Chapter 251 EnterTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2142 wordsUpdate time: 2025-02-12 23:59:06
Davis sat quietly beside the fountain, his eyes far away, as if out of tune with the hustle and bustle around him. The shadow of the church bell tower gradually lengthened in the afterglow, interweaving with the shadows of people on the cobblestone road to form a deep barrier, covering up his inner anxiety and doubts.
His eyes wandered between the church spire and the shadows, and his thoughts surged like flowing water. As night fell, the square began to be filled with low light and hazy silence, and this silence made him unconsciously relax his vigilance. But suddenly, a sound of footsteps broke the peace.
An elderly monk, wearing a brown robe, walked slowly towards him. His steps were steady, but he did not hide his alert eyes, as if he had noticed that this stranger was unusual.
"Sir, you have been sitting here for a long time. You seem to be worried about something?" The monk's voice was calm, but it was full of concern. "Have you encountered any difficulties?"
Davis slowly raised his eyes, his expression unchanged. He took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and stood up. The monk followed closely, but Davis's eyes quickly swept across the towering building of the church, as if looking for some subtle details. His voice was low and calm, but with a hint of thoughtfulness:
"It's not difficult, respected monk. It's just that as an architectural scholar, I am deeply attracted by the structure of your church." He paused, his eyes flickered, and added softly, "The design of the Storm Church is truly breathtaking, especially under the interweaving of different light and shadows, its outline is particularly unique. I have been thinking about how this building can show its solemn and mysterious temperament through different moments and light and shadow."
The monk was slightly stunned, as if he had not expected Davis to discuss architecture in such depth. His expression relaxed a little, with a hint of curiosity and appreciation in his eyes, and his tone became gentle:
"Are you a scholar? You have a very unique vision." He nodded slightly. "Indeed, the structure of the Storm Church will show different sacred appearances under different lights. Whether it is the first ray of sunlight at dawn or the last rays of light at dusk, it exudes a sacred and solemn atmosphere. Perhaps you will have the opportunity to visit the interior of the church in person and explore more details."
Davis smiled slightly and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that these words did not cause any anxiety, but instead brought more opportunities. He lowered his eyes slightly, with a hint of deep thought in his tone:
"The design of the interior of the church may reveal more about the history of the Church of Storms and its deeper meaning. I heard that this church has a long history. I wonder if I can have a chance to visit it?"
The monk pondered for a moment, and didn't seem to have much aversion. He nodded and smiled, his voice still gentle:
"We welcome anyone who cares about the church, especially those who are interested in architecture. However, some areas require advance reservations. Tomorrow morning, if you are interested, you may want to visit with me and we can discuss the history and design of this church together."
Davis was secretly delighted. He made a respectful gesture and spoke with a grateful tone:
"Thank you very much for your invitation, monk. I will be there on time tomorrow." He paused, his eyes flashing with a hint of deep meaning, "I'm afraid every inch of the Storm Church hides countless secrets worth exploring."
The monk smiled slightly, seemingly unaware of the hidden meaning in his words. As he turned and left, Davis still stood by the fountain, feeling a little uneasy.
As the night deepened, the noise in the square gradually faded away. The last believer walked into the church, and the church door slowly closed. Only silence and emptiness remained. The moonlight sprinkled on the stone road, and the water surface rose and fell gently in the breeze, as if whispering something.
Although Davis knew that it would be wiser to visit the church early tomorrow morning, he still did not leave. He quietly stared at the calm water beside the fountain. The bells in the bell tower rang, gradually approaching midnight.
At twelve o'clock, when the clock struck twelve, the water surface suddenly stopped, and the ripples stopped spreading, just like a mirror, quietly reflecting the surrounding scene. The church spire cast a shadow in the water, and the church reflected in the water seemed to be isolated from the real world, exuding an unreal atmosphere.
The air became more and more solemn, Davis' heartbeat slightly accelerated, and sweat broke out on his forehead. At that moment, he suddenly realized that the strange vision before his eyes was not accidental, but was related to the secret of the Percy family. He knew that all this might have exceeded his initial expectations.
"Now..." He whispered, almost swallowed by the silence around him.
His steps were brisk and decisive, and without any extra thought, he quickly stepped towards the pool and stepped into the water without hesitation. The water surface gently swayed, as if it had anticipated his arrival and welcomed him.
He sank into the water, and the cold water quickly surrounded him. The sense of oppression became stronger, but Davis still did not stop, with only one clear goal in mind - to enter the Percy family's underground secret space.
The surrounding darkness swallowed up all sounds and light, the underwater world became more and more blurry, and everything around him seemed to disappear in an instant. When he finally touched the hard stone surface, he suddenly jumped up, broke through the water, and stood heavily on the solid ground.
This was a completely different space, the ancient stone walls were shrouded in darkness, the air was filled with a stale and damp smell, and the walls were engraved with strange symbols and totems, as if some elusive power was watching him.
Davis looked around. Although he was in the unknown darkness, he felt an inexplicable sense of peace in his heart. He continued to walk forward, his footsteps echoing on the slippery stone ground. The echoes gradually dissipated in the dark space as he walked further and further away. The air was filled with the smell of mold and decay, as if every inch of the stone wall had been corroded by time and hid countless secrets. The surroundings were so quiet that it was almost suffocating. Only his own breathing and footsteps echoed in the darkness.
He looked around and noticed the complex symbols and totems on the wall. They were intricately intertwined and seemed to tell some ancient story. Each symbol exuded a mysterious atmosphere, and Davis couldn't help but stop and stare carefully. These symbols were not ordinary decorations, but seemed to have some profound meaning behind them, as if they were some kind of call, calling him to move forward.
He reached out and touched a totem on the wall. The cold stone wall made him shiver unconsciously. He took a deep breath and quickly sorted out his thoughts, although a sense of uneasiness rose in his heart.
As he continued walking, Davis's eyes inadvertently fell on the outline of a huge iron gate in front of him. The symbols on the iron gate were consistent with the totems on the wall, as if they led to some deeper forbidden area.
