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.

belong to Morgana,

of the mountain. If the individual was aware of their association, they would think

Even more intriguing was their ability to calculate her and Jagoan’s whereabouts. It was

only explanation was that the stranger had orchestrated everything and was merely waiting

in mind, Maria eagerly longed to uncover

resolve, Jagoan surmised that she intended to proceed. If he forcibly accompanied her, it might deter the abbot from appearing, and he would be

the moment you disappear from my sight. I’ll wait for you for twenty minutes. If you don’t

come find you!”

Maria nodded quickly and assured, “Alright, just

young nun once more clasped her hands in respect

turned to Maria and with equal

Jagoan and whispered in his ear, “I’ll

and watched as the two of them ventured

the way and respectfully opening the nunnery’s door for Maria, Jagoan’s unease

intentions, their uncanny ability to predict his and Maria’s

Maria had entered

modest in size, occupying a small area, with only a handful of bhikkhunis in residence, including novice monks under the age of twenty. In total, the inhabitants numbered just over a

a thriving incense trade. Upon entering, Maria found no pilgrims offering incense

she traversed the front courtyard, receiving bows from all the nuns she

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