guda Suoke live on the fringes of the civilized world, being invited as a guest by the Guardians of Ancient Xinsas is undoubtedly an enviable matter. Furthermore, Fang Hong is a Star Patron, a relationship that is not ordinary among the six major Lizard Clans, making him the most esteemed guest indeed.

But what left everyone astounded was that Fang Hong actually refused. Although he indeed had plans to visit Ka Cuilan, the Lizard High Priest there had promised to impart some secret knowledge regarding the Stars that was never to be shared.

However, for now, he had more pressing matters to attend to.

Fang Hong replied, ”Master Sta, I do wish to visit Ka Cuilan, but before that, I must go to Idus.”

”To chase the Shadow of Death, perhaps,” Master Sta’s tone was somber: ”Child of the Star, be cautious, for I see a foreboding omen upon you. The great black wings rise from the horizon where the Golden Star resides, and if you head west this journey, the Stars predict the end of all things.”

Fang Hong was taken aback, wondering if things were really that exaggerated.

But all of a sudden, he seemed to hear an illusory sound—a shriek arising from the depths of his mind, as everything spun around, Fang Hong only felt himself plunging into a dark abyss. He looked upwards, only to see a curved, menacing Black Dragon Horn hanging from the ceiling. Amidst the black smoke, a pair of golden eyes were coldly staring at him.

Moments later, a voice echoed in his ear: ”To see the one with dragon wings is to see the Shadow of Death.”

As the surrounding sounds returned to his ears like a tide, he found himself back in the Moonlight Hall, with the massive figure of Master Sta not far away, watching him with reptilian eyes, looking solemn and motionless.

Fang Hong shivered involuntarily and glanced around, still at a loss for what had just transpired.

Master Sta gazed at him quietly, then suddenly reached out to turn over his palm—only then did Fang Hong notice a silver Crown Mark flickering and disappearing on his hand. He had seen this crown before, and it was linked to his most vital secret.

He instinctively looked around to ensure that no one had noticed this, as if the mark on his hand had only been an illusion.

Only then did Master Sta release his hand and spoke in a low voice: ”If you must go, always remember that the Shining Sea will shelter you; you must withdraw before the Pale Glory extinguishes.”

Fang Hong was confused and asked back, ”What does that mean, Master Sta?”

But the latter shook his head without answering, saying only, ”Then I shall await your good news in the Land of Rain Punishment, Child of the Star.”

Fang Hong, gradually becoming familiar with the conversations of these Lizardmen, could only nod slightly.

Next to him, Kalin listened and turned to him: ”If you have some time, you could also visit Eldron as a guest, we’ll show you just how warmly Dwarves treat their guests. I assure you it will be far more hospitable than these Cold-Blooded Breeds.”

Master Sta did not get angry upon hearing this.

Fang Hong quickly thanked him, but he understood in his heart that Dwarves are indeed very hospitable towards guests, but only if the guest is a friend.

And then he looked towards the Old Bishop standing nearby—

The latter was quietly waiting for them to finish their conversation before speaking: ”Mr. Ade, I am here to express my gratitude on behalf of Cloud Harbor.”

”And you are?”

”Tirioan, I am the Archbishop of the Holy District in Cloud Harbor.”

Fang Hong suddenly remembered this person.

He had heard while in bed that the other had been looking for him. In Eteliria, shepherds generally do not leave their Holy Districts, so coming south with Master Sta and Kalin hinted that the Dwarves and the Tada Lizard Clan each had their motives, and this human Bishop surely had his own intentions as well.

Realizing this, Fang Hong asked, ”Bishop Tirioan, are you here to find me as well?”

The Old Bishop nodded.

He looked at Fang Hong, lowering his voice slightly: ”Mr. Ade, I want to discuss the matter of Fenris Isle with you. But not now, could you find some time privately before you leave Fanric?”

Fang Hong was slightly surprised.

Although he had personally experienced the Fenris event and coincidentally thwarted Toragotos’s plot, it had been a long time since then. He was neither a Fenris person nor a ruler of Cloud Harbor, so what did they want to discuss with him?

After all, his actions at that time were partly coincidental and not really an intervention in the entire event.

Yet, despite the surprise, he nodded, as he remained quite interested in the secrets surrounding the Fenris event he had personally witnessed. Plus, anything involving the Rain Listener, the Dragonfire Guild, and the Dragon Worshippers piqued his interest.

Seeing him agree, the Old Bishop sighed in relief. However, he did not speak directly, only saying, ”I know those people still lurk in the shadows, and it’s not convenient for Mr. Ade to reveal your identity. But I have a reliable servant; you can inform him of the meeting time later.”

The cautious attitude of the other clearly left a good impression on Fang Hong, and the Old Bishop then raised his head to look in another direction before telling him: ”Your teacher is coming; we’ll end our conversation here for now. If you wish to hear, I can share some insights about Fenris, as I’m quite knowledgeable about it.”