The iron door was heavy and old, and the door handle was covered with dust and cobwebs, as if no one had touched it for many years. Davis tentatively grasped the door handle and felt a faint coldness. He pushed hard, and the door made a low creaking sound and slowly opened.Chapter 252 Bronze FragmentsTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2107 wordsUpdate time: 2025-02-13 23:59:03
The door slowly opened, and the heavy creaking of the iron door echoed in the empty underground space. Davis looked through the crack in the door and stared at the dim scene. There was a dull atmosphere in the air, with a smell of decay.
The scene before him made him stop involuntarily and frowned slightly.
In the center of the room stood a huge stone platform, its surface covered with cracks, as if it had been baptized by countless years. On the platform were scattered some symbols and sacrificial items, and a few candles had burned out, leaving only a layer of burnt wax in the remaining candlesticks, as if telling a long-forgotten story.
There were also some broken talismans and ritual tools on the table, which looked like they had once been part of some sacred ceremony, but obviously, the ceremony was not completed.
The heavy atmosphere was like a thick haze, shrouding Davis, causing his heart to beat faster. His intuition told him that some powerful force had erupted here before, and in his spiritual perception, that force was still permeating the air, as if it had never really dissipated.
What alerted him most was that on one side of the stone platform, there was an ancient inscription carved on the surface. The language of the inscription was not complicated, but it had a strange charm, as if every word was whispering, attracting people to get closer. Davis frowned slightly, walked closer, and carefully observed the form of the inscription. Those words seemed familiar, as if they were some ancient texts he had seen before, but he couldn't remember what they were.
He shook his head gently, trying to dispel the confusion in his heart, and continued to look around the altar. Just as he set his eyes on the center of the altar, his sight was attracted by a bronze fragment. The surface of the fragment was rusty and irregular in shape, obviously a broken object. It lay there quietly, as if it was some lost relic that fell into this mysterious altar.
Davis felt an inexplicable throbbing in his heart, and this feeling made him take a deep breath. He slowly approached the altar, his eyes fixed on the bronze fragment. The faint luster seemed to flicker with some special energy under the dim candlelight. As he approached, the strange atmosphere in the air became stronger, as if some power was calling him.
He gently stretched out his fingers, and the moment he touched the bronze fragment, a cold chill quickly spread to his fingertips and struck his heart, as if he had touched a sleeping existence.
Suddenly, a low murmur came to his ears. The voice was gentle and seductive, as if calling him softly and making him immersed in it.
Davis frowned suddenly, and his alertness instantly increased. He quickly retracted his fingers and tried to suppress the strangeness in his heart, but the uneasiness in his heart became stronger. At this moment, he knew that this fragment was not an ordinary thing, and the whispering sound it brought made him even more alert.
He stood beside the altar, his eyes still focused on the fragment, his mind racing. The surface of the fragment was as smooth as a mirror, the only difference being the sharpness of its edge, as if it had once been part of a blade. In the dim candlelight, the light of the fragment reflected a gloomy image, which was chilling.
He took a deep breath and decided to take another step. He carefully picked up the fragment and felt its heaviness and coldness. The chill seemed to spread from his palm to his whole body, penetrating every inch of his skin. The moment he held the fragment tightly, the whisper became clearer. The voice was no longer a vague murmur, but a rhythmic chant, like a spell in an ancient language.
He tried to concentrate and looked around quickly to make sure there were no unusual changes around him. However, he felt an inexplicable sense of oppression in his body, as if some kind of power was penetrating into the depths of his consciousness through the fragment. He couldn't help but frown, realizing that he was in a situation that he couldn't control.
He couldn't help but whisper to himself: "It should be just an illusion, right?" But even so, his palm still unconsciously grasped the fragment tightly, as if it was waiting for something.
He turned the fragment and tried to observe its surface more carefully. As he expected, one side of the fragment was unusually smooth, while the other side had a tiny scratch, as if it was part of a symbol. The erosion of time made the scratch almost blurred, but Davis' heartbeat suddenly accelerated. Those symbols seemed to be telling some secret.
He gently brushed away the dust on the fragment, trying to uncover a deeper mystery. However, the moment he touched the notch, a sharp pain came from his fingertips, as if something sharp had pierced his skin. A drop of blood slowly seeped out from his fingertips, flowed down the edge of the fragment, and gradually merged into the notch.
Davis was startled and took a step back, looking down at his wound to make sure it was not deep. The stinging pain continued.
It seemed as if I saw these inscriptions light up.
He frowned and muttered to himself.
"Could it be tetanus? There is no vaccine for this in this world." Then he spoke softly as if to change the subject.
He carefully put the fragment into his pocket and looked around again. This underground room still had no exit, only the heavy iron door he had entered through. The walls were made of rough black stone bricks, with some vague ancient symbols engraved on the walls, as if silently telling a forgotten story.
Davis walked slowly around the altar, full of questions. He instinctively knew that this was once a very secret ritual site, and this bronze fragment was obviously part of the ritual. But what was the ritual? Why was it not completed? Did the Percy family disappear as well?
"Maybe I'm just too sensitive." He whispered to himself, his hand unconsciously pressing the bronze fragment in his pocket. The cold touch was still clearly felt, as if it was waiting for some opportunity.
He squatted down again and knocked on the floor tiles, trying to find any possible secret door or mechanism. However, the stone bricks were as solid as if they were eternal and there was no sign of loosening. This did not seem like an entrance to a deeper place, but more like a closed space, perhaps the site of some unfinished ritual.
Davis stood up and dusted himself off, feeling heavy in his heart. He looked back at the ancient altar again. The strange symbols, the unfinished rituals, and the bronze fragment all told him that there was a huge secret hidden here. Perhaps the secret of the entire Percy family was buried in this underground room.
He took a deep breath and turned to the iron door. "It seems there are no more clues here." He said, preparing to leave. Just as he took a step, he suddenly stopped and turned to look at the end of the stairs. The stairs leading to the upper floor were blocked by ruins and collapsed rubble.
He frowned, and a new question emerged in his mind: "How should I go back?"Chapter 253 BadgeTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2185 wordsUpdate time: 2025-02-16 23:58:05
Davis stood in front of the ruins, his eyes fixed on the staircase buried by rubble. On the surface, everything was normal, and the atmosphere around him was calm, as if nothing was unusual. However, his keen intuition told him that this place was hiding something unknown.
