An utterly ordinary lantern, with plenty of signs of wear.
Without a word, Fu Qian examined the special prize in his hands.
A black metal frame, a glass reservoir, the smell of kerosene.
It was truly far too commonplace. There was almost nothing special about it.
That was exactly why leaving it in a corner didn't look out of place.
The entire cult had the same air about it.
Olyntel had clearly been telling the truth. There really were no hidden forces lying in wait nearby, and Fu Qian couldn't even sense anyone watching him.
In every respect, it felt as though they'd waited in vain for days, their plan abandoned, leaving Olyntel alone to keep watch.
All these signs, taken together, served a clear purpose—to improve the visitor's experience and make it as unlikely as possible that he'd immediately decide to leave.
Until his presence ignited one of the lanterns.
"Don't be nervous. Whatever you do, make sure you hold on tight."
Olyntel had clearly mistaken Fu Qian's actions for something else.
"Seems like you've already felt the connection between you and it. That's right. This is a resonance under the dominion of the stars."
"You share its radiance, and its life. It'll go out when you die, and the reverse is true as well."
Olyntel's demeanor now showed exactly what it meant to be obsequious at first and arrogant afterward.
The instant the lantern lit, Olyntel became like a hunter holding his breath, watching his prey finally step into the trap, excitement shining from every strand of his hair.
"But don't worry, I wasn't lying just now. Until I send the signal, the saints won't know what's happening here."
"Even if something goes wrong outside, they won't come here lightly."
That extreme, huh?
Holding the lantern in his