The princess was ordained by Heaven.

Chapter 343 In Progress

Wei Yanxing, who had received countless angry glares, was satisfied.

Zheng Xun interrupted him: "Alright, that's enough."

Wei Yanxing was perceptive; he also noticed the anomaly of the Six Mothers Clan.

That's why he kept testing their limits, trying to find out something.

Their master is just an ordinary person who gets thirsty and hungry. Would they really worship an ordinary person as a god?

"master……"

"It's ok."

Wei Yanxing quieted down.

Even though he didn't agree with Zheng Xun's words, he only secretly increased his vigilance.

This is the difference between Lü Mengying and Wei Yanxing.

Lü Mengying always believed whatever Zheng Xun said, while Wei Yanxing, though obedient, had his own ideas.

With no one causing trouble, the group returned to its previous state, but the atmosphere was no longer as eerie as before.

They really did pave the road all the way to the Temple of the Goddess.

Upon arrival, they discovered that the so-called "back mountain" was not behind the clan's territory, but rather some distance away.

The “behind” here refers to the area behind this human-shaped mountain.

The reason it wasn't placed in the clan's territory...

It's because the temple of the goddess is too big, even bigger than the territory of the Six Mothers Clan.

How could such a small clan territory contain such a large place?

Lü Mengying didn't say anything, she just glanced at Wei Yanxing.

That glance meant nothing, but Wei Yanxing reacted instinctively, desperately trying to save face: "No, what kind of look is that? Even the wisest person can make a mistake, you know?"

Lü Mengying ignored him, her eyes darting around warily.

The Temple of the Goddess originally had more than just members of the Six Mothers tribe; some of the people there were clearly from outside, judging by their clothing.

The mountain path is difficult to traverse, and not many people can get here. They are either people with great perseverance or people with excellent martial arts skills.

Zheng Xun also saw two familiar faces inside. One was Bai Shanhai, who had been helping her ever since she took a liking to him at Liuhe Academy, and the other was Qin Xiang from Fuzhou.

When they saw Zheng Xun there, their reaction was more joy than shock.

The fact that others would specifically come to attend the goddess's birthday celebration indicates that most of them are devout believers of the goddess.

Therefore, Zheng Xun's appearance once again caused a sensation.

The statue of the goddess at this temple, like the one Xin Hong worshipped, has a face exactly like Zheng Xun's.

Zheng Xun was like a goddess who had stepped right out of a statue.

Wei Yanxing and Lü Mengying lowered their heads, both unable to hide the shock in their eyes.

Like.

so similar.

The shock stemmed from more than just that.

When they glanced at the statue and then looked at Zheng Xun, they found that her aura blended with that of the statue, making her even more majestic and intimidating.

This was the first time they had ever seen a statue of a deity, while the others were used to dealing with statues of goddesses year-round, so it's no wonder they were so respectful to His Highness.

"Xin Qiu is really clever; she didn't show anything unusual when we first met."

She couldn't possibly have been unaware of the goddess statue, yet she stubbornly refused to utter a single word about it.

"Her attitude was also very good."

"I thought she was just being polite."

Lü Mengying: ...

Why does someone who seems so intelligent sometimes act like they're missing a screw in their head?

Zheng Xun stepped down from the sedan chair, and Xin Hong specially prepared a high platform for the three of them.

The platform was surrounded on three sides by cloth embroidered with scriptures.

The cloth was heavy, and it was covered not only with scriptures but also with intricate patterns.

Zheng Xun's gaze was fixed on those scriptures.

Faith often develops into its own civilization. Although Zheng Xun and his brother did not spread any scriptures, believers often created epics based on their own experiences and understanding.

What Zheng Xun cared about was the content of the scriptures.

Wei Yanxing exclaimed in surprise: "Huh? They actually have two gods!"

There are differences between beliefs. Some people believe in a single deity or a real historical figure, while others believe in a religious sect.

Individuals tend to have a legendary quality, while religious sects often have a grand background and many complex branches.

Such a belief system with only two deities is extremely rare.

What Wei Yanxing found strange was not this: "Then why is there only one being worshipped?"

Zheng Xun clenched his fist slightly on his lap.

Lü Mengying looked at the base beneath her feet: "The base is beautiful."

The base of the platform is carved from a single piece of stone.

The intricate patterns on it clearly couldn't have been made in a day or two, and Wei Yanxing started speculating about conspiracy theories again: "Could it be that they had anticipated that their master would come?"

He was proven wrong very quickly this time because there was time to adjust his position before the ceremony officially began.

They were all skilled martial artists with keen hearing and eyesight, and they could hear the voices of the people below.

