https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-549-Lanchi-Begins-the-Restoration-of-the-Divine-Statue/12584853/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-551-Lanchi-and-Sigure-s-Familiarity/12584857/
Chapter 550: Lanchi's Influence on Her
Chapter 550: Lanchi's Influence on Her
The ceremony commenced.
Deep within the temple, a translucent barrier enveloped the statue, with a small opening that allowed Cardinal Lanchi, tool box in hand, to step inside and gaze up at the towering figure.
His expression was one of quiet detachment, devoid of any reverence typically afforded to such a deity.
He regarded the statue simply as a work of art, nothing more.
Lanchi took a step forward, his every movement watched by the gathered beastmen, and began his work.
As Lanchi stepped into the barrier, Sebastian, the division head of the Shengshi Chamber of Commerce, stood beside Lord Algorm, a hint of confusion clouding his features as he observed Lanchi's silhouette. Leaning closer to the lord, he whispered, "Lord Algorm, with all due respect, I must admit that I've never heard of this Mr. Loki within the Polana Empire. Are you certain it's wise to entrust him with this task?"
"It's of no consequence," Lord Algorm replied after a brief hesitation, suppressing the seed of doubt that Sebastian's words had planted. He averted his gaze toward the statue, his expression resolute. "His skills are guaranteed by Queen Ke Xi Ya herself."
"Very well," Sebastian murmured, a fleeting shadow crossing his eyes before they returned to their usual calm. He chose to leave the matter there, opting not to voice his concerns further.
In truth, he was perplexed by the sudden emergence of this craftsman from the Polana Empire. The lack of prior notice or military escort, coupled with the swiftness and secrecy of his arrival in Stone City, left him unsure of how to proceed.
After a moment's thought, Sebastian decided against interfering rashly.
If this craftsman failed, the beastmen would deal with him accordingly.
However, should he possess genuine skill, it would be necessary to inform the elders of the blood tribe.
"Why hasn't Mr. Sebastian heard of him either?"
"Indeed, and as a royal craftsman, shouldn't he have been escorted by the Polana Empire's army? This doesn't seem quite right."
The surrounding bear beastmen buzzed with varied emotions as they watched, their gazes fixed on the bear beastman priests, who exchanged uncertain glances.
"Ahem."
Lord Algorm's gentle cough startled the priests, snapping them back to attention. They ceased their whispered discussions and focused on strengthening the barrier with renewed dedication.
In front of the statue, Lanchi meticulously inspected its overall condition, identifying the areas in need of repair.
With gentle strokes, he used a soft brush to wipe away dust and signs of wear, his every touch as light as a feather.
Then, with a carving knife and freshly prepared magic crystal sand, he meticulously mended and polished the damaged areas, his movements steady and powerful yet delicate. His control over magic seemed innate, as if restoring this statue required no effort at all.
The bear beastman priests chanted prayers intermittently, infusing Lanchi's protective barrier with their blessings and beseeching the gods of rock and protection for good fortune.
At that moment, Lanchi didn't appear to be an exceptionally skilled craftsman.
Instead, he resembled a seasoned homemaker skillfully preparing a meal at the stove, his hands moving with effortless familiarity, knowing exactly what needed to be done without a moment's thought.
The expressions of the bear beastmen began to shift.
They witnessed Lanchi's calm and assured craftsmanship, his attention to every minute detail, and the respect he accorded to their statue.
With each of Lanchi's movements, the beastman priests' doubts melted away.
As Lanchi worked, the statue visibly regained its former splendor.
The damaged areas vanished, and the entire statue seemed to glow with the glory of the divine age.
The expressions of the beastman priests within the temple softened.
They bore witness to Lanchi's skill, his attention to detail, and the reverence he displayed toward the restoration process. They saw the care he took, and it moved them.
In a corner of the temple, Sigure glanced at the temple guard beside her, both of them noticing the surprise reflected in the eyes of the bear beastmen.
"Is he the one you brought?"
The guard muttered quietly, his mouth partially covered as he addressed Sigure.
He held a hint of reverence for the little guy.
Sigure remained silent, her gaze once again turning towards Lanchi's figure in front of the statue.
At this moment, Lanchi's demeanor as he worked completely refreshed her perception of him.
He really wasn't just a pretty face.
She saw Lanchi as if he were glowing.
Not bad.
Sigure's eyes conveyed these unspoken words.
Seeing that Lanchi wouldn't be harmed, she also felt relieved and turned to leave the temple.
Her current attire was quite eye-catching, and she had promised Lanchi that she wouldn't speak out of turn, so she decided not to utter a single word while in the temple.
She wanted to get some fresh air outside and wait for him there; it would be more comfortable for her.
Time passed in the temple, second by second, minute by minute.
"I never expected that the Polanta Empire would have such a master craftsman in this day and age."
Lord Algorm gazed at the statue of the God of Rock and Protection, his voice trembling as he spoke, his eyes shining with excitement as he glanced at Division Head Sebastian beside him.
He had only seen the statue looking so majestic when he was a child, and now, under the hands of this craftsman, it would become even more dazzling.
"Indeed."
A trace of imperceptible shock flashed in Sebastian's eyes as he wondered where Queen Ke Xi Ya had found such a craftsman and why he hadn't known about him.
However, he concealed his worries and dissatisfaction behind a skilled facade, his gaze shifting between Lanchi and the jubilant beastmen surrounding them.
Wait a minute...
Since this guy came secretly and lightly, his identity might be fake, and he could be colluding with Queen Ke Xi Ya to put on a show.
His demeanor and skill also suggested that he probably wasn't of low status.
For a moment, Sebastian was perplexed, trying to figure out the true identity of this craftsman, Loki, among the nobility of the Polanta Empire.
But he probably wasn't too high-ranking, and it didn't really matter who he was.
Venturing out like this was his biggest mistake.
In the beastmen city-state, he had the protection of a seventh-rank grand duke, but once he left the city-state, the Blood Tribe would be the true rulers of the night on the Perpetual Night Snowfield. Any lower being would merely be their feast.
Sebastian remained perfectly still, seamlessly blending in with the smiling beastmen around him.
Once the target left, he would quietly notify Count Gregory, leaving everything to the elders of the Blood Tribe to handle, and he would receive great credit for it.
...
Gradually, a faint light appeared outside the temple's corridor.
At the same time, the priests inside the temple sounded celebratory horns.
When Lanchi successfully completed the restoration, the entire temple erupted with the beastmen's exuberant cheers.
Every line and texture on the statue had been meticulously restored by Lanchi.
The damaged parts were skillfully reshaped, and even the ancient divine text that had become blurred and untraceable many years ago was supplemented and re-engraved by Lanchi.
The statue of the God of Rock and Protection stood tall and majestic, its posture dignified. Its left hand rested on its chest, as immovable as a rock, while its expression portrayed a benevolent countenance, as if silently guarding the pledges and lands of its followers.
Statue of the God of Rock and Protection
Type: Artwork
Rank: Sacred
Attribute: Earth
Tier: 1
Those who behold this statue will regain a small amount of spirit and stamina, and their faith in the God of Rock and Protection will slightly increase. They may also gain a slight understanding of earth-attribute magic.
(End of Chapter)
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