He slowly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to mobilize the spirituality in his body. Gradually, his consciousness expanded, passing through the dim basement and deep into the space sealed by heavy bricks. The spirituality spread like a thread, gently touching the abnormal corner.
It was a faint fluctuation, like some hidden energy, quietly stirring in the dark, waiting for an opportunity.
He couldn't help but want to explore deeper, trying to break through this hidden barrier, but the surroundings were still dead silent, and the stairs seemed to be firmly blocked by indestructible rubble.
At this moment, his eyes fell on the bronze fragment in his pocket. The fragment was cold and hard, as if it carried some ancient secret, which made him take it out involuntarily.
The bronze fragment still felt cold to the touch, with a silent power. He lifted the fragment and moved slightly closer to the pile of rubble. In an instant, the air seemed to have undergone a subtle change, and a strange wave came from the fragment. Although the wave was not strong, it carried an indescribable attraction, as if calling him and awakening the resonance deep in his heart.
In an instant, the air around him stagnated and the space was distorted. The scene in front of him quickly became blurred, as if being sucked in by an invisible force. Davis had no time to react and was pulled into the center of the wave.
boom--
A dull vibration hit Davis, and he felt dizzy and confused. When he regained consciousness, he was standing by the fountain of the Storm Church. Everything around him seemed normal: the gas lamp was on, and the water surface was still rippling, as if nothing had happened.
He quickly left the scene and found a small shop to wash off the moisture on his body and sort out his thoughts.
The warm water in the bathroom gradually relaxed him, but the unsolved confusion in his heart still lingered. The water surface rippled slightly, reflecting the bronze fragment in his hand. The cold touch of the fragment was like a long-hidden relic, with a silence that had never been seen before.
He stared at the fragment again, remembering the experience in the basement, that mysterious space, that distorted feeling - everything made him realize that there was an unspeakable secret hidden behind this fragment.
"As long as someone can come back, it will definitely appear." He murmured to himself, and a strong premonition vaguely emerged in his heart. Whenever he touched this fragment, it seemed to always trigger unknown changes, carrying some kind of ancient power.
He thought of the stories Lily had told him and the mysterious history of the Percy family. Every lost memory and every sealed legacy seemed to lead him to a deeper mystery.
Davis gently put away the fragments and decided to continue searching for answers.
He no longer hesitated, walked out of the bathroom, and quickly put on his clothes. The night outside was getting darker, and the fountain of the Storm Church flickered slightly, reflecting his firm steps. Each step was more urgent, as if everything was urging him to uncover the mystery as soon as possible.
It was late at night in the library of Tingen College, and the library was still closed. But Davis was well prepared, and with the help of door-opening gloves, he entered the treasure house of the city's history.
Two hours later, he returned the information he had read to its place and headed to the Percy family's southern territory - the long-abandoned mansion. According to his limited information, the family's former glory had long since disappeared, and the mansion's decline had made it almost forgotten. However, Davis knew that this place would be the key to solving the mystery.
The mansion is located on the edge of the city, and its dilapidated facade exudes a mysterious atmosphere. Davis pushed open the door and walked into the courtyard. It was silent all around, but his intuition told him that something had happened here that he had not yet known.
He looked around, his eyes fixed on the garden next to him. Although it was covered with weeds, its former elegance was still vaguely visible. Several bronze statues stood by the wall. Although the surface was covered with rust, they still maintained a majestic aura.
He approached a statue and noticed the groove on the base. He gently brushed away the dust, revealing a faint inscription. Davis' heartbeat slightly accelerated. The text was somewhat similar to the symbols he had seen in the underground secret room before. Although the handwriting was not much, he felt an unusual connection - it seemed to be closely connected to the Percy family rituals and the truth behind the bronze fragments.
Just as he was about to investigate further, a low metallic collision sound suddenly came from afar, as if some ancient mechanism was activated. This sound instantly raised Davis's alertness, and he stopped. The silence around him once again made him feel an uneasy sense of oppression.
Davis frowned slightly and turned around. The sound became clearer. It seemed to come from the other end of the mansion, a low metallic collision sound echoing in the silence.
He took a deep breath, and his alertness became stronger. At this moment, his intuition told him that this place was not completely abandoned, and something, some hidden secret, was quietly being revealed.
Davis quickened his pace, his thoughts spinning rapidly. The Percy family, Lily - he gradually realized that he had been involved in a complicated vortex. Bronze fragments, ancient rituals, abandoned families - all of this seemed to point in the same direction. And Lily, the girl who had a close connection with the Percy family, was obviously the key.
He rounded the corner, and the sound became clearer. The low metallic collision sound came from an iron door inside the mansion. Davis approached the door and listened carefully. The chill in the air made him more alert. The door was half-open, letting in a dim light. There was an old, oppressive atmosphere around, like a secret accumulated over the years, quietly waiting to be rediscovered.
He pushed open the door and entered a dark room. The layout of the room surprised him for a moment. He thought the house had been abandoned for a long time, but the scene before him was unexpected. A few worn-out chairs were placed randomly, the light of the gas lamp was swaying, and a few mottled paintings were hung on the wall, as if time had frozen here, stagnating decades ago.
The most striking feature, however, is the huge ceremonial platform in the center of the room.
There were all kinds of tools scattered on the ritual table, like the relics of an unfinished sacrifice. In the center, the ancient symbol deeply engraved into the table seemed to be very similar to the inscription he had seen in the basement, with some kind of disturbing power, as if whispering some ancient prophecy.
Davis slowly approached the ritual platform, his heartbeat accelerating involuntarily. The tense feeling almost made him unable to breathe, and he felt that he had finally found a connection point, some forgotten secret.
Suddenly, his eyes swept across a corner of the table - a bronze badge lay there quietly, with the same symbols engraved on the badge as he had seen before. It seemed to be the core of this ritual relic and closely connected to everything he had experienced.Chapter 254 MissionTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2226 wordsUpdate time: 2025-02-16 23:59:05
After a long silence, Davis finally made up his mind. He wanted to enter the spirit world again. That ghost must know more about the bronze fragments and Lily's secrets. Since it had given him the notebook, it must have some needs waiting for him to fulfill.
