Swallowing the Stars: Starting with Panlong

Chapter 118 High Priest-Catherine

The capital of the Yulan Empire is both prosperous and ancient.

Along the streets, green flags fluttered gently in the breeze, embroidered with the emblem of the Temple of Life—a large, leafy tree with a winding river coiled around its trunk. The capital's architecture is predominantly white and green, with white stone walls and green roofs that appear exceptionally fresh and elegant under the sunlight.

Lin Yun led Lei Lei along the wide street. Lei Lei looked around curiously, her eyes full of wonder. She had grown up in a small town and had never seen such a bustling city before; every building, every shop, and every pedestrian was new and exciting to her.

"Master, there are so many people over there." Leilei pointed to a square in front of her.

Hundreds of people had gathered in the square, forming a circle, with someone sparring in the center. Lin Yun probed with his spiritual power and discovered that two young men were exchanging martial arts techniques, while the surrounding crowd cheered and applauded. Both were quite strong; one was a level seven warrior, and the other a level six mage, and their fight was evenly matched.

"It's a martial arts competition," Lin Yun said. "Young people from the capital often spar here to improve their combat skills."

"Master, can I go and take a look?" Leilei's eyes were full of anticipation.

"Go ahead," Lin Yun said with a smile.

Leilei squeezed into the crowd, tiptoeing to peek inside. Lin Yun stood on the outer edge, watching her back, a slight smile playing on his lips. This little girl, emerging from the grief of losing her family, was gradually regaining the liveliness a child should have—this was a good thing.

Just then, a voice came from behind, trembling with uncertainty.

"Lin...Lin Yun?"

Lin Yun turned around and saw a tall, slender young man standing not far away. He was wearing a blue mage's robe, with delicate features and a scholarly air about him. His eyes were full of shock and restraint, as if he couldn't believe the person he was seeing, or perhaps he was nervous because of the other person's identity.

Lin Yun recognized him.

"Dixie?" A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Yun's eyes.

Dixie Lucas, a genius from Ernst Academy, was in the same class as Lin Yun and Lin Lei. His psychic abilities were exceptionally high, earning him the reputation of a "once-in-a-century genius" during his time at the academy. After the academy was destroyed, he returned to the Yulan Empire and became a disciple of the High Priest of the Temple of Life, devoting himself to cultivation. Lin Yun never expected to encounter him here.

"It really is you!" Dixie walked over quickly, but stopped abruptly in front of Lin Yun, his face showing a hint of restraint and awe.

He took a deep breath and bowed slightly respectfully: "Lin Yun... sir."

Lin Yun was slightly taken aback, then smiled.

"Dixie, we're still classmates, no need to be so polite."

Dixie shook his head with a wry smile: "You're a god-level powerhouse now, the news has spread throughout the entire Yulan Continent. How... how can I be as carefree as before?"

"If I say it's okay, then it's okay." Lin Yun patted his shoulder. "Long time no see, don't be so formal."

Dixie looked at Lin Yun, the restraint in his eyes slowly fading, replaced by emotion and nostalgia.

"Long time no see." His voice was tinged with sadness. "We haven't seen each other since the academy was destroyed."

"Yes, time really flies," Lin Yun remarked.

The two were silent for a moment, their minds involuntarily drifting back to their days at Ernst Academy. The ancient academy, the grove of trees on the back hill, dormitory number 1987, and the nights they spent drinking, cultivating, and chatting together. Now, the academy had been destroyed by the monster tide, and their former classmates had gone their separate ways, their fates diverging.

"Are the Yale students alright?" Dixie asked.

"It's alright," Lin Yun said. "Yale is managing the merchant guild in the Chaotic Territory, Renault was sent to join the army by his family, and George returned to the Magnolia Empire. Everyone is still alive, and that's enough."

Dixie nodded, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes. That disaster had taken too many lives. They were lucky to be alive.

Dixie's gaze lingered on Lin Yun for a moment, hesitating to speak. He dared not ask about Lin Yun's strength. Facing a god-level expert, even a former classmate, it would be extremely impolite to rashly inquire about their strength. He could sense the faint yet palpable pressure emanating from Lin Yun—the fluctuations of laws, the unique aura of a god-level expert. Simply standing before Lin Yun sent a shiver down his spine.

"Where's your older brother Linley?" Dixie changed the subject. "I heard he's in the O'Brien Empire, about to have a duel with the Rock Sword Saint, Hedson."

"He's fine," Lin Yun said. "Hederson is no match for him."

