Chapter 3003 Sacrifice
As Qiao Mu and Mo Lian made their way to the deck together, they were greeted by a sea of heads, with everyone on board standing still.
Holy Son Miyan stood at the forefront, gazing toward the distant riverbank.
"We will make a stop at the Ten-Mile Dock to pick up two masters," Holy Son Miyan informed the assembled. "The Spring River shore is just ahead, and the people of Spring City are likely in the midst of a grand sacrificial event. With the anticipated large crowd, if disembarking isn't necessary, please remain aboard."
He coughed lightly before adding, "If you find it impossible to resist and wish to witness the spectacle, ensure you don't venture too far upon disembarking. We will set sail after collecting them in about two hours, so don't risk being left behind."
Having said that, Holy Son Miyan's gaze specifically sought out the stoic figure within the throng, sweeping over her face.
Several priests flanked Holy Son Miyan, along with students from the Imperial Academy, all directing their gazes toward the stoic.
Maintaining her usual inscrutable expression, Qiao Mu couldn't help but feel her heart race. What was going on? Did Holy Son Miyan have poor eyesight? Why did he single her out for a thorough gaze? It made her seem like a troublemaker!
She was actually quite accommodating!
Liang Qingqing and the others suppressed their laughter, but their eyes sparkled with amusement. "Considering we'll be here for two hours, it appears to be quite lively ahead. Qiaoqiao, do you want to disembark and take a stroll?"
Qiao Mu scanned her surroundings with wide eyes, casting several glances around. With a soft cough, she reluctantly agreed, "If you're so eager to disembark and take a look, I'll accompany you for a brief stroll."
The others couldn't help but chuckle, observing her playful demeanor. Despite her protestations, it was clear she was inwardly delighted.
Meanwhile, in Spring City, the grand-scale sacrificial event was in full swing. Many young men and women stood along the riverbank, offerings held high, creating a lively and animated scene.
An old man dressed in green robes, overseeing the sacrificial ritual, held a long staff and recited a lengthy incantation. He continued to chant, building the anticipation in the crowd. Suddenly, he bellowed, "Commence the sacrificial ritual!"
Woo, woo. The sound of heavy drumming filled the air, punctuated by the robust roars of two rows of bare-chested, muscular men. The rhythmic performance resonated throughout the scene.
While Qiao Mu and her group disembarked and made their way to the riverbank, they didn't force their way to the front. Instead, they leisurely strolled past the small stalls lining the river, selling various wares.
Qi Xuanxuan couldn't help but whisper, "Is this a springtime sacrifice they're holding?"
The little stoic remained indifferent to the sacrificial ceremony.
In high spirits, the group was more interested in trying local delicacies and exploring the novelties offered by the vendors.
Qi Xuanxuan, a dedicated food enthusiast, indulged herself in the local specialties, purchasing a variety of items and sharing them with everyone.
As they continued their stroll, the drumbeats of the sacrificial ritual grew more urgent, and the atmosphere grew tenser.
Their casual exploration was disrupted by a piercing cry that echoed through the air.
In response, the group turned their attention to the source of the voice.
A procession of burly men, their arms exposed, carried trays of offerings forward. Though the crowd was dense, it remained organized. When the burly men chanted their mantras, the onlookers parted, leaving a path wide enough for two people to walk side by side.
Qi Xuanxuan and the others noticed that the trays held various offerings, including animals, grains, and rare fruits. Amid the proceedings, they observed a distressed elderly woman who struggled to reach the offering plate on the heads of the burly men. She reached out several times but was unable to grasp it due to her diminutive stature.