The campfire crackled, the aroma of grilled fish intertwining with the fresh scent of the forest to create a serene and warm atmosphere.
Huo Yuhao calmly flipped the fish and rabbit meat on the grill, the fat dripping onto the charcoal with an enticing'sizzle.' The midday sun was just right, stretching his shadow long. He looked up and gave a friendly smile to the two strangers he had just met: 'Hello, my name is Huo Yuhao.'
His introduction was brief and clear, as he knew the main event was for Furina.
This Pope, who always wore a mysterious smile, was currently observing Tang Ya quietly, an unfathomable light flickering in her deep blue eyes.
Furina stood up elegantly, her skirt fluttering gently in the morning breeze. 'Hello to you both, I am Furina.' Her voice was clear and pleasant, carrying a unique rhythm. 'It is a pleasure to meet you both on this bright morning.'
Bei Bei sized up the two people before him thoughtfully. Although Huo Yuhao was young, his demeanor was steady, and his handling of the ingredients was clean and efficient. Furina was even more difficult to read, exuding a calm and mystery that transcended her age. He couldn't help but ask curiously, 'Are you two planning to go into the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt Soul Beasts?'
Furina and Huo Yuhao shook their heads in unison.
This answer left both Bei Bei and Tang Ya feeling perplexed. Since they were already at the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, if they weren't there to hunt Soul Beasts, were they really just here for a picnic?
A playful curve hooked the corner of Furina's lips. 'We are preparing to go to Shrek Academy to enroll.'
'What?' Tang Ya's eyes widened in surprise. 'You're enrolling in Shrek Academy? What a coincidence! Bei Bei and I are students of Shrek Academy.'
Huo Yuhao followed up with a smile,'So you're our future seniors. It seems we really are fated to meet.'
But Tang Ya still felt somewhat puzzled. 'But why take a detour specifically to the Star Dou Great Forest? This isn't exactly on the way to Shrek Academy.'
Furina gently toyed with the silver hair resting on her shoulder, her gaze lingering meaningfully on Tang Ya. 'Because we planned to take a short rest here midway, and incidentally, wait for someone.' She paused, her voice carrying a hint of mystery. 'And now, I have already waited for the person I wanted to see.'
Bei Bei and Tang Ya looked at each other, seeing the same confusion in each other's eyes. Waiting for them? How was that possible? Whether it was Bei Bei or Tang Ya, both were absolutely certain they had never met Furina or Huo Yuhao before, nor had they heard anyone mention these two.
Just then, Furina walked slowly toward Tang Ya, her steps light and elegant, as if performing a silent dance. When she was only a few paces away from Tang Ya, she stopped and said something that shocked everyone present:
'Young Miss Tang Ya, if I am not mistaken, you are the current Sect Leader of the Tang Sect.'
These words were like a massive boulder dropped into a calm lake. Tang Ya's eyes snapped wide, and the grilled fish in her hand nearly fell to the ground. Bei Bei also instantly tensed his body, his eyes filled with vigilance.
'You... how could you know?' Tang Ya's voice trembled noticeably. She had never exposed her identity to outsiders. Aside from Bei Bei, a few teachers at Shrek Academy, and those with intricate ties to the Tang Sect, absolutely no one knew this secret.
Furina's lips still held that mysterious smile. 'Please do not underestimate my intelligence network. I am the Pope of the Axis Cult, and the Water God herself.'
'Axis Cult?' Tang Ya repeated the unfamiliar name in confusion.
But Bei Bei had clearly heard of this organization, and a flash of realization crossed his eyes. 'You are the Pope of that Axis Cult that has risen rapidly in the Star Luo Empire, known for helping commoners?'
Furina nodded slightly, her hair shimmering softly in the sunlight. 'Exactly.'
Bei Bei could hardly hide his surprise. 'I didn't expect you to be so young...'
Tang Ya also found it inconceivable.'Since you are already a Pope, why do you still want to go to Shrek Academy to study?'
'Well...' Furina put her index finger to her lips in a gesture of secrecy. 'It's for a certain reason, but I cannot comment on it.'
She certainly wouldn't explain that she was actually going to Shrek Academy to poach talent.
While Tang Ya might be easy to persuade, Bei Bei was a member of Shrek Academy and, moreover, the Great-great-grandson of the Master of the Sea Gods Pavilion, Profound Ancestor.
Tang Ya took a deep breath, trying to calm the shock in her heart.'So, what exactly do you want with me?'
Furina extended her right hand, a gesture as elegant as inviting a dance partner. But her words made the air instantly freeze:
'I would like to invite you to lead the Tang Sect in joining the Axis Cult, Sect Leader Tang Ya.'
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