Pillars of Ita

The sudden situation disrupted all arrangements, but no one complained. Fang He just quietly began to change the plan - because they no longer had time to stop and settle for a few months or even half a year to build a new ship.

They must get to the Hill of Giant Trees as soon as possible to rescue the elf lady, so all other plans must be slowed down and the Seven Seas Traveler must set sail again.

Catherine suggested that she could act with them because she had a ship. When they needed to land, they could transfer to another ship to dock, while the Seven Seas Traveler would cruise near the coast and be available when needed.

This proposal met Fang He's needs, so he readily agreed. Although Catherine's intentions were obvious, he didn't really care.

Because they were going directly to the Hill of the Giant Trees, he asked Yogurtola to send a message to the Seven Seas Traveler that remained in Navarta, asking Mia, Daryl, Baggins, Sylvia and others on the ship to come to Saint Hugh's to meet them.

The others soon arrived at the free port, but this time the Seven Seas Traveler did not approach Saint Hugh's directly. Instead, it let Baggins, Tracis and May take a small boat into the port, followed by Tianlan, Jita and Daryl.

Only the ship's stewardess, Shesta, Mia, Tata and others were left on the ship. They docked on a floating island dozens of miles away from Saint Xuan, ready to support Saint Xuan at any time in case of emergency.

As a result, most of the Seven Seas Brigade entered the free port. Juniper Gund, the bartender of "Cork", provided them with a secret channel that belonged only to the Holy Secret Society, so it did not attract anyone's attention.

Quite a few people have come to Saint Hugh's these days. Fang He has observed three pirate groups arriving at the port one after another. There are more than ten ships entering the port in total - and only two ships leave the port, including the 'Silver Horn', the property of the Oak Knights and the flagship of the 'Grey Lady'.

The other ship was the Rhinoceros Beetle, a ship of the Bachmut Pirates. The owner of that ship was an old acquaintance of Catherine. "That guy has a very good nose. He saw us once at the Cork that day," Catherine said to Fang He. "He left at this time. I'm afraid he noticed something."

The pirate group that came here was more or less connected to the Blood Shark Pirates, and the Frost Iron Wavebreaker was the latter's staunch ally. Fang He was naturally aware of the potential connection between them, but Saint Xuan suddenly became lively -

I don’t know how many of them are directed at them.

Jeffreyt's Red Team also did not leave. Miss Nightingale found out that they were colluding with the Gray Pirates and were obviously planning something.

"They don't dare to take action in the Freeport," Catherine said softly. She obviously knew these "colleagues" of hers very well. "But if we leave Saint Hugh's, it's hard to say."

Fang He knew that the other party was reminding him, and said "hmm".

The female pirate glanced at him and put her long red hair up in the evening breeze. She was used to the smell of blood in the air and was no longer surprised by these situations.

Fang He couldn't help but look over curiously.

This legendary female pirate had left behind many legends, but her actual age was only about three or four years older than him and Sylvie, and her pirate career had already left more marks on her body - she was wearing a translucent shirt, and on her wheat-colored skin, there was a shocking scar extending from her neck to her arm.

The female pirate turned around and fixed her charming emerald eyes on him, "Why, are you fascinated by what you see?"

Fang He almost choked.

Catherine looked at the scar, and the corner of her mouth curled up. "This was left in a battle. I have forgotten when it was. This knife didn't kill me directly. From here to here--"

She gestured with her hand on her slender neck, "Blood gushed out like a fountain. I was unconscious for several days, but I finally survived the high fever and infection. I am not one of your Chosen Ones, and I am left with a scar like this after my resurrection."

This may sound like an understatement, but it is actually very thrilling.

"It's nothing," Catherine smiled faintly, "You all know that I am Bluebeard's daughter. I was born on a ship. My mother was probably a ship prostitute, but I can't remember her anymore."

"For pirates, it is taboo for a baby girl to appear on the ship, so the old man left me on Silver Chain Island and let one of his men raise me for a few years. He was also a pirate, and soon after, he sold me to a slave trader."

Fang He was stunned for a moment and looked at the other party. He had heard about the life of this female pirate, but the rumors were not like this.

