Storm of Gods

Chapter 131 The Deadwood Monastery

The business of bird reports is really good. It's understandable. Being able to cover interesting information from all over Daoyuan, its impact on the traditional market is definitely overwhelming. But to be able to establish himself in Heldan and thrive like this, Ma Zhe's ability is beyond doubt. There must be a balance between the interests of the local church and the nobles.

Now the work is divided into two parts. He mainly needs to focus on being a reporter. As for the Carp Dragon Inn, he's only responsible for mixing the soy sauce. Anyway, Ma Liu is capable of carrying the torch. Dragon Mom needs to hire a few assistants for him. She can't be too stingy. It feels like Ma Liu truly loves Dragon Mom. He works like crazy, without the slightest carelessness. He's the kind of worker capitalists dream of.

Instead of taking a carriage back, Li Xin strolled around the Saint Ze district, one of the main urban areas inhabited by the Moncalet people. It was incredibly prosperous, with buildings of various beautiful shapes standing in rows. Even with his previous life's perspective of pointing out the world online, he had to admire it. It seemed that the people here were indeed capable of bringing their imaginations to life.

Back at the Carp Dragon Inn, he told Dragon Mother what had happened. Dragon Mother wasn't too surprised. "Ah Xin, you've made something of yourself. That's good. I've always been good to you. You can stay here. It'll be convenient to help you if anything happens."

“I don’t plan to move, Dragon Mom. Ma Liu has already mastered the art of speaking dragon language, and we’ll have to scale it down a bit later. After all, the novelty only lasts for a while, and fried pork cracklings and diced chicken are easy to imitate,” Li Xin said.

“I understand. Don’t you still have your family’s secret soy sauce?” Daenerys laughed. “That’s the key. I’m not after your family’s secret recipe, but without it, my business would be over. You know it’s not easy for a single, frail woman like me to work hard outside.”

Daenerys looked at Li Xin with teary eyes, her bright red lips trembling slightly. Li Xin couldn't sense any trace of a weak woman's aura; her presence was enough to kill a strong man with a single punch.

“Ahem, this soy sauce from Dragon Mom is indeed a family heirloom, and it holds extraordinary significance for our Li family,” Li Xin said with difficulty.

Of course, Daenerys and the others didn't believe that Li Xin could have come up with this. It was obviously a family secret recipe. Secret recipes are something that the older generation doesn't care about, but the younger generation cares more about their current lives. With Daenerys's shrewd eyes, she could tell at a glance that there was something to talk about.

"Ah Xin, you're a reporter now. There will be many more places where you'll need to socialize and spend money. Your future is so bright, how can you confine yourself to the kitchen? What you need most right now is lira, right? Daenerys won't treat you unfairly. Name your price, and as long as it's reasonable, Daenerys will never haggle!" Daenerys patted her chest muscles and made a bold promise.

Li Xin was silent for a moment, then looked troubled. "Mother Dragon, perhaps this is fate. I'm a straightforward person. One price, 2000 lira, plus a year's use of the current room."

Actually, you can eat it whether you have soy sauce or not. Li Xin's asking price is negotiable. He needs to maintain a certain image when he goes out to do business. The cost of the carriage alone is quite a lot. He also needs to deal with Simmons later and can't always get something for nothing.

“Alright, we’ll do it your way!” Daenerys immediately agreed and pulled out a document. It was the covenant of Montecrita, bearing the runes of the Earth Mother Goddess. It possessed the highest level of power. In Montecrita, not to mention the council hall, no one dared to disobey the faith. This was something she had prepared in advance.

When Daenerys learned that Li Xin had received the telegram and was going to the Hexbird interview, she felt that a fortune was about to befall him. The interviewee knew Simmons and could use the telegram, so this interview was just a formality. This kid was going to take off sooner or later. As long as the price wasn't too outrageous, she would accept it. She wanted to make friends and might need his help in the future. She had been worried that Li Xin would move away, so it would be great if he was willing to stay.

Li Xin readily signed the contract and pressed his fingerprint on it. The contract was completed, with one copy for each person. Li Xin received 1 gold lira and 10 silver lira. Daenerys also told him to hide it well, as she would not be responsible if it was lost.

