The members of the Holy Temple were all dressed the same—wearing white robes, indicating that these individuals held the rank of White Priests within the Holy Temple, figures of considerable standing even within the organization.
It was clear that these three were older than Kael and his companions. The leader among them had a decent appearance, though his looks could only be considered above average. Yet, he carried an indescribable aura. When his gaze fell upon Kael's group, his eyes narrowed slightly, lingering a moment longer on Ethan.
This man knows Ethan!
The thought flashed through Kael's mind. Combined with what Ethan had previously mentioned about the Holy Temple's experts, he had already drawn his conclusion.
"Stellan, we meet again," Ethan stepped forward calmly.
Stellan!
So it was him!
This was the very Stellan Ethan had spoken of—the one who had fought him to a standstill! Undoubtedly a formidable opponent. According to Ethan's assessment, among the Holy Temple's dispatched forces, two figures stood out: a mysterious youth named Magnus and this very Stellan.
And indeed, it seemed to be the case. Among the three Holy Temple members, Stellan was clearly the leader. He stepped forward from the group, his eyes sweeping over Kael and the others before finally settling on Ethan.
"Yes, Ethan. It's been a while," Stellan replied with a smile. Strangely enough, his expression carried a warmth and humility that enhanced his charm, as if he were a close friend confiding in you—his presence as soothing as a spring breeze.
Yet this only made Kael grow more wary, an uneasy feeling settling in his chest.
"The Holy Temple's people must have cultivated some kind of mysterious spell. Even their words carry a hint of bewitchment—what the hell?" It seemed the Holy Temple had its own methods—no wonder their following had grown so much over the years. Their cultivation techniques were undoubtedly a key factor.
Kael inwardly scoffed. This Stellan really has the makings of a born cult leader.
"And this must be Kael, the champion of the Yanhua Academy's Magic Martial Tournament, along with Miss Amelia," Stellan shifted his gaze, locking eyes with Kael and Amelia.
Kael shrugged. He had already stashed the Snow Bear Beast into the Moonlight Dusk space—he had discovered that the pocket dimension could hold living beings. The Snow Bear Beast was one of their key assets in the ancient ruins; there was no way he'd let the Holy Temple's people catch wind of it.
"What's the matter? Everyone has their own objectives—does that really interfere with anything?" Kael shrugged and asked.
"Of course not." Stellan smiled, his gaze serene yet seemingly all-seeing. That look made Kael deeply uncomfortable.
"However, my companions and I have received word that there's a castle to the east—our current destination. It seems... unusual. Since we've crossed paths, why not travel together?"Stellan extended the invitation with a smile.
Their target is also the eastern castle!
Stellan's directness took Kael and the others by surprise. After all, the Holy Temple and their group were outright competitors, if not outright enemies. To put it bluntly, if any treasures were involved, the two sides could easily turn on each other—all they needed was a spark.
Kael, Amelia, and Ethan exchanged glances. If they went to the castle alone, they'd inevitably run into Stellan's group anyway. Since he had offered, they might as well accept.
"Fine, let's go together," Kael said.
Stellan chuckled lightly and nodded. His eyes lingered on Kael and Ethan for a moment longer, and he noted with interest that Kael seemed to be the de facto leader among the three.
He knows exactly what kind of person Ethan is... which makes this Kael even more worth watching.Stellan gave Kael a deep, measuring look.
"Then let's move out!" Stellan smiled, his intentions as inscrutable as ever, and took the lead. His two companions followed closely behind, maintaining an air of deference toward him.
Unable to decipher Stellan's motives, Kael and his group remained on high alert as they hastened toward the eastern castle. By dusk, they finally arrived in the general vicinity.
In the distance, Kael spotted a solitary, eerie castle—ancient and foreboding, its construction material unidentifiable but giving off a sinister aura.
This castle was undoubtedly another relic of the past, built by the humans who once inhabited this world. Yet, abandoned for who knew how long in this isolated space, it had eventually become the domain of the Snow Bear Beasts.
Despite its derelict state, the castle's grandeur was undeniable. Even after centuries of neglect, its imposing presence was unmistakable at first glance.
"Looks like we've arrived." Stellan smiled faintly, coming to a stop first. His white robes stood out starkly against the dimming sky as he added, "I assume the three of you are also interested in taking a look inside? Let's each rely on our own abilities."
No kidding, Kael thought. They hadn't come all this way just to turn back now. But since he couldn't quite decipher Stellan's intentions, he chose not to respond.
"Let's go." Ethan, having dealt with Stellan before, was somewhat familiar with him. The guy was probably trying to gauge their strength. Yet Stellan's confidence—showing no fear despite being outnumbered—suggested he had some hidden cards up his sleeve.
The atmosphere between the two groups grew subtly tense. What had already been an awkward encounter now carried an undercurrent of mutual suspicion.
"Move." Kael kept it short.
Together, the two parties advanced toward the castle. Its gates stood wide open, the walls a deep, weathered black from centuries of erosion. Though parts of the structure had crumbled, the fact that it had endured for over a thousand years spoke volumes—this was a masterpiece of its era.
As they stepped inside, the floor groaned underfoot, emitting eerie creaks with every movement.
"Snow Bear Beast, we're in your old den. Seems like no one's left here," Kael communicated mentally through the Moonlight Dusk space.
"Yes, Master! We did return to the castle once, but it was completely deserted! That Leif is far too terrifying—we didn't dare stay long and had to migrate west..." The Snow Bear Beast, haphazardly tossed into the pocket dimension, was thoroughly spooked. It hurriedly answered Kael's question.
Kael nodded. It seemed the beast wouldn't have any more useful intel. From here on out, they'd have to rely on their own investigation. Hopefully, they'd find some trace of Leif.
Inside the castle, the group split up to search. Most objects had long since rotted away, leaving behind a musty stench. After a thorough sweep, Kael pushed open a door—only to pause in surprise.
"There's a basement here!"
All eyes turned toward him.
Kael had merely given the door a light shove, but the ancient wood collapsed instantly, hitting the ground with a groan before splintering into pieces. Its centuries-long duty had finally come to an end.
"A basement." Kael murmured inwardly as everyone gathered around.
The underground chamber was thick with dust—clearly untouched for ages. The musty air made Kael and the others instinctively wrinkle their noses.
At first glance, there seemed nothing extraordinary about the place.
Kael's gaze swept across the empty space, landing on a plain table cluttered with a few dust-covered trinkets. None appeared particularly useful.
But then—
A jolt like an electric shock ran through his right hand! His spatial ring was emitting an unusual pulse!
"What's going on?" The eerie fluctuation was perceptible only to him. Instinctively, he glanced at the ring on his left hand.
It was the Mithril Ring he'd acquired at the Myriad Treasures Auction House. He'd always kept it on him, even going so far as to alter its appearance to avoid drawing attention.
Yet now, this very ring was resonating strangely—as if something in this basement was calling to it. No, not just to the ring... but to his very soul.
"When I bought this mithril ring, it was missing a fragment—a flawed piece. Could it be...?"
A possibility struck him, sending his heart pounding.
"The other half of this broken mithril ring... is here in this basement!"
Excitement surged through him, but he swiftly schooled his expression. There was no way he'd let Stellan and the Holy Temple trio catch even a hint of his discovery.