He came to the spirit world again. The door of the bell tower was still half open, and the darkness behind the door seemed to be silently calling him. Davis no longer hesitated, because he knew that the ghost inside was waiting for him.
The bell tower was still silent, and the air was filled with an old chill, as if every gear had stopped turning and time had lost its meaning here. Davis's footsteps echoed on the empty walls with a hint of repressive echoes. In the darkness, an invisible force lingered, surrounding him.
He stopped and stood in the center of the bell tower, his eyes sweeping over the ancient buildings. Every brick and stone seemed to bear the weight of time. Suddenly, the familiar chill came again, and the ghost appeared in front of him silently as expected.
"You are finally here." The ghost's voice was low and ethereal, as if it came from all directions, with an indescribable echo. "I knew you would come here, ready to complete that task."
Davis frowned slightly. Although he had seen the existence of this ghost before, he still couldn't fully understand its purpose. "The notes you gave me told me a lot, but it didn't tell me the most important thing. What is the secret of the bronze fragment? Why is Lily involved in all this?"
The ghost gradually emerged, a vague outline flashing in the dimness, as if a thin mist shrouded it. "The bronze fragment, the one you touched during the Percy family ceremony, is indeed the key. It is not just a relic, but a key to another world. You have already felt its power, it can open those sealed paths."
"Open what path?" Davis got to the heart of the topic. "I know what you want me to accomplish, but I need a clearer answer."
The ghost laughed deeply, his voice carrying a hint of inexplicable sadness. "You have been searching for the secrets of the Percy family, searching for the truth behind this history. Lily, the Percy family, the bronze fragments, everything, is prepared for a greater goal. This goal is far more complicated than you can imagine. It is about fate and time itself."
"Fate, time..." Davis frowned. He felt like he was standing at the center of a mystery, but every time he tried to get closer to the truth, he seemed to be one step further away. "Lily..."
The ghost's voice became deeper, with deep sadness. "Lily was chosen, and her bloodline is closely related to this secret. She is not just a victim, she is part of this game. She carries the power connected to the bronze fragment. Her past with the Percy family is the key to this 'ambition'."
"Ambition?" Davis' heartbeat quickened. "You mean, all this is not accidental? The demise of the Percy family, Lily's fate, the bronze fragments, are there some kind of predetermined connection between them?"
"Yes." The ghost replied slowly, "This is all destined. The bronze fragment in your hand is the beginning of the tragedy."
Davis' mind was like being hit by a heavy hammer. Incomprehensible symbols and strange power emerged in his mind. He felt that there was no turning back. Only by moving forward could he find the answer.
"What do you want me to do?" he finally asked in a low voice, his tone hinting at urgency.
"Shutting down this ritual is your only hope of saving Lily." The ghost's voice became deeper and echoed in the empty bell tower.
Davis fell silent. Every word was like an invisible chain that trapped him. He tightly grasped the bronze fragment in his hand. The cold touch was like a blade, cutting through his skin and the doubts in his heart. The power in the bronze fragment had merged with him, as if it was a fate that could not be escaped.
"I don't believe in fate." He whispered to himself, looking firmly at the vague figure of the ghost. "I want to uncover the truth of all this."
He turned around, walked out of the bell tower, and returned to the real world. The chill still lingered, and he took out the bronze fragment from his pocket and felt its cold touch. The surface of the fragment was still smooth, and the symbols on the edge were still unclear, as if hinting at some unavoidable truth, or reminding him of a fate that was about to be revealed.
"No matter what, I won't give up." He swore in a low voice, his eyes firmly looking through the distant darkness.
He returned to the nameless island again. Fragments of bronze fragments, symbols, and rituals echoed in his mind, and a sense of urgency surged. Every speculation seemed to be a countdown, and time was forcing him to make a choice.
Entering the simple hut on the island, he unfolded the map on the table and swept his fingers over the old site of the Percy family mansion and all the clues he had just collected. The fragments that were once scattered in his mind gradually pieced together into a clear image: the ritual platform, the bronze badge, and even the mysterious inscription, were silently calling him and guiding him to go deeper.
The only thing that can stop this seems to be the bronze fragment in his hand - it is not only the key to the ceremony, but also the clue to cracking this ancient conspiracy. Its connection with Lily, the Percy family, and even the unknown ancient power gradually reveals a complex picture.
Davis knew that the power of the bronze fragment was far beyond his imagination. Not only could it corrode the mind, it was more likely to cause supernatural phenomena, causing Lily to lose herself or even be completely controlled. But this was not the most difficult problem. If he wanted to completely cut off the negative impact of the fragment on Lily, he had to find a way to ensure that its source could never touch her soul.
After careful consideration, an ancient and secret spiritual technique suddenly flashed in his mind. This secret technique, which combines taboos and high-level sequences, is called "Heart Domain Chain". It is not to destroy the bronze fragments, but to transfer the influence of the fragments to himself through a mental chain, so as to prevent Lily from being harmed.
However, this secret technique is extremely complex and dangerous. Success depends entirely on the caster's control and the precise coordination of the runes. If there is a slight mistake, the caster's spirit may be torn apart, and it may even backfire on the object of the spell, causing unbearable pain. Davis knows that this is a road of no return.
He opened the books he had read before and began to look for clues in the runes, deciphering the ancient ritual marks and totems. With his understanding of the power of the bronze fragments, he began to reshape this secret technique, trying to perfectly combine his insight into the mind with his understanding of magic. The arrangement of each rune, each spell, and each line determined the success or failure of the entire process.
Davis stayed awake all night in the dimly lit studio. Ancient books were scattered all over the floor, and the ink pen was sketching complex symbols to construct a huge magic circle. Whenever he closed his eyes, the faint flickering light in the runes seemed to respond to the call of his heart.
He completed the secret technique. He carefully felt the runes, checking them one by one to make sure there were no omissions.Chapter 255 SymbolsTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2203 wordsUpdate time: 2025-02-17 23:59:02
After everything was ready, Davis was not in a hurry to act. For Lily, the later the ceremony was performed, the better, but she didn't know when the latest would be. Of course, he was ready.