Someone exclaimed, "I knew it! The goddess's birthday is almost here, so why did the priests suddenly ask us to remove the base of the statue? It turns out our goddess has descended!"

Zheng Xun and the other two: Wait, where did they say the base came from?

Someone else responded: "Statues are indeed not as important as the deity himself."

"It's such a heavy and big thing, it was really difficult to move it over here."

"We're working for the goddess, so how can it be a matter of whether it's strenuous or not?"

"Too……"

Soon, everyone was in their respective positions.

Xin Hong led the crowd to burn incense towards Zheng Xun.

Zheng Xun: ...

No, she says she's a real person, not a god. Can they believe that?

Even though she's not superstitious, it's still pretty strange, isn't it?

Zheng Xun had a similar experience in Fuzhou, but Wei Yanxing and Lü Mengying fared even worse, immediately witnessing such a grand scene. Their pupils dilated in shock, and their legs trembled as if they were about to jump off the platform at any moment.

This scene was too exciting; you can't blame them for deserting at the last minute.

This was the first time they had discovered that being surrounded by so many people without being worshipped was even more stressful.

Zheng Xun saw through their thoughts.

Bai Shanhai is also a remarkable person; after spending so much time with me, he has managed to maintain that devout heart.

After revealing her true feelings in a concealed manner, she suddenly said:

[Tsk, are Wei Yanxing and Lü Mengying planning to desert their posts at the last minute?]

The two people named: ...

Okay, it's not appropriate to make excuses now.

Fortunately, the believers had already finished offering incense and were moving on to the next step.

This step is when everyone talks to themselves... no, it's when everyone has a conversation with God.

In the past, it was always in front of a statue, but this time Zheng Xun came to me himself, so the person I was talking to became Zheng Xun.

Zheng Xun sat expressionlessly on the high platform. She had thought they would ask her for blessings like the people of Fuzhou, but to her surprise, they didn't care about her response.

"Two months ago, I saw an elderly person fall on the roadside. Because I was in a hurry to get to work, I didn't help them up. I feel deeply ashamed and have come here to repent. Goddess, I promise that this will never happen again..."

Zheng Xun: Isn't this wrong?

Compared to doing evil, how can simply not doing good become a sin?

……

"I lost two taels of silver half a year ago, mistakenly believing that my son had stolen it. Later, I discovered that my husband had taken it. After receiving guidance from the goddess, I have apologized to my son and come here to repent..."

Zheng Xun: That doesn't make sense either, does it?

She didn't think they were doing anything wrong, but she was surprised that their behavior was too upright.

What kind of bodhisattva are these people who worship goddesses?

She, this goddess, had far more moral flaws than they did, and far more things to repent for.

……

"May the power of the gods be fully realized, and may they finally attain freedom..."

Zheng Xun: This is even more wrong!

They all thought she was a goddess, so why didn't they pray for peace and wealth for themselves, but instead prayed for freedom for her, this goddess?

That's incredibly devout!

As expected of the believers carefully selected by Xin Hong to attend the Goddess's birthday celebration, their sincerity made her a little embarrassed.

She had just thought of Xin Hong when he appeared in front of her.

"Thanks to the Goddess's mercy, she saved the world with her own body. The believer is powerless and has no way to repay her grace. May all the Goddess's wishes be granted..."

Zheng Xun stared blankly at the thin Xin Hong.

Her voice was soft, and her tone was ordinary.

Zheng Xun suspected that she might be acting.

However, the feedback from the supernatural ability showed no abnormalities.

If it were just Xin Hong, it might be possible that she was strong-willed enough to deceive Zheng Xun, but everyone here is like that...

She had to admit that there really are people in this world who would give everything to repay a debt of gratitude, even if thousands of years have passed, the world has changed, and the past has been forgotten by most people.

She was a little distracted, and before she knew it, Bai Shanhai was in front of Zheng Xun.

Zheng Xun looked serious.

She knew Bai Shanhai; someone caught in the vortex of power couldn't possibly be completely clean. Bai Shanhai was quite adept at navigating the court, and Zheng Xun was curious about what he wanted to repent for.

Will he lie to her?

Bai Shanhai showed no unusual expression, as if he and Zheng Xun had little interaction in the secular world.

He first confessed to two trivial matters, and Zheng Xun asked suspiciously, "Oh? As far as I know, you've done more than just these few things."

Bai Shanhai understood Zheng Xun's meaning, but he said confidently, "No matter how good or bad the things done for the goddess are, there is no need for repentance."

Zheng Xun: Huh?

If you say he can't distinguish right from wrong, then he knows what's good and what's bad; if you say he knows, then he doesn't think there's anything wrong with doing those unethical things.

