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Page 211
"Use your real name..."
Her expression became somewhat subtle. Could it be that Dr. Fran was using his own name as an alias?
Now, Vivian probably knows where that strange unease she had felt earlier came from.
Time passed slowly, and the midday sun gradually sank in the west, turning into a crimson sunset. Fran glanced at the sky outside the clinic, then at the pocket watch in his sleeve.
“Vivian, if you want to make contact with the informant more securely, you can reveal your identity as a double to her. However, it's not necessary; you can do it according to your own preferences.”
"Also, remember to be careful when you go to the First Habitat. There are many high-ranking Raven Feather Priests there. If you accidentally give yourself away... I might not be able to save you in time, you know?"
Faced with Fran's instructions, Vivian felt an inexplicable increase in pressure. And as she pondered the details, the thought of maintaining her disguise under the watchful eyes of several Ravenfeather High Priests... made the pressure even greater.
"……I will work hard."
In the end, she reluctantly agreed.
-
On the outskirts of Mordway, there is a long-abandoned old monastery.
Although the place had been neglected for years, resulting in a gloomy and dilapidated appearance, the disciples of the Six-Eyed Raven preferred this kind of environment. Besides its remote location and ease of concealment, it also made it easy to abandon at any time.
Since the habitat changes monthly, even if it is sealed off, there will be no loss.
For nearly a century, the relationship between the Star Abyss Society, the enforcers of the Gallonson Royal Court, and the Six-Eyed Raven Order has been clearly distinct. The Raven Feather Disciples are not openly recognized, but they are also not subject to much external interference.
However, due to a major crime committed by someone at the Sleeping Sand Bell Tower, the original old order underwent some subtle changes...
Now, in the courtyard of the first settlement, you can see several squads of armed Starwalkers stationed there, and each squad is led by a Tidewalker.
Furthermore, the solemn and serious expressions of each of them created a sense of oppression throughout the venue.
"Ms. Vivian, the Star Abyss Society has indeed come to assist in the defense. I've never seen them appear at the Full Moon Auction before..."
"As expected."
Vivian was currently stroking her thin gray gauze gloves, mimicking Fran's usual tone and manner.
But actually, she made that gesture to stop her palms from sweating and to relieve her nervousness. Although she had carried out many covert infiltration missions, this was the first time she had done one of this magnitude.
"By the way, Miss Detrica, please address me as 'The Hermit' once we enter the First Habitat. You wouldn't want others to know that you actually have a relationship with 'Vivian,' would you?"
When she made this warning, Vivian felt a strange and absurd feeling she had never experienced before.
Based on the information I've gathered from the outside, it seems Dr. Fran left his name behind after taking the Ridge Palace from the Sleeping Sand Bell Tower. So much so that now all the Tide Listeners are after me…
Fortunately, she wasn't famous. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. She didn't want to have to hide her identity every time she went out in the future.
Upon hearing Vivian's warning, Detrica lowered her eyes apologetically.
"Um... I'm very sorry, Lady Hermit. I will be careful."
Originally, Vivian wanted to follow Dr. Fran's instructions and reveal her identity as a "stand-in" to Detrica. However, upon hearing the thief address her directly as Vivian, she inexplicably became stubborn and unwilling to admit that she was a stand-in.
I'm clearly Vivian...
Adhering to the principle that too much talk leads to mistakes, she did not engage in in-depth conversations with Detrick, lest she give herself away.
But the thief was unaware of this; she only felt that Ms. Vivian seemed more reserved lately. However, it was quite reasonable that she was now plotting something important, and her unusual demeanor and behavior were not entirely unexpected.
Upon arriving at the ancient courtyard gate of the first habitat, you will see two masked raven-feathered priests standing on either side.
One was Gray Scar, with whom I had previously crossed paths, while the other's name remains unknown for the time being.
However, judging from the figure beneath the feathered robe, it can be roughly determined that she is a woman. In addition, her priestly robe is also somewhat special, with a pure white ceremonial scarf tied at the collar.
“That one… is the high priest in charge of the first habitat, ‘White Neck’.”
Seeing Vivian's thoughtful expression, Detrick whispered a reminder in her ear.
"I see."
Vivian indicated that she was already aware of it.
