Chapter 378
Within the Hall of Upright and Brilliant Light, the Red Sand Temple’s main sanctuary, Abbot Juehui watched helplessly as a blonde, blue-eyed man and woman strode through the doors. The pair wore immaculate moon-white formal wear woven with silver patterns, as if they had just stepped out of a ballroom. Each held a golden pocket watch. Their expressions were grave as they stood in silence, awaiting the Red Sand Temple’s reply.
Moments earlier, upon entering, they had delivered a mandate from the Holy Spirit Warlock Association, the Red Sand Temple was to find at once the culprit who had dared kidnap the diplomatic staff of Aethia.
“Respected Mr. Felix,” Juehui said bitterly. “Our Red Sand Temple is not a subordinate faction of the Warlock Association. Isn’t it somewhat unreasonable to demand that we find this person within a single day?”
“That is your problem. We are only here to convey the association’s resolution,” Felix replied calmly.
“This incident was a grave mistake committed by ignorant people within our borders. I implore you to grant us a grace period of a few days...” Juehui lowered his head, pleading.
“Abbot!” Among the monks standing behind him, Juexin, the Hall Head of the Disciplinary Hall, could no longer contain his indignation. “They were clearly the ones who shot those two children first! Yes, the kids were stealing, but their crimes did not warrant death!”
“Shut up!” Juehui shot his junior martial brother a stern glare, swiftly cutting him off. “Mind your place in the presence of the envoys and stop spouting nonsense!”
“But—” Juexin began, only to be seized by two fellow monks and yanked back. Low voices drifted into his ears.
“If the abbot hadn’t compromised and swallowed his pride for the greater good, how could our Red Sand Temple have survived in this region for so many years? Does the Hall Head truly think the safety of two little thieves outweighs the lives of every monk in this temple?”