Yarra’s Adventure Notes
Chapter 469 - 36 - Priest of the Sea God_1

Chapter 469: Chapter 36 - Priest of the Sea God_1

Crossing the long seafloor canyon was like traversing a dark tunnel. The further into the depths of the canyon, the wider the walls on both sides expanded. The tall gorge walls disappeared into the distant seawater, enveloped in the dark water, as if plunged into a void. Only the light path formed by the corals and phosphorescent algae in front was like a bridge in the void, piercing through the omnipresent darkness and then disappearing into another realm of darkness.

Continuing along the seafloor canyon, the coral trees that served as street lamps on both sides grew denser and their light brighter. The seaweeds growing on the coral trees gradually faded into sparsity, and the sea fish shuttling among them also became fewer. The surrounding atmosphere slowly grew solemn, making those who came here for the first time gradually feel the majesty of the Deity.

"It is getting brighter," Catherine whispered, "Does that mean we are getting closer to the Storm God Temple?"

"Yes, the Storm God Temple is not far ahead." Nancy, who was also in charge of welcoming the guests, pointed to a bright spot in the darkness ahead of them and said, "The brightest dot of light there is the position of the temple. Just get a little closer, and you’ll be able to recognize it. It’s a very unique building; you will definitely not mistake it."

Indeed, they could not mistake it. After a while, they discovered that it was not just any bright spot, but a whole light curtain. The light was emanated by the temple itself. The temple, a massive luminary, emitted a cold light in the deep and dark seawater, reminding every passing creature that this was the territory of the Deity.

As they got closer, the girls finally discerned the shape of the temple, a sight beyond their wildest dreams. The structure in the distance was not so much a building as it was a massive coral reef. The huge corals formed the appearance of a temple-style building, and phosphorescent algae twined around the reefs, creating a giant light source in the shape of a building.

Similar to the temples on land, the Storm God Temple also had a short pilgrimage path in front. Apart from the coral trees serving as street lamps, twenty coral-made pillars were respectively erected on both sides. The Sea Race using special methods to accelerate the growth and death of corals, causing the coral polyps to regenerate rapidly in designated locations and shapes. The corpses of the dead coral polyps slowly accumulated and became these tall coral columns that stood before them.

At the end of the twenty columns was the temple staircase also made from corals. A mermaid stood alone in front of the stairs, patiently awaiting the guests’ arrival. The mermaid at the stairs looked similar to Lanna. Her brown hair spilled onto her sleek shoulders and her breastplate, fashioned from fish skin, cupped her bosom. Her slender waist gently swayed to the hidden currents in the water, and from afar she seemed just like another Lanna. However, on closer inspection, her appearance was merely similar to Lanna. Even if the two were to stand together, their differences were clear, and there would be no mix-up. Compared to Lanna’s innocent youth, the mermaid before them was mature, composed, and endearing. Clearly, this mature version of Lanna was the earthly representative of Carleto, the God of Ocean and Storms. She was the highest priest in charge of religious affairs in the deep sea, the spiritual leader of all Sea Races, and Lanna’s mother, Doris. She once caused a marine magical beast at the Demigod Rank to retreat with just her singing.

"Lady Doris." Dailys and Nancy who led the way hurried a few steps forward and bowed in front of Doris, their tails bending, "As per your instructions, we have brought the six esteemed guests here."

"You’ve worked hard." Doris’ voice, though low due to the structure of her vocal cords, was filled with an indefinable warmth and friendliness that instantly endeared her to anyone who heard her, "I’m pleased to meet all of you, the heroes of the Sea Race. The undercurrents of the deep sea have brought signs of your arrival, and the deities have set down prophecies of your ultimate victory. When each Sea Race raises their cups of purple conch wine and prays aloud, they will never forget the labors and sacrifices of you heroes. They will not forget to cheer for the heroes and sing for the victors. Lastly, on behalf of all the priests of the Storm God Temple, representing the merfolk and Naga themselves, thank you for accepting our request and coming to resolve this greatest crisis that threatens the fate of all Sea Races."

"I...uh..." Although Catherine was skilled in negotiations, dealing with nobles or commoners, leaders or followers, she lacked experience in religious matters. Lina was familiar with religious customs, but she had only ever interacted with mid-tier ceremonies before. The highest-level interactions represented by divine will were unknown to her, let alone to the vast majority of bishops or archbishops on the mainland, and hence they did not know how to respond appropriately.