Her face was hidden beneath the veil of her gauze robe, making it impossible for outsiders to see her expression. Nor could they detect the fleeting hint of tension that crossed her face.
The fact that two high-ranking esoteric disciples were stationed outside the courtyard demonstrates the importance Six-Eyed Raven places on this full moon auction. Fortunately, Dr. Fran's information mentioned her contact with Graymark; otherwise, she feared that her every word would have revealed her secret…
Under the ever-increasing pressure, Vivian surprisingly found a strange sense of calm.
She walked slowly to the door, without speaking, but calmly looked at Graymark with her amber eyes.
He also noticed the arrival of the hermit lady and immediately greeted her.
“Lady Hermit, it is a pleasure to see you again. Welcome to the ‘First Habitat’, it is an honor for me.”
"No need for formalities, Mr. Gray. I'm just here to see if there are any small items worth buying."
Mimicking Fran's tone, Vivian responded cautiously.
She had never been so grateful to her teacher for the Secret Court disguise course, and she was also glad that she had indeed put a lot of effort into this skill back then.
"Please come in. A waiter will then escort you to the viewing room on the second floor of the courtyard. Compared to the Third Habitat, the auction process here is slightly more complicated; we hope you can adapt."
Greymark respectfully stepped aside and led Vivian and Detrica into the courtyard.
At the same time, he didn't forget to add an explanation.
"By the way, although there are many people from the Star Abyss Society around, they will not interfere with the normal bidding process. We will also protect the privacy of every distinguished guest, so please don't worry."
"Mm." Lu
Vivian's gaze was calm, and she casually agreed.
After the two left, the white-necked priest, standing on the other side of the door, couldn't help but glance at Graymark and utter a sarcastic remark. *Hiss*
"Grey Mark, why are you being so enthusiastic towards this first-time customer? You were acting like a real doorman, just short of serving him tea and water."
"Hey..."
Graymark merely let out a low chuckle in response.
"She's the first person I introduced to this place, and the most qualified 'distinguished guest' I've ever met in my career. Although you don't know exactly how valuable things she's provided to the Order, you'd better tell your men... not to neglect her."
"Oh? Now that you mention it, I'm a little curious myself."
The white-necked man gently stroked his face, clearly showing interest in this special guest.
"You'd better curb your untimely curiosity. Members of the Misty Society have always hated being spied on. If she comes after you, I won't plead for you." (Liu)
Graymark solemnly began to give his instructions.
He didn't want the cult to lose a distinguished guest because of a colleague's foolish act.
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of her."
"After all, nothing is more important than a 'deal'."
Seeing how serious Gray Mark was, White Neck waved his hand, deftly changing the subject.
……
South of Modway, there is an oak forest.
As the mist swirled, Fran and Haida's figures gradually appeared in the towering, dark forest.
Besides being the true headquarters of the Six-Eyed Ravens, Oak Shadow Nest is also a secret realm that has survived since the Dust Order era. Therefore, the Star Abyss Society could not station personnel at the entrance and could only disperse its forces to surround part of the outer perimeter of the Oak Forest.
In fact, most of the Ravenfeather High Priests expressed hostility toward the Star Abyss Society's actions, believing that they were merely using the theft of the Sleeping Sand Bell Tower as a pretext to provoke a covert war.
Only after the high priest, "Yimu," overruled all objections did the Six-Eyed Raven Order reluctantly agree to the Star Abyss Society's assistance with patrols. However, this did constitute blasphemy against the sacred site, and they would need to pay a considerable fee…
However, the fog within the doors allowed the exits to be hidden in dark alleyways and within various types of doors. Therefore, Fran went directly into the very heart of the oak forest.
"Hmm... Come to the shadow of the tallest oak at dawn or moonrise. That should be the tallest oak."
Looking at a giant oak tree that was significantly taller than the other plants, Fran lightly touched his lower lip and uttered a whisper.
"Dr. Fran, will we be discovered if we just enter Oak Nest like this?"
Haida, standing beside her, asked with some doubt.
After all, this is a secret realm that the Raven Disciples have cultivated for over a thousand years. Given their emphasis on the treasures, they would undoubtedly have set up layers upon layers of security measures. Entering rashly would likely expose their presence.
