After settling the discussion with Tribe Leader Vanessa, Violet didn’t leave immediately. Instead, she suggested giving the mother and daughter some time alone and then excused herself, heading to another stone house built inside a cave.
Outside the house, two Moon Shadow Clan guards were stationed. They, of course, recognized the priestess who was shown great respect by the Tribe Leader and promptly greeted her upon seeing her arrival.
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Violet smiled and returned the greeting, asking, “How’s it going? Any movement?”
The male Moon Shadow demon wolf among the young guards, one male and one female, immediately shook his head.
“No, it’s been three days. Although some energy occasionally flares up, she hasn’t shown herself. Miss Rene and Miss Leila have been taking turns coming out to get supplies and food, but they haven’t shared any detailed updates on the situation inside.”
“I see... Thank you for your vigilance.”
After a brief polite exchange, which the guards hastily reciprocated with assurances of their duty, Violet nodded and went inside without further formalities.
This place was actually one of the residences arranged for Violet and her group by the Moon Shadow Clan.
However, the person living here was undergoing some crucial process. Therefore, Tribe Leader Vanessa, even after Violet had asked the Leila and Rene to help out, had stationed reliable elite clan members outside as a precaution.
Judging by the time, it should be almost done.
The ground floor living room was empty, as Violet expected. She went straight up the stairs to the second floor.
There, two white-haired girls, each with snowy wings on their backs and strikingly similar appearances, were at the doorway of the only room. One was munching on snacks unique to the Ten Thousand Demons Mountains while engrossed in what seemed to be an illustrated book, and the other stood beside her with a battle spear in hand, vigilantly watching the surroundings.
Violet had barely ascended the stairs when the latter noticed her immediately. With a slight surprise, the girl who had been idling hurriedly patted the shoulder of her companion, who was busily tidying up, before rushing forward.
“Lady Violet, you’re here.”
Watching with some amusement the other white-haired girl scrambling to gather her things, the priestess didn’t press further, simply glancing at the tightly closed door and asking in a gentle voice.
“How’s it going inside?”
Leila, the elder of the twins put away her weapon and also glanced worriedly at the door before shaking her head.
“Seems like there are some difficulties. From what Theresa herself mentioned, it seems the strain of transferring divine power to her body is too heavy, coupled with her lack of experience in her first attempt. It might take a while longer before she can condense the Seed.”
“In pursuit of the goal, aside from meals and basic activities these days, she has spent almost all her time communicating with Her Majesty, the Goddess of Life. Frankly, I’m concerned that if this continues, Theresa’s body might...”
“...Alright, I understand.”
The priestess nodded slightly, her expression tinged with resignation. “She’s pushing herself too hard. I never set a time limit or specific goals for her...”
After all, Theresa was still just an ordinary person. Despite having undergone the baptism of Seraphine’s life-giving power, the laws involved were profound and vast. Condensing even a Seed of the divine tree using a mortal body as a medium, let alone a full tree, was not something achievable in just a day or two.
That’s why, back in Demon Suppression City, the priestess had refrained from hastily planting the first Seed.
Moreover, to avoid putting pressure on Theresa, Violet had intentionally refrained from checking on her progress these days. She knew well that the initial condensation of a divine tree’s seed would certainly not be an easy task.
For Miss Violet, the muttered words seemed like a self-monologue, but for Leila, a member of the White Feather Wings clan, they struck a deep chord.
“I think maybe it’s because of that incident before, she feels she couldn’t help you in any way. Honestly... my sister and I often feel ashamed too. We’ve sworn long ago to follow by your side, ready to serve, but every time it comes down to crucial moments, we find ourselves only able to watch from afar, unlike Lord Xiao Guang who fights alongside you.”
The girl lowered her head, her expression tinged with bitterness.
“Forgive my presumption, Lady Violet, but you are too perfect, too powerful. You’re so powerful that ordinary people can only look up to you, bearing the shade you casually bestow... So sometimes we can’t help but want to prove ourselves, otherwise, we might doubt the meaning of following you. Perhaps... Theresa feels the same way.”
“Leila...”
Surprised by her companion’s words, the white-robed girl’s expression turned somewhat bewildered and enlightened after a brief moment of astonishment.
It couldn’t be denied that Leila’s frankness had touched Violet deeply, making her gradually realize things she had previously overlooked. All this time, the priestess had only considered the strength of Leila and others, keeping them as much as possible in safe places.
Even when there were enemies, they were usually assigned tasks that they could easily handle. The real threats were always dealt with by herself or her Dragon, who was equally formidable.
Like the recent incident, where both she and her dragon had engaged in battles against divine-level adversaries, while Theresa, Leila, Rene, and even Edwina, who had been traveling with the priestess through thick and thin, remained in the relatively safe Moon Shadow Valley.
They merely fought off elemental creatures that were already blocked by the Moon Shadow clan, completely devoid of any sense of participation, as if their presence was inconsequential.
Perhaps, Violet decisions were indeed made with their best interests in mind. However, from another perspective, she hadn’t truly considered Leila and the others’ standpoint or viewed them as equals. It was a form of arrogance from a superior, from divinity itself.
If one truly regarded others as companions, they should face dangers together, even if it meant shedding blood or sacrificing. Only through friendship forged in life-and-death struggles and through bloodshed could bonds be firm and genuine.
On the other hand, unilateral protection, gifts, or occasional playful interactions akin to amusing pets ultimately relegated them to being seen as children or dependents in need of care. Everyone had their strengths and roles to play, and power didn’t define everything.
Glancing at Leila, who had slightly turned her head away, and at Rene, who hurriedly packed up and ran over, only to find a heavy atmosphere, looking embarrassed and unsure of what to say, the priestess nodded earnestly.
“You’re right. I did overlook things in handling this matter. I’m sorry. It’s my arrogance. Perhaps... I’ve been too focused on moving forward and overlooked the scenery behind.”
Leila remained silent, but Rene, startled like a frightened deer, nearly jumped up.
“Eh? No no no! I didn’t mean to blame Lady Violet at all! You’ve always had our best interests at heart, it’s just that...”
Standing on tiptoe, Violet gently rubbed the head of the White Feather young woman who seemed flustered and eager to explain. Though slightly smaller in stature, Violet naturally exuded the serene demeanor of someone mature, capable of showing composure. She chuckled lightly.
“Alright, don’t look so serious. It’s natural to want to show your worth. I’m the same way. Trust me, I promise you both that I’ll make changes in the future.”
Shifting her focus, the priestess glanced over the two sisters, who bore similar appearances but wore expressions of joy simultaneously.
“However, most of what I face is quite dangerous. This isn’t a joke. If you want to participate... you must continue to enhance your own strengths. Both of you are already mythical species and legendary-tier but far from reaching your limits. Keep striving!”
“Yes! We’ll work very hard, Lady Violet!”
“Yeah yeah! Let’s set a small goal first—surpassing the transcended-level within half a year! I’ll definitely get there before my sister!!”
Seeing the two girls excited and motivated, Violet felt warmth in her heart. She didn’t say much more, just nodded with a smile.
“I’ll go check on Theresa. You two stay out here. There shouldn’t be any issues, and even if there’s any commotion inside, don’t panic. I’m here.”
“Yes, Lady Violet!”
After a few brief instructions, the priestess quietly pushed open the unlocked door and stepped lightly into the room.