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?"

Wynter, but his sharp eyes darted toward Dalton warily. To him, Wynter was an easy prey. However, something about Dalton, especially the bracelet on his wrist, seemed

and saying nothing. He didn't so much as

friendly. "Mr. Clove,

way out to this remote place? Why didn't you visit the city

kind of wandered here by mistake and stumbled across Mr. Martin. He mentioned some kind of ritual you're having. It sounded so fascinating!" Wynter sounded like an unguarded college student. "We've

our village is small, we've worked hard to promote tourism. We've even added things like cultural costume experiences, just like in bigger

costumes?" Wynter's eyes

course. Why

was beaming with excitement.

that, Dalton finally looked up at her. Meanwhile, the black serpent in

She burst out of the house and

Wynter looked back.

She wanted to warn Wynter

overtook her, and she stammered, "Maybe... How about

"The god-worship ritual includes a grand feast with over 100 dishes. Young lady, you'll have plenty of chances

same time."

Wynter said cheerfully before glancing back at Carmila. "I won't eat here, Mrs. Clove. I want to experience the

looked at Carmila before his gaze landed on Wynter. "What did

Why? Do you have any

found.

was drawing near. He couldn't afford to waste time. Hence,

you might not know this, but the closer you

mosquito repellents." "Does such an amazing place really

suddenly paused. "You can go, but this

with me?" Wynter asked

the two of you can go together if you like. Once you've changed into the ceremonial

closer."

his wrist. "Do you understand what he's talking about? You're to wait across

with a

expression.

and walked with him.

at Carmila. "Some things are better left unsaid. If you've already spoken out of

putting your children's

fear and dared

took

onto the

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

as lays a finger on him, you better bite them like your life depends on it. Don't worry about killing. I'll make sure the judiciary counts it as

about Dalton's delicate constitution or to nod in

punching him?

not for Dalton suppressing his presence, that pesky river dragon would already be crawling

whole Ritual of Devotion wouldn't

had no idea why Dalton was even entertaining

responding?" Wynter arched her brow. "Do

flicking its tongue in assent. "I'll protect

on me!"

talisman on it. If something supernatural pops up, the talisman will handle it. If it's human trouble, the snake

given that he was part of the

but fragile Dalton. With a sigh,

is he so frail?"

cold. He was still coughing when his eyes sparkled with faint amusement. "Are

worried about me?"

villagers would probably knock you out the moment I

people.

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

Devotion, the River God had always favored pure maidens. Hamilton knew it was best to

reported three people entering the village. Yet now, only two stood before him, and no