"Under normal circumstances, external intrusion will undoubtedly be detected."
Fran said calmly, a hint of mischievous smirk in his eyes.
"However, if the Raven Disciples use the 'Deep Forest of Ravens' that I provided to repair the fading Oak Shadow Nest, it will leave us a 'back door' for us to sneak in."
As she spoke, she reached out her left hand and gently stroked the deep vertical shadow cast by the oak tree.
A prayer with a strange rhythm then rang out from her mouth.
"Where the shadows of oak trees meet, darkness deepens like the twilight. All things will be forgotten, just as fate is unpredictable. But the shadows of crows here will remember everything."
In an instant, the shadow of the oak tree became wide and deep, as if the road in the painting had suddenly gained substance.
The entrance to Oak Shadow Nest has been opened.
Looking at Fran's pale wrist with several black stitches, Haida suddenly noticed a detail she hadn't noticed before.
"Dr. Fran, where is your bracelet, 'Reaching for the Moon'?"
At this moment, the doctor's wrist was completely bare.
"This..."
Hearing Haida's question, Fran pursed her glossy lips, her eyes flickering slightly. Then, she stuck out her tongue slightly, revealing a classic Fujiya smile.
"I left it where it was needed."
Upon hearing this, Haida slightly narrowed her gray-chestnut eyes.
She knew perfectly well that the doctor would only do this when he was trying to cover something up...
-
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soup!
(I'm planning to revise the book title and synopsis over the next two months. Any suggestions?)
Chapter 104 Abyss Shadow and Lonely Island
If guests enter Oak Shadow Nest in the normal way, they will be taken directly to the main hall of the Secret Realm to participate in the Six-Eyed Raven Order's highest-level Full Moon Auction.
Generally, only the highest-ranking members of the Gormouth Cult are qualified to participate in this gathering.
Since Fran and Heda infiltrated through a special route left by "The Deep Forest of Ravens," they will appear in the hidden crevices of Oak Shadow Nest. There is no risk of direct exposure.
At this moment, the two were hidden in the shadows cast by the oak trees, watching over every high-ranking member who entered the Oak Shadow Nest.
The high-ranking chief priest of the Six-Eyed Crow's decision-making team is "Yi Mu" (meaning "the last eye").
Bernhard Murdoch, a Marquis of the Elder Council of the Murdoch family, a Clan of the Moon.
The president of the Star Abyss Society is "Melvis Rudolph".
Captain of the Leviathan, Professor Emeritus of the White Cup, the living legend of the Abyss, "Nifol Gemilton".
An unnamed, withered old man bearing the scars of an ant-scale gate.
In addition, there were several other attendees wearing hoods whose identities were unknown. Although their true identities are unknown, their status should be similar to that of the others.
It can be asserted that Oak Shadow Nest at this moment is almost equivalent to the core circle of the entire Gormouth Cult. Rather than an auction to dump spirit-infused materials and relics, it is more like a high-level meeting between various cults.
In a typical esoteric Buddhist gathering, the position of the fourth-tier high priest is sufficient to make one the dominant figure in controlling the overall situation. However, here, the high priest is merely the most basic entry ticket, and may not even qualify one.
Looking at the situation before her, Haida's gray-chestnut eyes couldn't help but show a hint of seriousness.
"Dr. Fran, are we really sure we won't be discovered here?"
"In fact, we are now in the 'gap' between reality and the Oak Shadow Nest. Unless they also enter the gap, there is no possibility of them being directly observed."
Fran appeared relaxed and at ease, showing no signs of tension despite the presence of these "important figures." It was as if the meeting was not a high-level summit, but rather a casual evening tea party.
"Before they start the full moon auction, we can first try to find the location of the Oak Shadow Nest treasure trove."
As she spoke, she began to stroll leisurely, as if taking a walk.
Haida followed closely behind, cautiously observing her surroundings from time to time.
The "slot" of Oak Shadow Nest gave her an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if she had seen it before and had some contact with it. As she gradually ventured deeper into the world of lightless reflections, she finally figured out where this sense of familiarity came from.
This bears an essential resemblance to the shadow beneath the scythe of the decapitated throne; they can almost be said to originate from the same source.