The Beast Emperor’s gaze flickered constantly as Water Ling'er spoke, clearly weighing her words, while Water Ling'er remained unhurried, simply awaiting his response. The grand hall fell utterly silent.
Just then, the Beast Tribe's Oracle suddenly interjected, "What the Saintess says is only one side of the story. How are we to believe your words?" Hearing this, Water Ling'er merely turned her stunningly beautiful eyes toward the Oracle and spoke softly, "This must be the esteemed Oracle of the Beast Tribe?" Before Water Ling'er finished her question, the Beast Emperor next to her interjected, "This is indeed our Oracle, one who has been absent from the Beast Tribe for a long time. Perhaps the Beast God has not abandoned us, but instead sent the Oracle to guide us."
Water Ling'er heard this and remarked lightly, "I heard that since the passing of the last Oracle, nearly 200 years have gone by without a successor in the Beast Tribe, is that correct?" The Beast Emperor nodded in response, "Saintess, you are indeed meticulous; you have investigated even these matters thoroughly."
Water Ling'er smiled and replied, "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. However, there is something that has long piqued my curiosity, and I hope the esteemed Oracle might enlighten me."
At Water Ling'er's query, the Beast Tribe Oracle coldly stated, "I do not know what the esteemed Saintess wishes to know. If it is within my knowledge, I shall certainly do my utmost. If it is not, I beg your forgiveness for my inadequacy."
Water Ling'er smiled and responded, "That is only natural, please rest assured, honored Oracle."
After a brief pause, Water Ling'er continued, "It's nothing major, really. I am merely quite curious why the esteemed Oracle does not show their true face. I hear that ever since you appeared, this has been your appearance, and no one has seen your actual visage. Could there be some hidden affliction?" Hearing Water Ling'er's question, the Oracle coldly replied, "There is no affliction. This is merely my habit. Is there something wrong with that?" Water Ling'er heard this and smiled gently, "Of course, there is nothing wrong with that; it is the Oracle's prerogative. I am merely curious, and I hope you do not take offense."
The Oracle offered no verbal reply, merely letting out a cold snort.
Water Ling'er then proceeded, "It is said that the esteemed Oracle possesses the ability to foretell fortune and disaster. In that case, what is the Oracle's view on the Holy War set to occur two years from now? Do you believe we will defeat the Nether Race, or will we fail? I hope the Oracle can share this information; the Church of Light would be deeply grateful."
Hearing Water Ling'er's question, the Oracle was just about to refuse when the Beast Emperor spoke up, "Since the Saintess makes such a request, Oracle, please assist by offering a prediction. After all, this concerns the safety of the entire Dragon Soaring Continent, as well as the future of the Beast Tribe. I trouble you, sir."
The Beast Tribe Oracle faltered upon hearing the Beast Emperor's words. He had initially intended to refuse, but since the Beast Emperor had demanded it, further refusal would be indefensible. He had no choice but to state, "Since Your Majesty requests it, I naturally will not refuse. However, I have been feeling somewhat unwell recently, and making predictions of this nature inherently goes against the will of Heaven, requiring thorough preparation. If I were to force such a reading now, I fear it would harm my body, and the resulting prophecy might not even be accurate. I beg Your Majesty to allow me a few days to prepare before I attempt the divination."
Hearing the Oracle's explanation, the Beast Emperor could only reply helplessly, "Since that is the case, the Oracle's health must come first. We shall discuss it another time."
Below the dais, Mo Han secretly sneered. Why not feel unwell earlier or later, but only now? He had been shouting loudly on the stage just moments ago. These lies would only fool the devoted citizens of the Beast Tribe who revered him. Truly idiotic.
Water Ling'er, hearing this, quickly adopted an expression of concern and spoke, "The Oracle is unwell? That simply will not do! You are the guardian spirit of the Beast Tribe, upon whom their safety rests. My Church of Light happens to have considerable expertise in treating such ailments. Perhaps I could examine you? It might help the esteemed Oracle alleviate their discomfort, and in turn, it would be a small token of goodwill from the Church of Light toward the Beast Tribe."
The Beast Emperor was delighted to hear Water Ling'er's words, exclaiming, "Indeed! The medical capabilities of the Church of Light are known the world over. For the Saintess herself to personally attend to this—it will surely resolve the symptoms in one stroke! Please, Saintess, we trouble you."
Water Ling'er started to rise, but the Oracle hastily waved his hands in distress, saying, "No need, absolutely not. It is merely a minor issue. I dare not impose upon the Saintess. Furthermore, I am unaccustomed to being touched by others. I must regretfully decline the Saintess's kind offer."
Seeing this, Water Ling'er did not press the matter, merely smiling, "It is fine. Since that is your wish, I would not dare insist."
The Beast Emperor interjected with a genial attempt to smooth things over, "Haha, this is just how our esteemed Oracle behaves. Please, Saintess, do not take offense. As for your Church's proposal, I can agree to it right now. After all, this concerns the safety of the entire Dragon Soaring Continent; our Beast Tribe will naturally offer our support." He paused before adding, "However, for this coming war, our Beast Tribe has already sustained considerable losses. I wonder…"
Water Ling'er naturally understood the Beast Emperor’s underlying demand. She smiled and spoke, "That is only right. Since Your Majesty is so supportive, we certainly cannot let you incur losses. The Church of Light will support the Beast Tribe with one million gold coins to compensate for the recent damage. I wonder if Your Majesty is satisfied."
Upon hearing Water Ling'er’s statement, the Beast Emperor quickly replied with delight, "Your esteemed Church truly understands our position! Since that is settled, we shall proceed. I will immediately issue an official decree to announce the cessation of hostilities. Saintess, you must stay as my guest for a few more days so that I may properly fulfill my duties as host."
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