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Chapter 3: The Scenery Behind

After negotiating with Chief Vanessa, Miss Vilyric didn’t rush to depart immediately. Instead, she suggested that the mother and daughter have some more private time together and took her leave temporarily, heading to another stone house located within the cave.

Outside, two young magical generals of the Moonshadow Clan were on guard. They had already recognized the Priestess, who was treated with great respect by the Chief, and quickly nodded to greet her upon her arrival.

Vilyric smiled in return and asked, “So, any news?”

Among the young magical generals, the male Moonshadow Magical Wolf immediately shook his head. “Nope, it’s been three days. Although there are occasional bursts of energy, she hasn’t shown herself. The pair, Miss Renée and Miss Leila, do come out every now and then for supplies and food, but they haven’t shared any details about the situation inside.”

“Oh, I see… Thank you for your hard work in protecting her.”

After exchanging some polite remarks, the two magical wolves quickly shook their heads to dismiss any notion of merit. The Priestess, not wishing to engage in further small talk, nodded and directly entered the house.

This place was arranged as a residence for Vilyric and her party by the Moonshadow Clan, but the people inside were currently going through some important processes. Thus, Chief Vanessa had stationed several trustworthy elite clan members outside for safety, considering the circumstances.

It should be about time now, right?

With no one present in the living room on the first floor, Vilyric wasn’t surprised and headed straight up the stairs to the second floor.

At the only room door stood two white-haired girls with snowy wings who looked remarkably similar. One was munching on a snack from the Mountains of Ten Thousand Demons while thoroughly engrossed in what seemed to be an art book, while the other stood by her side, holding a spear and seriously keeping watch over the surroundings.

As soon as Vilyric stepped onto the staircase, the latter immediately noticed her. With a slight pause, she quickly patted the shoulder of the girl who was slacking off and hurriedly came forward.

“Miss Vilyric, you’re here!”

Seeing the other white-haired girl frantically tidying up, the Priestess couldn’t help but smile at the scene and glanced at the tightly closed door before gently asking, “So, how’s it going inside?”

The girl named Leila, the older twin, sheathed her weapon and looked with worry towards the door before shaking her head. “It seems she’s encountering some difficulties. Tilysha mentioned herself that the burden on her body from channeling divine power is somewhat heavy, and since it’s her first attempt, it seems she won’t be able to condense the ‘Seed’ just yet.”

“To achieve her goal, she’s spent nearly all her time these past few days trying to communicate with the Life Goddess, except for eating and some basic activities. Frankly, I’m worried that at this rate, Tilysha’s body will…”

“…Alright, I understand.”

The Priestess nodded slightly, her expression tinged with helplessness. “That girl is working too hard. I didn’t set any time limits or goals for her…”

After all, Tilysha was just an ordinary person. Although she had undergone the purification of Xi Fu Lin’s divine power, the power of the laws was immensely profound, and trying to condense a divine tree from a mortal body—let alone even a seed—was no simple task that could be accomplished in just a day or two.

That was why, back in the Demon Town, the Priestess hadn’t rushed to plant the first divided tree.

To avoid putting any pressure on Tilysha, Vilyric had intentionally abstained from checking on the progress these past few days; after all, she already knew that condensing the seed of the divine tree wouldn’t be an easy feat.

Leila, a member of the White Feather Wing clan, seemed to resonate deeply with the Priestess’s musing.

“I think it might be because of the previous incident. She probably feels like she wasn’t able to help you at all. Frankly… my sister and I often feel somewhat ashamed. We had vowed to follow you and serve you, yet every time it comes to a critical moment, we can only watch from afar instead of fighting alongside you like Lady Xiao Guang.”

The girl lowered her head, her expression slightly soured.

“Forgive my presumptuousness, Miss Vilyric, but you’re too perfect and powerful, powerful enough that ordinary people can only gaze at your back. We’re left merely bearing the shelter you so generously bestow upon us… So at times, we can’t help but want to prove ourselves, otherwise, we would inevitably question the meaning of following you. Perhaps… Tilysha thinks the same way.”

“Leila…”

Astonished by her words, the white-robed girl was momentarily stunned, her expression shifting into one of mild perplexity.

It must be said that Leila’s honesty brought a good deal of impact to Vilyric, gradually making her realize some things she had previously overlooked.

All along, the Priestess had only considered the strength of Leila and the others, trying to keep them in safe places. Even when enemies arose, she would typically arrange situations they could handle easily, while real threats were always left for herself or the equally strong Little Dragon Daughter to tackle.

Just like the recent encounter, where both she and the Little Dragon Daughter had directly engaged in combat against deities, while Tilysha, Leila, Renée, and Edwina—the companions who traversed the world with the Priestess—had merely stayed safely in the Moonshadow Valley, taking care of elements that the Moonshadow Clan had already contained. Their participation in the action felt practically non-existent, as if they could be there or not.

Perhaps Vilyric’s decisions were indeed made with their safety in mind, but from another perspective, she hadn’t truly considered their standpoint, or perhaps it was a kind of arrogance stemming from being in a position of power, from divinity.

If one truly regards others as companions, one should face dangers together, even if it means bleeding or sacrificing. Only friendships forged through life and death, honed by the trials of blood, would be steadfast and genuine.

On the other hand, one-sided protection, gifts, or the occasional light tease, ultimately makes one see them merely as children or dependents in need of care.

Everyone has things within their capabilities, and strength doesn’t define everything.

Looking at Leila, who slightly turned her head away, and Renée, who hurriedly packed things only to find the atmosphere a bit heavy and was embarrassed about what to say, the Priestess earnestly nodded.

“You’re right. I indeed didn’t consider this matter thoroughly; my apologies. That was my arrogance. I… perhaps got too focused on moving forward and somewhat overlooked the scenery behind me.”

Leila fell silent, while Renée nearly jumped out of her skin, like a startled deer.

“Eh? No, no! I didn’t mean to blame Miss Vilyric! You’ve only ever done your best for us; it’s just…”

Rising on her toes, Vilyric gently ruffled the flustered white-feathered girl’s hair. Although she was slightly smaller in stature, Vilyric radiated a calm demeanor unique to a mature individual, softly chuckling, “Alright, don’t make it so serious! Wanting to prove your worth is perfectly natural; I feel the same way. Don’t worry; I promise I’ll make some changes moving forward.”

At this point, the Priestess shifted the topic and glanced at the two sisters, whose appearances mirrored each other but wore expressions of joy.

“However, most of what I face is quite dangerous, and I’m not joking. If you want to participate… you’ll need to improve your strength! You two are already considered mythic, but legendary level is far from your limit. So keep pushing yourselves!”

“Yes! We’ll definitely work very hard, Miss Vilyric!”

“Uh-huh! Let’s set a small goal first; let’s aim to reach the transcendent level within six months! I’m sure I’ll get there before my sister!!!”

Watching the two girls cheerfully excited, their energy brimming, Vilyric felt her heart warm a little and didn’t say much more, just smiling and nodding in agreement.

“I’ll go see how Tilysha is doing. You two stay here and keep guard outside; it should be fine. Even if something does happen inside, don’t panic—I’m here.”

“Yes, Miss Vilyric!”

After giving a few simple reminders, the Priestess quietly pushed open the unlocked door and nimbly stepped into the room.

 

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