Rumor has it that she left the Bluebeard Pirates and joined the Kingdom Navy because of rebellion.

Later he became a privateer -

The legendary female pirate Catherine was unruly, a rebellious and outspoken lady.

"Is it strange?" Catherine shook her head. "Later, I was sold to several owners, and I learned a lot in the process. Until one day, someone bought me and sent me to the kingdom's navy, and let me learn everything on the ship--"

"He asked me to join a privateering fleet and then to become a pirate, but it was really just to get me to do something for him."

"…This thing is Silver Sea's token. One day, he took out a contract and pointed at the thin piece of paper and said to me - 'Catherine, this is your shackles, the source of all your suffering, and if you can do this for me, you can take it back and regain your freedom.'"

Catherine smiled faintly. "There are rumors outside that I left the Silver Sea, joined the navy, and became a pirate again, but that's not the case. Fate didn't leave me many choices... But I'm still lucky enough. I want to get that token, not for some damn freedom—"

"...That piece of light paper no longer has any influence on me, but I also learned a truth from it," her emerald eyes revealed the brilliance of ambition, "In this world, only those who have power, wealth and authority can control their own destiny."

She raised her hand and gently gestured at her neck. "Like this scar. In fact, I think it's quite beautiful. I just want my men to be afraid of it. As for whether it's a shackle or not, it's actually not important."

Catherine turned around and looked at Fang He. "I have never said this to anyone else, Mr. Ed. I hope to get your help."

Fang He was stunned for a moment.

He thought of what had happened in the Holy Mystery Society not long ago.

"So the conversation between you and the Holy Secret Society was about the certificate of the Silver Sea's hegemony. You want to become the overlord of the Silver Sea, get the support of the Holy Secret Society, and make sure those people can no longer dominate you?" he asked.

"The Overlord's Certificate is not important," Catherine shook her head slightly, "If you need it, I can even give it to you, but I did talk to them about it. After all, I am also Bluebeard's daughter."

"How to say?"

"They recognized me as the heir of the token, but the prerequisite is that I have to find it," Catherine replied, "But they gave me another suggestion. You are the one chosen by destiny. Maybe I can follow you and get the recognition of the token one day-"

Fang He looked at her in surprise.

"I don't need to be a hegemon, but I need everyone who has hurt me to pay for it," the female pirate smiled. "I need strength and power, which are irrelevant to you. So as long as I fulfill this agreement, will you give me this opportunity, Mr. Ed?"

Fang He didn't believe that the other party would reveal his true feelings so easily.

Moreover, the deeper look in her eyes obviously did not reveal the whole truth.

But everyone has their own secrets.

Besides, they had already agreed to cooperate with this lady. Even if the current situation had changed a little, it did not seem to violate his principles. The pain that the other party had experienced did indeed touch him slightly.

Fang He was silent for a moment before he spoke: "I can trust you, Ms. Catherine, but that doesn't mean I will agree with everything you do; moreover, I will also prioritize the safety of my team -"

Catherine smiled.

Then he nodded slightly.

After all, she had already made up her mind for this moment, so those trivial matters were not important.

She glanced at Fang He, then smiled mysteriously again, and said in a slightly hoarse voice: "In fact, we can try to get to know each other better. I have learned more than just these from my previous masters. Do you want to try?"

Fang He was stunned for a moment.

But he reacted immediately and his face turned red. Although he was no longer the inexperienced boy, such a bold suggestion was too stimulating. He ran away without saying a word.

Catherine looked at this man with some amusement, then became a little calm, gently put down her hands that were tied on her long hair, and there was a trace of confusion in her emerald eyes. The pirates on the sky sea never paid attention to feelings.

  But the Chosen Ones, are you still bound by these things?

……

The dim light reflected a number of ferocious faces.

The man in shirt had a dagger nailed on the table and was cursing. Most of the people around him were dressed as Blood Shark Pirates, and it was obvious that they were not good people either.

"Some outsiders have come to Saint Hugh'an recently. I saw quite a few elves before, but they were not from Ivan Quinn."

"And the Dragon Blood Lizard Tribe. Damn it, what are those scaly guys doing in Saint Xuan at this time? They are probably sent by the Holy Secret Society. What are they doing here? Are they helping those people?"