Dixie nodded, a hint of envy flashing in his eyes. The two Baruch brothers were both prodigies. Linley, at such a young age, was already at the peak of the Saint Realm, and after his dragon transformation, he was comparable to a second-tier Saint Realm expert. Lin Yun, on the other hand, had directly entered the God Realm. With such a family, it would be difficult for them not to rise to prominence.

"Lin Yun, what brings you to the capital this time?" Dixie asked.

"Just traveling around, and I'd like to pay a visit to the High Priest while I'm at it," Lin Yun said.

"The High Priest?" Dixie's eyes lit up. "Our teacher is in the Temple of Life outside the city. I can take you there."

"That's great," Lin Yun said.

"Shall we leave now?" Dixie asked.

"it is good."

Lin Yun called Lei Lei, and the three of them walked towards the city gate.

The Temple of Life is not located in the center of the capital, but rather on a mountain outside the city. The mountain is not high, but it is lush and verdant, covered with verdant trees and flowers. At the foot of the mountain, a small path paved with bluestone winds its way to the summit. Various exotic flowers and plants are planted on both sides of the path, and a faint fragrance permeates the air.

"Master, this place is so beautiful!" Leilei looked around in amazement. She had never seen so many flowers before—red, yellow, purple, white—a riot of colors, each vying for attention. Butterflies fluttered among the flowers, and bees buzzed among them, creating a vibrant and lively scene.

"This is the outer perimeter of the Temple of Life," Dixie explained. "Every flower and plant on the mountain contains the power of the rules of life. Cultivating here is very helpful for comprehending the rules of life."

Lin Yun nodded. He could sense a strange power permeating the mountain—not the fluctuations of elemental laws, but a gentler, warmer power. It was the aura of the rules of life. It wasn't as violent as lightning laws, nor as scorching as fire laws, but a gentle, inclusive power that seemed to nourish all things.

The three of them walked up the path. The mountain path was gentle but winding, and every turn revealed a different view. Sometimes it was a bamboo forest, the bamboo leaves rustling in the wind; sometimes it was a waterfall, the water cascading over the rocks, splashing up countless droplets; sometimes it was a small pavilion, with stone tables and chairs for people to rest.

After walking for about half an hour, a huge green building appeared ahead. The building was shaped like a towering tree, with the trunk as the main structure, the crown as the dome, and the branches and leaves as decoration. The entire building emitted a faint light, as if the power of life was flowing through it. The exterior walls of the building were covered with vines, on which bloomed tiny white flowers with a light and refreshing fragrance.

The most eye-catching feature is a giant tree, tens of thousands of meters tall, behind the building.

The tree's trunk was so thick that it would take dozens of people to encircle it, its canopy blocking out the sky and covering half the mountainside. The leaves were emerald green, each emitting a faint fluorescent glow. Its roots were deeply embedded in the mountain, seemingly one with it. Ancient runes were carved into the trunk, their green light flowing as if alive.

"That's the Tree of Life," Dixie said, pointing to the giant tree with awe. "Legend has it that it has lived for tens of thousands of years. Some say that this tree is the core of the Temple of Life, and as long as the tree stands, the temple will not fall."

Lin Yun looked up at the giant tree, a sense of awe washing over him. Tens of thousands of years of life had witnessed the rise and fall of countless dynasties, and the vicissitudes of the Yulan Continent. Before it, human lifespan seemed so fleeting.

"Master, this tree is so tall!" Leilei looked up, her neck aching, but she still couldn't see the top of the tree.

"Yes," Lin Yun said, "it's taller than any tree Master has ever seen."

"How old is it?"

"Dixie said, tens of thousands of years."

Leilei's eyes widened: "Tens of thousands of years? Then it must be older than Grandpa's great-grandfather?"

Lin Yun laughed: "Yes, even older than my grandfather's grandfather."

Just as Lin Yun stepped onto the mountaintop and approached the Temple of Life, a strange power surged out from the depths of the temple.

The power was gentle and warm, like the spring sunshine, like a mother's embrace. It swept silently over Lin Yun's body and then withdrew. The power contained an extremely rich life force, as if it could heal all pain and soothe all wounds.

Lin Yun's pupils contracted slightly. He knew that was the High Priest's perception. The perception between god-level powerhouses was mutual; the High Priest had already sensed his aura the moment he stepped onto the mountain. That force sweeping across his body was the High Priest probing his strength.

The next moment, the temple doors opened silently.

A woman came out of the door.

She appeared to be in her thirties, with delicate features, fair skin, and long, silvery-white hair that reached her waist. She wore a white robe embroidered with golden patterns—the emblem of the Temple of Life. She emanated no aura, yet Lin Yun could sense an immense power within her. This power wasn't the fluctuation of elemental laws, but a deeper, more ancient force—the power of the rules of life.

