Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Qin Han grew even more puzzled upon hearing this.

The High Priest was about to get married, yet instead of staying home to prepare for the wedding, he had run off at this critical moment.

Thinking back to the Sword Maniac’s wife, who would rather die than submit, Qin Han felt there must be some hidden secret at play.

And then there was the "Lost One" mentioned on the Friendly Detection Orb, which only deepened his confusion.

"Elder Lei, does your stronghold have any spells or objects that can make people lose themselves?"

Elder Lei’s expression turned peculiar at the question. He glanced at Tiger Cub before answering cautiously, "Young Hero, as I mentioned before, the staff that could summon lightning—though its orb is lost and its power greatly diminished—is said to be made from a divine wood that can control people’s minds. Merely holding the staff allows its wielder to subtly influence those around them."

"Over time, it ensures absolute loyalty from those nearby."

"This is our clan’s highest secret. I only know of it because of my status as an elder."

"Breaking its influence is simple: just kill the staff’s wielder, and their control will vanish."

Qin Han suddenly understood.

No wonder the Sword Maniac’s wife was acting so strangely—she had been manipulated.

"Good. In that case, we’ll wait for the High Priest to return. I’ll kill him myself!"

……

Time passed quietly.

That night, the moon was full.

Qin Han placed Moonlight Shadow directly on the rooftop, letting it bask in the moonlight.

By morning, the unlocking progress had surged to 97%, just a sliver away from full activation.

The next day, the High Priest still hadn’t returned by daylight.

But word spread that the wedding would take place that very night, and the High Priest would arrive as scheduled.

The entire Black Stronghold, willing or not, began decorating their doors with lanterns and banners.

The Black Stronghold Altar was also prepared early, covered in red carpets and offerings.

Night finally fell.

The moon hung high as nearly everyone in the stronghold gathered in the square before the altar, a dense sea of people.

This time, Qin Han discarded all disguises. Clad in his Ancient Attire, he stood in the shadows, blending into the darkness.

Beside him, Li Yang and the others remained dressed as guards.

"Remember, once I make my move, stand by Lan Xin’s side. If she shows any signs of self-harm, don’t hesitate—restrain her immediately."

"Understood."

"Go. Don’t worry about me."

……

Hidden among the treetops, Qin Han drew out Moonlight Shadow once more, letting it absorb the moon’s essence.

Before long, the progress reached 98%.

Then, the crowd parted.

The Sword Maniac’s wife, dressed in a flowing red gown, walked toward the altar, escorted by a large group of guards and maids.

Yet even after she reached the altar and waited for some time, the High Priest still hadn’t arrived.

Time continued to slip by, and Moonlight Shadow’s progress climbed to 99%—just one step away from full unlocking!!!

As the night grew later, whispers spread among the crowd that the High Priest might not return at all.

But then— From Thunder Lake in the north, lightning suddenly erupted.

Bolts of lightning rained down like a storm.

The night sky was illuminated as bright as day.

Suddenly, a middle-aged man dressed in opulent robes, with a purple staff tucked at his waist, emerged from the lightning, his hands clasped behind his back.

His feet trod upon the bolts of lightning in midair, step by step, advancing toward the altar.

As he drew closer, the crowd could clearly see his face.

Someone shouted in recognition, "It’s the High Priest! The High Priest has returned!"

In an instant, the entire square knelt in reverence.

Lan Xin, standing on the altar, craned her neck eagerly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Perched on a tree branch, Qin Han observed the scene with a strange feeling in his heart.

He recalled the incident at Thunder Lake the afternoon before last— Was this guy responsible for the Thunder Beasts' abnormal behavior?

Meanwhile, as the High Priest walked, the lightning around him gradually dissipated.

By the time he reached the altar, his aura vanished completely, making him appear no different from an ordinary person at a glance.