Before Zheng Xun could say anything more, Bai Shanhai suddenly spoke up: "The goddess is high above, and will always remain high above, needing no response. The believers' words are an examination of their own hearts, and need no divine intervention."

Wei Yanxing and Lü Mengying twitched their lips, barely managing to suppress their laughter.

Zheng Xun: ...

Fine, the feelings have faded, and I've started to find her too talkative.

This is the most unreasonable thing ever!

Zheng Xun sighed, looked up at the believers present, and then glanced back at the two guards who seemed serious but were actually enjoying the spectacle.

The people here are so vibrant, yet the things they do seem so surreal.

She didn't have much time to sigh, the "dialogue" ended, and the birthday celebration moved on to the next step.

This step would have meant the end for Zheng Xun and his group, not Zheng Xun.

At this point, Xin Hong began calling out names, and those whose names were called had to come up on stage to speak.

This step was never even rehearsed. Who was chosen to go on stage was random, and no one except the person on stage knew what they would say.

Xin Hong didn't seem afraid of any accidents happening, casually glancing at everyone present.

Everyone looked expectant, seemingly eager to be selected.

Upon seeing this, Wei Yanxing couldn't help but wonder if becoming His Highness's follower required being unafraid of the stage.

"It's a little weird."

This time, Lü Mengying was the first to find something strange.

Wei Yanxing gave her a look that said, "Indeed."

It's no wonder they had such thoughts; the believers below all had a strange excitement on their faces.

If they hadn't been there and hadn't noticed anything unusual, Wei Yanxing would have suspected there was something wrong with their incense.

He said with a serious expression, "They seem particularly excited."

"Could it be some kind of human sacrifice?"

"Then isn't His Highness an evil god...?"

Zheng Xun: ...

She hesitated for a moment, then looked at the serious-looking Lü Mengying, and suddenly realized.

That makes sense. What kind of decent people could be hanging out with Wei Yanxing?

On the other side, Xin Hong's gaze swept back and forth, finally landing on the person he was most looking forward to: "Please, this believer, come forward."

The person chosen was a member of the Six Mothers Clan who had just returned to the clan a few days ago. He stood up abruptly, strode to the front, and took over Xin Hong's position.

The others were initially disappointed, but quickly perked up and stared at him eagerly.

"Ahem, my surname is Li, you can just call me Li Deyuan."

After briefly introducing himself, he cleared his throat: "Speaking of which, next to the house I rent in Fuzhou, there lives a young man. He has no job and lives alone, but his courtyard is extremely luxurious. He eats the finest food and is always surrounded by a retinue. He hardly interacts with anyone, except occasionally a well-concealed carriage will drive into his house..."

Wei Yanxing and Lü Mengying, who were on high alert: Hmm?

What's this?

Not sure, listen again.

Zheng Xun clutched his forehead in anguish.

So this step is also part of the goddess's birthday celebration?

She had imagined countless dramatic scenarios after all the solemn and serious preparations, and she had been on high alert for a long time, only to be met with a huge mess.

Who among the good people in the family needs to gossip when celebrating the birthday of a deity?

She said, "Why is everyone so enthusiastic? Well, if you're going to watch the fun, you have to be enthusiastic too."

Fortunately, she is not a real god. If she were deified, how would people address her?

A gossip fairy? A gossip god?

Zheng Xun laughed at himself as he thought about it.

Li Deyuan glanced at him and thought he was being too funny, so he spoke in an even more exaggerated tone.

It must be said that he has a good speaking ability; he can make a simple story with little suspense into a dramatic and interesting one.

Zheng Xun shook his head helplessly, deciding to stop thinking about those unnecessary things and simply start enjoying the gossip.

The project didn't end until dark, and everyone was still reluctant to leave.

The birthday celebration isn't over yet; there will be performances and food to come.

With singing, dancing, acrobatics, and drama taking turns on stage, Zheng Xun gained another impression of his followers—they were all very talented.

Lu Mengying sat down next to Zheng Xun and handed her a grilled fish. Her expression was gentler than ever before, clearly indicating that she was having a great time.

Zheng Xun took the grilled fish but didn't put it in his mouth, complaining with a smile: "It's supposed to be the goddess's birthday, but it feels more like an opportunity to have some fun."

Lu Mengying asked earnestly, "Is Your Highness happy?"

Zheng Xun nodded sincerely.

"As long as Your Highness is happy."

"Does Mengying sometimes feel that her world is too fake?"

Lu Mengying was silent for a moment: "Yes..."

Wei Yanxing, carrying a wine jug, plopped down opposite them: "Mengmeng, I consider you my little sister!"

Lü Mengying added the second half of the sentence: "For example, right now."