At the Wine Table, glasses clinked as everyone engaged in lively conversation, mostly revolving around Bu's experiences in the Black Abyss Ravine.
Amidst the curious inquiries from the crowd, Bu Ku smiled and deflected with light topics, revealing nothing about what transpired with Eve. He felt that everything concerning Eve should be shared privately with Wendy at a later time, rather than in front of so many people.
Nevertheless, when Bu recounted the mysterious and bizarre events in the Crimson Prairie, the terrifying Two-Headed Lizard colony atop Yin Mountain, and a fierce battle with the Divine Mercenary Corps, everyone was captivated. Each thrilling moment elicited gasps from the women, while Reynold and others listened intently, their eyes shining with excitement. They were all deeply impressed by Bu's experiences over the past twenty days and wished they could join him in battle.
"Ah, cultivating martial arts is a journey along the edge of life and death. I thought my relentless training would allow me to catch up to you, but it seems I've fallen behind. After the Holy Light Trial concludes, I too will venture out for some training; otherwise, you'll leave me further behind," Reynold declared as he raised his glass and drank it down, his tone filled with admiration and determination.
"And I will do the same. After the Holy Light Trial, the academy's grand competition will be upon us. Before that day arrives, I must also go out to train and strive to improve my skills further. Among the Outer Gate Students, I Kalandor will surely stand out and enter the Inner Gate," Kalandor echoed as he raised his glass and drank it down confidently.
Hearing Reynold and Kalandor's words, others straightened their expressions and made silent resolutions. Even Ivan, who usually preferred shortcuts, wore a serious look at that moment, prompting Bu to feel a bit emotional.
"Forget about that for now; what happened while I was gone? How did Wendy's strength increase so rapidly? In just twenty days she went from low-level 1 to Quasi-Mid-Level. Moreover, she seems stable at her current level; it doesn't appear to be a forced advancement," Bu said as he took hold of the Girl's hand beside him, looking puzzled.
Upon hearing Bu's question, everyone's gaze turned toward Daisy, who sat pale-faced and seemingly anxious.
"Hmm?" Seeing everyone's attention on Daisy, Bu Mei frowned slightly and shot a piercing glance her way. Though she said nothing, her intent was clear.
He had just returned and didn't want to create any unpleasantness during such a joyful time. However, since Wendy's situation seemed related to Daisy, he could no longer ignore her; it was time to settle accounts.
"I-I..." Daisy stammered under Bu's sharp gaze. Fear gripped her heart as her mind went blank; she had no idea what to say.
"This isn't Daisy's fault either; don't be so harsh on her. During your absence, Daisy has been very kind to me; please don't make things difficult for her," Wendy interjected sympathetically as she noticed Daisy's distress. She squeezed Bu's hand tightly in a pleading manner.
Bu turned to Wendy with a softened expression and smiled. "Since you're pleading for her, I'll give her a chance. We won't pursue past matters this time. However, I must ask about the reason for your sudden strength increase; this situation doesn't seem straightforward."
"Indeed, it's not that simple," Wendy replied, concern evident in her eyes.
"What exactly happened?" Bu Shuang narrowed his eyes with an uneasy feeling creeping in; his expression grew colder as he fixed an impatient stare on Daisy.
"It’s like this," Daisy said nervously as her heart raced under Bu's intense gaze. She stood up quickly. "About sixteen days ago, Lord Sean visited and imparted some magical knowledge to our master before leaving behind some magical tomes."
"Following Lord Sean’s guidance, our master began meditating in the room. Seeing how diligently our master studied magic out of goodwill, I wanted to help by using a fragment of Water Lotus Fragrance that I had obtained previously. I ignited it to assist our master’s cultivation."
"Wait, you mean Water Lotus Fragrance? What is that?" Bu Xinsi quickly caught on to the key point and interrupted Daisy's next words to ask.
Daisy's heart tightened; she dared not hide anything and revealed all she knew. "Water Lotus Fragrance was a super Major Force of the Unified Era of Huabao, something from the Blood Temple. It is said to be one of the many rewards given annually by the Blood Temple to its affiliated forces.
Among these affiliated forces, there is one called Water Temple. It is said that this fragrance is considered a treasure by the disciples of Water Temple, allowing them to quickly break through their own strength bottlenecks and fully develop all their potential.