High Priestess - Catherine.

The de facto ruler of the Yulan Empire, a god-level powerhouse who cultivates the rules of life. She has lived for countless years, witnessing the rise and fall of the Yulan Empire, and is one of the oldest beings on the Yulan Continent. Some say she participated in wars against invasions from other planes; others say she healed countless dying powerhouses, giving them new life. No one knows her true age, nor does anyone know her true strength.

When Dixie saw the high priest come out, he immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Teacher."

The high priest didn't look at him; her gaze was fixed on Lin Yun.

"I've heard so much about you, Lin Yun." Her voice was soft, but every word clearly reached Lin Yun's ears. "The aura of the seven elemental laws... Your talent is the best I've ever seen."

Lin Yun bowed slightly: "High Priest, you flatter me."

The High Priestess's gaze lingered on Lin Yun for a moment, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. She sensed seven different fluctuations of the laws emanating from Lin Yun—the violence of lightning, the heat of fire, the purity of light, the weight of earth, the gentleness of water, the etherealness of wind, and the mystery of darkness. Seven laws, seven powers, coexisting harmoniously within one person. This had never happened before in the history of the Jade Orchid Continent.

"Come in." She turned and walked into the temple.

Lin Yun, with Lei Lei in tow, followed them inside. Dixie remained outside, not following—his teacher hadn't allowed him in, and he dared not go in on his own. He stood at the temple entrance, watching Lin Yun's figure disappear inside, his eyes filled with complex emotions. His former classmate was now a god-level powerhouse, while he himself was still teetering on the threshold of the Holy Realm. Fate, sometimes, is truly wondrous.

Leilei followed behind Lin Yun, her little hand tugging at his clothes, curiously observing everything around her. Although she was only eight years old, she could already sense the powerful energy contained within this temple. That energy made her feel safe, as if she were being protected by something.

The interior of the temple was much simpler than the exterior. There were no ornate decorations or intricate reliefs, only simple stone walls and pillars. The walls were white, and the floor was made of blue flagstones, with fine moss growing between each slab. Every few steps along the corridor, there was an oil lamp, its dim light illuminating the entire corridor in a warm and tranquil atmosphere.

At the end of the corridor stood an open stone door. The door had no physical panel, only a faint green light curtain. This light curtain rippled like water, emanating the aura of life's laws.

The high priestess passed through the light barrier and sat down behind the stone table. She pointed to the stone chair opposite her, gesturing for Lin Yun to sit down.

"sit."

Lin Yun sat down on the stone chair. The chair was cool, but comfortable to sit on. Lei Lei stood beside him, watching the high priest with curiosity, but remained silent. She could sense that the woman before her was extremely powerful. She dared not move, simply standing quietly.

The high priest's gaze fell on Leilei, and after a moment, he said, "This little girl has a very pure soul. Her spiritual power far surpasses that of her peers, and she possesses elemental affinity for both wind and thunder. If she is properly nurtured, her future achievements will be remarkable."

"Thank you for the compliment, High Priest," Lin Yun said. He wasn't surprised that the High Priest could see through Lei Lei's talent. The perception of a god-level expert far surpasses that of a saint-level expert. The fact that the High Priest could see Lei Lei's talent meant that her spiritual power cultivation was at least on par with his own.

The high priest withdrew his gaze, looked at Lin Yun, and remained silent for a moment.

"What brings you here?" she asked.

Lin Yun said, "Having traveled here, I would like to pay a visit to the High Priest."

The high priest nodded, offering no further questions. She raised her right hand, and a green light condensed in her palm. The light was small, only about the size of a fist, but the life force it contained sent a shiver down Lin Yun's spine. The light seemed to contain boundless life energy, capable of healing all wounds and awakening all dormant life.

"You cultivate the laws of elements, which are two different paths from the rules of life," the High Priest said. "But the paths of laws ultimately lead to the same goal. Your ability to reach godhood at such a young age demonstrates your top-tier talent and comprehension."

"You flatter me, High Priest," Lin Yun said.

The high priest put away the green light in his hand and looked at Lin Yun.

"How long will you stay in the capital?" she asked.

"A few days," Lin Yun said.

"Then stay at the temple," said the high priest. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

Lin Yun bowed slightly: "Thank you, High Priest."

The high priest didn't say anything more; she turned and walked towards the door.

"I'll have someone arrange rooms for you," she said. "Get some rest tonight."

"Thank you, High Priest."

The high priest disappeared outside the door. Lin Yun sat on the stone chair, looking at the scenery outside the window, feeling exceptionally calm.