Chapter 312: Heavy Rain
Chapter 312: Heavy Rain
"There are three Life Sanctums discovered in the Forest of Whispers courtyard so far."
"The first one is the Oak Tree Sanctum, located in the northeastern part of the Forest of Whispers world, also the earliest discovered Life Sanctum. Due to its proximity to the world's boundary, the Oak Tree Sanctum's life-nourishing effect virtually disappears after use. It's now owned by merchants, developed into a resort town called Oakwood."
"The second is the Granite Sanctum. A group of craftsmen's exploration team found it while mining in the wilderness. After use, it reverts to its basic function as a quarry and remains operational."
"The third... No Information Available."
...
"No Information Available?"
On a rainy day's fishing platform.
Linsay secured his fishing rod in the holder beside him, holding records of the Life Sanctums in his hand.
The first two sanctums' information was well-documented.
But this third "No Information Available" – likely the sanctum occupied by that organizer.
As the ruler of Jiawan City.
Muller Nahuen is, in fact, a top-tier seven-stage powerhouse.
No one dares to record anything if he chooses to keep it under wraps.
"This message needs to be kept secret; they must have been beaten badly by the Dragon Beast."
"Come to think of it, does this count as me getting revenge?"
Linsay muttered to himself, heading back inside to fetch a map of the Forest of Whispers.
His archery teacher, Dan, who taught him archery, hailed from Fortnix, the City of Explorers, one of the few world capitals.
Awakeners with this profession often travel worldwide, moonlighting as cartographers.
The map Linsay purchased in the commercial district was created by an explorer.
Although the map's details were unclear, information like main river flows and mountain ranges was relatively accurate.
Following the hints in his materials.
Linsay attempted to mark the first two Life Sanctums on the map; their commonality was immediately apparent.
"Rivers!"
Both the Oak Tree Sanctum and the Granite Sanctum had noticeable rivers flowing alongside.
"Water is the source of life; this phenomenon should be interpreted this way?"
"However, if we only follow the water's edge clue, the difficulty might be a bit too high."
Linsay analyzed the situation.
The Forest of Whispers is a world shrouded in forests, corresponding to its abundant water resources, with intersecting rivers and numerous lakes large enough to accommodate cities.
With just this one lead.
Even ordinary Awakeners might struggle to locate the Life Sanctums.
"Could those perceptionists hired by the traveling merchants be searching for the Life Sanctums?"
Linsay suddenly recalled his experience in the Black Mountain world.
Omar, though possessed by the Dragon Beast, didn't weaken as a perceptionist.
"And if I were to search, it seems I have some leeway?"
Linsay's mind summarized the information, his gaze wandering over the map as a corresponding plan emerged.
His target was the three major rivers on the Jiawan City side.
The three rivers surged and foamed, and theoretically, searching along the rivers should yield some clues – a viable approach.
[Jungle Adventure!]
[Seek the hidden sanctum within the forest.]
[Task Reward: Echo Grass, minimal attribute/skill experience points.]
"A new task?"
Linsay's eyelid twitched.
This new task popped up unexpectedly.
Given the reward's content, this should be a minor task, but the news was enough to delight Linsay.
The rain outside intensified, pouring harder and harder.
Lindsey continued planning his next move.
Ding-a-ling!
Suddenly, a bell rang out from the shop behind him.
"Huh?"
"A customer in this weather?"
This was the rope bell Lindsey had hung outside his shop, specifically for customers to use, alerting him of their arrival.
Hearing the bell, Lindsey quickly gathered his notes and headed towards the shop.
In the front room, a slender young girl, wearing only a thin garment, braved the torrential rain and burst into Lindsey's shop.
Upon seeing Lindsey, a smile immediately spread across her face. "Mr. Lindsey, I'm sorry, I didn't bring an umbrella, and there's no one at home. I came here to take shelter from the rain."
"..."
"I'll get you a towel."
With that, Lindsey headed to the backyard to fetch a towel for the girl.
She was his neighbor, Rosanna.
Her purpose for visiting on such a rainy day was simple—she wanted to 'make friends' with Lindsey, with marriage in mind.
After Lindsey set up his shop, the residents around him assumed he intended to settle down in Nine Bays City.
The plot of land where Lindsey's house was located was specifically designated by the Town Hall.
It was a privilege for Awakened individuals.
Although the neighbors weren't nobles or royalty, most of them were from well-off families.
Combining these factors.
It was natural for some to develop an interest in the young and handsome Lindsey.
The girl's visit on a rainy day was a variation of their regular routine.
"Even though it's known that I'm Elaine's lover, she dares to come so boldly. She's certainly persistent..."
Lindsey sighed.
He felt a bit annoyed at the moment because the clean and tidy floor of his shop was now wet due to the girl.
He would have to clean it up himself later! With a sense of helplessness, Lindsey retrieved a towel and handed it directly to Rosanna.
"Mr. Lindsey, thank you so much! If it weren't for you, I would be..."
"You can dry off here, I'll bring a stove over."
Lindsey cut off the girl's gratitude.
He wasn't bothered by the cold, and since there were unlikely to be any customers today, he hadn't lit a fire.
Even though he wasn't interested in this girl who was trying to seduce him, he couldn't let her catch a cold.
Not long after, Lindsey brought a stove from the backyard.
As Rosanna dried herself, her already soaked clothes became even more disheveled.
"..."
The girl's gaze lingered on Lindsey, her eyes filled with unspoken words.
Although the man before her seemed oblivious to her intentions, she was determined to succeed.
A young, solitary Awakener was an ideal match for a well-off family.
Rosanna composed herself and was about to speak again. "Mr. Lindsey, I..."
Suddenly, the ground began to tremble.
The girl in the shop was startled, but Lindsey paid no heed and rushed to the window on the second floor.
Soon, Lindsey stood atop the rooftop, facing the Commerce River.
The river's waters surged violently.
Through the curtain of rain, he gazed into the distance.
The stone walls of Nine Bays City were thick and tall, but they couldn't completely obscure the majestic forest beyond.
As he looked out, the treetops visible above the walls swayed in the wind.
In the pouring rain, Lindsey muttered,
"Is this... another forest anomaly?"
(End of Chapter)
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