"High Priest, everything is ready. We can depart at any time."
"Understood."
The High Priest gave no definite response to the request from his Guards Captain, Mobiten Benda.
Just then, a black raven flew over from afar. As it passed through the successive cordons before the Divine Temple, it occasionally changed into different forms. Clearly, the raven was merely an outward appearance it used to conceal its true form.
As it approached, the raven landed and turned into a cloud of black mist, which quickly coalesced into a girl. She was extremely slender, with the seductive allure of a water snake. Her eyes, in particular, resembled a pair of purple ambers.
Mobiten knew who she was: Daina Kaifu, the High Priest's adopted daughter. Her father was said to have been one of the men who followed the High Priest, but he had already passed away. Had he still been alive, his standing might have rivaled that of the current Whip Bearer, Fudeng.
Daina dropped to one knee and reported, "High Priest, preparations are complete."
"Mm."
This time, the High Priest moved, descending the steps.
Today, he wore neither casual clothes nor traditional clerical robes, but the ceremonial robes worn only for rites. Black remained the dominant color, edged with gold and silver patterns, giving him an air of stately elegance.
The High Priest entered the carriage, followed by Mobiten, while Daina remained outside.
The High Priest looked at her and smiled. "Come along."
Daina immediately jumped into the carriage.
Soon, the enormous phantom of a turtle appeared beneath the carriage. The carriage rose into the air, along with the guards on either side.
"Have you been enjoying yourself at your Uncle Daan's?" the High Priest asked the Little Girl beside him.
Daina shook her head. "I missed the war against