But facing the pirates, the leader of Jeffrett's red team remained calm.

He looked at the report sent by his men for a moment, then raised his head and said to them, "The Holy Secret Society will not easily take action in Saint Xiu'an. We just need to follow the rules."

He looked at the others again, "Are you all ready?"

"Of course," the man said angrily, "we have all been keeping an eye on that woman's boat. As soon as it leaves the harbor, we'll just have to wait and see!"

He asked again: "Have the fleets of the Blood Shark Pirates and the Frost Iron Breakers reached the outskirts of Saint Xuan?"

"Don't worry," someone responded in a low voice, "We have already blocked every channel outside of Saint Hugh's. Not to mention a ship, even a fly can't fly out. Otherwise, they can stay here and see if the Holy Mystery Society can protect them for life."

The leader of Jeffrett's red team shook his head, "They won't be here long."

"Everyone, just be prepared," he said. "Boss Ziggs will also take action in secret, and the Gray Corsairs will help you when necessary. You will avenge Boss Balosha, and the token will never leave Saint Hugh's easily—"

Everyone rubbed their hands and nodded seriously.

……

The day of the ceremony is approaching in a flash.

In recent days, some changes have taken place in the port of Saint Hugh's. First of all, there are many new faces in the port. In addition to the pirates, Fang He keenly noticed other uninvited guests - elves, and they were not elves from Ivan Quinn.

The wild and beautiful dark blue battle scars tattooed on his forehead and arms were proof of this. His skin was bronze in color. He was a tribe that lived in Heimwol, a sparsely populated ethnic group in the jungle far south of Tree Hill.

A child of the forest, a descendant of the wild elves—

The Moon Spirit of Misterville.

This mysterious ethnic group was once one of the most valiant and warlike of the Guards of Light. They voluntarily gave up their honor and retreated into the densest forest south of Giant Tree Hill. As silent watchmen, they guarded the passage to Mistville day after day.

Rumor has it that it was once the final battlefield of the Giant War at the Hill of Giant Trees, where the forest once rained down the wrath of thunder, and beneath the tangled roots of the trees were sealed the powers of dark dragons, shadows, and the abyss.

Fang He did not expect to see this branch of the elves again in Saint Hugh's. They have rarely appeared in front of the world until now, and the rumors about them are extremely mysterious - the elven war dance and druid culture all originated here. Although there are a few druids in the White Tree Temple now, and Miss Elf is one of them as a unicorn girl, the giant tree druids of Heimwol are still the most daunting existence in the giant war.

However, Victor told them that these moon elves were guests of the Holy Secret Society. "The reason is very simple. We need them to witness this ceremony together."

"Witness?" Fang He was still a little surprised.

To be honest, he still knew only a little about the ceremony. Sarona and Victor told him that they needed to find the mark left by a lady on his body - as the crucial silver coin of destiny.

  But what does this have to do with the elves of this moon?

But a familiar voice came from behind him: "Son of Destiny, do you still remember Guanghai's blessing?"

Fang He was stunned at first, then turned around with some surprise, looking at the somewhat broad and familiar figure. The Tada priest was shaking his fat body, holding a stone slab, and slowly walking towards this direction.

Behind it was a row of lizard warriors, guarding on both sides. The Tada priest from Ka-Cuilan narrowed his eyes and looked up and down at Fang He with his frog-like pupils. His fat chin paused slightly and smiled: "Just as your destiny needs witnesses, Tenerik has now embarked on that path - and Ed, you also have your own path to follow."

"Tada priest." Fang He asked in surprise, "Why are you here?"

"I am here to bear witness," the voice of the Tada priest was still deep and powerful. "The sea of ​​light has gone out, and the starlight that shone on you has dimmed, but the choice of the stars will not be invalidated, it just moves from one stage to the next. I believe you will not disappoint the sea of ​​light, and you must have made a choice that satisfies the stars."

Fang He scratched his head a little embarrassedly, as if he had turned back into that childish boy. "I was planning to go to Asuka to keep the appointment, but because of some other things, I missed it twice. Sorry."

