After finishing his call with Great Marsh, Qin Ran did not immediately head to Flame City.
He still had some matters to deal with.
The night had grown deeper.
The Temple's banquet was drawing to a close.
A banquet without Qin Ran was much like one the God of Forest City would not attend.
Without a "God" at the banquet, it was destined to be livelier. The guests raised their glasses and smiled, exchanged pleasantries, while their little circles collided and merged.
Wasn't that the purpose of a banquet?
To show obedience and expand one's network.
Morton's face glowed with health. Tonight, he seemed to be the star of the banquet.
Of course, he only seemed to be.
The true protagonist was not here. The next in line for that role was in a corner, speaking quietly with those truly worth speaking to.
Envy flashed through Morton's eyes.
Even though he had now taken Hemaya's position.
Compared to the elderly Hemaya, the younger Morton possessed greater ambition.
This position before him...
Was merely a starting point.
Therefore, when he saw the old monk emerge from the corner, the long-prepared Morton immediately approached with a glass of wine in hand.
He had chosen his route well. Walking over made it seem like a chance encounter.
He had even already prepared what he would say in his mind and silently rehearsed it countless times.
Opportunities always favored those who were prepared.
Morton firmly believed in those words.
Just as he believed he would succeed next.
"Good evening..."
Morton greeted him courteously.
Then, his world was left with only a pair of clouded eyes.
Gradually, those clouded eyes became clear, like the little stream in the woods near his childhood home—cool and transparent to the bottom.
Warm sunlight bathed his body.
Insects chirped