The Defeated Saintess Is On A Journey To Tame The Evil God Book 01 Chapter 07.08.2 - Red Epiphyllum

Xing Mo followed Tolle to a side door tucked behind the banquet hall.

Two guards in bronze armor, armed with spears, stood watch. As the pair approached, the guards crossed their weapons, blocking the way, "This door is off-limits."

Tolle cleared his throat, producing a gold coin from his pocket and showing it to the guards.

They nodded but didn't move, "We know you, but who is she?"

Tolle froze briefly before replying in a low voice, "She’s an important guest of the Prince."

"We haven’t received any such orders." The guards shook their heads, suspicion rising in their eyes.

No time to waste… Xing Mo channeled her power, and the Tree of Life mark on her hand glowed faintly.

One guard suddenly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they were filled with confusion, "Now I remember—the Prince did mention this…"

"Are you sure?" The other guard frowned.

Tolle hesitated briefly, then seized the moment, his voice firm. "Soldier, are you neglecting your duties? Did you forget the Prince’s command?"

The guard shook his head, lowering it slightly. "Apologies... perhaps it's the lack of sleep getting to me. But since that's the case..."

With that, the spears parted, granting access to the door behind.

Tolle nodded to Xing Mo, pushing the door open, and the two stepped through.

High above the banquet hall, a pair of golden eyes, suspended in an illusion, took notice of the scene. Recognizing Tolle, they remained still.

...

Once through the door, Tolle led Xing Mo down a corridor, releasing a long sigh of relief, "Thankfully, the Undying’s eyes didn’t detect anything unusual... He recognized me, so he didn’t intervene."

The Undying’s eyes? Does he mean the soul on the ceiling? Xing Mo mused. It seems Tolle is more useful than I thought—otherwise, I’d have to deal with that soul first.

She nodded, "Take me to Prince Austin’s study."

"Do you plan to confront Prince Austin directly?" Tolle hesitated, his expression tightening, "Honestly, I don't think that's a good idea, because he..."

"He shouldn't be in the study. If he were, this would be much simpler." Xing Mo replied calmly.

If I do encounter Prince Austin, I’ll use the Tree of Life’s authority of sleep to put him to sleep, then read his memories. That would answer the question of the Steam Man’s source.

Even if he’s not there, I should be able to find something on Black Heart in his study.

With that thought, Xing Mo removed the Astrological Pendulum from around her neck, fastening it to her wrist. The murky crystal glowed faintly, then shifted as though pulled by some invisible force, pointing in a specific direction.

Hmm... seems like luck’s on my side.

Xing Mo coiled the pendulum around her wrist. Tolle hesitated briefly but chose to remain silent, pretending he hadn't seen anything, "This way."

The two proceeded to move down the corridor. Because Xing Mo was wearing high heals, their pace wasn't fast. As they rounded a corner, a burst of excited chatter echoed from the banquet hall.

Has Prince Austin made his entrance? Xing Mo wondered.

......

In the banquet hall, Prince Austin stepped onto the dais. The guests, mid-meal, rose to their feet, clapping and cheering as the Prince appeared. He spread his arms wide, basking in their applause, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement, looking down with a smile at everyone gathered in the banquet hall.

Though he had lived nearly a century, Prince Austin looked more like a middle-aged man, perhaps even younger.

When the applause waned, he waved his wand, and the wind carried his voice throughout the hall, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my eighty-ninth birthday celebration."

He smiled warmly, "Time spares no one, but I am fortunate that my Gold bloodline grants me a longer life than most. Of course, it won’t last forever. Soon, I’ll be like the old men on the Council—bald and toothless!"

He paused, allowing laughter to ripple through the crowd before continuing, "The longer people live, the more they find themselves lost in thought. I may not possess my brother’s wisdom, but in nearly a century, I’ve still gained many insights."

"Goldners have traveled far—from the desert to the oasis, from the oasis to distant shores, from wilderness to civilization. In this journey, we’ve transformed from slaves in the sands to the masters of the Hanging Gardens, from seekers of gold to those who are adorned in it."

"But with greatness comes envy. Some covet our treasures, others our talents, and still others wish to drag us into the abyss..." His tone darkened slightly, "And envy turns men into devils, distorting them beyond recognition…"

At this point, Prince Austin’s gaze shifted to the far end of the banquet hall. The large doors swung open, and Vivian and Alice entered, walking side by side, followed by several Church priests in white robes. While the guests were enraptured by Prince Austin’s speech, the priests moved swiftly, locking the doors and casting a faint golden light over them.

Prince Austin, unfazed, smiled and resumed his speech.

......

Meanwhile, Xing Mo and Tolle navigated the mansion’s winding corridors and ascended several flights of stairs. They finally reached the third floor, where the Prince’s study was located.

The journey had been surprisingly smooth—almost too smooth. No guards patrolled the halls, and there was no sign of protective magic. Yet the easier their progress, the more alert Xing Mo became. She didn’t dare lower her guard for a second.

...

Upon reaching the third floor, Xing Mo rounded a corner and heard the sound of yawning. Glancing to the side, she spotted two guards posted at the door to Prince Austin's study. Both looked unnaturally drowsy.

Something’s wrong with these guards… what’s going on? Xing Mo frowned, her wariness growing. But now’s not the time for this. I need to get inside the Prince’s study.

With a subtle touch to the Tree of Life brand on her hand, she sent a message to Aria. Moments later, the shadows beneath the guards darkened, and Aria emerged from behind them. In swift, precise movements, she struck the guards at the base of their necks with a pair of hand chops—

"Ugh..." The guards slumped to the floor, unconscious. Aria gave a brief nod to Xing Mo before melting back into the shadows.

Tolle stood frozen for a moment, still saying nothing. His unease was clear.

"Is this Prince Austin's study?" Xing Mo asked.

"Yes, it is." Tolle answered with a nervous nod.

Without wasting time, Xing Mo approached the door, lowering the Astrological Pendulum from her wrist. She wanted to locate the Black Heart before entering.

Hummm…

The pendulum swayed in the air, emitting a black glow. Then, under Xing Mo's gaze, it suddenly shifted, pointing sharply behind her—

—it was aimed at Tolle!

......