"It's okay," Priest Tada shook his head, "You don't need to apologize for your choice. The choice of the stars is always pushing us forward. Everyone is helpless, but when necessary, it will definitely guide us to meet."

It smiled again, "Just like now."

"So it was Mr. Victor... The Holy Secret Society that invited you here, Priest Tada?"

"Ka-Cuilan in the rain forest is also our ally," Victor replied. "The plan of the three goddesses is also part of the great prophecy of the lizardmen since the solar era. Everything is fulfilled for the third calamity star, and you are one of the chosen ones."

"The holy object is proof of your identity. You will encounter many enemies in the future, but you will also have allies. How they help you will depend on your choice. After the Numelin elves left, civilization never gave up, even though 'Zhanqing' came so quickly..."

Victor shook his head. "So if you want to complete the deal with the Holy Mystery Society, this silver coin of destiny is so important because we must confirm something from it."

"My...choice?"

Fang He vaguely realized the purpose of the Holy Mystic Society. He couldn't help but think of Atush and other mystics whom he had met in the Silver Tower. So many people were preparing for the same thing, which was the disaster of civilization.

Bad luck.

But what exactly is the evil star, and why does it keep coming?

He fell silent. In fact, he was not too resistant to such a path. Starting from Fenris, or rather from the moment he obtained the Blue Glory, the blessings and gazes of the sea of ​​light had been bestowed upon him.

An invisible force pushed him to stand against the former enemies of civilization.

From Nicol Bolas, to the Shadow Man, or the dark dragon, the minions in the shadows, and even "Verdant", the second scourge, and even the third scourge that is about to come.

But that was originally his 'purpose', the world he longed for, the door that was about to open - the people he loved, his parents, and even his life were involved in it, and he could no longer go back to the past, from the moment his parents were in the plane crash.

Simply retreating is just a meaningless escape. Moreover, according to what Su Changfeng described - even if we retreat back to the star gate, can we really escape?

Fang He looked at the Tada priest silently and nodded slightly to him.

Just like then.

The choice of the stars, the blessing of the sea of ​​light, was bestowed upon him and Tenaric.

Priest Tada nodded slightly.

Then the next step was to hold the ceremony. Unlike the last time, the ceremony was held in the temple of the Holy Mysteries, a temple that once belonged to the destined girl Elaine, but the statue there was now blurred.

Before Fang He arrived, there were already many people here. This ceremony was not open to the public - but Fang He still saw the moon elves of Mistville at a glance. They were in a corner of the hall, holding a pyramid-shaped holy object in their hands.

"Brother Ed, what do they have in their hands?"

Tianlan followed the group and asked in a low voice.

As Fang He's relatives and friends, the people from the Holy Mystic Society did not prevent them from entering, but arranged for them to watch the ceremony at a closer location - and as someone from the Second Division, Miss Poet naturally recognized these mysterious elves.

"Eyes of the Tree." Fang He replied.

It is a holy object of the same level as the Heart of the Giant Tree, but it is very special. There are thousands of similar Eyes of the Tree in the hands of the Moon Elves, and almost every Moon Elf who walks out of Heimwor holds such a holy object.

Although the forest guards and priests of the Holy White Wood claim to have the ability to communicate with the sacred tree, and they do know the unique method of giving birth to the unicorn girl, only the moon elves of Heimwol have control over the wrath of the forest.

The thunderous wrath of nature is maintained through the eyes of the trees. The forest will bear witness through their hands and bring down punishment.

However, the Eye of the Tree has no effect in the hands of outsiders. Only the Giant Tree Druid knows how to communicate with it. Even the elf lady who is also a druid and the Saint of the White Tree cannot control this Eye of the Tree.

It seems that they really came to witness it. Fang He couldn't help but look at the elf holding the Eye of Tree twice. The other party should be the extremely rare Giant Tree Druid.

Then he saw the privateer pirate again.

For some unknown reason, Victor and Sarona agreed to let Catherine in, but she was standing alone outside. Her previous frivolous look had faded, and she still looked in this direction with some nervousness.

Fang He had never seen such an expression on this lady before. She seemed a little anxious, as if she had made a decision but was still worried about the outcome. She kept gripping the hilt of her sword with one hand, then loosening it and then clenching it again.

