Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 6] Chapter 49

[Vol. 6] Chapter 49: A Predestined Conclusion

Emerging once again from the water, Violet landed on the isolated island alongside Bai’er, who floated in the air wielding her enchanted sword, and Ling Feng, who had concealed her hair color by retrieving her necklace and was now moving through the seawater using spirit talismans.

Turning their eyes to look around, they saw seven towering pillars rising from the island, piercing the sky. Below, the scene was almost like a golden, fiery sea.

“So, this was your plan all along… Qianqiu, it seems I underestimated you,” Violet remarked.

“Ancestor…”

Ling Feng’s expression turned sorrowful as she sensed the fading presence in the sea—the essence of someone who had burned everything they had as fuel for this moment.

Bai’er gently patted her back, her voice soft with comfort.

“Don’t be like this. Lord Spirit Saint chose this outcome herself. We should be happy that her wish has been fulfilled.”

“Huh? I didn’t know you could say something so tender, Bai’er. How gentle of you!”

The bodyguard’s face flushed red as she shot a flustered glare at the priestess who had made the unexpected comment.

“Of all times, you choose now to make snide remarks? I was comforting Lord Ling Feng! You’re too heartless!”

Violet spread her hands with an innocent look.

“Aren’t you the one who said she got what she wanted and we shouldn’t grieve? Would crying now be a better response?”

“You—you—!”

“Pfft…”

“Alright, alright,” Ling Feng chuckled softly, her sorrow gradually easing. “Can’t you see Violet was trying to lighten the mood and cheer you up?”

With a sigh and a nod, Ling Feng continued.

“However, Bai’er, you’re right. The ancestor achieved her goal, eliminating a thousand-year-old hidden danger to our Western Origin Spirit Nation and freeing herself in the process. We should bless her and hope her soul finds peace in the afterlife.”

“For now, let’s focus our energy on the task at hand.”

Following Violet’s gaze, the three women turned their attention once again to the area around the isolated island.

The scene had changed significantly since Violet first arrived. Now, the place was bustling with people. Specifically, a new fourth faction distinct from the previous groups.

They wore uniform gray brocade robes, capes draped over their shoulders, and long swords at their waists. Their movements were swift yet steady, exuding a calm but commanding presence. At a glance, it was clear that each of them was an exceptionally skilled warrior.

This attire was familiar to Violet.

They were the Spirit Guard Army, the elite force tasked with protecting the [Spirit Maiden] of the Western Origin Spirit Nation.

When they first reached the depths of the [Tidal Deep Valley], the group had encountered a Spirit Guard defensive line on a hillside within the innermost area of the region. At the time, it was only a vanguard force of about a hundred soldiers, who had rushed there upon receiving word of the situation.

Now, however, nearly a thousand Spirit Guards had gathered in the area, outnumbering the exploration team and the members of the [Yokai Controlling Sect] by more than tenfold.

Unsurprisingly, the battle had already reached its conclusion.

Some Spirit Guards formed a perimeter outside the island, keeping watch for any threats that might emerge from the blazing waters of the inner sea.

Others were busy cleaning up the battlefield, escorting the few captured members of the [Yokai Controlling Sect] back and forth, or providing treatment for explorers like Murong Yun and others who had fought to this point.

But how did so many Spirit Guards get here?

Well, whatever. It didn’t really matter. The problem was solved, and that was enough.

The sudden appearance of Violet and her two companions naturally drew the attention of the Spirit Guard Army. However, the commanding officer seemed to recognize them, likely aware that they were part of the initial exploration team.

With Murong Yun and others present to vouch for them, the Spirit Guards merely surrounded them without displaying hostility or drawing their blades.

Among them, of course, was Murong Yun himself, the captain of the investigation team.

“Senior Violet! And Lady Ling Feng, Lady Bai’er, what happened under the sea?”

It was no surprise that Murong Yun was so anxious and curious. After all, he had been leading his team to protect the Qilin, preventing the [Yokai Controlling Sect] and others from interrupting the ritual. Naturally, he must have witnessed Yuan Qianqiu’s resurrection through Yuan Zhi’s body and her lone charge into the sea.

Murong Yun might not have known her identity as the first-generation Western Saint, but given that she had awakened from a ritual presided over by the Qilin and displayed such immense power, it wasn’t hard to deduce that she was no longer Yuan Zhi and had an extraordinary origin.

Now, however, Yuan Qianqiu had not reappeared alongside Violet and her companions, and the surrounding world had undergone such dramatic changes. Moreover, the fleeting sorrow in Ling Feng’s expression moments ago had already revealed much.

This was especially true for Yuan Hong, the young man who had accompanied Yuan Zhi to this place and seemed tasked with protecting her. His agitation was even more pronounced.

Of course, his concern was likely for the real Yuan Zhi’s safety.

But Violet had no patience to explain herself or mediate with so many people. What should or shouldn’t be said was up to Ling Feng to decide. She merely patted Ling Feng’s shoulder in reassurance and then strode off alone toward the Qilin, which lay beside the central stone coffin of the island, its protective barrier now dispelled.

“Stop! You are not allowed to approach this area!”

One of the Spirit Guards tasked with protecting the Qilin raised his hand to block her, his expression wary.

This was hardly surprising. Though Violet was part of the exploration team, just as the [Yokai Controlling Sect] could infiltrate it and act when the opportunity arose, other members of the exploration team couldn’t be entirely trusted either. In the end, they were merely outsiders recruited from all over.

The priestess frowned slightly, about to speak, when a deep, ancient, yet slightly weakened voice resounded from not far away.

[Let her pass.]

“This…”

The Spirit Guards turned to look at the Qilin, whose head was slightly raised. After exchanging glances, they had no choice but to step aside and clear a path.

Soon, Violet found herself standing before the strange creature referred to as the holy beast.

The Qilin’s massive form was as grand and imposing as a [Yazi]. Even though it was lying on the ground with its limbs curled beneath it, Violet still had to lift her head to meet its gaze.

Compared to the [Yazi], this creature appeared far more elegant and refined. If the [Yazi] could be likened to a fearsome, deadly blade that inspired dread, the [Qilin] resembled a smooth, exquisite gemstone, radiating charm and making it hard for anyone to look away.

Incidentally, if Violet had to choose one of the two as a pet, she would likely prefer the Qilin for its graceful and majestic appearance.

*Ahem, this is not something Little Fang (Yazi) should hear.*

The Qilin’s radiant yet slightly dim crimson eyes gazed at the young woman, and its voice resonated through a private channel that only the two of them could hear.

[I can no longer sense the seal on the Yazi. Instead, its aura lingers around you. Yuan Qianqiu has also activated the final array. Little girl, are you the fated one she has been waiting for all this time?]

Violet nodded slightly, then shook her head.

“Fated one… That’s just a title you all imposed on me. To me, I am simply myself, Violet. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“That said, Little Fang has indeed been freed by me and now travels at my side. Would you like to see it?”

[Little Fang?]

A flicker of surprise passed through the Qilin’s eyes, but it quickly shook its head.

[No need. It and I have never been on good terms. Meeting would only lead to sarcastic remarks at best. Besides, there are too many onlookers here.]

[Since Yuan Qianqiu has made her decision, I will not interfere further. My only hope is that you will keep the Yazi in check and prevent its malevolent energy from wreaking havoc in the world again. That will suffice.]

[You said your name is Violet. Is that your true name?]

The priestess nodded slightly, waiting for the Qilin to continue.

[Violet, I… have one more favor to ask of you.]