Adrian Chime turned back, smiling broadly. "I invited you into the sacred hall—no offense meant. Please, after you."
Quinn Shepherd hesitated, looking back at the First Ancestor, who trailed along listlessly, utterly dispirited, shuffling forward slowly.
Quinn was puzzled. The First Ancestor’s wounds should be mostly healed by now, so why did he still look so drained?
Quinn was puzzled. The First Ancestor was always cold and aloof, rarely speaking to anyone, but his energy was always contained. Since the start of this trip to the Hanging Realm, though, he’d been listless and weary—clearly not just because of his injuries.
He and the First Ancestor followed Adrian Chime toward the sacred hall. Adrian smiled, "This friend of yours has always protected you, but not Princess Lynn Ling. Clearly, in his eyes, you’re far more important than the princess."
Quinn was just about to reply when Adrian continued, "In fact, to me, you’re not only more important than Princess Lynn Ling—you’re far more important than Emperor Evan as well."
Quinn was taken aback for a moment, then smiled, "Your Highness, why would you say that?"
Adrian didn’t answer. He stepped into the hall and said, "Since the day this sacred hall was built, no outsiders have ever entered—not a single one. Even among my own people, very few have ever had the privilege to come worship at the Crimson Emperor’s Brain."
Quinn said, "Divine Son, Your Highness inviting us in is truly an honor—I'm both flattered and a little overwhelmed."
Adrian turned and studied his face closely, as if trying to see whether Quinn was genuinely flattered.
Quinn Shepherd looked genuinely flattered and surprised.
Adrian Chime shook his head: "Your expression is clever, but it's just an act—not from the heart. You're only curious, not truly surprised. If you could fake it all the way down to your soul, maybe you could fool me."
Quinn flushed with embarrassment.
"Still just an act," he admitted.
Adrian Chime continued walking ahead, saying, "You may not know this, but I'm not a descendant of Crimson Emperor or Bright Emperor. I have no blood ties to either of them."