Molly Yun quickly explained to Cecilia Gu, "He was the one who brought us here. This man is dangerous, so don’t get too close. He claims to be the High Priest of the Shadow Tribe, and he understands our language, which means he’s spent quite some time in the civilized world. He knows all about our Yun family—he’s clearly been coveting us for a long time."
The High Priest clapped for Molly Yun, "As expected of the favored daughter of heaven, Molly. You never disappoint me."
Cecilia Gu felt a chill run down her spine.
She’d just woken up and was hit with so much information that her mind was spinning.
Is this tribe called the Shadow Tribe?
Is this man the High Priest of the tribe?
What does a High Priest even do?
Why did he capture me and my sister? What does he want with us?
"Let’s get back to what we were talking about, High Priest." Molly Yun spoke up, "What did you mean by what you just said?"
"Exactly what it sounds like," the High Priest replied slowly. "Actually, you’ve known for a long time that your life would be short. When you were in your mother’s womb, your twin sister took the nutrients you needed to survive. That’s why you were born weak and sickly. Unlike you, your twin has always been healthy, never falling ill. Look at her—she survived being poisoned, nearly died giving birth, and went through all kinds of harm, but she’s still alive and well. She stole the health that should have been yours!"
Are you trying to sow discord between us sisters? Well, you'll be disappointed! Nothing you say could ever come between me and my sister!
Hehe, how interesting. Yun Xi, you've grown into someone I barely recognize. You used to be timid and insecure, but now you're brave and clever. I wonder how much further you'll go. Was it your husband who changed you?
That's my business, not yours.' Cecilia Gu stared at him with determination. 'You brought us here for a reason. Just tell us—what do you want?
Oh, that's not very cute.' The High Priest smiled at Molly Yun. 'You're still better. Your sister has too much of a leader's aura.
Molly Yun frowned but said nothing.
You!' Cecilia Gu was furious.
Why is this man so infuriating?
As the wife of a CEO, she wasn't the timid girl she used to be!
I'll answer your question.' Molly Yun said seriously, 'I've never resented her. That's fate. As the descendant of an Astrologer, sacrifice is inevitable. I'm glad I'm the one. As the older sister, isn't it my duty to protect my younger sister?
Tears welled up in Cecilia Gu's eyes. My sister is the best!
Cecilia Gu was so angry, she wanted to cry!
How can there be such a lunatic in this world?
Even if strange things happened to me, that doesn't mean people can just kidnap me for no reason!
'So what you're saying is, three years ago, you used your secret arts to capture my soul and put it into Molly Yun's body, just so you could lure me and Cecilia here and harvest our lives for your immortality?'
That's right.' The High Priest looked at Nora Yun with satisfaction. 'I like dealing with smart girls.'
Cecilia Gu, declared not smart: ...
'Since you know that in our past lives, Cecilia and I were General and Princess Zara Yun, you should also know that when our souls merge, that person will become Zara Yun.' Molly Yun gripped Cecilia's hand tightly for reassurance, her voice resolute. 'So why do you think General Zara Yun would willingly let you take her Spirit Power?'
Encouraged by her sister, Cecilia Gu spoke up, 'Yeah, I've seen her in dreams. She's nothing like us—she's strong. If you summon her, you'll only get rejection.'
That's why I say, everything's ready except the east wind!' The High Priest sighed. 'Now I just need to figure out how to make her willingly give up her Spirit Power.'
A sense of dread flashed through Cecilia Gu's heart. She immediately asked, 'What are you planning?'
'Back then, Zara Yun surrendered to King Shuo for Qi Jun, giving up her soldiers and becoming his princess.' The High Priest laughed again. 'So now, would she give up her soul for Qi Jun?'
Cecilia Gu's pupils shrank sharply. 'What are you planning?'
Oh, he's here.' The High Priest pointed outside. 'Qi Jun's reincarnation—he's arrived.'
When Cecilia Gu heard the High Priest say Charles Yin had found them, she panicked, terrified he would hurt Charles. She lunged at the High Priest.
The High Priest drifted backward gracefully, landing lightly. 'You can't hurt me. Here, I am the voice of God.'
Cecilia Gu snapped off a branch, pressing the sharp end to her throat, her voice cold. 'You're right, I can't hurt you. But I can hurt myself!'
Xi Xi!' Molly Yun cried out in alarm. 'Don't!'
Cecilia Gu shook her head at Molly Yun. 'Sis, I won't let anyone hurt Charles! In my past life, I owed him too much. In this life, even if I die here, I won't let anyone threaten him!'
After saying this, Cecilia Gu turned to the High Priest. 'Only the living have souls you can use, right? If I curse myself before dying—may I never reincarnate for all eternity—'
No!' Molly Yun screamed in desperation. 'Xi Xi, don't do this!'
With no hesitation, Cecilia Gu thrust the branch toward her throat. 'Then you can't summon my soul, right? High Priest, I admit you're powerful, but you need to understand—I'm not the old Cecilia Gu anymore. After all my sister, my lover, and my family have done for me, I've grown. I used to be timid and weak, but now, for those I love, I'll give everything—even my life!'
Ah, how moving.' The High Priest bowed his head, speaking softly. 'But it's too late. They're already inside my trap.'
At that moment, Charles Yin, standing at the altar, suddenly heard a beautiful singing voice.
Do you guys hear something?' Charles Yin asked.
Eric Jiang listened for a while, puzzled. 'What sound? I don't hear anything. What did you hear, Charles?'
Singing. Someone's humming.' Charles Yin's expression changed slightly as he recalled what Nora Mu had said—Xi Xi heard singing before she disappeared!
Could it be... he's the next to disappear?
If that's the case, maybe it's for the best.
At least he wouldn't have to keep searching.
Charles Yin relaxed his body, letting himself be taken over.
Nora Mu suddenly pointed into the distance and shouted, 'Look! What is that?'
Everyone looked in the direction Nora Mu was pointing and saw a swarm of fireflies flying across the sky.
There were so many, it was impossible to count.
Just then, Charles Yin's pupils suddenly changed.
Charles!' Eric Jiang shouted from beside him. 'What's happening to you?'
But at that moment, Charles Yin couldn't hear him anymore. He walked forward, dazed and mechanical.
President!
Charles Yin!
Everyone around started shouting.
Suddenly, the swarm of fireflies rushed toward Charles Yin, wrapping him up completely.
Eric Jiang instinctively tried to grab Charles, but his hand closed on empty air—Charles was gone.