Chapter 136

I was startled. Had Derek actually seen me? If so, it would be wonderful. Just as I was about to speak, I heard Chase calling from outside.

“Amanda, where are you?”

He stumbled about aimlessly, a lost soul, his presence sending a chill through the hallway, causing the perpetually burning lamps to flicker. A fierce blizzard raged outside, and Derek rubbed his eyes, a blend of melancholy and self-deprecation crossing his face.

“Yeah, you wouldn’t be here.”

I was confused. What was Derek doing here? Whom was he waiting for?

The noise outside intensified. Following the commotion, I found Chase angrily gripping the priest's coat. “How is there no woman here? I clearly saw Amanda come in. You’ve hidden her away, haven’t you?”

Reyes, please calm down. There’s no Amanda here. The gentleman isn’t lying.”

The driver looked apologetic. “I’m sorry, sir. Mr. Reyes has been under a great deal of stress and is seeing things.”

Despite being grasped by Chase, the priest sat cross-legged, his expression impassive. He simply said, “Ill-fated…”

“What rubbish about ill fate? I just want Amanda back.” Chase’s eyes were bloodshot. “Everyone says the mountain has a spirit. If you pray sincerely, your wishes will come true. I’m here to find my wife. She came here! I really saw her.”

The priest sighed and offered a container of lots. “Given your earnestness, the divine will guide you. Draw a lot.”

The driver was not a believer, but seeing Chase’s distress, he thought anything offering solace was worth trying. “Mr. Reyes, my grandmother always said drawing lots was very spiritual. You should try it.”

Chase knelt, his demeanor becoming more serious and respectful within the sacred hall. He held the container with both hands, closed his eyes, and shook it. In the silent hall, only the clatter of bamboo sticks could be heard until one fell with a crisp “clack.”

The driver quickly retrieved it. “Mr. Reyes, this lot must be really good…” He trailed off.

Chase snatched the lot, and I leaned in to read the inscription.

It read: The moon reflects in the deep pond, like a mirror and a shadow, all is but empty, vain news.

Chase tightened his grip. “What does this lot…”

The priest pressed his palms together. “Mr. Reyes, this is an unfavorable lot. The moon reflecting in the deep pond, and a figure in the mirror, symbolizes emptiness and unfulfilled desires. If you seek someone, I’m afraid your wish may not be granted.”

“Crash!”

The container slipped from Chase’s hands, scattering the lots across the floor. He slumped in despair, murmuring, “How can this be? Emptiness? Is this it? Is Amanda really not coming back?”

A stern voice boomed, “Chase, this is a sacred place, not a playground for your antics. Maintain order.”

As the voice faded, a lot landed near his wheelchair.

“Jack,” Derek said calmly. The tall, scar-faced man behind him picked up the lot at Derek’s feet.

Impulsively, Chase rushed over. “What does it say!”

I was equally curious and leaned closer.

It read: Dragon freed from bondage.

A dragon trapped in the abyss for ages one day rises halfway to the heavens. All plans fall into place, and fortune is on the rise from now on.

No interpretation was needed; the meaning was self-evident.

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