"Precisely, that is why this servant had to act with caution."
The Witch then produced a notebook and handed it to Bai Qi. "Master, this notebook meticulously details the death warriors I have cultivated over the years and their locations. It should prove helpful to you."
Bai Qi took the notebook and skimmed through it. A particular name caught his attention.
"I never expected this fellow to be one of them," he murmured.
Bai Qi nodded, put the notebook away, and continued, "I understand. Now, tell me, what exactly is this prophecy of yours about?"
"It is like this, Master. In my spare time, I have studied some divination and foresight magic. Not long ago, I sensed a surge of dark energy. Inspired by this energy, I foresaw that in the near future, Master, you would arrive here and, with absolute power, subdue all the Gatekeepers. As for the matter of the Gate of Destruction, that was not my prophecy, but rather something derived from the two angels. Based on their departing records, it coincided precisely with Master's arrival."
After the Witch's explanation, Bai Qi finally gained a comprehensive understanding of all matters concerning the Gatekeepers. Following this, the Witch led Bai Qi on a tour of the temple.
To Bai Qi's surprise, behind the angel statues, there was another world. It seemed that what everyone saw upon entering was merely the front half of the temple. Passing through the statues led to the rear. On the reverse side of the angel statues, a statue of the Holy Lord stood prominently, with various offerings placed before it.
It was unclear whether the Witch's understanding of this matter was flawed, or if the former Holy Lord had peculiar tastes. The offerings placed were, to put it mildly, extremely unorthodox.
After discussing plans with the Witch, Bai Qi, accompanied by the Witch, exited the temple. Incidentally, the moment they opened the main gate, the Witch reverted back to her usual somber, elderly appearance.
Outside, Yin, who had been waiting for a long time, saw the Witch walking alongside Bai Qi and immediately knelt in reverence.
The Witch gently tapped the ground with her staff and said, "This person is a distinguished benefactor to our clan. You must treat him with the utmost respect and never show any negligence. Do you understand?"
Yin was perplexed. Why would an apparently ordinary outsider receive such high praise from the esteemed Witch? However, regardless of his confusion, he had to obey the Witch's command.
"Yes, honored one," Yin replied.
Yin's assumption was that "treating him well" would merely involve providing him with better accommodation and offering him good food and drink.
However, upon hearing Yin's words, Bai Qi repeatedly waved his hands. "No, no need for that. Just send me back to my companions."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
"Very well, I respect your decision."
Upon seeing Bai Qi's return, his companions rushed to surround him. Broldo, in particular, who had witnessed Bai Qi being taken away, was adamant about giving Bai Qi a full physical examination to ensure he was unharmed.
Only Bob, still engrossed in researching the history of the Gatekeepers, completely disregarded Bai Qi's return.
Bob's behavior irked Bai Qi greatly. Coupled with Bob's actions throughout their journey, he was now teetering on the brink of death.
Later, Bai Qi discreetly sought out Savage and inquired about his preparations. He also shared his newfound connection with the Gatekeepers.
Savage was initially taken aback, then affirmed, "Rest assured, my army is ready. At a single command, we can launch a full-scale invasion."
"Excellent," Bai Qi nodded. "In three days, when the Gate of Destruction reopens, we will seize control of the Gatekeeper clan."
Through his conversation with the Witch, Bai Qi learned that the Gate of Destruction would reopen in three days. This time, there would be no angels to assist them, and given the Gatekeepers' current strength, resisting external invasions would be nearly impossible. At that point, Savage and Bai Qi would transport their respective armies there to help the Gatekeepers repel the invaders, thus earning their favor. Subsequently, with the Gatekeepers severely weakened, they would legitimately take control of the entire continent.
The following day, Bai Yue, accompanied by the Gatekeeper warriors, approached them once more.
"What do you want!"
Upon seeing Bai Yue and his entourage, Harry immediately stepped forward, clearly ready for a confrontation. However, Bai Yue ignored Harry and walked past him to stand before Bai Qi. Without a word, he bowed deeply. "Thank you for your actions. Our clan leader has recovered his health. He is currently waiting for you with the Witch and the elders in the conference hall. Please follow us."
"Hey, hey, hey, is this how you invite people?"
Before Bai Qi could respond, Bob stepped forward, planting himself in front of Bai Yue and questioning him.
It turned out that the previous night, Bob had finished deciphering all the books brought by Bai Xu. Unsatisfied, Bob had then demanded more from the guards watching them.
However, he had overlooked one crucial detail: these guards were not like Bai Xu, who held no particular affection for outsiders. Not only did they refuse Bob's request, but they also beat him severely.
Bob was still seething with anger and found no outlet for it. Now, Bai Yue had conveniently presented himself.
Just as Bob was about to unleash his tirade, Bai Qi stepped forward, grabbed Bob by the collar, and tossed him aside.
"Hey! What are you doing? If it weren't for me, you all would..."
Bob attempted to scold Bai Qi, boasting about his contribution in leading them to the lost continent. However, before he could finish, Bai Qi turned, fixing him with a glare that made Bob's legs go weak.
At that moment, Bai Qi's eyes had transformed into terrifying red vertical pupils. This lasted only an instant before his eyes returned to normal. He then turned to Bai Yue and said, "Of course, I am honored by your invitation."
Led by Bai Yue, Bai Qi and his companions arrived at the so-called conference hall.
The clan leader, the Witch, and the five elders were already waiting there.
Incidentally, Bai Xu was also standing beside the old clan leader, serving as an observer.
Upon seeing Bai Qi, the old clan leader rose and personally expressed his gratitude for Bai Qi's treatment.
He also sincerely apologized to Bai Qi and his companions, admitting they had misjudged him. He explained that the Witch's prophecy was incomplete; the so-called demon dragon was not here to destroy the continent but to bring it rebirth and hope. He then delivered a new prophecy: the long-sealed Gate of Destruction would reopen in two days, and only the demon dragon and his apostles could save the continent.
After listening, Bai Qi glanced at the Witch seated before him. She had her eyes closed, resting, a faint smile on her face.
Although Bai Qi didn't understand how the Witch could cause such a drastic change in the clan leader and the five elders with mere words and a prophecy, he had to admit that it was incredibly beneficial for him and his subsequent plans.