Later, when the Hua Bao Dynasty fell, the Blood Temple also completely vanished. Many Water Lotus Fragrances were left scattered across the Fran Continent. Many people were pleasantly surprised to find that lighting this fragrance indeed aids in cultivation, and its effects are not weak. However, compared to the rumored miraculous effects, it is still somewhat lacking, so it cannot be considered too precious."
"Are you saying that this is not too precious, which allowed Wendy's strength to surge from low-level 1 to Quasi-Mid-Level in such a short time?" Bu Shuang's eyes sparkled as she stared at Daisy, clearly skeptical.
"No, Brent, what she means is that I am very likely a disciple of the long-hidden Water Temple," Wendy said with a dazed expression, continuing in a murmuring tone. "Even I have begun to doubt myself because I went from low-level 1 to Quasi-Mid-Level in less than half an hour.
Although I have already used up the Water Lotus Fragrance, it seems to have unlocked some shackles within me, allowing my cultivation speed to be astonishingly fast. Since then, I haven't meditated or cultivated again, yet my Quasi-Mid-Level realm has become increasingly stable. It seems that soon I will step into Mid-Level."
"How is that possible?" Bu found it hard to believe that Wendy could be a disciple of Water Temple. What a joke! How old is she this year? The Water Temple has been hidden for so many years.
"Could it be..." Suddenly, Bu recalled something Warren Earl once said.
"Wendy has an extraordinary identity; frankly speaking, with your current strength, you are not qualified to be with her."
"How can you be sure that Wendy is a disciple of Water Temple? She's just a girl who isn't even twenty yet; how could she possibly have any connection with the long-hidden Water Temple?" Although he already had some answers in his mind, Bu still found it hard to accept.
Daisy shook her head and bit her lip. "Actually, this is just my guess. Perhaps the effects of Water Lotus Fragrance are indeed that strong. But the Water Temple is different from other forces; it is a family force that maintains the purity of its bloodline through close kin marriages. Occasionally they recruit outsiders into Water Temple but treat them as Servants. Even if there are exceptional individuals among them, they are at most promoted to entry-level disciples and will not be allowed into the core of the force.
The miraculous effects of Water Lotus Fragrance are only applicable to true disciples and heirs of Water Temple—those who possess the bloodline inheritance of the water deity can maximize its benefits."
"Sister Wendy..."
"Enough!" Bu's face darkened; he didn't understand why he felt so irritable. Wendy was a disciple of Water Temple with the bloodline of the water deity; he should feel happy about that. Yet strangely, all he felt was a sense of crisis with no joy whatsoever.
"Perhaps this is just a guess... Am I being selfish?" Bu's heart was completely in turmoil. Combining Warren Earl's previous words, he realized that Wendy might really be a disciple of Water Temple.
Sometimes, the unknown does not represent fear; rather, knowing more can give rise to an even deeper sense of dread from within.
Warren Earl was tightly concealing Wendy's true identity, including her mother's, and they had never even told Wendy. Clearly, they had deep concerns and were afraid of something, avoiding certain truths.
"I hope I'm just being overly worried. Wendy's strength is skyrocketing, and I should be happy. The people who know about this are my closest allies; they won't let this information leak. As long as it doesn't spread, it won't attract outside attention. The only thing I need to do now is eliminate those I cannot trust."
After comforting himself, his gaze gradually turned cold as he stared at Daisy, as if looking at a corpse.
"Please don't kill me! I haven't said anything! I swear I won't tell anyone! You have to believe me; I won't betray the master!" Seeing the murderous intent in Bu's eyes, Daisy immediately turned pale and couldn't help but back away repeatedly.
Ivan and Locke snorted coldly and stepped forward to block Daisy's escape route from both sides. As Bu's servants, they naturally knew what to do at this moment.
"Wait, Brent! You can't kill her!" Wendy suddenly grabbed one of Bu's arms, her face filled with desperation.
Bu frowned and said helplessly, "Wendy, this concerns the secrecy of your identity. I must kill her. You have to understand what kind of chaos would ensue if your true identity got out. Would the mysterious Water Temple take you back? This is not the time for mercy."
Recalling Warren Earl's warning, it was clear that Wendy's identity must never be revealed, intensifying the killing intent within Bu Xin.
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