The length of the courtyard was about 50 feet, so it didn't take long for the trio to reach the main hall. A plaque that read 'Compassion Pavilion' was hung above the main entrance. After stepping into the main hall, they could see three deity statues. Although the facilities in the hall were imprinted with traces of time, they were still spotless and clean.
It was fate that they could enter a Daoist temple, so Matthew put his palms together and bowed at the deity statues to show his respect. After that, he picked up the pace and caught up with Birgitta and Leanna.
After passing through the main hall, they arrived at the backyard of Compassion Pavilion. The most conspicuous among them was the magnolia tree in the courtyard. Since the courtyard was small, the tree looked exceptionally tall and broad. Autumn might be here, but it still stood tall with lush green leaves.
A woman was sitting under the magnolia tree. Her aura had seemingly integrated with the magnolia tree. She was as tranquil as water and as light as a feather. That was a posture of a person who obtained high achievements in the spiritual realm.
Without a doubt, Matthew could tell instantly that she was Hildegard Peregrine, whom Leanna had mentioned. When he first saw Hildegard, he couldn't help but widen his eyes. She appears much younger than I expected.
Based on his understanding, the realm of Daoist martial arts cultivation was divided into ten levels. Level 10 was the highest achievement and was equivalent to the advanced grandmaster level. The most obvious sign of the advanced grandmaster level was no other than the external control of the nimbus.
There was also a differentiator at the advanced Daoist master level. After achieving Level 5, one would not just get to prolong their life, but it also had a magical effect of retaining youth. The youth-retaining effect didn't imply that one could be immortal, but the aging speed of one's appearance would be significantly slowed down compared to ordinary people.
According to Leanna, Hildegard had traveled to Eastshire more than 20 years ago. After doing the math, Matthew reckoned that she should be in her fifties or sixties. However, Hildegard merely looked like she was in her thirties. If his assumptions were correct, she must have achieved Level 5 or higher in the advanced Daoist master level.
At that thought, he couldn't help feeling his heart race. After all, it was his first time officially meeting someone with such high cultivation.
Hearing the rustle, Hildegard gradually opened her eyes. Her gaze cut straight through his body like a sharp sword. Under her gaze, even evil spirits would have nowhere to hide.
Following the simple gesture, Matthew instantly felt the tension in the air. It felt like an invisible power was holding him down to the point that he had trouble standing straight. However, the pressure came and went quickly. It disappeared even before he could react to it.
Seeing that, Matthew finally realized why Leanna insisted on introducing him to Hildegard. It turned out that this was the primary purpose of her invitation. "You really didn't have to, Madam Peregrine. Leanna and I are friends, and that's what friends do for each other."
When she heard that, Hildegard nodded at him. "I met Leanna in Eastshire, so we're also considered close. In that case, I should do her a favor as well. Please reject my intentions, Matthew." With that, she pointed at the root of the magnolia tree, signaling him to sit under the tree.
Seeing how firm she was, Matthew decided to accept it obediently.
After he sat under the tree, Hildegard said, "Relax and clear your mind of distractions." As soon as she said that, she swayed the whisk in her hands.
For a moment, Matthew felt dizzy, followed by a strong sense of danger that made him fear for his life.
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