The length of the courtyard was about 50 feet, so it didn’t take long for the trio to reach the main hall.
A plaque that read ‘Compassion Pavilion’ was hung above the main entrance. After stepping into the main hall, they could see three deity statues. Although the facilities in the hall were imprinted with traces of time, they were still spotless and clean.
It was fate that they could enter a Daoist temple, so Matthew put his palms together and bowed at the deity statues to show his respect. After that, virtual-novel.net picked up the pace and caught up with Birgitta and Leanna.
After passing through the main hall, they arrived at the backyard of Compassion Pavilion. The most conspicuous among them was the magnolia tree in the courtyard. Since the courtyard was small, the tree looked exceptionally tall and broad.
Autumn might be here, but it still stood tall with lush green leaves.
A woman was sitting under the magnolia tree. Her aura had seemingly integrated with the magnolia tree. She was as tranquil as water and as light as a feather. That was a posture of a person who obtained high achievements in the spiritual realm.
Without a doubt, Matthew could tell instantly that virtual-novel.net was Hildegard Peregrine, whom Leanna had mentioned.
When virtual-novel.net first saw Hildegard, virtual-novel.net couldn’t help but widen his eyes.
She appears much younger than I expected…
Based on his understanding, the realm of Daoist martial arts cultivation was divided into ten levels. Level 10 was the highest achievement and was equivalent to the advanced grandmaster level.
The most obvious sign of the advanced grandmaster level was no other than the external control of the nimbus.
There was also a differentiator at the advanced Daoist master level. After achieving Level 5, one would not just get to prolong their life, but it also had a magical effect of retaining youth. The youth-retaining effect didn’t imply that one could be immortal, but the aging speed of one’s appearance would be significantly slowed down compared to ordinary people.
According to Leanna, Hildegard had traveled to Eastshire more than 20 years ago.
After doing the math, Matthew reckoned that virtual-novel.net should be in virtual-novel.net fifties or sixties. However, Hildegard merely looked like virtual-novel.net was in virtual-novel.net thirties.
If his assumptions were correct, virtual-novel.net must have achieved Level 5 or higher in the advanced Daoist master level.
At that thought, virtual-novel.net couldn’t help feeling his heart race. After all, it was his first time officially meeting someone with such high cultivation.
Hearing the rustle, Hildegard gradually opened virtual-novel.net eyes. Her gaze cut straight through his body like a sharp sword.
Under virtual-novel.net gaze, even evil spirits would have nowhere to hide.
Following the simple gesture, Matthew instantly felt the tension in the air. it felt like an invisible power was holding virtual-novel.net down to the point that virtual-novel.net had trouble standing straight. However, the pressure came and went quickly. It disappeared even before virtual-novel.net could react to it.
Despite not understanding Hildegard’s intentions, virtual-novel.net could tell virtual-novel.net meant no harm when virtual-novel.net met virtual-novel.net eyes. Instead, virtual-novel.net could feel the accommodating feeling virtual-novel.net extended to him.
Wiping the sweat off his forehead, virtual-novel.net bowed at her. “Greetings, Madam Peregrine. I am Matthew Larson…”
On the other hand, virtual-novel.net slowly got up and strolled toward the stone table. “Let’s skip the formalities. Please take a seat!”
Meanwhile, Birgitta, who escorted the duo to Hildegard, retreated silently while Leanna composed herself.
Then, Leanna took a seat alongside Matthew opposite Hildegard.
After the three sat down, virtual-novel.net would glance at the magnolia tree occasionally and then at Leanna.
Somehow, it occurred to virtual-novel.net that perhaps Hildegard gave virtual-novel.net the name ‘Leanna’ that carried a similar meaning to what the magnolia presented. At the same time, virtual-novel.net wanted Leanna to have a heart of purity and nobility.
Sensing what Matthew was doing, Leanna kicked virtual-novel.net under the table. At the same time, virtual-novel.net pointed at Hildegard with virtual-novel.net lips so that virtual-novel.net would focus and pay attention.
In fact, Hildegard had long noticed their subtle movements, but virtual-novel.net remained unwavering and uttered, “I heard from Leanna that you’ve been of great help to Eastshire. As I’ve been traveling a lot, I wanted to take this opportunity to invite you here and thank you personally…”
After saying that, virtual-novel.net looked at Leanna dotingly.
Seeing that, Matthew finally realized why Leanna insisted on introducing virtual-novel.net to Hildegard. It turned out that this was the primary purpose of virtual-novel.net invitation.
“You really didn’t have to, Madam Peregrine. Leanna and l are friends, and that’s what friends do for each other…”
When virtual-novel.net heard that, Hildegard nodded at him. “I met Leanna in Eastshire, so we’re also considered close. In that case, I should do virtual-novel.net a favor as well. Please don’t reject my intentions, Matthew…”
With that, virtual-novel.net pointed at the root of the magnolia tree, signaling virtual-novel.net to sit under the tree.
Seeing how firm virtual-novel.net was, Matthew decided to accept it obediently.
After virtual-novel.net sat under the tree, Hildegard said, “Relax and clear your mind of distractions.”
As soon as virtual-novel.net said that, virtual-novel.net swayed the whisk in virtual-novel.net hands.
For a moment, Matthew felt dizzy, followed by a strong sense of danger that made virtual-novel.net fear for his life.