So, he returned to Tingen and went to the church of the Storm Church according to the agreement with the old monk, perhaps he could uncover more mysteries.
The door of the church slowly opened, and Davis stepped in. The air was filled with dust and the smell of time. The huge space made people feel oppressive, and the vaulted ceiling was so high that it seemed to merge with the sky. The walls were inlaid with ancient murals and complex symbols, each of which revealed a mysterious power.
Like the faith of the Church of the Goddess of Night, the gods of the Church of Storms have no specific images, and all faith is conveyed through symbols. These symbols are not only symbols of religion, but more like puzzles that transcend time and space.
Davis stood in the center of the church, his eyes unconsciously drawn to a huge symbol. It looked simple, but contained a complex geometric structure, as if calling for something, or warning something. The invisible sense of oppression made him stop and observe carefully.
"Are these symbols the symbols of the Lord of Storms?" He guessed silently in his heart, always feeling that there might be a deeper secret hidden behind this.
He turned to the old monk who was praying. The monk's figure seemed particularly lonely in this empty church, blending into the temple. Davis approached and asked softly: "In my memory, the gods don't have a specific image."
The old monk turned around slowly, his eyes deep in thought. "The existence of the Lord of Storms is great precisely because it is invisible. What we believe in is not a specific idol, but the power of the storm - that kind of elusive and uncontrollable primitive power. The idol is just a personal interpretation of the gods, and the Lord of Storms represents the ever-changing power of nature."
He paused for a moment, as if considering how to explain in more depth, and finally spoke slowly: "The will of the Lord of Storms does not manifest itself in images. He is the embodiment of storms, lightning, and destruction. He cannot be frozen or embodied. Believers express their awe of these powers through symbols, not through concrete faces."
Davis' mind moved, "So, these symbols..." Davis pointed to the huge symbol in the center of the church, "What do they mean?"
"These symbols are closely related to the power of the Storm Lord. He is not just a simple existence, but is integrated into every inch of air in this land through symbols, relics, and blood."
Davis frowned and continued to ask, "How exactly is the symbol connected to the power of the Storm Lord?"
"Symbols are not just patterns." The old monk's voice was low and mysterious. "They are projections of the power of the Storm Lord, representing destruction, rebirth, and change. Each symbol carries a specific energy, and the arrangement and combination of symbols are like keys that can activate this power."
Davis pondered for a moment and asked, "Are the powers of these symbols activated through rituals, or do they have some kind of normal effect in themselves?"
The old monk's eyes became solemn. "These symbols are channels that can guide the power of the Lord of Storms into the world. But they will not appear automatically unless there is enough faith or a specific opportunity. Just like the symbols of other gods, the symbols of the Lord of Storms are not limited by the strength of faith. They always exist."
Davis lowered his head silently, and a thought gradually emerged in his mind: "If I can decipher these symbols, can I get in touch with the source of this power?"
The old monk smiled slightly. "Behind each symbol is a profound history and heritage. They were once the source of great power or the mark of an ancient existence. For the Lord of Storms, symbols not only convey divine power, but also leave deep marks on the land. Interpreting these symbols is not only an understanding of God, but also a code to unlock history."
"So, how do these symbols relate to the Church of the Storm?" Davis asked.
"The Church of Storms is the core of the Storm Lord's faith." The old monk's tone became more steady. "Every church and every relic of the church is closely connected to the power of the Storm Lord. The church communicates and maintains this power through symbols, rituals, and sacrifices."
As the old monk told the story, Davis's understanding of the Storm Church became deeper and deeper. The history of the church, the power of symbols, and those mysterious relics also made him realize that there are countless secrets hidden in the world of ordinary people.
When the old monk finished his explanation, Davis bowed politely to the monk and said gratefully: "Thank you for your guidance. This knowledge is of great help to me."
"This is just a trivial matter." The old monk smiled, with wisdom shining in his eyes. "If you really want to solve the mystery, remember that the power of the Lord of Storms is far beyond your imagination. Symbols are just the beginning. The ultimate challenge will be how you face the unpredictable fear."
Davis nodded, and after leaving the Storm Church, he did not rush back, but went to the Steam Church. He had an unanswered question in his mind and was eager to get an answer.
In the hall of the Steam Church, Davis once again looked at the symbols representing steam. His eyes wandered on the outlines of the symbols, but his mind was not completely occupied by them. Instead, a vague thought arose in his mind, as if reminding him that there might be some connection between these symbols and the bronze fragments in his hand. He suddenly realized that he might have found some key information.
Not long after, Davis returned to the island. The air was filled with a damp smell, and the sea breeze gently caressed his face. He took the bronze fragment out of his pocket. The fragment was cold in his hand, and the broken edges were still clearly visible. Davis's eyes stayed on the broken lines, and almost instantly, an inexplicable sense of familiarity came over him. Although the bronze fragment was incomplete, several of the broken lines were surprisingly similar to the multiple divine symbols he had seen before.
Especially those patterns, they had some kind of overlap with the symbols he had seen in the Church of Storms, the Church of Steam, and the Church of the Goddess of Night that could not be ignored. That strange sense of connection made his heart tense, as if some kind of power was pulling him in the dark, making him unable to ignore it all.
This discovery made Davis' heartbeat speed up a little, and his breathing became a little rapid. His thoughts surged wildly in a short moment. The power of the gods? Could those symbols really represent some mysterious system beyond imagination?
He couldn't help but start to recall the symbols he had seen before, each of which seemed to be silently telling some hidden secret.
His eyes were blurry, but his mind was becoming clearer and clearer. The similarities between the symbols were obviously not coincidental. The connection between them had long surpassed the scope of religious beliefs. Behind each symbol, there seemed to be a huge system hidden, an intertwined network of mysticism.
And when he thought of the Percy family's ambitions, a chill ran down his spine.
He realized that the Percy family was not just pursuing power, their real goal might be closely related to the power of these gods.Chapter 256 HomecomingTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2024 wordsUpdate time: 2025-02-18 23:59:04
"This is the real reason why the Percy family disappeared."
Davis felt a chill in his heart. Those symbols, those mysterious relics that had been sealed and destroyed... The Percy family actually tried to seize power beyond mortals.
