Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level?-Chapter 152[Vol. 6] - I Have a Friend...

[Vol. 6] Chapter 152: I Have a Friend…

A flicker of surprise passed through Violet’s mind, but she quickly suppressed it. She glanced back at the entrance to the tomb, from which her group had just emerged, then subtly surveyed the surroundings. While she had a vague idea of what might be going on, she chose to keep it to herself for now.

After all, there were more pressing, immediate problems that needed her attention.

The [Black Scaled Army]’s encirclement was tightening, with spear tips gleaming menacingly as they drew closer. Violet raised a hand to stop Shangguan Hong and the others, who had been preparing to fight back. When she spoke, her voice was calm but carried an undeniable power, surging outward like a wave.

“I have no intention of causing unnecessary harm. Where is your General Wen Zhengyang? He should have made it out safely. Let him come and see me.”

The surrounding soldiers froze momentarily, as though stunned by the commanding presence of the black-haired girl. Perhaps they were awed by her display of power, or maybe they were surprised that she had spoken the name of their general. They exchanged uncertain glances before the imposing figure of the [Black Scaled Army]’s commanding officer emerged from the ranks.

General Wen Zhengyang, whom Violet had briefly encountered in the temple earlier, stepped forward, surrounded by his subordinates. His sharp, authoritative gaze locked onto Violet as though trying to discern her true nature, though a hint of puzzlement flickered in his eyes.

“Who are you? How dare you defy the [Black Scaled Army]’s lockdown order and trespass on these ruins? And how do you know my name?”

“Oh, good, you’re here. That makes things easier.”

Violet didn’t bother answering his questions directly. Instead, her eyes scanned over the soldiers flanking Wen Zhengyang before she casually asked another question:

“What about Vice General Cheng Zhenwu? Why isn’t he here?”

“…?”

Her brazen attitude caused a brief pause in Wen Zhengyang’s demeanor, but rather than flying into a rage, his expression grew more cautious.

As the [Black Scaled Army]’s top commander, Wen Zhengyang was no stranger to the subtleties of power dynamics. He understood the mindset of those who operated above the common level.

Anyone who could remain calm and unshaken while surrounded in such a dire situation likely fell into one of two categories. They were either fools with no grasp of the reality of their circumstances, or they were individuals so powerful that they didn’t consider the [Black Scaled Army] a threat at all.

Fools wouldn’t have been able to slip past the [Black Scaled Army]’s tight lockdown, enter the tomb so easily, or silence thousands of elite [Black Scaled] soldiers with just a few words. And then there was the name she mentioned, one that had been lingering in Wen Zhengyang’s mind ever since his return to the outside world.

After a brief silence, Wen Zhengyang raised a hand, signaling the troops preparing to attack to stand down. He turned to his adjutant.

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“The acting commander in charge of guarding the camp, Cavalry Captain Cheng Zhenwu, where is he? Why hasn’t he reported to me yet?”

The adjutant froze for a moment before quickly responding with a respectful bow.

“General, I dispatched men to locate him immediately, but I’ve just received a report that Captain Cheng appears to be… missing. He’s not at the camp and hasn’t logged any notice of departure. His current whereabouts are unknown.”

“Unknown?”

Wen Zhengyang frowned deeply but didn’t press his adjutant further. Instead, he shifted his attention back to the black-haired girl standing calmly in front of him.

“Do you know why Captain Cheng has gone missing?”

“Hmm… about that~”

The girl’s lips curled into a sly smile, one that carried a hint of provocation. She avoided answering directly, instead steering the conversation elsewhere.

“General Wen, I wonder if the esteemed commander of the [Black Scaled Army] has the courage to have a private chat with a little girl like me? I have information that I think will definitely pique your interest.”

“How dare you! Who do you think you are to speak so boldly—”

“……”

Wen Zhengyang raised his hand, silencing his deputy before he could berate the girl further. After a moment of consideration, he surprisingly nodded.

“Very well. A private conversation between you and me, why not? Shall we use the main tent?”

“General?!”

“That’s too dangerous, sir! If she’s cornered and resorts to violence, you’ll be alone and vulnerable!”

The soldiers around him immediately voiced their concerns, urging him not to take the risk. But Wen Zhengyang remained composed, waving their objections away without a change in expression.

