Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level?-Chapter 132[Vol. 6]

[Vol. 6] Chapter 132

As Yanzi shared her deductions, a shorter, stocky young man in the group nodded in agreement.

“Exactly. If this is a garrison mission, the [Black Scaled Army] shouldn’t have mobilized such a large force just to deal with a group of passersby like us. Even if they were alerted by the earlier battle, they’d typically only send a small scouting party to investigate. But that general…”

“Yes,” Yanzi seamlessly picked up the thread. “He acted as if he was dealing with a band of dangerous criminals, bringing out so many troops all at once. On top of that, he aggressively labeled us as insurgents, as if trying to justify his own bizarre behavior.”

The group listened, and the term *looking for trouble* that Yanzi used struck a chord. It made them instinctively frown, especially Shangguan Yao, who had fully recovered from the earlier dazzling flash. She spoke coldly,

“Why would he do that?”

“…I don’t know,” Yanzi admitted after a brief pause, organizing her thoughts. “Everything I’ve said is just speculation based on observation. If we truly want to uncover his motives, we’d need to have another encounter with him.”

She seemed to contemplate her words for a moment before continuing.

“But honestly, while he was stirring up trouble and being unreasonable, it was obvious that we weren’t his main target. He didn’t seem to care much about us or even Miss Hen and her companions. It felt like… he was just finding something to do to pass the time.”

Yanzi then revised her statement.

“No… maybe it’s better to say he was stalling for time.”

“Stalling? Stalling for what?”

The question, voiced by another member of the group, lingered in the air. Yanzi simply shook her head in response.

“I already said it’s just speculation. I’m not a God. I can’t see through every event’s truth without solid clues or evidence.”

As if to conclude the discussion, Yanzi turned her gaze to the middle-aged man who had been silently listening to them without interrupting.

“Teacher Mu, what do you think?”

The man nodded approvingly and smiled.

“While I am the supervising teacher, according to the rules, I’m only here to assist when you encounter enemies entirely beyond your ability to handle. What happened earlier was already bending the rules.”

“So from now on, unless absolutely necessary, I won’t provide any input. Just as you decided to spar with those individuals on your own, your decisions will remain your own.”

He paused, glancing around at the group.

“With about two days left before the [Endless Wasteland Sea] opens, you can use this time as you see fit. Whether to rest and recharge or pursue other interests. It’s entirely up to your group to decide.”

The young people exchanged glances. Shangguan Hong, however, didn’t immediately comment. Instead, he sighed and shook his head slightly in regret.

“Those Black Scaled soldiers really ruined things for us. We didn’t even get a proper match with those individuals. And now, the promise to exchange information about the [Endless Wasteland Sea] might not even be kept. What bad luck. I wonder how they’re doing now…”

Yanzi tried to reassure him.

“Don’t worry, Senior Brother. Those individuals have plenty of hidden tricks, not any less than ours. The [Black Scaled Army] shouldn’t be able to do much to them. Since we’re all heading for the [Endless Wasteland Sea], if fate allows, we’ll meet again. We can settle these matters then.”

“…Let’s hope so.”

………………………………

Not long after, night fell.

In the [Black Scaled Army] camp located in the western region of Xinchuan County, Dongyuan State, near the [Wangxi Basin], the soldiers prepared for the long night ahead.

“What? You didn’t catch them? Useless! You’re all useless! Over a thousand Black Scaled Cavalry on this official road, and you couldn’t capture fewer than ten unarmed fugitives moving on foot! What’s the point of having you?”

In the central command tent, the [Black Scaled Army] cavalry captain, who had clashed with the [Shocking God Sect] and Violet’s group earlier, was furiously berating his returning subordinates. His anger, clearly stoked during the daytime encounter, had yet to subside.

Inside the tent, the soldiers responsible for reporting the situation stood with their heads lowered, silent. Although they harbored their own grievances, they knew better than to argue with the acting commander. Complaints would have to wait until the higher-ups returned.

After an onslaught of furious scolding, the commander seemed to calm down slightly. He stopped fixating on the vanished “fugitives” and shifted the topic.

“Any news from the tomb?”

The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances until one finally shook his head and spoke.

“No, General. The senior commanders have been inside the tomb for two full days now. There’s been no communication, nor has anyone come out to deliver a message. Captain Cheng, should we send reinforcements?”

The man called Captain Cheng snapped back instantly.

“Ridiculous! Do you have any idea how dangerous a tomb like this, one that’s been untouched for at least a thousand years, can be? Rushing in recklessly is no different from throwing your lives away!”

“Before departing, the general gave clear orders: this operation will take two to three days at the earliest, no more than ten days at most. If they haven’t returned after ten days, only then are we to request reinforcements from the Holy Sect. The minimum time hasn’t even passed yet, so how could we act prematurely?”

“Understood…”

After reprimanding his subordinate, Captain Cheng waved dismissively, his tone impatient.

“Enough. Leave now. Remind all units to remain vigilant and guard their posts. No unauthorized individuals are to enter the ancient tomb. Report any unusual occurrences immediately. Got it?”

“Yes, sir!”

This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

The soldiers saluted and left quickly, their footsteps fading into the distance.

“……”

Captain Cheng scanned the now empty tent and, after a moment of contemplation, retrieved something from an inconspicuous corner.

It was an old, broken stone tablet.

The tablet appeared to be a fragment of a larger whole. Although its material was unclear, there was a faint, almost imperceptible fluctuation emanating from it, giving off an overwhelming sense of mystery, as if it were as deep and unfathomable as an abyss or a prison.

Placing his fingers on the tablet, Cheng lowered his voice and spoke with a careful, respectful tone, quite different from his earlier harshness with the soldiers.

“My lord… as you instructed, I found an excuse today to temporarily remove most of the [Black Scaled Army] from the camp. I also delayed as much as I could outside. I wonder, has there been any progress on your side?”

After a moment, a response emerged from the stone tablet, its voice genderless, ageless, and neutral in tone.

“You’ve done well. Taking advantage of today’s weakened defenses, I’ve successfully contacted some old friends. Once they receive the message, they’ll arrive soon to assist me and help me break free.”

“Rest assured, I give my word that I will keep my promises. Once I can lift that woman’s seal and regain all my power, not only will I ensure your position as a mere cavalry captain is safe, but it will be easy for you to replace the general and become the supreme leader of the [Black Scaled Army].”

Reassured by the stone’s promise, Cheng’s previously uneasy mood seemed to calm. He nodded repeatedly in respect.

“Yes, yes… I will do everything in my power to assist you, my lord. But… there was one troublemaker outside today, a strange young man who caught me off guard with his words. I managed to cover it up, but… I’m worried.”

Cheng hesitated.

“Could the [Black Scaled Army] have figured out that I’m not the original Cheng Zhenwu? After all, my face doesn’t match his at all. Even though your powers are incredible and have convinced them of my false identity, what if… the differences in my mannerisms and behavior start to stand out after a while?”

The voice in the stone paused for a moment, not immediately responding.