I Have a Dice Left by a God-Chapter 145 - 17: Withered Wood Monastery

It was evident that David was a regular; this was beyond doubt. Surprisingly, both the painter and the magician seemed prepared as well. The painter's hair looked wild yet purposefully so, while the magician wore his signature suit, though his collar was open, revealing a strong, smooth chest. After all, magic was also a physical endeavor.

Everyone was glancing about, showcasing their charm. Of course, David remained the most dazzling one of them all. Ma Liu dared not lift his head, while Li Xin, following the principle of appreciating everything in passing, indulged in the pure exotic allure.

A glass of strong liquor was downed, spicy and oddly flavored, seemingly brewed from a sweet plant similar to sugarcane. But that wasn't important. A surge of heat rushed to his head, his gaze turning dazed, and for a moment, the sounds and people around him seemed to separate from him completely.

Li Xin laughed inexplicably. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

It seemed to have been a long time since he came to this strange world...

...

Withered Wood Monastery.

The most secluded monastery in Hedan, one of the five Holy Lands of Dao Yuan Eastern Continent, the origin of all monasteries, venerating Saint Mary. Although its influence couldn't compare to the Earth Mother Goddess Court, its history and status were unrivaled. The monastery only accepted female devotees, praying devoutly to the Supreme God and Moncalleta Kingdom. In Moncalleta, becoming a nun was indeed a matter of honor.

No matter which deity or epoch one believed in, during the Sixth Epoch, there was a need to harmonize with royal authority to uphold the kingdom's rule; at least nominally must be.

Estella would visit here at intervals to learn, meditate, and pray with Sister Alasha.

Sister Alasha was also the head of Withered Wood Monastery. Located at the summit of Ahwulo Cliff, far from the bustling Hedan, the monastery stood alone atop a sheer cliff. It had a long history, older than the kingdom itself. Legend had it that the true form of the Earth Mother Goddess once practiced here.

Normally, the Royal Knight Order would escort Her Highness the Princess, but this time, Prince Achilles accompanied them. Ever since returning to the Royal City, Achilles hadn't settled down. It was impossible for him to remain quietly in the Royal Palace, listening to tutors recite dogma, an utter nightmare.

The ornate carriage traveled on the rugged road, becoming more difficult the higher they went. However, these steeds were extraordinary, being spiritual creatures. Estella glanced at Achilles, who looked utterly bored.

"Second brother, why did you even come along?" Estella asked. Throughout the journey, Achilles was almost asleep and seemed regretful, wishing he could turn back several times.

Achilles perked up, "Ah, of course, to escort you. Moreover, I plan to visit the monastery too."

"Second brother, men can only remain outside and cannot enter the monastery," Estella said.

"What? Not even me?" Achilles was stunned.

"Only the King can, I suppose, or you could try becoming a woman," Estella stifled a laugh.

"Wicked little princess, be careful no one wants you!" Achilles bared his teeth.

"Tell me your real purpose, maybe I can help."

"Ahem, primarily it's to escort my dear sister. However, I heard there's a young nun in the monastery, a rare Divine Favored of the Supreme God, the closed disciple of Sister Alasha. I'm just curious what someone favored by Sister Alasha would be like," Achilles laughed.

When the noble sons gather, it's either for hidden powers or women, perhaps more for the latter. The most renowned within the Royal City are indeed Princess Aisdel and Commandery Princess Amosa. In terms of status, Estella is undoubtedly higher. However, Amosa's father is the elder brother of the current King, making her lineage even more noble. It was initially expected that Amosa's father would ascend the throne, but due to certain changes, the current situation emerged. This is why Amosa tends to compete with Estella for everything. At times, even the King shows favoritism towards Amosa a bit. Estella is generally reclusive, while Amosa is more famous among noble children.

Besides that, there's a nun at the Withered Wood Monastery named Jialan, a disciple of Head Alasha. Her status is similarly honorable, possessing stunning beauty. Coupled with the nun's identity, she carries a hint of a forbidden sense that adds to her mystery and allure. The three women are called the three peerless beauties of Hedan.

Princess and Commandery Princess can be seen at many occasions, but seeing this Nun Jialan is entirely up to fate. Those who attempted to sneak into Withered Wood Monastery for a peek met unfavorable ends... the monastery doesn't treat men kindly, and it's even worse for those who trespass. Achilles is not too convinced and wants a look, and hence made a bet with everyone.

"Nun Jialan is a kind of extraordinary beauty; her soul is purer and closer to the divine. Master said she is a Divine Favored, seen only once in a century. Not only can she inherit the Withered Wood Monastery, but she might even step into the realm of demigods, becoming a pillar of the state. Unfortunately, she has already devoted herself to the Supreme God, so you can forget about it. If Father King knows, beware of being confined," Estella said.

"My dear sister, aren't you overthinking? I have no other intentions, just pure admiration. Mainly because I don't believe there's a girl more beautiful than my sister," Achilles was indeed a bit unconvinced; he had seen many beautiful women.

Divine Favored? The Holy Hall is the most formidable among the Holy Lands, never short of Divine Favoreds.

"Then it depends on your fortune. The second senior sister occasionally is in the monastery," Estella smiled.

This time, she was there to fulfill a wish. Although the monastery's conditions were somewhat austere, they offered a unique charm. Moreover, her first summoning by the Twelve Zodiac Star Disc happened when she was in quiet cultivation at the monastery.

After more than an hour of travel, the giant Withered Wood Monastery stood before them. The gray walls, weathered by time, were somewhat mottled yet exuded an aura of solemnity and dignity. Unlike the resplendent and magnificent Church Court, it carried a stronger historical atmosphere and sense of vicissitude, yet the oppressive force was just as powerful. Achilles could feel the Wish Power swirling above the monastery and reined in his playful demeanor.

The huge monastery doors opened a crack, slowly pushing open. A middle-aged nun walked out expressionlessly, paying no attention to the people before her, merely nodding slightly when seeing Estella, "My sister, you've come."

Estella nodded in greeting, "Yes, sister, I come to pray to the Holy Mother."

She glanced back at Achilles, "Second brother, you should all return, I'll have Chris notify you when I need to return to the Royal City."

Achilles attempted to see something through the gap, yet could see nothing. These ancient monasteries had their tricks. Pity, he couldn't get a glimpse of nun Jialan's divine visage.

In the Royal City, he might daze out, but not here. He bowed gracefully to the middle-aged nun, who returned the gesture blandly. As Estella, holding Keli, and with Chris, walked into the monastery, the doors closed simultaneously.

Gazing at the towering doors, Achilles could only wave helplessly, leading the knights back to the Royal City. In Moncalleta, there are several such secret locations untouchable by royal power, and Withered Wood Monastery is one of them.