Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 6] Chapter 92

[Vol. 6] Chapter 92: A New Companion

“Oh… so what you’re saying is that their plan is actually carefully connected step by step. First, they create chaos to capture the Spirit Maiden. Then, they use Peach Blossom Peak as a secret pathway to take her into the [Great Secret Realm of Chaos], and finally, they use her power to destroy the spiritual vein there…”

Piecing the events together, Miss Violet nodded slightly.

“So, their ultimate goal is to release the [Beast of Chaos] known as [Taotie] and use its power to achieve some deeper purpose. Is that right?”

“As it stands, this seems to be the most reasonable explanation,” Ling Feng replied. “But their plan has encountered some unexpected variables, such as our interference. Not to mention, back in Yangyuan County, they failed to capture the Spirit Maiden. Instead, she cleverly escaped and came here, where she met with the Peach Blossom Sage and gained her protection.”

“As a result, the [Yokai Controlling Sect] is now forced to openly challenge the Sage to accomplish both their first and second objectives. In other words, they’re actually the ones at a disadvantage right now.”

Hearing this, Bai’er couldn’t help but ask in confusion.

“But, Miss, if the Spirit Maiden hasn’t been captured by them, why did she come to Peach Blossom Peak in the first place? Shouldn’t she be hiding and staying as far away from this area as possible?”

Ling Feng smiled faintly.

“Hiding would only be running away. From what I know about the Spirit Maiden, she likely wants to resolve this problem in her own way.”

“I still don’t understand, she could have sought help directly from the Saint, or even relied on the Spirit Guard Army. Why would she give up such powerful support and choose to rely on others instead?”

“Oh, Bai’er, you’re so clueless~” Violet interjected, unable to resist commenting.

“When a large army mobilizes, it’s far too easy for outsiders to infiltrate. Bringing them along would be like exposing every move to the enemy. In a battle of strategy, it’s not just about sheer numbers, seizing the initiative is what matters most. Besides…”

The girl chuckled, revealing a set of pearly white teeth, and posed an oddly curious question.

“Bai’er, how many Spirit Guards do you think you could handle on your own?”

“Huh?”

The guard blinked, glancing down at the sword she always kept at her side. After a moment’s hesitation, she answered instinctively:

“If I’m fully prepared, against a standard Spirit Guard unit… I’m confident I could handle up to 300 soldiers head-on. Beyond that, though… it’d get tricky. If I didn’t run, I’d probably be caught and killed.”

“After all, there’s a limit to human stamina and the equipment one can carry. And Spirit Guards are already some of the most elite troops in the Western Kingdom, each one is almost like ten soldiers in one.”

Ling Feng chimed in, her tone measured.

“The Spirit Guard Army was originally established to protect the Spirit Maiden, designed to counter opponents at the [Seeker of Immortality] level or higher. Bai’er’s assessment is fairly accurate.”

“Right,” Violet nodded slightly and then turned to ask, “And Ling Feng, how many Spirit Guards could *you* handle?”

The gray-haired girl shook her head with a faint sigh but chose not to answer directly. Violet didn’t press the issue and instead glanced at Bai’er, who was clearly deep in thought. Smiling slyly, Violet pointed to herself.

“Then… how many Spirit Guards do you think *I* could take down?”

Even Little Mole, who was often straightforward and lacked guile, finally caught on.

“Oh! What Great Immortal means is that in the face of an overwhelmingly powerful individual, a regular army is meaningless, just throwing lives away! The Spirit Maiden left her protection to avoid unnecessary casualties, didn’t she?”

“Exactly. It seems she’s a bit of a perfectionist.”

Violet chuckled, pinching the nose of the Little Mole before her tone shifted slightly, her fingers applying a touch more pressure.

“But, what did you just call me?”

“Ah! S-sorry, Miss Violet! Nose, nose, nose…!”

At this moment, the catgirl, Miss Xiao Kong, who had been silently holding Miaomiao and listening to the conversation, suddenly spoke up.

“Violet, are you here to find the Western Origin Spirit Maiden too?”

“…?”

Releasing the little creature’s reddened nose, the black-haired girl turned to meet Xiao Kong’s clear, gem-like eyes. She didn’t shy away from the question.

“Sort of. It’s not something I absolutely *have* to do, though. I’m just a little curious about some things, and since I had time to spare, I decided to check it out. Why do you ask?”

Their gazes briefly met, but for some reason, Xiao Kong quickly turned her head away, avoiding Violet’ silver-blue eyes. The soft silver cat ears on her head drooped slightly as if she were feeling uneasy.

“No, it’s nothing. I just… So, what are you planning to do now?”

Ling Feng stepped forward, answering on Violet’ behalf.

“We should head to the mountain summit as quickly as possible and meet the Peach Blossom Sage. Since we’ve confirmed intruders and their likely goal of opening the [Great Secret Realm of Chaos], we must act. Regardless of the Spirit Maiden’s preparations or the Sage’s ability to stop them, it’s our responsibility to do everything we can. If anything happens to that realm…”

“Hmm, you all seem quite determined.”

Setting Miaomiao down, Xiao Kong took a deep breath, as if making an important decision. Her tone was firm.

“I’ll go with you.”

“Meow!?”

For some reason, the usually gentle and quiet white cat, Miaomiao, suddenly fluffed up in alarm upon hearing those words. Without hesitation, she bit down on the protective coverings on Xiao Kong’s feet and refused to let go, meowing anxiously as if trying to stop her.

“…Don’t worry, Miaomiao. I’ll be fine. I’m not that fragile,” Xiao Kong said softly.

Under the confused gazes of the others, the catgirl gently pried the white cat off her leg.

“The time to wait has passed. Whether for this world or for myself, I can no longer remain silent.”

“Don’t worry—we’ll be back soon.”

………………………………

“Meow~”

Silver light flickered as their figures steadily landed on the ground, emerging from a swirling, mysterious spatial pattern.

“Incredible… Is this the legendary spatial teleportation technique? Miss Xiao Kong and the Peach Blossom Sage…” Murong Yun turned his astonished gaze toward the catgirl standing not far away. Yet her calm expression remained unchanged, as though the feat had cost her no effort at all.

“Something like that,” Xiao Kong replied casually. “Just a simple little trick, nothing worth mentioning.”

A moment earlier, after deciding to join the group, Xiao Kong had calmly ensured Miaomiao was settled. Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she had torn open a spatial passage with her bare hands and transported everyone to this spot within seconds.

Her casual ease and mastery of the technique left even Violet momentarily surprised. Since arriving in the Ancient Spirit Realm, this was the first time she had witnessed someone use true spatial abilities.

Xiao Kong was powerful, almost absurdly so.

There was no way she was just an ordinary village guardian under the Peach Blossom Sage. Even if Xiao Kong were to suddenly reveal she *was* the Peach Blossom Sage herself, Violet wouldn’t find it surprising.

And yet…

Ling Feng spoke up, voicing the question on the priestess’s mind.

“Miss Xiao Kong, forgive me for being direct, but… do you have any hidden injuries?”