After a bit of self-mockery, I slowly returned to my tent.
On the way back, I had figured it out. The reason Hu Tu said those words was probably because I hadn't directly refused the High Priest before.
It was both a warning, letting me know he had leverage over me, and a display of his leadership.
If I continued to follow him faithfully, I would be fine.
But if I ever decided to betray him, this matter would be brought up by Hu Tu and used as a weapon to destroy me!
Understanding Hu Tu's intentions, I breathed a sigh of relief.
Perhaps my pledge of allegiance was too successful, leading Hu Tu to not even consider that I had come to the Du'an tribe with a special purpose.
He thought by holding my weakness, he could prevent me from betraying him.
Hilarious. The moment I found the solution I was looking for, I would leave. I wasn't here to stay permanently.
With this realization, I felt completely relaxed.
Lying on the bed, I unknowingly fell asleep.
When I woke up again, it was already evening. Groggily, I tried to get up, only to suddenly detect a familiar aroma coming from beside my bed.
I turned my head and saw that Ada had come in at some point and was dozing by the wall, leaning against it. On a small table next to him sat a fragrant roasted rabbit.
"Ada, Ada!"
When did this guy arrive?
As I called out to Ada, I inwardly reflected.
Had I become too complacent during my week of recovery, to the point that I wouldn't even notice someone entering my tent?
It was fortunate it was Ada. If the High Priest had sent another divine envoy to launch a surprise attack, I probably wouldn't have even known how I died.
"Mmm..."
Under my calls, Ada suddenly woke up, rubbed his eyes, and looked at me with surprise and joy.
"Brother Batu, you're awake!"
"I heard the shaman doctor say you were moving around, and I didn't believe it. I didn't expect you to recover so quickly!"
Ada scratched his head and, like offering a treasure, pushed the roasted rabbit beside him towards me.
"I just finished roasting it. I specifically brought it for you to try. You must have been bored out of your mind this past week!"
"Hahaha, how did you know I was craving meat right now?"
I took the roasted rabbit, slowly tore off a drumstick, and started chatting with Ada.
After a bit of idle talk, I got to the point.
"Brother, what do you think of the position of the Temple Guard Commander?"
Ada was taken aback by my sudden question.
"The Temple Guard Commander... It's a great position! Many warriors in the tribe dream of holding it!"
"Why are you suddenly asking about this?"
Seeing Ada's completely clueless expression, it seemed Hu Tu hadn't yet told him about the High Priest's intention for me to become the Temple Guard Commander.
I mused for a moment and still decided not to tell Ada the whole story.
It wasn't that I didn't trust Ada, but I hadn't made a decision about this matter yet. If I told Ada now, it might spread, and the situation would be out of my control.
Therefore, I just smiled slightly and didn't give a direct answer.
"I went out for a walk earlier and heard that Gui Du Si was the Temple Guard Commander before, so I was a bit curious."
Ada's doubts were dispelled, and he then proceeded to tell me about it volubly.
As he spoke, I gained a new understanding of the Temple Guard Commander's role.
The Temple Guard Commander was not only held by the bravest warriors of each generation of the Du'an tribe but also represented the recognition of the Shepherd God.
Besides guarding the temple from disturbances, their most important duty was to maintain every sacrifice, a task of great difficulty.
Of course, duty and power were relative. The reason the position of Temple Guard Commander was so coveted by the warriors of the Du'an tribe, besides being a symbol of bravery, was that those who became Temple Guard Commanders would receive blessings from the Shepherd God, possessing the explosive power that Gui Du Si had.
After hearing Ada's explanation, I secretly clicked my tongue. This wasn't a Temple Guard Commander position at all, it was a slot for a genetically modified person!
"I also had the opportunity to become the Temple Guard Commander before, but... sigh..."
As he spoke, Ada became somewhat melancholic, as if recalling the past.
I didn't know how to comfort Ada for a moment, so I changed the subject.
"By the way, Ada. Tomorrow morning, take me to where the tribe stores its animal hides."
"I finished talking with King Hu Tu today, and I've been feeling a bit down being cooped up these past few days. I want to look at some stories to clear my head."
Hearing me say this, Ada nodded and agreed.
"Alright. It's getting late. Batu, you should rest. I'll come find you in the morning."
After Ada left, I tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. After thinking for a long time, I secretly made a decision.
If I couldn't find a way to remove the black spider mark on my chest tomorrow, I would become the new Temple Guard Commander and venture into the High Priest's dragon's den!