Dance Of The Dragons
Chapter 444 : Denial (4)

Chapter 444: Chapter 444 : Denial (4)

Instead of guiding them toward the village entrance, the woman led them toward the village’s back entrance.

Before they stepped a foot into the village, the woman took off her cloak and pressed a finger against her lips.

"Don’t speak," she whispered. "Stay quiet until we arrive in front of the High Priestess. All your questions will be answered then."

After navigating a labyrinth of trees and low-rise buildings, they secretly slipped into one of the village’s highest towers. Despite the abundance of windows adorning its outer walls, the tower’s inner chambers remained shrouded in darkness.

In the deepest chamber, veiled in an icy silence, she awaited their arrival. Clad in a crimson ceremonial robe woven with black and silver threads, she sat motionless on a sitting cushion by the smoldering hearth.

A stark white blindfold, embroidered with swirling runes of forgotten magic, shrouded her eyes, lending an air of otherworldly serenity. Her snow-white hair, spun like moonlight, cascaded down her back, a stark contrast to the vibrant hues of her garb. This was no ordinary woman. This was the High Priestess of the Banyue tribe.

She turned her head toward the door before her servant and her guests even came within ten steps of her chamber.

"High Priestess, I brought them," the servant bent her knees before the High Priestess.

"Thank you, Malina, please leave us alone."

Qiao Wei was taller than the High Priestess, but when the latter rose to her feet, she filled the entire room with her presence.

"Welcome, travelers," she said. "You came from a far, distant land to bring back one of our own. I am grateful for your kindness."

She then extended a hand at Huang Taichen. "Child, come close so that I can feel your face."

Huang Taichen shot Qiao Wei a confused look before he marched toward the High Priestess and let her touch his face.

"Certainly," the High Priestess spoke as she carefully traced Huang Taichen’s nose, jaw, and cheeks, "you resemble your late father greatly. The time you spent with Khadagan was very short, but I am glad that you still recall your roots."

Huang Taichen almost broke into tears when he heard the High Priestess’s words.

"High Priestess, do you know my father?"

The corners of the High Priestess’s lips curled up into a smile.

"Of course. He is one of us, how can I not know him?"

"B-But, the Tribe Head, he..."

The High Priestess removed her hands from Huang Taichen’s face and let out a soft sigh.

"You cannot blame him for wanting to cut off all relationships with your father. After all, Khadagan has done an unspeakable crime seven years ago."

Huang Taichen swallowed hard. Qiao Wei put a hand on top of Huang Taichen’s shoulder to placate him. "Don’t get anxious."

"High Priestess, what exactly happened? Can you tell us?"

In response, the High Priestess cocked her head to the side and looked in Qiao Wei’s direction. Through the thin strip of cloth, she seemed to be staring right into Qiao Wei’s soul.

"You were there," she said. "You took part in the war between two realms seven years ago."

Huang Taichen whipped his head around and stared at Qiao Wei. "Shizun fought at the war?"

He never questioned Qiao Wei’s age, but the man looked so young to him. To imagine that his younger self also participated in the war was beyond belief...

Qiao Wei had nothing to say to the High Priestess’ remark. When he participated in the war back then, he was the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Realm, Xie Jianyu. Thankfully, the High Priestess also had nothing to add.

"Before the war began, Khadagan returned here," the High Priestess took a seat, put her hands together on her lap, and started telling the story. "Your father stood here, right where you stand right now, and asked for a favor, not only from me but from all major families within the tribe."

"I understood that the sect he belonged to needed reinforcement. To be exact, he needed people from his tribe, who, just like him, possessed the ability to converse with animals.

Not everyone agreed to go, but all those who were once friends with Khadagan left the tribe to go, including the Head Tribe’s younger brother."

"Well, long story short, Khadagan’s sect lost the war, half of those who went to war for Khadagan perished, and I lost my eyesight when I brought back the remaining half who survived."

Slowly, the High Priestess tugged at the knot behind her head. The strip of cloth came undone, peeling back like a scab to reveal a strip of dark, wrinkled, leather-like skin that stretched across her closed eyes.

"Every magical spell requires a payment," she pointed out. "And this was mine."

Huang Taichen was responsible for neither the war nor his father’s actions, but he still felt guilty on his father’s behalf.

"I... I am so sorry," he stuttered. "If it’s any consolation, my father must be regretting his decision greatly... He was not a bad person..."

"He was not," the High Priestess agreed. "He was a kind, but unfortunately also hot-tempered person who was caught in the losing side of the war. Now you understand why Temugu did not wrap you in his arms when he heard your father’s name. Neither Khadagan nor anyone else who shares his bloodline has a place in the Banyue tribe. Not anymore."

Tears welled in Huang Taichen’s eyes. He swallowed several times to prevent them from falling across his cheeks.

"And yet you allow us to enter the village and meet you personally," Qiao Wei spoke up. "I am sure you had a good reason to do so, unless you merely wanted to explain to Huang Taichen why he was not welcome here?"

The smile on the High Priestess’ face widened in response.

"I like you," she said in an enigmatic, dreamy voice. "You have not lost your essence even after you have gone through countless reincarnations."

"..."

The High Priestess clapped with her hand once, and Malina, her servant, slipped through the door at once.

"Yes, High Priestess?"

"Bring me the black-lacquered box on top of my potion shelf," she said while pointing at said potion shelf.

Malina left after fetching said box and placing it in front of the High Priestess. The High Priestess traced a spell in the air. It glowed with a brilliant purple color before it settled on the box and opened its seal with a clicking sound.

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Author’s note :

So then, beloved readers, please wait for max. 1 month before you read the continuation of the story.

Initially, I thought to end it in January or February, but you know what, I kind of want to end this story with a bang and not just carelessly finish the arc. Therefore, please be patient with this author as she stockpiles more Chapters for her beloved readers to read. Mwah! Mwah! I love you all!