Chapter 237

That day, just as Phoebe was about to leave, she heard a knock at the door. Pausing in the middle of changing her shoes, she went to open it.

Standing outside were two men—one, an elderly gentleman in a suit with a kindly demeanor, and the other, a silver-haired man dressed in robes, his youthful features contrasting sharply with his aged hair. Phoebe had met them before, years ago when she was a child.

“Hello,” she greeted them politely. She stepped aside and gestured for them to enter. “Please, come in and have a seat.”

These two were Percival’s fellow disciples—his senior brothers. The elderly man, Ximenez Quade, smiled. “So, you still remember us.”

The man, Joel Gomez, nodded warmly in greeting. “Phoebe.”

Once they sat down, Phoebe brewed two cups of coffee and placed them in front of them. She got straight to the point. “What brings you here?”

It had been years since she last saw them, and they had never maintained any contact. For them to suddenly show up like this—there had to be a reason.

Without wasting time, Joel took out a seal and handed it to her. “This belonged to Percival. Before he passed, he entrusted us to hold onto it and deliver it to you now.”

Phoebe hesitated for a moment before accepting the seal. It was something Percival had frequently carried and played with—a personal identity seal. All officially certified masters by the Horoscope Association had their own personally engraved seals, imbued with their unique aura and marked with special insignias. These seals were registered with the Association as official proof of their status. Phoebe herself had one.

As she held it, the familiar energy in the seal made her throat tighten. Her fingers brushed over its surface as her eyes turned red.

“Why did Percival entrust it to you instead of giving it to me directly? Why now?” She couldn’t understand.

Joel explained, “Percival left something for you in the Horoscope Association’s storage vault. The vault can only be unlocked using this seal along with a key that you already have. He wanted to leave something behind for you, but his calculations showed that it wasn’t time yet. So, we waited, as instructed. As for what he left behind, and why now, we don’t know.”

Phoebe gripped the seal tighter, her eyes welling up. “So that’s how it is…” She missed Percival.

Joel noticed the sorrow in her expression and said gently, “Before he passed, Percival asked us to look after you. However, he also instructed us not to disturb you until it was time to give you the seal. I am the Head of Templum Cirrus. If you ever need anything, you can always come to me. And even if you don’t need help, you can visit just for a cup of coffee.”

Ximenez, sitting beside him, added, “I’m now the Vice President of the Horoscope Association. If you ever decide to pursue the path of a horoscope master, you can come to me. We’ve seen your horoscope and metaphysics abilities through your livestreams. You have an incredible gift. I believe Percival would be proud and relieved if he could see you now.” His voice was warm as he reassured her, “Percival asked us to take care of you, and we will. So, don’t be a stranger.”

Phoebe was a bit surprised. She hadn’t expected Ximenez and Joel to hold such powerful positions. Templum Cirrus wasn’t the largest monastery in Solara City, but it was the most well-known in the metaphysics circle. The Head of Templum Cirrus was famous for his fortune-telling abilities—so much so that even the wealthy and powerful had to wait in line just to get a chance for a reading. And even then, he might refuse. As for the Vice President of the Horoscope Association, that was another prestigious and highly influential position. Percival had never told her about this. She had no idea his senior brothers were such powerful figures.

Ximenez smiled kindly. “You are our junior. Taking care of you is our responsibility.” Then, he asked, “Do you have any questions for us?”

Phoebe nodded. Looking at them, she bluntly asked, “Do you know how Percival died?”

Ximenez sighed. “Before he adopted you, Percival traveled to Southocaland. When he returned, he was severely injured. When we asked about it, he refused to say who was responsible. That injury shortened his lifespan significantly. A year before his death, he performed a divination. Whatever he saw, we don’t know—but he then used a forbidden technique at the cost of his remaining lifespan. This resulted in heaven’s retribution, causing him to age rapidly and die soon after.”

Phoebe froze. “A forbidden technique?” She had been studying in Solara City when Percival fell ill. When she rushed back, she had felt something off. Percival hadn’t looked like someone who was naturally aging or dying from sickness. He had looked like someone who had burned out his life force, withered like a candle at its final flicker. Now, she understood. Percival had been devoured by his own sacrifice.

Joel sighed, “He never told us the exact technique he used, but we suspect he was trying to change someone’s fate. Otherwise, even with his previous injuries, he should have lived at least another 10 or 20 years.” His eyes were filled with sorrow. “When we examined his aura before he used that technique, we could tell—he should have had many years left.”

Phoebe’s body stiffened. A sudden wave of emotion surged inside her. Her eyes burned, and she had to fight back the urge to cry. Did Percival…change her fate?

She swallowed hard and forced her voice to remain steady. “The one who injured him…do you know who it was?”

Ximenez replied, “We have some leads, but we’re not certain yet. Once we confirm, we’ll tell you.”

Joel met her gaze and said, “Percival only wanted one thing—for you to live a peaceful, happy life. He never wanted you to seek revenge. So don’t let this burden you. Ximenez and I will handle it.”

Phoebe pressed her lips together and said, “I understand. But I still want to know who did it.” As for revenge…of course, she would take it.

Ximenez nodded. “Once we confirm, we’ll let you know.”

Phoebe nodded. “Alright. Thank you.”

Joel asked, “Anything else you’d like to ask?”

Phoebe hesitated, then shook her head. “No. I need some time alone.” She had only met them once before, and now, after so many years, she wasn’t about to fully trust them just yet. And even they didn’t know everything about Percival’s secrets.

Chapter 287

How she had no further questions—she had to investigate things on her own. She had only met them once before, and now, after so many years, she wasn’t about to fully trust them just yet. And even they didn’t know everything about Percival’s secrets.

He set up, “Alright. We won’t disturb you any longer. Let’s exchange contacts.” Phoebe penned and added them both. We horoscope masters kept up with modern technology, using more than just phone calls to stay connected.

As they reached the door, Ximenez turned back. “You should go retrieve what Percival left for you at the Horoscope Association as soon as possible. There may be answers you’re looking for inside.”

Phoebe nodded. “I will. Thank you for the reminder.”

After they left, Phoebe shut the door and finally broke down. She slid to the floor, hugging her knees and sobbed uncontrollably.