Rumors Can't Be Fully Trusted

"Because he's a member of the Verdant Order," Princess Luminia said.

"What's the Verdant Order?"

"They're a very mysterious group," Princess Luminia replied, frowning. "No one really knows who they are or what they're after, but it's best not to make them your enemy. Otherwise, things could get... complicated."

Wendy Zhu gnashed her teeth in frustration. "How does Grace always end up tangled with the Verdant Order? She must have some insane luck!"

Princess Luminia glanced at her and said, "If you want revenge, you should do it yourself. Just keep working on your cultivation."

"Yes, Princess!" Wendy Zhu replied. "Since you're letting me join you on this training quest, I won't let you down. I'll become immortal in no time!"

"Let's go! We've got business to take care of," Princess Luminia said.

"Princess, what kind of treasure are we looking for?" Wendy Zhu asked.

"It's an ancient artifact our Phoenix Clan lost ages ago," Princess Luminia explained. "I've come here many times, and the passage is almost open. We're so close to finding it."

"That's amazing!" Wendy Zhu laughed. "If you get the treasure and present it to the Divine Lord, he'll be thrilled—and you'll be officially named his successor!"

Princess Luminia smirked and led Wendy Zhu away.

...

At the Elder Spirit Tree, Grace asked Grandpa Gene the High Saint, "Didn't you say Princess Luminia was the fairest and kindest goddess? Why did she try to destroy my Spirit Root the moment she made a move?"

"Uh..." Grandpa Gene clutched his chest, looking uncomfortable. "Looks like you can't believe every rumor you hear!"

"You're pretty badly hurt!" Grace let go of Grandpa Gene's wrist.

"I'm fine!" Grandpa Gene said. "Come on, let's head back to the base."

They weren't far from the House Drake base, so Grandpa Gene and Grace strolled back slowly.

As they walked, Grace asked, "Grandpa Gene, are you a member of the Verdant Order too?"

"...Yes, I am!"

"So what does the Verdant Order actually do?" Grace asked.

"Well... it's just a bunch of people who like gardening and growing things. We picked the name 'Verdant Order' so we'd have something to call ourselves, and we meet up from time to time, that's all."

"No way! If that's all, why would Princess Luminia be so wary of you?"

"You have no idea—our Order's leader is a High Goddess! She's not someone you mess with. Princess Luminia is afraid of her, that's why she let us go."

"I see..." Grace nodded. "Hey, do you know that shapeshifting Terry the Tortoise in Sigil City who deals in intel? He's part of the Verdant Order too."

"Of course! You mean Mr. Wang Eight, right?"

"Yeah, that's him!"

"I've met him a few times, but we never really got close," Grandpa Gene said.

"Oh... by the way, that totem you just showed me... I swear I've seen it somewhere before..."

Grace kept feeling she'd seen it somewhere, but just couldn't remember at the moment.

"Forget about that!" Grandpa Gene said. "Listen, kid, the Portal Array eats up a ton of spiritual energy. When we come to Elderworld, we're only allowed to use it once—so we have to go back together."

Grace nodded, "Of course we'll go back together!"

"But I came to Elderworld for a reason—I've got something to take care of! Wait for me at the House Drake base. It'll take me an hour at the shortest, maybe two days at most, but I'll be back!"

"Where are you going?" Grace asked, a little worried.