Fortunately, he only had to prevent the ritual from being completed.
He buried his worries deep in his heart and started his journey home to Tingen.
As night fell, street lamps cast mottled shadows on the wet cobblestone road, and the air was filled with the smell of soil and sea breeze. The familiar streets stretched out under his feet, his steps were brisk, but his heart was heavy. The secret of the bronze fragment was like an invisible thread, pulling at his inner anxiety.
Until the light of Professor Hartman's house came into view, the warm color was like a beacon on the night sea, which made him feel at ease. He took a deep breath and raised his hand to knock on the wooden door.
"Davis? You're back!"
The door creaked open, and Mrs. Emma stood at the door with a smile of surprise and concern on her face. She was wearing a light blue apron and seemed to have just come out of the kitchen. The air still had a faint aroma of butter and baking. Her golden brown hair glowed warmly under the light.
"Yes, ma'am." Davis smiled slightly, his tone full of fatigue, "Things have come to an end for now, so I'm back first."
"Great! The professor was worried that you would stay away for a few more days." Lady Emma stepped aside to make way for the door and said with a smile, "Come in, dinner is just ready. We have also left your favorite smoked fish and pumpkin soup."
The warm light seemed to pull him back to reality from the cold symbols and unsolved mysteries. Davis took off his coat and put it on the hanger in the entrance hall, and his steps could not help but lighten up.
In the restaurant, the wooden floor creaks slightly underfoot, and the flames in the fireplace dance, reflecting the warmth and tranquility of the old-fashioned clocks on the wall and the ancient books on the bookshelf. On the dining table, the steaming pumpkin soup and the fragrant smoked fish make people relax.
"You don't look well. Did something happen outside?" Mrs. Emma handed him the bowl with a look of worry in her eyes.
Davis paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "It's just some trivial matters, don't worry about it."
Mrs. Emma glanced at him, as if she wanted to say something, but finally just nodded and turned to serve the soup. A moment later, a bowl of steaming pumpkin soup was gently placed in front of him. The golden soup surface exuded a slightly sweet aroma, and the spoon made a crisp tinkling sound when it touched the porcelain bowl.
"Drink it while it's hot to warm your stomach." She smiled, but her eyes were still on his face, and her worry had not dissipated.
Davis thanked him softly, picked up the bowl, and blew on the soup. The hot steam seemed to soothe his tense nerves. The moment the soup entered his mouth, the sweetness and smoothness intertwined, making people relax unconsciously.
Madam Emma looked at him quietly, and suddenly whispered, "You looked very similar to the detective last time when you came back."
"Detective?" Davis frowned slightly and looked up.
"Last winter, there was a detective who was in charge of investigating the disappearances in the church. When he came back, he had the same expression..." Lady Emma lowered her eyes slightly, as if recalling something, "as if she had seen something that she could not understand, but could not forget."
Davis's hand holding the spoon tightened unconsciously, but his smile remained calm: "Perhaps, investigations always expose people to some uneasy things."
Lady Emma did not ask any more questions, but stood up and walked to the fireplace, poking the burning wood with a fire hook, making the room warmer.
Davis lowered his eyes in the firelight, tapping the edge of the bowl with his fingertips. What did the detective see?
At this moment, Lady Emma turned around and said lightly but with a hint of deep meaning: "The detective once said - 'There are some secrets that humans should not touch.'"
Davis' heart trembled, the spoon paused slightly, and tiny ripples appeared on the soup surface.
Outside the window, the night wind blew, and the shadows of the branches were reflected on the window glass, casting a mottled and swaying shadow, as if some invisible eyes were silently watching this room.
"Davis." Madam Emma sighed softly, her voice gentle and calm, "The unknown secret is not worth our efforts."
She paused for a moment, her eyes fell on his trembling fingertips, and her tone became softer: "You are a smart child, but you are also a child who likes to get to the bottom of things."
Davis put down the spoon and rubbed his fingertips along the edge of the bowl. The warmth passed through the porcelain to his palm, but it couldn't melt the coldness in his heart. He looked up at Madam Emma, and a slight smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, hiding the complexity in his eyes: "I'm just... used to asking questions."
"This habit makes you an excellent scholar." Lady Emma smiled softly, then her expression became serious. "But sometimes, when you go too far, you can never turn back."
The flames in the fireplace crackled, and the light and shadows cast distorted silhouettes on the walls, as if the secrets of the night were whispered in the firelight.
Davis was silent for a while, his hand unconsciously reaching for his chest pocket. Under the fabric of his shirt, the bronze fragment felt cold to the touch, reminding him of the unsolved mystery.
"Some questions will never have answers unless you ask them." He spoke in a low voice, as if he was convincing himself, or as if he was responding to Lady Emma.
Lady Emma looked at him and sighed softly: "You are exactly like Julius when he was young."
"Did the professor also like to get to the bottom of things when he was young?" Davis raised his eyebrows.
"Yes." Lady Emma chuckled. "When he studied those ancient buildings, he always wanted to find out the stories behind every brick and stone. But later, he realized that some secrets were buried not by accident, but out of necessity."
Davis' heart trembled slightly, and his eyes looked out the window unconsciously.
The night was dark, the wind blew the treetops, and the dark shadows swayed. The familiar bronze patterns seemed to appear before our eyes, interweaving with the symbols of the three major churches to form some unspeakable shape.
Is burial really for safety? Or is it to hide a deeper fear?
He retracted his gaze, took a deep breath, and smiled: "I will be careful, ma'am."
Lady Emma stared at him quietly for a long time, and finally nodded gently. Her eyes were full of deep thought, as if she could see through his inner confusion.
She knew that this child was just like Julius when he was young, stubborn and persistent, often trapping himself in unsolvable mysteries. She couldn't help but sigh, and an indescribable emotion surged in her heart.
"Perhaps, only one day will he understand." She thought to herself, watching Davis's figure walking away, as if she saw the tortuous road he was about to embark on.