Feeling the golden lily, she felt a strange sense of satisfaction, a particularly comfortable feeling. "Mother Dragon, I'll still go to the kitchen to help when I have time."

“Although we haven’t known each other for very long, Daenerys’ judgment of people is never wrong. Ashin, you’re reliable. Daenerys has been in this business for a long time and knows all sorts of people in George District. If you encounter anything during your interview, just tell Daenerys.” Daenerys, holding the contract, breathed a sigh of relief.

She has finally mastered the core technology, the secret recipe for soy sauce. "Not that Daenerys is being nosy, but the George family is very influential in Heldan. Young Master Simmons is one of the heirs of the George family. With his help, your development in Heldan will be much smoother."

"Dragon Mom, I know. When you're out in the world, you have to rely on friends. I'll ask him for help." Li Xin said with a smile. Both parties were very satisfied with the deal and were afraid that the other would back out, so they reached an agreement on the same day. The happy Dragon Mom even decided to treat everyone to drinks after the Carp Talks Dragon Language Evening Market ended.

David and the others were stunned by her generosity. Of course, Daryl and the others felt that Daenerys only really wanted to invite David, and they were so engrossed in him that they could hardly look away.

The taverns in Montcareta are quite lively. In Tianjing taverns, men make up the vast majority of the customers, and the women who dare to show up either have special professions or special identities. In Heldan's taverns, there are more women, dressed sexily and alluringly, with captivating eyes and stunning figures. While women from Tianjing are very reserved, the women of Montcareta are known for their passion and romance. If they take a liking to someone, they can be quite proactive. It's also a place where men can showcase their charm and engage in a competitive atmosphere.

David was clearly a regular customer, no doubt about it. What was unexpected was that both the painter and the magician were prepared. The painter's hair was styled in a seemingly messy but actually very wild way, while the magician was still wearing his signature suit, but with the collar mostly open, revealing his very strong and smooth chest. After all, magic is also a physically demanding job.

Everyone was looking around, trying to show off their charm. Of course, David was still the most handsome guy in the room. Ma Liu was a little afraid to look up. Li Xin, not wanting to miss anything, appreciated the pure exotic scenery.

After downing a glass of strong liquor, it was spicy and had a strange taste, as if it were brewed from a sweet plant similar to sugarcane. But that didn't matter. A surge of heat rushed to the top of his head, his vision blurred, and for a moment, the sounds and people around him seemed to separate from his physical body.

Li Xin smiled inexplicably.

It seems like I've been in this strange world for a long time...

. . .

Deadwood Monastery.

Herdan's most secluded monastery, one of the five holy sites of the Eastern Continent of Daoyuan, is the origin of all monasteries. It worships the Virgin Mary. Although its power cannot compare with the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess, its history and status are no less. The monastery only accepts female believers who devoutly pray for the Supreme God and the Kingdom of Moncaleta. Becoming a nun in Moncaleta is a very honorable thing.

Regardless of which god or era they worshipped, in the Sixth Age, they all needed to maintain harmony with the royal authority and uphold the kingdom's rule, at least nominally. Estella would come here periodically to study, meditate, and pray with Sister Alassa.

Sister Alasha was also the abbess of the Deadwood Monastery, which was located on the top of the cliff of Awro Cliff, far from the prosperity of Herdan. It was an ancient monastery that stood alone on the top of the cliff, with a long history that was even older than the kingdom. Legend has it that the true form of the Earth Mother Goddess once practiced here.

Princess was usually escorted by the Royal Knights, but this time Prince Aklis was also there. Since returning to the capital, Aklis had been restless. It was impossible for him to stay quietly in the palace and listen to his tutors recite doctrines; it was a nightmare.

The magnificent carriage traveled along the rugged road, which became increasingly difficult as it went higher. However, these horses were not ordinary breeds; they were all spiritual beings. Estella looked at Aklis, who looked utterly bored.

"Second brother, what are you doing following me here?" Estella asked. Aklis had almost fallen asleep the whole way, and there were several times when he seemed to regret it and want to go back.

