The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call

Chapter 1711 The Next Sacrifice

Wynter nodded after listening to Carmila's words. "This so-called River God probably won't fancy an outsider like me. But I noticed you were crying earlier-what's on your mind?"

Carmila wiped away the lingering tears at the corners of her eyes. "This River God... it's very powerful. Back then, Martin and I had a daughter. A few years ago, I even found a family willing to take her in, thinking she'd have a better life.

"But somehow, it was like the River God overheard our plans. The ritual was suddenly moved up, and the clan leader came to our home, demanding my daughter for the ritual by the riverbed. That was the last time I saw her.

"The clan leader told us the River God took a liking to her and wanted her to stay by its side forever. Martin believed him, but I've always felt something else was going on. But I... I couldn't do anything about it."

Wynter nodded thoughtfully. "Mrs. Clove, you've had such a tough life. If the River God does pick me tonight, I'll take a look around. I'll even check if your daughter is still serving the River God. If you have a photo of her, send it to me."

Wynter knew that this so-called River God was much like the previously mentioned cultivator. It had been drawing all the girls in the village to it. What exactly was intended remained a mystery, and she would have to wait until tonight to uncover the truth.

Carmila clasped Wynter's hands tightly. "Thank you so much! If you do see her, please tell her... tell her that I miss her so much!"

In the meantime, outside the house, Martin had disappeared from the tea table, his whereabouts unknown.

Not wanting to be left alone with a stranger for long, Dalton quickly hypnotized Martin, sending him off elsewhere.

The black serpent was still rambling, "My lord, you really need to teach that wretched serpent a lesson! It's been running wild under the old cultivator's protection, breaking every rule you've ever set. I can't stand it anymore! It doesn't even respect you!"

Dalton remained calm, his thoughts unreadable as he gently spun the bracelet in his hand. Only after hearing enough of the black serpent's complaints did he cast a glance its way. "You can deal with it, then."

The black serpent's eyes darted nervously. "My lord, if you truly order me to, I will! Even if it costs my life, I'd obey without hesitation! But let's be honest-I'll just be fodder if I go.

"If that happens, that wretched serpent will think all your followers are weaklings! I still need to stay by your side. I've got civil service exams to prepare for and other duties to fulfill! But whatever you decide, my lord, I'll follow!"

Dalton lightly tapped the wooden table, his expression unchanged. To him, a mere serpent that had managed to transform into a dragon posed no real threat.

Just then, Wynter stepped out of the house and immediately spotted the black serpent poking its head out near Dalton. She strolled over and, without hesitation, grabbed it by its head.

"Didn't I tell you to stay in the bag? What are you doing sticking your head out? Were you planning to bite my fiancé? It looks like you still haven't learned your lesson. Once we're done here, I'll have Wolf roast you!" Wynter warned.

The black serpent hissed indignantly, as if trying to say, "I wasn't biting anyone! I was just speaking with the lord!

However, with its head firmly grasped, it couldn't make a sound, nor could it risk exposing Dalton. Once Wynter finally let go, it quickly slithered back into the bag, its eyes glistening with pitiful tears.

Dalton added a timely comment, "I always feel safest when you're around. Otherwise, who knows? That snake might have bitten me just now."

Wynter was unaware of the real situation. "Be careful. This black serpent failed to transform into a dragon. It must

still be nursing some resentment, and since it doesn't dare to challenge me, it's probably looking for an easy target to take its frustrations out on."

Dalton nodded, giving her a faint smile.

When she wasn't looking, he shot the black serpent a cold glance that clearly conveyed that it could give up thinking about being a snake, much less a dragon if it dared say anything.

The black serpent immediately fell silent, retreating into complete stillness.

Just then, the villagers, who had been searching for the girl who had escaped earlier, began nowhere.

gather around out of

Leading them was Hamilton, whom they had encountered on the mountain. His gaze was cold and calculating, resting on Wynter with a hint of malice.

However, this was a society bound by laws, and they were outsiders wealthy ones, by the looks of them. They couldn't act recklessly.

Once this realization settled in, Hamilton's expression shifted into a smile. "So, are you the ones Martin brought up here earlier?"

Wynter noticed his attempt to play nice and let a smirk form on her lips. It was perfect. Two could play this game. After all, she had always been an excellent actress.

"Yes, that's us. And you must be his granduncle," Wynter responded, as if only recognizing him now. Hamilton glanced at the villagers holding torches behind him. "Put those away! You'll scare our tourists."

Then, turning back to Wynter, he asked, "You guys look really young. Are you still in school?"

darted toward Dalton warily. To him, Wynter was an easy prey. However, something about Dalton, especially the bracelet on

lightly, keeping his head down and saying

friendly.

"What brings you all the way out to this remote place? Why

wandered here by mistake and stumbled across Mr. Martin. He mentioned some kind of ritual you're having. It sounded

laughed heartily. "Curious about the Ritual of Devotion, are you? That's no problem at all. Although our village is small, we've worked hard to

Wynter's

course. Why don't

was beaming with excitement.

finally looked up at her. Meanwhile, the black serpent

that moment, Carmila could no longer hold back. She burst out of

Wynter looked back.

Wynter and stop

she stammered, "Maybe... How about a meal

ritual includes a grand feast with over 100 dishes. Young lady, you'll have

same time."

Carmila. "I won't eat here, Mrs. Clove. I want to experience the ritual. Also, I will remember the things

at Carmila before his gaze landed on Wynter. "What

just mentioned how the mosquitoes here are a real nuisance and told me to use plenty of repellent. Why? Do you have any better tips for dealing with them?" If Wynter truly

found.

now, given that the time for the Ritual of Devotion was drawing near. He couldn't afford to waste time. Hence, he didn't

resorted to choosing an outsider in the first place. "Young lady, you might not know this, but

need to worry. You won't even need mosquito repellents." "Does such an amazing place really exist?" Wynter's eyes widened in mock enthusiasm.

"You can go,

Wynter asked despite already

his options. "Our ritual is only for girls under 20. However, the two of you can go together if you like. Once you've changed into the ceremonial attire, he can wait across the river, but

closer."

understand what he's talking about? You're

replied with a soft

inwardly worried despite her calm expression. Nevertheless, she retained her grip

and walked with him.

the last to leave. Before stepping away, he cast a cold glance at Carmila. "Some things are better left unsaid. If you've already spoken out of turn, you'd best keep quiet

children's lives

in fear and dared not follow

the front of the group, wynter took advantage of Hamilton's

a talisman onto the

have stick to my fiancé later. His body's delicate-he can't handle cold drafts,

depends on it. Don't worry about killing. I'll make sure the judiciary counts it as

serpent froze, its scales tightening in disbelief. It wasn't sure whether to be offended at the comment about Dalton's delicate constitution or to nod in agreement. After all, who in their right mind would dare to

punching him?

pesky river dragon would already be

whole Ritual of Devotion

black serpent had no idea why Dalton was

brow. "Do you want to end

tongue in assent. "I'll protect the

on me!"

on it. If something supernatural pops up, the talisman will handle

that Balmond wasn't around, either. However, given that he was part of the Special Unit,

but fragile Dalton. With

is he so frail?"

indeed had a bit f a cold. He was still coughing

worried about me?"

knock you out the moment

people.

didn't seem too bothered. "But you're still here

knew it was best

people entering the village. Yet now, only two stood before