LOGINBoth Jeevika and Stephen nodded without hesitation, though the latter was already used to it.The last time he fled the Wades, he promptly got on a boat bound for Tahiti, where he started a life off the grid. It was all because he feared that Charlie would find him, and just a little Reiki would make him talk.It was the first time that Jeevika learned that such a thing was possible, but his expression was determined. "Don't worry, Suzanne. I may have devoted myself to religion, but Madam Wade's orders come above all else. If I should fail, I shall disappear and never again use the title of Master Jeevika."Suzanne nodded in satisfaction, but her expression was solemn. "The three of us owe both Mr. and Madam Wade, and have come to learn the sheer desperation Madam Wade went through in her resistance against the Qing Eliminating Society. "Thank the gods that Charlie proved himself and we may yet see the fall of the Qing Eliminating Society. Even so, he remains a big fish in a small
Claire didn't tell Charlie or her parents about going to the Qi Temple, as she believed that praying for her family was fine without them knowing, or announcing it out loud.So early next morning, before Elaine and Jacob woke up, she drove straight to QI Temple.The days were cold and the nights longer before the Oskian New Year, and the sun was barely up when Claire headed outside.A group of devotees was already at the gates, always intent on claiming the first offerings in Qi Temple, happily oblivious that the famous Master Jeevika was visiting again.Jeevika was seated cross-legged in a chamber behind the Feather Hall, chanting a mantra while charging the Reiki in his body.He was only wearing a kasaya, but he felt warm as spring.The hall was closed for the day, and there was a partition raised to cut off the entrance into the hall itself, with a sign that read 'closed for the day' as well.After putting everything in place, every monk retreated outside, quietly guarding th
Claire thought she would be the first, but Momo Sun—her most reliable subordinate, had arrived already.Seeing the other woman, she smiled, "What brings you here this early?""Good Morning, Ms. Wilson," Momo smiled in greeting. "Actually, I went to the Qi Temple, hoping to get a health charm for the family… but I got nothing. It's so frustrating!""Got nothing? How?" Claire asked in curiosity. "Were they closed?""Oh, they were open," Momo shrugged. "But I misremembered Master Jeevika's schedule—he's only coming tomorrow, so I went for nothing.""Master Jeevika?" Claire frowned, murmuring. "Actually, I think I've heard of that name before."Momo grinned. "He's quite famous—one of the youngest high monks in the country, whose insight into Buddhism far surpasses most. He has been traveling between every major temple for the past two years, giving sermons and blessing mystic items. And it's said that his charms are special.""Really?" Claire exclaimed in surprise."Of course!" Mom
Suzanne's words cleared any qualms Stephen had, and he asked her, "So, when do you think I should make contact with Ms. Wilson, talk to her about it?"Suzanne replied, "Jeevika will be arriving at the Qi Temple in two days, first thing in the morning. Madam Wade's instruction was to lure Ms. Wilson over, and then Jeevika will create an opportunity for you both to have a talk.""Jeevika…" Stephen smiled and asked, "He's now a famous monk, I believe?""Yes," Suzanne nodded and sighed. "He's wise in both Tao and Buddhism, and progressed rapidly thanks to Madam Wade's guidance. Even after his initiation into the Buddhist order, he still serves Madam Wade before anyone else.""And how do we lure Ms. Wilson over?" Stephen asked.Suzanne smiled. Are you aware that Ms. Wilson owns a company?""Of course," Stephen nodded. "It was Charlie who encouraged her to start out with her own workshop, with plenty of bigwigs in Aurous Hill heading over to celebrate its opening.""Yes," Suzanne repl
As Stephen finished, he looked up at the moon, shrouded by clouds up in the air.Taking a deep breath of the dank, cold winter air, he then sighed. 'I'll be honest—I'm not used to the coldness of the south, and I can't help remembering Charlie. During his first winter at the orphanage, he would be curling into himself under his blanket from the cold."The place was simply rundown and didn't have a room heater, and only a single sheet of glass insulated the windows. I really wanted to do something for him, but was worried that it would draw the wrong attention and had to allow him to suffer frostbite for the first time. I was in Eastcliff, only able to weep for him that winter…"Suzanne nodded and sighed. "The orphanage director sent photos of his limbs and ears getting bruised from the cold, and Madam Wade was often crying looking at them. But in hindsight, those hard times were essential for his life. Without it, there's no way he would have become the man he is today."Stephen no
After taking a few days' break at Aurous Hill, Charlie flew to Gaston down south.With the year-end of the Oskian calendar, the days were becoming colder, so Gaston was a good spot with its warmer climate.Tanya's last stop was in Rochester, and once the last concert was over, he would fly back to Aurous Hill immediately, and boarded a flight to the Maldives with his family.He was starting to feel spent after tagging along with Tanya's tour, and couldn't wait to get some proper rest during the Oskian New Year.It was not physical fatigue either—he just needed to set his mind at ease and unwind.But while he followed Tanya's tour to Gaston, a freighter had berthed in Gaston's East Harbor.It was an Oskian-registered freighter returning home. The crew would unload all shipments before taking a break, and then weigh anchor for another voyage to Europe.And amongst them was a geezer working as a chef, whom everyone called Mr. Marsden. In reality, he was Stephen Thompson, who serv
Smith hurriedly said, “There is a significant improvement, and the doctor said that he is temporarily out of the life-threatening situation.”Liam asked, “How many pills have you given him?”“One!”Liam then said, “There are no side effects with our Apothecary Restoration Pill. If his condition is crit
After Sherry had returned to Shangri-La, she reported the situation that she had encountered at The Heaven Springs to Kathleen.Upon listening to Sherry’s account, Kathleen immediately said with certainty, “I guess that they must be reserving their Diamond Room for an important guest. It might be Mas
When Jordan saw that Jarvis appeared a little sluggish and noted the dumbfounded look on the latter’s face when he turned to look at him, he lowered his voice and asked, “Master Yant, what’s wrong with you?”Jarvis came back to his senses, and he said in a similarly low voice, “Lord Fox, the security
The junior captain from Ten Thousand Armies smiled faintly and spoke up as he said, “Should we still keep you guys on board to eat our food and drink our fresh water if we don’t release you? Let me tell you, we will not feed our supplies to you even if we were to feed it to the dogs.”As he spoke, he