Aklis perked up. "Ah, of course, it's to escort you, and I also plan to visit the monastery."

“Second brother, men can only stay outside and cannot enter the monastery,” Estella said.

"What? Not even me?" Aklis was stunned.

“Only the king can do that, but of course you can try becoming a woman too,” Estella said, suppressing a laugh.

“You wicked little princess, be careful no one will want you!” Aklis grinned.

"Tell me your real purpose, and maybe I can help you."

"Ahem, the main purpose is definitely to give it to my dear sister. However, I heard that there is a young nun in the convent who is a rare chosen one of the Supreme God and the last disciple of Sister Alassa. I am a little curious about what kind of person Sister Alassa would choose?" Aklis said with a smile.

A group of princes and nobles mingled together, their only companions being secretive forces and women, with women likely making up a larger proportion. The most famous in the royal city were Princess Estella and Princess Amosa. Estella was undoubtedly of higher status, but Amosa's father was the current king's elder brother, making him of a higher generation and extremely prestigious. Originally, Amosa's father should have inherited the throne, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the current situation arose. This is why Amosa always vies with Estella for everything. Sometimes, even the king favors Amosa, as Estella tends to live a secluded life, while Amosa enjoys greater fame among the noble children.

In addition, there is a nun, Sister Garan of the Deadwood Monastery, a disciple of Abbot Alassa. She is of equally noble status and possesses stunning beauty. Her status as a nun adds a touch of taboo, making her even more mysterious and alluring. The three women are collectively known as the Three Beauties of Herdan.

Princess and Princess can be seen on many occasions, but seeing Sister Garan is entirely a matter of chance. Those who try to sneak into the Drywood Monastery to spy on others will not have a good ending... The monastery is not polite to men, and as for those who overstep their bounds, it's even more hard to say. Aklis really doesn't believe it and wants to see, so he made a bet with everyone.

“Sister Garan possesses an otherworldly beauty. Her soul is pure and closer to the divine. Master said she is a once-in-a-century chosen one, capable not only of inheriting the Drywood Monastery but also of reaching the demigod realm and becoming a pillar of the nation. Unfortunately, she has already dedicated herself to the Supreme God. Don’t even think about it. If Father finds out, he might confine you.”

"My dear sister, you're overthinking it, aren't you? I didn't mean anything by it, I was just admiring her. The main thing is that I don't believe there's a girl more beautiful than my sister." Aklis was genuinely unconvinced; he'd seen all kinds of beauties.

Those favored by the gods? The Holy Temple is the most powerful among the Holy Lands; when has it ever lacked those favored by the gods?

"Then it depends on your luck. Second Senior Sister is sometimes at the monastery," Estella said with a smile.

She was here to fulfill a vow. Although the conditions in the monastery were a bit austere, it had its own unique charm. Moreover, the first time she was summoned by the Zodiac was during her time in the monastery.

After traveling for more than an hour, the huge, withered monastery stood before them. The gray walls, weathered by time, still exuded a solemnity and dignity. Unlike the magnificent and splendid Vatican, it carried a stronger sense of history and vicissitude, but the oppressive force was the same. Aklis could feel the power of the will hovering above the monastery and also put away his carefree demeanor.

The massive monastery gates opened a crack and slowly swung open. A middle-aged nun walked out expressionlessly, paying no attention to the person in front of her. She simply nodded slightly when she saw Estella, saying, "My sister, you've come."

Estella nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, sister, I have come to pray to the Virgin Mary."

Looking back at Aklis, he said, "Second brother, you should go back. I'll have Chris notify you when we need to return to the capital."

Aklis tried to peek through the crack, but couldn't see anything. These ancient monasteries must have some secrets. It was a pity he couldn't catch a glimpse of Sister Garan's divine face.

He was stunned in the royal city, but he wouldn't be stunned here. He greeted the middle-aged nun very politely, and the nun returned the greeting calmly. The moment Estella carried Keli and led Chris into the convent, the gate closed at the same time.

Looking at the towering gate, Aklis could only wave helplessly and lead the knights back to the royal city. There were several such secluded places in Montcareta where royal power could not be touched, and the Deadwood Monastery was one of them.

(End of this chapter)