Unknown Intrusion

Chapter 20 The Old Priest (Bonus chapter for the Alliance Leader's Dream of Immortality)
By the time Su Yu approached, the room was already brightly lit.

A figure was standing at the door.

Upon seeing the elderly priest, Su Yu silently bowed his head.

"Hello."

The latter held a lantern in his hand and looked outside warily. Even when he saw that it was Su Yu, his eyes remained alert.

“I remember you, you’re Captain Su’s son… It’s almost night, aren’t you going back?” His tone was calm, and his voice was soft, but there was a certain solemnity in his voice.

"Priest, hello. I'd like to buy some mysterious materials."

“Mysterious material…you…” The old priest was clearly surprised. He looked Su Yu up and down, then fell silent for a moment before saying nothing more.

"Come with me."

The wind and rain are getting stronger.

A gust of wind blew from the side, carrying raindrops that lashed against Su Yu's body. The boy's slender frame suddenly felt the weight of his clothes.

"hurry up."

He quickly led Su Yu to one side of the stone house, which was separated and had a different, unique black door.

Part of the door was made of glass, unlike what I remembered.

Su Yu hadn't noticed it at first, because it was very dark there.

After the old priest knocked on the door two or three times, an invisible force seemed to emerge and gently sweep over the surroundings.

That power possessed a clean aura and also carried the properties of the tides.

Su Yu felt a slight chill run down his spine.

Through the glass, you can see figures moving around inside, and a faint light.

Then the back door slowly opened inwards.

The room was quite dark. The person carrying the lantern walked past first, and because there were odds and ends scattered all over the floor, he walked very slowly.

This gave Su Yu the opportunity to see his appearance clearly and the places he had been.

The old priest carrying a lantern had his face illuminated by the light.

He was an elderly man with long gray hair, very old, thin, with blue eyes and deep wrinkles on his face.

Where the old man walked, some ancient and strange things were piled up.

These things seem to be deliberately hiding in a corner, avoiding people's envious and distrustful gazes.

Several armored figures stood in the corner, like demons clad in iron armor; there were strange carvings, various different and rusty weapons, and deformed statues.

Su Yu followed silently behind, and he had a strange feeling that only a thin and old person like him was most suitable for this kind of place.

These items may have been salvaged from various ruins, graves, or old houses.

The only light source was a table with a kerosene lamp on it, and a young man was tidying up behind the table.

The old priest suddenly paused, turned around to look outside, and the wrinkles on his face deepened.

"You brought people with you?" He looked at Su Yu, his tone a little doubtful, but more wary.

Su Yu's heart stirred slightly, and she met his gaze, honestly shaking her head.

"No, I came alone."

Seeing that Su Yu didn't seem to be lying, the old priest suddenly laughed and spoke slowly.

"That's going to be interesting..."

“Normally, no one comes to the temple at this time.”

He seemed to have no intention of continuing to speak, and pointed to the messy room.

"This room is basically filled with things related to mystery."

"Choose whatever you want."

"Remember, hurry back home. Make sure you're home before sunset. Don't linger outside!" He looked at Su Yu, his gaze sincere and kind as he reminded her, "It's a bit unsafe outside, especially during this special time... A child like you shouldn't be so willful."

“Don’t ignore my advice. I’ve seen plenty of kids like you. Last week, I sent back two lost children, one ten years old and the other five and a half, both sailors’ sons.” He paused, then continued, “I know your concerns, but these are not things for your children to concern themselves with.”

"You... seem to know something?" Su Yu looked at him in surprise.

The old priest shook his head mysteriously, then nudged the dozing young man at the table awake: "Go and take a look..."

He seemed to give some instructions, and then the young man, carrying a kerosene lamp, put on a black raincoat and stepped outside.

"Anyone who knows even a little about this country could not possibly have been unaware of the island drifting and collision incidents."

"You're not the first person to ask me these questions."

"You mean—" Su Yu asked calmly.

"I don't mind if you go around in circles, but you don't have enough time... Do you intend to spend the night here?"

"Child, hurry up, it's getting dark, it's really not safe at night."

"I want siren scales and ancient dust." Su Yu didn't want to waste any more time.

Just as he had reminded him, Su Yu also didn't want to walk at night.

“I have both of these here, but I don’t sell them casually… their uses…” The old man’s eyes scrutinized Su Yu again.

Su Yu could tell that he initially thought it was just children playing around.

"I see……"

A realization dawned on his eyes.

“You’re a very talented kid too… no wonder…” His tone was calm, but it had clearly changed.

"Did you bring enough money?" the priest suddenly asked.

"That's all I have."

Su Yu was prepared. He turned his schoolbag over and carefully tilted it onto the table, followed by the pleasant sound of metal clashing.

That was all his savings to date—12 silver sirens and 10 bronze sirens.

As for the money used to kill Wu Lang, he would never part with it.

"Alright, on the cabinet to your left, on the third shelf from the top, there's a box. It contains dust collected from ancient ruins. Take it all."

"The siren scales are in the crystal box on the fourth floor. Your father gave me a few before, and they're all there. You can take them... I won't charge you."

The old priest, however, never counted the amount of money from beginning to end.

Having received the box he mentioned, Su Yu knew what was going on.

The money is far from enough.

"Remember to seal the materials you buy in boxes, otherwise they may attract bad things, which is very dangerous."

"You can have the box, now you should go!"

Su Yu bowed slightly, then left with his schoolbag.

The sky outside was gradually darkening, and the sunset was obscured by dark clouds.

It’s indeed getting late.

It would be inappropriate to linger any longer.

Su Yu quickly walked away up the steps.

Not long after Su Yu stepped out of the temple, the young man who had been there earlier returned carrying a lantern, followed by a young man with a restrained expression.

"It is you."

"I've heard that you've become more and more impressive in recent years."

The old priest recognized him at a glance, speaking in a calm and unhurried tone.

"This is the goddess's sanctuary. You used to come here all the time, but a few years ago, you stopped coming. Today, you're following a child... What are you trying to do here?"

"Do you intend to harm that innocent child, under the watchful eye of the holy goddess?"

(End of this chapter)