Chapter 385 383-Emerald Spring
The High Priest paid no attention to Sherry, instead continuing with his own task.
It was then that Ethan realized the High Priest was concocting a potion.
Inside the tent, various peculiar devices and materials were arranged, emitting a strong magical aura.
The High Priest held a silver cauldron in his hands, within which a green liquid bubbled, hissing softly.
Carefully, he added various herbs and powders to the cauldron, all the while murmuring incantations, as if casting some sort of spell.
As the potion-making process continued, a rich herbal fragrance filled the tent, creating a refreshing and uplifting atmosphere.
The High Priest's gaze was focused and resolute, his movements skilled and steady, as though he had undertaken this meticulous process countless times before.
Gradually, the green liquid in the cauldron became clear and transparent, emitting a strong, radiant glow.
The High Priest ceased his movements, silently observing the potion in the cauldron.
His face betrayed no emotion, only his dry voice could be heard:
"I am very relieved that you didn't rush to the Temple immediately."
Sherry pursed her lips, speaking solemnly:
"High Priest, my life was saved by you. What should I do for you?"
The High Priest looked at Sherry, his eyes filled with kindness and satisfaction:
"You're taking it too seriously. You already have the Shadow Bloodline; you are a natural heir of our clan. Your arrival here is guided by the deity, not so much related to me."
"I..." Sherry sighed softly, "High Priest, you're dying."
Such a blunt statement made Ethan's spine chill, his body tensing as he looked towards the High Priest.
The High Priest glanced at Ethan, then redirected his gaze back to the bubbling green potion.
A forced smile creased his withered face, looking quite grim:
"Yes, I am dying. Three months ago, I only needed to drink the Emerald Spring once a month to maintain my energy. But now, I need it every three days."
"The clan's resources are depleted. That's probably why Dart was able to sway so many clan members against me."
Sherry, indignant on behalf of the High Priest, said angrily:
"Without you, our Shadow Clan wouldn't have survived in the Shadow Forest. Those deep-dwelling monsters would surely have preyed on our people."
"So now, we need to choose someone who can wield the Dark Dominator. It's the only thing that can sustain our Shadow Clan at this point."
The High Priest looked deeply at Sherry again and slowly said:
"Are you prepared?"
Sherry knew the dangers within the Temple, but as she said, her life was saved by the High Priest.
She was willing to risk her life for him.
"I am ready for your call at any time."
The High Priest shook his head slightly, touching the container to feel its temperature.
It was then that Ethan realized that the Emerald Spring was almost cool, taking on a gel-like consistency, as if it would turn into jelly if left for just a little longer.
The High Priest didn't speak, but instead lifted the container and drank all the Emerald Spring.
As he raised the container, a faint herbal fragrance spread, as if carrying the power of nature.
Ethan could smell it too – the potent vitality was almost unbelievable.
The High Priest sipped the Emerald Spring gently, and immediately its fresh and sweet taste spread in his mouth.
Almost instantly, his body began to transform.
His aged skin gradually regained its luster, and the wrinkles became less pronounced.
His breathing turned even and deep, as if he had regained the vitality of youth.
As time passed, Ethan could feel the High Priest's physical strength and spirit progressively returning to their peak condition.
His eyes sparkled with wisdom, his thoughts becoming agile and clear.
Ethan could sense the powerful magic surging within the High Priest's body, as if he had gained infinite strength.
The effect of the Emerald Spring was beyond Ethan's imagination, not only delaying aging but also rejuvenating health and vitality.
What exactly was the Emerald Spring?
As Ethan was still in shock, something even more alarming happened.
The vitality that the High Priest had just regained dissipated as quickly as air from a deflated tire, his life force seeping away.
His skin gradually lost its sheen, wrinkles reappeared on his forehead and around his eyes.
His muscles slackened, and his eyes clouded over again...
The life force emanating from his body was absorbed by the plants on the ground.
The surrounding flora sprang up rapidly, lush and tender, with dewdrops even hanging from the leaves and petals.
Sherry, filled with sorrow, spoke with a trembling voice:
"High Priest, please don't die..."