She took a deep breath, and when she saw Fang He looking in this direction, she calmed down. She just bit her lip and said nothing.

The other party must be keeping some secrets. Fang He couldn't help but think, is it really that important for her to become the overlord of the Silver Sea? Catherine told her lightly that the contract could not control her life, and in fact it seemed to be true -

She is now the most legendary female pirate in Saint Xuan. Even if she has temporarily lost her power, she still retains her prestige and strength. As a silver-rank pirate, how can a thin slave contract possibly restrain her?

But what exactly is she worried about?

He saw Daryl, Luo Hao, Miss May and others again. They were standing in the backcourt. Jita and Tianlan were also heading in that direction. He also saw Sarona and Victor, who were nodding to him.

Then he saw the tall bartender, Juniper Gaunt, the old man, Roger, and the elf girl, Lian Quia Alsana, standing on the other side of them.

However, surprisingly, the other party was not so cold and hostile to him this time, but her expression was still indifferent. Behind her were two elven guards, who seemed to be the Guards of Light from the King's Court of Glory, wearing pointed silver helmets with wings.

The elves on both sides discovered each other, but the Moon Elves of Mistville and the Holy White Elves obviously disliked each other and looked at each other with contempt. The Holy White Elves looked down on these country bumpkins in the forest.

And the son of Heimwol also believed that the White Guard had violated their former oath.

The royal court and the temple are fighting each other, while the silent keepers of secrets are independent of the world and cut off from the outside world. The descendants of the heroes who once led the Sons of Light are now independent and regard each other as enemies.

Lian Kuiya Arsana was helpless about this. She just raised her head and silently glanced in Fang He's direction.

Entering the square, the center of the ceremony was just a small altar. The Tada priest was waiting there. Seeing Fang He walk up the steps, the former nodded to him again. Victor and Sarona also walked in from outside.

However, Juniper Ground and the old man did not come on stage.

"What exactly is this ceremony?" Fang He then asked the two of them. He was not too worried that the Holy Secret Society would do anything bad to him. All the members of the Seven Seas Brigade were here, the Seven Seas Traveler was cruising off the coast of Saint Xuan, and Miss Mia could arrive at any time.

Moreover, when he looked at the Tada priest, his appearance made him feel more relieved. After all, in Fenris, the other party had presided over almost the same ceremony on him.

"This ritual is very simple," Sarona replied. "In fact, we don't need to do anything. You just need to think back to your own experience, and we will naturally find the answer from it."

“Thinking back on your own experiences?”

  Fang He was stunned for a moment. There was no magic spell to read memories in this world. How could he find the answer by recalling his experiences?

Sarona nodded to him, and her amethyst eyes looked at him with a hint of laziness. "Recall those fragments that have the strongest emotions and memories for you. The goddess will tell us the answer."

  Fang He closed his eyes doubtfully. At that moment, a warm force seemed to penetrate into his forehead. When he opened his eyes again, he suddenly saw a scene that surprised him:

That is the underground Anjina Temple beneath the Dragon Roar Mountains.

Because he will never forget that place.

That was where he first met Miss Tata——

In the hall, an invisible force seemed to suddenly hover above everyone's head. The lizardmen guarding the side were the first to notice the existence of this force, and they couldn't help but reveal awe in their eyes - and then the elves came.

The moon elf of Mistville subconsciously took a step back and raised his head.

The two Holy White Guards were a little slower, but they also showed surprise on their faces, "Princess, is he really...?"

The elf girl turned around and glared at them, "Be quiet."

Tianlan and his group also quickly sensed the power. The poet lady couldn't help but shiver and looked around in horror. "It's so weird, it seems like there is something around us, watching us. It makes me a little creepy."

The naturalist lady looked up and frowned - she was very familiar with that power.

That is……

On the altar, both Victor and Sarona showed surprised looks on their faces——

"Angina..." Sarona's lazy tone suddenly became serious. She looked around, "Angina is also looking at him."

"Don't worry," Victor seemed calmer. "He is an alchemist. It is normal for him to be watched by the God of Knowledge. This is the first look, and it fits his identity. I heard that he completed his studies in Kapka..."

He paused, "Go on, look back."

...(End of chapter)