“Alright, I’ve served in the military for 21 years. From an unknown foot soldier, I’ve climbed step by step to my position as the commander of the [Black Scaled Army]. Over a hundred battles, large and small, each one a fight to the death, earned by risking my life on the battlefield against formidable enemies.”

“And now, a frail young girl, unarmed and unassuming. If I lack the courage to accept her invitation for a one-on-one conversation, how could I possibly justify holding this position as General of the [Black Scaled Army]?”

“General Yan, during our private talk, I’ll leave you in charge. Keep the troops ready but hold off any attacks. Don’t let them escape, but leave the final decision for when I return.”

“…Understood, General.”

Hmm…

Listening to the exchange among the [Black Scaled] soldiers, Violet nodded to herself.

This General Wen Zhengyang seemed to be both brave and intelligent, a leader who genuinely cared for his soldiers. Beyond the reasons he mentioned, Violet suspected another motive for his decision. He likely realized their group’s considerable strength and wanted to avoid unnecessary casualties among his troops during a confrontation.

As Wen Zhengyang finished giving his orders, Violet nodded in agreement. She signaled to her companions to remain calm, then turned and headed toward the main tent where the impostor Cheng Zhenwu had been stationed.

The general, dressed in full military uniform, followed closely behind, leaving the two groups of soldiers exchanging confused and uncertain glances.

……………………………

“Well then~”

Violet pushed aside the tent’s flap and stepped inside, followed closely by General Wen Zhengyang. The spacious interior was empty, devoid of anyone else.

The black-haired girl seemed entirely unguarded, turning her back to the general as she looked around, apparently searching for something. Wen Zhengyang, observing this, didn’t draw the weapon at his waist. Instead, he maintained a calm expression and walked over to the main seat, gesturing for Violet to act freely.

“Alright, now it’s just the two of us. Say whatever you need to. I hope you don’t make me regret this decision.”

Violet glanced at the stern, formal figure of the middle-aged man sitting upright and intentionally projecting the demeanor of a commanding general. She shook her head with a touch of exasperation. Instead of taking a seat, she finished her search and turned back to him with a curious expression.

“Are you perhaps a big admirer of the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden]? Mind if I ask why?”

“The [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden]?”

Wen Zhengyang’s expression briefly showed surprise, but he quickly grasped the deeper meaning behind Violet’s seemingly offhand question. His brows furrowed slightly as he replied,

“Did you witness the battle that took place in the temple deep within the tomb?”

“Hmm? Sharp, aren’t you? Truly worthy of being a general.”

“Hmph…”

After a moment of hesitation, Wen Zhengyang chose to address the topic directly.

“That’s right. I’ve admired the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden]’s legend since I was young. So what? Of the countless billions across the four nations of the [Ancient Spirit Realm], who among them can confidently say their ancestors weren’t once blessed or protected by Her Divineness?”

“Though the passage of time has turned her stories into myths, legends, and even simple nursery rhymes passed down through generations, without her, without the Spirit Fox’s Immortal Island, how could our homeland have ever become so prosperous and peaceful? Gratitude is only natural, don’t you think?”

“[When life meets death, the Spirit Fox comes from the river, flowers bloom like blood, gazing far ahead. Souls tread the line between life and death, swaying gently, ferried away]. This, they say, is the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden].”

Reciting a tune-like verse that sounded like a ballad, Wen Zhengyang seemed caught up in his own sentiment. Without waiting for Violet to respond, he continued,

“This chant is well-known across the [Ancient Spirit Realm]. Surely you’ve heard it. The [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden] is revered as the ruler of the Sanzu River and the Netherworld. The supreme guardian of the boundary between life and death. Many families have worshipped Her for generations, offering incense and prayers to her shrine.”

“To witness the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden] in person would be the ultimate honor! And yet you ask me why? What a strange question. Are you even from the [Ancient Spirit Realm]?”

“Whether I’m from here or not…”

Violet let out a soft sigh. Under Wen Zhengyang’s puzzled gaze, the black-haired girl hesitated no longer and spoke plainly.

“Alright, I’ll be direct. Actually… I’m a friend of the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden]. A *very close* friend, in fact.”