Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Repaying The Loan

Arriving at the temple was a swift endeavor. Lucian had thoughtfully arranged for a car to transport Lana, sparing her the need to traverse 1 km to the public bus station.

Upon entering the temple, Lana dutifully offered her prayers to Goddess Nytheris before seeking out Monk Anaro.

Fortuitously, she discovered him seated in his courtyard.

The gentle breeze wafting through the courtyard eased Lana’s tension; the forced smile on her face gradually transformed into one of genuine warmth.

Upon noticing Lana’s arrival, Monk Anaro set aside the rose beads he had been holding, a smile blossoming on his face.

“Here to say your goodbyes?” Monk Anaro’s tone was playful, while his serene demeanor suggested he was already aware of Lana’s impending departure.

Lana chuckled, a spark of amusement dancing in her eyes.

“Monk, you truly are a divine envoy; you even know about farewells. Perhaps you can also predict when I might become a millionaire?”

Monk Anaro laughed before responding in a teasing manner, “You already are.”

’Is he referring to the $940 million you possess? Inform him of your future career expenses; perhaps then he will reveal the truth.’ Mr. Crow advised with patience.

He hesitated momentarily as he sensed Lana’s heart skip a beat.

’No…’ Lana’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of realization crossing her features. ’He isn’t talking about those…’

Mr. Crow was taken aback. ’So, is he jesting about your millionaire status?’

’Not at all.’ Lana asserted firmly. The friendly expression on Monk Anaro’s face indicated that extracting further information would be challenging.

Her instincts hinted that there was more to Monk Anaro’s words than met the eye.

“Before you pose any inquiries,” Monk Anaro began, his hand stroking his white beard that shimmered in the sunlight like fine silk, “you have only two more questions remaining. After that, you will need to wait an entire year before you can ask again.”

“Wow… I never realized you were a genie.” Lana teased, mischief glinting in her eyes, though her mind raced with thoughts.

Monk Anaro merely smiled kindly. Had he not felt pity for the girl and been aware of her dire circumstances, he might have reprimanded her by now.

Lana’s expression darkened slightly as she cautiously inquired, “Which location would be most suitable for me to reside in? In other words… where can I find better opportunities for growth while ensuring my safety?”

Monk Anaro chuckled softly.

What an astute young woman.

“From your words, I gather you are aware of the imminent peril that looms over you?”

“So they are aware of my existence?” Lana asked in a cryptic yet sweet tone, her cheerful smile unwavering.

Mr. Crow was perplexed by her enigmatic words.

Imminent peril? They? Was she referring to the Almond family? Yet her expression conveyed a different narrative…

“Hm… they know of your presence, but not your hidden strengths. Regarding your question… the place that has sheltered you for so long will continue to protect you until your departure. My counsel? Do not leave until you attain the Celestial Core stage…”

At that moment, one of Monk Anaro’s hairs darkened and fell from his beard.

Lana’s pupils dilated as she gazed at Monk Anaro, confusion and sorrow etched on her face.

Mr. Crow, poised on Lana’s shoulder, stared at the fallen hair, felt the faint sorrow in her heartbeat, and looked at Lana in confusion.

What was happening? Why couldn’t he understand anything?

Lana met Monk Anaro’s gaze and, after a long breath, said softly,

“I don’t want to ask any more questions.”

Monk Anaro only smiled and shook his head.

“I’m not that weak,” he said. “You may ask whatever you wish. You still have one question left.”

Hearing that, Lana pursed her lips, then smiled cheerfully, but there was determination in her eyes.

“There’s no need,” she said in a low voice. “I don’t want to use my last question yet.”

Monk Anaro did not press her. He knew, from the look in her eyes and from experience, that when the time came Lana would ask of her own accord, perhaps sooner than either of them expected.

He returned her smile, gentle and knowing.

On the other hand, Mr. Crow finally understood.

The black hair that had fallen from Monk Anaro’s beard could only mean one thing: the monk’s lifespan had been reduced by a year. Otherwise Lana would not have been so alarmed.

Lana smiled at Monk Anaro.

“One day I’ll repay your kindness,” she promised. “I’ll make sure you live a long life.”

Monk Anaro chuckled.

“Perhaps you just want to keep me around so you can ask more questions in the future,” he teased.

Lana laughed, a little startled. “How did you know that?”

Monk Anaro only shook his head, amusement in his eyes.

Lana’s smile softened.

“I still have to collect my things. I will leave first.”

After she left, Monk Anaro watched Lana’s diminishing figure and muttered in a soft voice,

“Whatever the future this child faces, may the gods give her the strength to meet it.”

Lana returned to her room and quickly packed. Her luggage amounted to no more than a single suitcase.

Before leaving, she bought talisman papers from a nearby shop and then paused to think about the cash.

She needed to store it safely and she had to repay the Almond family money too.

She transferred the money into another suitcase, so now she had two, both carefully hidden.

With two hours left before her appointment with the mission issuer, she told the driver to take her to the bank.

Inside the branch, she calmly closed her existing account and attempted to open a new one. The bank, however, refused to let her open an account.

Lana pressed her lips together and smirked.

The Almond family was more powerful than she had thought. Instead of showing frustration, she smiled and said,

“If that’s the case, let the Almond family know I’m ready to repay the debt I owe.”

The bank manager regarded her with a troubled look and nodded. “I’ll pass the message along,” he said.

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