Erudition!

Renee was the Forgotten Saint?!

The King spoke softly, but his words struck Xia Lun like a thunderclap.

A ringing filled Xia Lun's ears, and his pupils contracted sharply.

His heart raced. Memories and clues stampeded through his mind like thousands of runaway horses! If Renee was the Forgotten Saint, then her seemingly self-sacrificial Pilgrimage was actually a journey to gather the Authorities of the other Saints. That matched the Annihilation Cult's prophecy!

And if King Guewen intended to sacrifice himself, Renee, as his only daughter, would indeed take the crown. That matched too!

It would also explain Renee's absurdly abundant Life Force. Simply staying near her could slowly increase one's Life Force, an effect an ordinary Fourfold Pilgrim was unlikely to possess.

It all fit. Every piece of it...

Xia Lun was momentarily at a loss for words. But if that was true, didn't it mean he would have to burn Renee alive to complete the Endash Quiet Speaker's Pilgrimage?

Could that be right?

For a moment, he was torn by doubt and hesitation.

"I wasn't going to tell you," the King said with a soft sigh. "But since you were willing to challenge me on Renee's behalf, I should be honest with you."

"She..." Xia Lun drew a deep breath, struggling to choose his words. "Does she know she's the Forgotten Saint?" The King lifted his weary eyes and looked straight at Xia Lun. His clear gaze held a compassion that seemed almost holy.

Then he gave a self-mocking smile. "Only she knows that."

The King raised a hand so thin the bones showed and gently patted Xia Lun's shoulder.

"We can never truly reach into someone else's heart. To us, others will always remain mysteries. But Xia Lun, what you and Renee experienced together while traveling through