"In the name of Fearless, with the courtesy of a knight, offering mankind’s respect to the master of the oceans and the storms." Pannis whispered so softly in Catherine’s ear amidst disturbances of the waves. But he had just spoken a few words when Doris’ gaze fell on him, her smiling face was filled with kindly mockery and annoyance. Even though it seemed warm and friendly, there was an indescribable authority about it, like an elder sister chiding her little brother with her eyes. This expression and gaze made Pannis’ voice grow softer and softer until he stopped, rubbing his forehead, "May the holy sea never dry up, may...alright, alright, I’ll shut my mouth."

Doris’ smile grew warmer, and the corners of her eyes even crinkled with humor. Ignoring Pannis, who was pretending to study the coral steps on the ground, she walked up to the girls and spoke softly, "Don’t mind so many formalities, the earlier welcoming ceremony on behalf of the Deities has ended, and the gaze of Gods has receded. So, you can now all relax."

"Thank you, Priestess Doris." Doris’s smile seemed naturally contagious, capable of bridging the distance between two souls with a single expression. Under Doris’ influence, the girls’ rigid manners quickly dissolved, replaced by relaxed faces. Catherine said, "Lanna has mentioned you so many times. It’s great to finally meet you."

"This is the first time Lanna has made friends from other tribes. You all are Lanna’s friends, and hence, our family," Doris said while she gently pat each girl’s back with her long fish tail. She poked at Lanna’s face, "This little fool was actually very happy when she came back last time, hehe."

"Mother." Lanna brushed away Doris’s finger, unhappy. "When was I ever happy?"

"Hehe." Doris gave a mysterious smile, ignoring an annoyed Lanna. Taking Lina and Vivian by the hand, she led them to the temple steps. "Come on, whatever it is, let’s discuss it inside the temple. Feel at home, there’s no need to be formal. Isn’t it so, Mr. Pretending-to-be-a-coral-pillar?"

"Heh, heh, heh." Just by a coral pillar, Pannis was trying his best to stay in the shadows, but Doris was clearly unwilling to let him remain unnoticed. Pannis scratched his head, gave up on hiding, and with a bitter smile, emerged from the shadows. Reluctantly, he said, "It’s been a while, Doris."

Doris cocked her head cutely, remaining silent, watching Pannis in a way that created an awkward atmosphere. Amidst the awkwardness, Pannis tugged at his hair and gritted his teeth, " Long time no see, Sister Doris."

Doris laughed then, her gentle smile seeming to infuse life into the surrounding seaweeds. The girls had to admit that they could never imitate that smile—it bore the unique charm of a mature woman shaped by the passage of time, a smile never seen on Lanna’s mother before. Doris caressed Pannis’s hair with difficulty due to their height difference. Pannis cooperatively bent down, making Doris quite satisfied. Her tail unconsciously flapped the floor at high frequency. She whispered, "Indeed, it’s been a while, you cold-hearted man. Such a long time and so much has happened, yet you couldn’t come to see me? Did you ever think of me as your sister? Well, never mind, you are here now and that’s what counts. Let’s go inside, and tonight I hope we can share some time at our old spot."

"Mm." Pannis felt something deep within him touched. He took a deep breath and almost choked. "You guys go ahead. After all, it’s their first time here."

"Here we go, girls," Doris nodded, slid next to the girls and commented "Let’s rest a bit in the temple. Even having the Amphibian Beads, it’s still tiring to dive deep into the ocean. It takes a couple of days of steady rest under the deep-sea to acclimate, Lanna doesn’t understand, and I wonder if certain people also don’t understand the importance of being gentle to these girls. So, for the next couple of days, let me take care of you all. Please don’t refuse. This mission isn’t an easy one, and only a good rest can get us prepared for it."

"Thank you then." Catherine thought about it, nodded, and said: "Doris... eh..."

"Call her Auntie." Before Pannis could finish speaking, he was launched in the air. Doris’s mermaid tail seemed like a beautiful piece of art, but it concealed a strong force. A casual flick of it sent Pannis sailing into the air and finally into the shadows of a coral pillar as he wanted.

"Hehe, Sister Doris," the girls sympathetically glanced at Pannis, who was stuck in the coral pillar, and giggled behind their hands.

"Alright then, brace yourselves, the temple is sure to surprise you." (to be continued. If you like this book, please vote at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users can read on m.qidian.com.)"