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Chapter 323: Hopeful, Hepburn Sets Off
Chapter 323: Hopeful, Hepburn Sets Off
Within the grand hall, a moment of silence befell, as tranquil as the lake outside the temple, devoid of ripples, leaving only the fading echoes and the gentle tinkling of crystal ornaments on the swaying chandeliers. The play of light and shadow on the marble walls, disturbed by the wind rustling the leaves outside, gradually returned to an orderly rhythm.
The contentious atmosphere seemed to dissipate quietly, replaced by a solemn and sacred calm.
The Ice Snow Witch's silver eyes had regained their familiar icy detachment.
Hepburn, standing by, relaxed her tense posture as she observed the witch's expression, silently reminding herself to be more cautious with the Great Loving Poet in the future.
"Hepburn, keep an eye on this summon and don't let her cause trouble in the Protoss Empire." The Ice Snow Witch fixed her gaze on Hepburn as she spoke.
She wondered why that summon was so peculiar about hiding her face. Upon further thought, with her graceful figure, fair skin, and delicate features, she probably wasn't that bad-looking and might even be a stunning beauty.
It was just her personality that was terrible.
Precisely because of that, no matter how beautiful she might be, Hepburn wouldn't be surprised.
"Rest assured, Teacher. She listens to me no matter what." Hepburn replied reassuringly.
"That's good. After you adapt to your new identity in the Northwest Province, you can head to the Box Mountain Province. From there, you'll take the magic-powered railway south to leave the controlled area of the northern Protoss Empire and arrive at the imperial capital, Herrom." The Ice Snow Witch gently placed her hand on Hepburn's shoulder, her softened expression tinged with reluctance.
"The most dangerous part is the journey from the Northwest Province to the Box Mountain Province, as there are minions of the Extinction Branch all along the way. Be especially cautious of the Extinction Saint; once you're in their sights, escape will be difficult."
Today, after bidding farewell to Hepburn, she would embark on this perilous journey.
Three clergy members acquainted with Hepburn would escort her to the Northwest Province through a route prepared by the Church of the Goddess of Fate that had never been used before. They would then remain in the province to await her, minimizing the number of targets and reducing unnecessary difficulties and attention for Hepburn's infiltration into the imperial capital.
After leaving the Northwest Province, whether in safety or danger, she would be alone.
"Don't worry, Teacher Almyris. If things go awry, I'll flee. When it comes to running away, I'm very confident!" Hepburn asserted, clenching her fist determinedly.
"Sigh." Despite the Ice Snow Witch's difficulty in imagining a modern Demon King so unabashedly admitting to being cowardly, she couldn't help but smile in resignation. "It's a pity that our absolutely reliable supporters in the Protoss Empire can't offer you much help."
There were indeed high-ranking individuals in the Protoss Empire who wielded great power and enjoyed the favor of the Church of the Goddess of Fate, but they couldn't be completely trusted.
Hepburn's mission required absolute secrecy; any detail could jeopardize her life.
Seeking their assistance might do more harm than good.
"It's alright. A city-state lord who can provide me with identity and protection has already been a great help!" Hepburn said earnestly.
The Church had prepared everything for her, and what she needed to do was to face a series of challenging trials that others would find difficult to assist her with.
However, the first step was to see if she could gather any information about Lanchi in the imperial capital, Herrom.
Right, he was now called Rocky.
Hepburn worried about how he and Boss Cat were faring in the distant Protoss Empire.
Every night before falling asleep, Hepburn would lie under her covers, staring at the ceiling deep in thought.
"Are you thinking about him again?"
The Ice Snow Witch, having noticed Hepburn's momentary daze, inquired softly.
"Haha, I can't help but worry about him."
Feeling a bit embarrassed at having her thoughts read, Hepburn lowered her head and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
"Good luck, Hepburn," the Ice Snow Witch said, her encouragement carrying an ambiguous weight.
Hepburn was slightly taken aback by the seriousness in her teacher's eyes as she regarded her. Nonetheless, she nodded in acknowledgment.
Hepburn always felt that her teacher was a highly intellectual woman. According to the priests, the Ice Snow Witch's singing voice not only had the power to heal but could also move people to their very core, bringing them to tears. However, Hepburn had never had the opportunity to experience her teacher's musical magic firsthand.
"Anyone who loses does so for a reason..." the Ice Snow Witch mused.
"For example?" Hepburn asked, perplexed.
"Take a romance story, for instance. If the female lead, a loser in love, is always shown eating or holding food whenever she appears, wouldn't you say it's a justified loss?" The Ice Snow Witch retrieved a book from the bookshelf, apparently a novel titled "Holy War Romance" from the Protoss Empire. It was a story based on the historical background of a hundred years ago, authored by a somewhat renowned historian from the empire.
"Well, if she could win, it would actually make for quite an interesting twist," Hepburn offered a different perspective.
However, she was surprised to find such a novel among her teacher's collection.
"I see," the Ice Snow Witch murmured, as if a revelation had struck her during Hepburn's response, causing her to smile and sigh. She then handed the book to Hepburn, suggesting that she could read it during her journey to the Northwest Province to stave off boredom.
"Regardless of the outcome in a month or so, when we meet again, I will arrange for a ship to take you back to the Southern Continent. So, come back safely, and may the Goddess bless you," the Ice Snow Witch said, turning her gaze toward the statue of the goddess and offering a sincere prayer for Hepburn's well-being.
"Thank you, Teacher," Hepburn said, her eyes conveying her gratitude as she carefully stored away the magic cards and the book her teacher had given her. She bowed to bid her teacher farewell and then turned toward the exit of the grand hall.
Her steps were steady, yet tinged with reluctance. The temple corridor, supported by white stone pillars on either side, was illuminated by crystal floor lamps between each pair of pillars, their warm yellow glow creating a peaceful ambiance as if bidding her farewell.
Hepburn walked slowly down this familiar path. Although she had traversed it countless times before, the moment of departure evoked a sense of reluctance.
It was within these walls that she had become a priestess, forging friendships with like-minded individuals, and it was here that she hoped to safeguard this beautiful sanctuary.
Finally, Hepburn reached the temple's massive doors. Pushing open the heavy engraved metal doors, a shaft of bright sunlight instantly illuminated her face.
In the slightly dazzling light, the trees shimmered in the midday sun, their new leaves a vibrant green, heralding the arrival of spring.
On this early spring day, the temple appeared especially pristine. In the flower beds on either side, buds had begun to bloom, their petals swaying gently in the breeze, releasing a faint fragrance.
From now on, her path would be filled with thorns, unlike the serene beauty of the Protoss Empire.
But she was ready.
After this period of cultivation, she had learned to calm her heart and steady her emotions.
When she met Lanchi again, no matter how abstruse he might be, she would not let her emotions waver in the slightest.
With anticipation in her heart, Hepburn took a step forward, leaving the temple behind.
(End of Chapter)
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