The nun’s words landed like a bolt from the blue for both Charlie and Maria. Neither of them had anticipated becoming the focal point of attention right in front of a remote nunnery in the Shiwan Mountains, all while avoiding Morgana’s detection.

Without allowing Maria a chance to respond, Charlie fixed the nun with a vigilant gaze and inquired, “Who are you? Are you impersonating a nun, washing clothes here just to lay a trap for us?”

The nun pressed her hands together and offered a slight bow to Charlie. She replied, “Kind sir, I am no imposter. I am a bhikshuni of Greenwood Nunnery. I have dedicated myself to the path of enlightenment here. Our abbot knew that you both would pass by today and requested that I wait for your arrival.”

She then turned her gaze to Maria and continued with a sense of gravity, “Dear madam, our abbott believes you have a profound connection with Buddhism and wishes to extend an invitation for you to visit the nunnery briefly. It won’t take much of your time.”

Maria considered the proposition for a moment and nodded gently.

Charlie interjected, “Very well, then I’ll accompany her.”

The nun gestured to the mountain road behind him and explained, “Sir, from this point onward, the entire mountain path falls within the Greenwood Temple’s jurisdiction. It is a place where novice monks and bhikkhunis cultivate their spiritual practice. Men are not permitted entry. I hope you understand.”

Charlie’s tone turned stern, “This is absurd. Without me, how can I ensure my friend’s safety?”

The nun replied respectfully, “A monk practices compassion and would never harm another being. Please rest assured, kind sir.”

Charlie was about to protest when Maria gently pulled his arm and whispered, “Honey, wait for me here for a while. I’ll be back shortly.”

Charlie cautioned her, “Don’t act impulsively, be cautious of deception!”

Maria offered a reassuring smile and murmured, “It’s alright. With you here, no one would dare harm me. So, just wait for me here.”

Maria wasn’t privy to the abbot’s identity who awaited her at the nunnery, but her instincts assured her of safety. She knew that Morgana and the Warriors Den were the only threats pursuing her in this world. When she arrived in the southern province with Jagoan, Morgana had remained oblivious to their whereabouts. This led her to conclude that the person at Greenwood Temple couldn’t be affiliated with Morgana.

individual didn’t belong to Morgana,

base of the mountain. If the individual was aware of their association, they would think twice about making

their ability to calculate her and Jagoan’s whereabouts.

stranger had orchestrated everything and was merely waiting

these thoughts in mind, Maria eagerly longed

proceed. If he forcibly accompanied her, it might deter the abbot from appearing, and he would be denied the opportunity to uncover

and told Maria, “I’ll be watching from here. The countdown begins the moment you disappear

come find you!”

relent, Maria nodded quickly and assured, “Alright, just twenty

young nun once more clasped her hands in respect

turned to Maria and with equal

nodded, cast a reassuring smile at Jagoan and whispered in his

nodded in agreement and watched as the

young nun leading the way and respectfully opening

stranger had no ill intentions, their uncanny ability to predict his and Maria’s movements sent a shiver down his

had entered Greenwood

of bhikkhunis in residence, including novice monks under the age of twenty. In total, the inhabitants numbered just over

incense trade. Upon entering, Maria found no pilgrims

the front courtyard, receiving bows from all the nuns she

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