The High Priest's voice became a bit more resonant, his face displaying a somewhat forced smile:
"Sherry, don't be like this. You've always known I was going to die. What you need to do now is gain the Temple's approval, take hold of the Dark Dominator, and ensure the survival of the Shadow Clan."
"I didn't want you to enter the Temple so soon. Ideally, you should have the strength of Metamorphosis. But now, there's no time left. Dart has changed my plans."
"If I don't let them enter the Temple, they will harbor resentment against you. It will make your future leadership of the Shadow Clan even more difficult..."
"But alas, time waits for no one. And who can predict the whims of desire?"
"Fortunately, you have a wise man by your side."
The High Priest turned his gaze toward Ethan, his face wearing a kind smile.
Sherry looked slightly startled: "Ethan?"
"Indeed," the High Priest nodded slightly, "Given your close relationship with Ethan, I can rest assured letting you enter the Temple."
"High Priest," Ethan was somewhat puzzled, "I'd rather not get involved. The affairs of the Shadow Clan are not my concern."
The High Priest shook his head slightly, speaking softly: "Now, you have to be involved whether you like it or not."
Sherry tugged at Ethan's shoulder and used the Soul Whisper: "It's okay, I'll go in alone."
After saying this, Sherry stepped forward, declaring firmly: "High Priest, I can do it alone."
Ethan's lips twitched slightly.
The High Priest's face remained unchanged, but his smile carried a hint of mockery:
"Even if the Temple holds the complete Spirit of the Shadow Clan?"
"I'm not afraid!"
"And within the Temple, there's the understanding of the Rules of Shadow. If you fail to comprehend them, you could be trapped there for a lifetime."
"I'm not afraid!"
Ethan's lips twitched even more.
"In the Temple, clan members may attack you, especially when you're trying to comprehend the laws."
"I'm not..."
Before Sherry could finish, Ethan interrupted, irritated:
"High Priest, you don't need to pressure me like this. I'll go, okay?"
The High Priest's smile faded, and he rummaged through various bottles and jars behind him before taking out a crystal vial.
Inside the vial were three green droplets.
"These are three drops of Emerald Spring essence. Each is filled with endless vitality. You can use one when you're in danger. But remember, there are only three, so use them wisely."
Ethan took the crystal vial, asking with a hint of confusion:
"If you have such treasures, why bother concocting Emerald Spring? Why not just use these directly?"
He shook the vial, and the three drops of Emerald Spring essence wobbled inside like glass balls with tails.
"My wound was inflicted by a Life Drain Beast from deep within the Shadow Forest. The wound it left on me makes me like a leaking sack; my life force constantly seeps away. The more I absorb, the more leaks out."
"Emerald Spring can only sustain my vital signs for three days, and the essence does the same. It even aggravates the wound in my body, so... for me, this thing is just a burden."
The High Priest exhaled deeply, "I've said too much. You should be on your way."
Ethan and Sherry exchanged a glance, not speaking, but understanding each other's intentions.
"High Priest, I would like you to look after my companions and servant," Ethan requested.
The High Priest, without turning back, simply waved his hand in acknowledgment.
Ethan reiterated his instructions to Lana, still using telepathy:
"Be very careful. I have a feeling that Dart might resort to unconventional methods. Keep yourselves safe."
"Don't worry, I'll take this opportunity to delve into the secrets of the Wraith Cult's tome."
"Stay safe. In case of any unforeseen conflicts, do not stray far from the High Priest. Since he has promised to help, he will undoubtedly do his best."
"I understand."
With that, Ethan and Sherry set off towards the Temple.
On their way, Ethan took the opportunity to learn more about the Temple:
"Is the Shadow Clan's Temple really that formidable?"
"It's the holy site of the Shadow Clan, of course, it is. To awaken the Shadow Emblem, our clan members typically do so in front of the Temple."
"Have you been inside?"
"No, but I've felt its presence."
"How did it feel?"
"Cold and dark, devoid of any light. It's like a hell that could swallow a person whole."
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