She sighed softly, her eyes dimmed a little, and whispered: "I hope that when that day comes, he won't regret it."Chapter 257 RiotTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2157 wordsUpdate time: 2025-02-23 23:59:04
A few days later, Davis was sitting in his study, discussing the future trends of architectural design with Professor Hartman. Professor Hartman listened quietly, stopping his pen from time to time and looking out the window thoughtfully, as if thinking about a complex problem. Suddenly, he put down his pen and said in a gentle but stern tone:
"Davis," he sighed softly, looking at the design in front of him, "your design is too biased towards technological development. Although in the long run, ideas like yours will become mainstream, but at this stage, it is not the most perfect choice." He paused, as if weighing his words, "Architecture is not just a pile of steel and machinery, it carries culture and is the soul of an era. You can't just focus on technological innovation and ignore its profound integration with human life and historical culture."
Davis frowned slightly, with a hint of uneasiness in his eyes. He was unwilling to give up easily: "Professor, technology is the driving force behind all progress. If we don't pursue more efficient technology, how can we meet the challenges of the future?"
Professor Hartman's eyes fixed, and his tone became low but full of power: "Science and technology are undoubtedly the driving force for development, but it cannot be separated from the foundation. Architecture is not just cold steel and concrete, it is also a carrier of culture, a witness to history, and an expression of the human spirit." He paused for a moment, his expression becoming more determined, "Look at those exquisite lines and advanced technology, but you must also see the history, beliefs and emotions hidden behind them. Simply relying on technology will not go far. You need to draw strength from the depths of culture, so that architecture is not just a pile of functions, but also a resonance of the soul."
The professor's last words hit Davis' heart like a heavy hammer. He was stunned for a moment, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, and he was silent for a moment, as if digesting these words. He nodded gently, and a helpless smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "But, professor, will such a building make us stop moving forward? If we rely too much on the culture of the past, how can we achieve innovation and progress?"
At this moment, Davis's hand unconsciously touched the bronze fragment in his pocket, and the subtle fluctuation made him feel a strong sense of uneasiness in an instant. His heartbeat accelerated slightly, and he tried to keep himself calm, but the anxiety had spread.
"Professor Hartman, I need to think about this," Davis said softly, his tone steady but with a hint of urgency, "Maybe I should go for a walk and sort out my thoughts. We can continue this topic later."
Professor Hartman nodded slightly, with a hint of understanding in his eyes. He said softly, "Davis, this is just my advice. Remember, architecture is not only about technology or culture, it is more about your own journey. You need to find your own way."
Davis nodded slightly, his eyes lowered, as if he was thinking deeply about the professor's words. He didn't say anything else, just turned around silently and walked out of the room.
However, his pace became faster and faster, and the anxiety in his eyes became more and more serious. Walking to a remote corner, Davis quickly performed a secret technique, and his body gradually disappeared into the air. A moment later, he instantly arrived at the orphanage.
Coming out of the passage to the sea of spirits, Davis immediately felt an unusual atmosphere. The air was filled with an ominous atmosphere, which made people feel nervous. As he went deeper into the orphanage, his eyes quickly swept across the wall, and he suddenly found that Lily's paintings began to emit an ominous fluctuation, as if hiding some kind of terrifying power.
Davis' heart sank, and he quickened his pace, searching the entire orphanage, but Lily was nowhere to be found. At this moment, his intuition told him that Lily was very likely to have entered the spirit world.
His heart was filled with alarm bells, and he hurried to the bell tower. Standing in front of the bell tower, the air was filled with a rotten smell, and the surroundings seemed to be corroded by some dark force. Vines were madly clinging to the wall, devouring the originally white bricks and stones. The front of the door was filled with black liquid, as if some uncontrollable evil force was quietly infiltrating.
The door that was once tightly closed was now completely open, and the darkness behind the door was like a bottomless abyss. Davis rushed in quickly without hesitation. His footsteps were heavy, and every step seemed to be stepping on the corrupted air. The liquid under his feet slightly fluctuated with his footsteps, making a creepy low hum.
He held his breath, his heartbeat quickening. The darkness around him gradually swallowed his vision, and the only guide was the sound of the vines growing wildly. No matter what, he had to find Lily quickly.
Finally, he rushed into the library. It was pitch black all around, and the air seemed to be oppressed by the darkness, making it difficult to breathe. The bookshelves on the wall reflected a dim light, exuding a dead atmosphere, as if these books had become a prison for the soul.
And right in the center of the library, stood a familiar figure—Lily.
Davis' heart tightened and his pace quickened. However, as he approached, he suddenly felt a strong sense of strangeness, as if he had traveled through a twisted dream. His intuition told him that this was not simple, and the Lily in front of him was not herself.
"You're here, Greylint." Lily turned her head slowly, her voice calm, but without the familiar warmth. Her eyes were empty and cold, as if some power that did not belong to her was controlling her body.
Davis' heart sank suddenly. He could no longer suppress his fear and anxiety. His body trembled slightly: "Lily..."
The emptiness in her eyes was like a bottomless black hole, swallowing his soul deeply. At that moment, Davis felt a force from the spiritual world tightly binding him, and an unprecedented fear rose in his heart.
Fortunately, however, he was well prepared.
Davis took a deep breath, his mind quickly gathered, and a calm and steady aura emerged from his body. That was the secret technique of "Heart Domain Chain". After several attempts, he had already mastered it to perfection. This secret technique could closely connect him with others spiritually, just like binding two souls tightly together. Although the indifference in Lily's eyes made him feel cold at this time, he did not retreat at all.
He activated his secret technique, and his mental power spread rapidly like a chain, instantly forming an invisible connection in the air. He could feel the violent fluctuations coming from Lily, and that strange power was like an endless tide, surging over him layer by layer, trying to devour everything he had.
"Lily, wake up." Davis' voice was low and firm, with a fearless determination. His will was like the current flowing from the invisible chain, passing through the depths of Lily's heart, trying to call her back to consciousness.
There was a slight fluctuation in Lily's eyes, but she still did not respond. Her body trembled slightly, as if she was fighting against some irresistible force. Her lips moved slightly, revealing a hint of sneer, and her voice was low and distorted: "Do you think you can break all this?"Chapter 258 EndTitle of the Book:Secret: The Story Hidden Under DestinyAuthor: Little Fish Listening to the RainChapter word count: 2121 wordsUpdate time: 2025-02-25 00:02:50
The voice gradually became blurred, as if it no longer belonged to Lily, but was swallowed by some unfathomable power. Davis' heart sank, and the fluctuations of the heart chain became stronger and stronger, as if the bridge connecting the soul was shaking violently and could collapse at any time.
