Fireworks kept bursting across the night sky, their brilliant colors outnumbering the stars and outshining the moon.
Xia Lun fought to contain the turmoil in his heart and frowned as if confused. "I'm not sure I understand. What do you mean, you were the High Priest of the First Empire? Didn't the First Empire fall long ago and become part of the yellow sands?"
"The Corpse Liberation Method, you see. Daoist Huang taught it to me, and I used it to turn myself into a Lich." Scarface Elder began speaking faster. "I have no organs or brain. They were sewn into my camel. It's my phylactery. That's my greatest secret, and telling you is my way of showing my sincerity."
It was another new version of the Corpse Liberation Method, just like the Brigadier General's. Why did Daoist Huang's method keep turning people into Liches? Xia Lun grumbled inwardly. Aloud, he continued playing dumb. "I still don't quite—"
The elder waved a hand sharply. "Whether you believe me is your business, but telling you is mine. I'll tell you everything I know. I've been observing you in secret for some time, and I'm willing to trust my own judgment."
They had stood still for too long, and people nearby were starting to glance their way. The elder sighed and resumed walking.
"Do you know why Sun Priests are called Sun Priests?"
Xia Lun shook his head and stared at Scarface Elder with a frown.
The elder pulled his face into an ugly smile. "Then I'll tell you."
"In the early days of the First Empire, the priests truly worshipped the Proud Sun. Back then, the sun in the sky was a living being. It had a human face, its own joys and sorrows, and the power to change the weather