Chapter 113: Memorial Tomb
Chapter 113: Memorial Tomb
"Mother, I'm back!"
As Lin Sai returned to the chapel, Red Moon sat alone on the wooden pews, just as Lin Sai had seen her every day.
Only after hearing her disciple's voice did Red Moon turn around and give Lin Sai a slight nod.
"You're back?"
The goddess's expression was calm and serene, and seeing this serene gaze, Lin Sai immediately felt a sense of tranquility within him.
He walked over and chatted with Red Moon about the past two days.
After their casual conversation, Lin Sai finally spoke of his reason for returning today:
"Mother, I was there when the far-hunting team encountered trouble."
"The funeral for the two deceased hunters should be held soon, right?"
Red Moon nodded slightly.
"Andre sent someone last night."
"Their remains couldn't be retrieved, so we can only perform a memorial tomb burial."
"..."
An expected situation.
Lin Sai closed his eyes and sighed.
In the midst of a beastfolk horde, and with the beasts in a state of extreme hunger, how could the hunters' bodies be recovered?
After adjusting his emotions, Lin Sai continued, "Are there any changes needed for the burial ceremony?"
Lin Sai had previously worked at the chapel and had not handled a memorial tomb burial, hence the question.
Red Moon calmly explained, "Only the prayer will change, with clothing substituting for the body. Everything else remains the same."
Lin Sai was already familiar with the standard burial process.
After confirming that there were no other changes required, he began preparing for the funeral.
But at this moment, Red Moon's figure was reflected in his pupils.
Lin Sai couldn't help but think of something.
The two factions in town, who were at odds with each other, had they tried to recruit Red Moon?
Red Moon was a fourth-stage Awakened of the Death Cult, and before reaching the fifth-stage Transcender, this school had no special abilities over the living, but absolute control over the dead.
In terms of power, the Awakened in town shouldn't cause any trouble for Red Moon.
But the issue lay in Red Moon's identity.
The Death Cult held high prestige among the common folk, and to win over the people, it was inevitable that Red Moon would face some harassment.
With this in mind, Lin Sai asked with concern:
"Mother, there's been constant conflict in town lately. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Lin Sai phrased his question delicately.
Red Moon, who usually didn't leave the chapel, was aware of such a significant matter and nodded in confirmation.
"I know, they've come, but I've turned them all down."
Lin Sai breathed a sigh of relief and continued to ask about Red Moon's attitude.
"What's your view on this matter?"
Red Moon shook her head slightly.
"The work of the Death Cult is unique, and we shouldn't judge others' thoughts."
This response was sufficient for others, but Lin Sai, her disciple, deserved more.
After a moment's consideration, Red Moon added, in her role as his godmother, "Lin Sai, as a member of the Death Cult, I must treat matters of life and death with utmost seriousness."
"..."
"I understand."
Lin Sai nodded earnestly.
After their conversation, he began preparing the necessary items for the funeral.
The hunters' bodies couldn't be retrieved.
But the proper burial ceremony was a must, not a single detail could be overlooked.
Lin Sai arrived at the chapel at dawn.
By the time he was ready, the sun had fully risen.
The chapel, now illuminated, gradually filled with other townsfolk.
The carpenter's coffins were also brought in.
Two pinewood caskets stood in the center of the chapel, empty yet imposing. Despite their emptiness, the sight of these deathly containers evoked a sense of reverence for mortality among those present.
Soon after, the hunters' relatives arrived.
They brought the hunters' clothing, placing them in the caskets. Lin Sai, having spent three years in the church, ensured everything was done properly and with due ceremony. She wrote the hunters' life stories on oak plaques, placing them atop the garments, and then hammered in seven nails.
Red Moon was primarily responsible for prayers and attending to the townsfolk who came to the church.
Before long, the chapel was bustling with people.
Lin Sai had initially thought this funeral would be relatively simple, especially since the town was gearing up for a counter-attack against the beasts, and many were busy with their own tasks. Even ordinary townsfolk were preoccupied with preparing for the winter food shortage and ensuring a safe passage through the next three months.
However, the funeral turned out to be quite substantial.
About thirty people attended the memorial, including Andre and Somjin, who entered the chapel.
Lin Sai's attention naturally fell on these two.
Compared to the tense atmosphere from the previous morning, Andre now wore a confident smile.
Somjin, on the other hand, had a furrowed brow and a somber gaze.
The two exchanged no words.
The funeral proceeded smoothly, with no disrespect shown to the deceased.
After the memorial, as the two hunters' friends and family mourned and departed, Somjin, who had been remarkably well-behaved throughout the ceremony, approached Lin Sai when she was alone. With a grave tone, the old merchant asked, "Lin Sai, I heard you went to the Lord's Manor last night?"
He was aware of the plan to counter the beasts and understood it as a diversionary tactic.
Lin Sai sensed Somjin's probing and responded simply, "I'm cultivating cold-resistant crops. Andre said he'd send people to help me find wild relatives of these crops."
Somjin realized Lin Sai's stance and knew that with the beast counter-attack plan in motion, he would be at a disadvantage.
The merchant nodded slightly and retreated into the departing crowd, soon disappearing from sight.
Half a day passed, and the burial ceremony for the two hunters concluded.
Lin Sai had intended to inform Red Moon of her plan to stay at the church for a couple of days, but Red Moon, with a profound gaze, said, "Don't worry about me."
"Lin Sai, you have more important matters to attend to, don't you?"
Red Moon's words struck a chord with Lin Sai, leaving her speechless.
She eventually heeded Red Moon's advice and prepared to return to her cabin, focusing solely on her current endeavors.
On her way back, Lin Sai passed by the town's central statue of the great explorer when Alana called out to her.
Alana's face was filled with trust, and she had no doubt about Lin Sai's decision to join them.
After a brief exchange, Alana, with a smile, simply informed Lin Sai of the plan and timing:
"In three days, Andre will lead a team to counter the rampaging beasts."
"Lin Sai, remember to bring enough arrows!"
(End of Chapter)
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