"Lily, wake up!" Davis roared suddenly, his voice filled with unprecedented urgency and determination, as if he had poured all his strength into it.
This shout cut through the darkness like thunder, penetrating the illusion and distortion before her eyes. Lily's figure froze slightly, as if she was shocked by the voice, and fell into confusion for a short time. The emptiness in her eyes seemed to change in an instant.
"Mr. Davis?" Lily asked in a low voice, with uncertainty and confusion in her voice, "Why are you here at the orphanage? What... is this place?"
Davis' heartbeat almost stopped when he felt Lily's reaction. The strange consciousness in the darkness around him hit his mind like a tide. His face turned pale and beads of sweat oozed from his forehead. Although his inner determination remained firm, the temptation that came over him made him feel an indescribable threat. He held Lily's hand tightly and whispered, "We have to leave here."
As soon as they set foot on the orphanage, an ominous wave filled the air. The world around them seemed to become heavy, and the surging power in Lily's paintings brought an irresistible sense of oppression, as if the endless darkness opened its mouth and swallowed everything. Davis's intuition told him that this power was not ordinary evil, but some kind of ancient and unspeakable existence.
Without any hesitation, he immediately knew what to do next. He quickly took out the bronze fragment from his arms, took Lily's hand, sensed the subtle fluctuations from the fragment, and headed for the Percy family's secret room.
Inside the secret room, the air was extremely dull, the walls were covered with thick dust, and ancient runes were looming in the shadows, as if carrying endless secrets and history. The surrounding space was shrouded in a strange power, as if time had stopped here, and all objects exuded an ancient and mysterious atmosphere.
Davis whispered to Lily, "Don't be afraid, I will protect you." His voice was firm, but he knew in his heart that this was only temporary. He had to find the source quickly to prevent this force from spreading.
As they went deeper, the atmosphere in the chamber became more oppressive, the temperature dropped suddenly, and the air seemed to be gradually solidifying. The tempting dark power gradually intensified, like countless hands trying to pull their souls in secret, tempting them to fall into deeper darkness.
"Lily," Davis said nervously, "you are the heir to an ancient family. You must close this ritual that should not be opened."
Lily followed closely behind. Although her face was still pale, the struggle and anxiety in her eyes had begun to fade, replaced by a faint tenacity. Her steps gradually became firmer, as if she was no longer just passively enduring, but actively welcoming the upcoming challenge.
The darkness seemed to grow thicker as they walked deeper, and a stifling chill filled the air. As they approached the core of the ritual, a low humming sound echoed deep within the chamber, as if some great power was quietly awakening.
"We're almost there," Davis whispered, his eyes flickering with alertness, "Once you enter that area, you just have to have faith and shut down the ritual."
Suddenly, a blinding light burst out from the center of the ceremony, as if a sleeping star had suddenly awakened, and the aura of darkness suddenly expanded violently. The secret room began to vibrate, and the entire space seemed to be responding to some ancient call.
Davis pulled Lily towards the center of the ceremony and placed the bronze fragment in the center. As the fragment was placed, the runes around it lit up instantly, the energy in the air fluctuated violently, and the black liquid began to wriggle, as if approaching them.
"Lily, this can only end by you. You are the key to the ritual, and only you can close it." Davis stared at her with determination in his eyes.
Lily's hands trembled slightly, her eyes fixed on the bronze fragment, her heart filled with anxiety and fear. However, with Davis' encouragement, she took a deep breath and walked towards the center of the ceremony. Her hands slowly stretched out to the bronze fragment, as if she was fighting a life-and-death battle with an invisible dark force.
The moment her hand touched the fragment, a strong energy wave suddenly erupted. Lily's body was shaken back and she almost lost the strength to stand. Her hands struggled to pull away the fragment, but the dark power was like a huge shackle, firmly imprisoning her.
"Lily, hold on!" Davis shouted almost as if his throat was torn apart. His voice was almost swallowed by the violent energy, but it still reached Lily's ears.
Lily's face was pale and her body was shaking violently, but she still clenched her teeth, with a faint light flashing in her eyes: "I... I can..."
As she spoke, the black liquid in the chamber began to slow down its movement, and the rune glowed brighter. The fragments vibrated violently, as if they were under endless pressure. With a deafening roar, the gems burst into dazzling white light, and the entire space was torn apart in an instant, and the power of darkness completely dissipated.
When everything returned to calm, the secret room returned to peace. Lily stood in front of the altar, soaking wet and pale, but her eyes were shining with relief and satisfaction.
Davis walked forward and held her shoulders. "Well done, Lily. You did it."
Lily nodded slightly. Although she was exhausted, she felt a long-lost sense of relief in her heart. "Thank you, Davis. I couldn't have done it without you." Her voice was weak, but firm.
Davis smiled and whispered, "We've been through this together."
Lily panted, her voice weak but with a hint of doubt: "Mr. Davis, I want to know..."
However, before she could finish her words, Davis held her shoulders and said in a gentle but firm tone: "Don't talk yet, you need to rest well."
Lily nodded slightly, still with a hint of doubt and fatigue in her eyes, but she finally gave up asking. Davis looked around the secret room, which had returned to calm, and after confirming that there were no other abnormalities, he helped Lily back along the original path.
When they finally walked out of the secret passage and stepped onto the orphanage's land again, the afterglow of dusk fell on the courtyard, and a group of figures were looking around anxiously. The nuns of the orphanage were holding lanterns, searching back and forth between the corridors and the courtyard, their faces full of worry.
"Lily!" An elderly nun was the first to notice them. She came over quickly with a hint of surprise and reproach. "Where have you been? Everyone is looking for you!"
Davis felt Lily tremble slightly, noticing her weakness, he gently supported her and whispered, "Don't worry, it's over."
He turned to the nun, smiled slightly, and said calmly: "Lily was interested in the surrounding buildings. I took her to see some things, and she forgot the time for a while."