Chapter 331: Princess Laila

"Half a tree?"

"That's right, that is our country's largest and only religion, named Due, which means to overcome adversity."

Speaking of this, Queen Fatima remembered something and said, "Come to think of it, in a few more days it will be the annual Du'e Festival. The two distinguished friends should participate together when the time comes."

King Abdullah also enthusiastically invited them: "This is our country's most grand festival, just like the Spring Festival in your country. I ask that the two of you must attend; I extend my most sincere invitation to my two distinguished friends!"

Chen Che and Xie Wanning looked at each other and nodded slightly: "We would be honored to accept."

The welcome banquet continued for a while longer before ending. Chen Che and Xie Wanning did not return to the hotel, but instead stayed at the royal palace at the invitation of King Abdullah.

In the evening, as Chen Che was flipping through the *Encyclopedia of Ansley National Religion* sent by a Follower, a cautious knock came from outside the door.

"Knock, knock~~"

Chen Che looked bewildered. Who would come to find him at this hour? Could it be Master Senior Sister?

The door opened, but the person who came into view was beyond Chen Che's expectations.

The person who arrived was not Master Senior Sister Xie Wanning, but Her Highness Princess Laila of Ansili.

"Your Highness the Princess, is there something the matter?"

Chen Che asked with a smile.

During the welcome banquet, Chen Che had noticed this princess. Although the two had no interaction during that time, she still left a deep impression on Chen Che.

Princess Laila was young and full of vitality; she possessed the delicate facial features unique to women of Ansili.

Her eyes were as bright as stars, and her skin was smooth, carrying a healthy luster.

Unlike the Queen's, Princess Laila's long hair was braided into complex plaits and decorated with pearls and gemstones, appearing both traditional and fashionable.

As for Her Highness's attire, it was a brightly colored "Jallabeya," a type of loose robe decorated with exquisite embroidery and sequins that shimmered with a charming glow with her every movement. She also wore a golden belt around her waist, highlighting her graceful figure.

Her Highness gave Chen Che a sweet smile, then looked around somewhat cautiously and whispered, "May I come in?"

Chen Che was stunned for a moment, then stepped aside: "Of course you may."

Having received permission, Her Highness was clearly very happy; she lightly lifted the hem of her robe and quickly ducked into the room, stepping in her high heels.

Chen Che thought for a moment, ultimately did not close the door, and turned back into the room.

As the two entered the room, at the other end of the corridor where Chen Che's room was located, a door opened, and Xie Wanning's subtle expression was revealed.

"Does Your Highness have something you wish to tell me?"

Chen Che maintained a safe distance from the Princess and asked with a smile.

The young and beautiful Princess clasped her hands together and said to Chen Che with an apologetic face: "Chen, distinguished friend, I am very sorry to disturb you at this time. I also know this is a very rude behavior."

Chen Che shook his head, indicating there was no need to worry.

Seeing that Chen Che was not angry, Her Highness immediately revealed a smile, yet asked with some hesitation and shyness: "Chen, distinguished friend, can you let me see that Token of yours?"

Chen Che was slightly startled; so this was Her Highness's purpose!

"Of course you can!"

Chen Che took out the Token and handed it to the Princess.

Princess Laila held it in her hands and examined it carefully, her pair of bright eyes shining with light.

"So beautiful!"

Princess Laila exclaimed from the bottom of her heart, then gathered her courage and said: "Chen, I know I shouldn't do this... can you give this to me?"

Chen Che smiled and said: "I am sorry, Your Highness. This item is very important to me. If you like it, you can have a craftsman make one just like it."

"Alright then."

Her Highness looked disappointed and reluctantly returned the Token to Chen Che.

Chen Che asked curiously: "Why does Your Highness like this item?"

"Because the pattern on it is very exquisite and very similar to the emblem of the Due Sect. I like the Due Sect very much and have been collecting various emblems, but none are as good-looking as the one on this Token."

Her Highness explained.

Chen Che frowned. It was just a religion; was even this princess a believer?

"It seems Your Highness is a believer?" Chen Che asked casually.

"Of course!"

Once this was mentioned, the Princess was clearly very excited. She lifted a corner of her robe, revealing her delicate lower leg. On the snow-white skin of the outer side, a pattern was tattooed: half of a World Tree.

Her Highness realized she had been improper and hurriedly lowered her robe, her face blushing: "I am a princess, I am not allowed to have this tattooed... Chen, you must keep this a secret for me."

Looking at the shy and pleading Princess Laila, Chen Che was somewhat moved by her innocence; it seemed she was truly very well protected.

"If you put it that way, this is now a secret between me and the Princess."

Chen Che said with a serious face: "I will definitely keep it a secret!"

"Thank you, Chen!"

Princess Laila looked grateful.

Chen Che laughed and said: "Since Your Highness is a believer, could you tell me about the Due Sect? The materials sent by His Majesty the King do not seem to have a very specific introduction."

"Of course, no problem!"

Her Highness patted her chest, looking as if she had everything under control, "Then Chen, what would you like to know?"

Chen Che thought for a moment: "Let's start with how the Due Sect came to be."

Her Highness furrowed her beautiful brows and said: "To tell you the truth, there really isn't a specific date for when the Due Sect appeared. In our records, it was shortly after the Taiyi Sect disappeared."

"After the Taiyi Sect disappeared?"

"Yes, after the Taiyi Sect disappeared, the great Leader of Due appeared. He guides our direction, corrects our mistakes, and instructs us to be united and kind."

Princess Laila said very piously.

"Then where is the headquarters of the Due Sect?" Chen Che asked again.

"There is no headquarters."

The Princess said, "After the Cult Leader appeared, he traveled everywhere, explaining the mysteries of this world to us and enriching our thoughts and spirits. Our ancestors did try to build a residence and erect a monument for the Cult Leader, but the Cult Leader refused them all."

"Then who is the current Cult Leader?"

Upon asking this question, Princess Laila looked at Chen Che with an expression of utter disbelief.

"Good heavens! Chen! The Cult Leader is unique; how could there be anyone else!"

"………"

Chen Che did not understand, so he tentatively asked, "So the Cult Leader has always been one person?"

The Princess shook her head: "That is not the case, but the Cult Leader is not a mortal; human flesh cannot contain his supreme soul.

Whenever one body dies, the Cult Leader's soul enters a new human body; that person is the new Cult Leader, but throughout it all, the Cult Leader is the Cult Leader!"

Chen Che understood, and it looked like this naive Princess was truly a die-hard believer!

"Then where is this Cult Leader right now?"

Princess Laila said, "The Cult Leader must not only guide us but also guide others, so most of the time, the Cult Leader is not in Ansili."

"However!"

The Princess suddenly became excited, "The Cult Leader will return for this festival! Every year during the Ansili national festival, the Cult Leader returns!"

"Your Highness!"

An anxious shout came from outside; because the door was not closed, the voice was exceptionally clear.

The Princess, who had just been full of joy, heard this shout, and her expression changed immediately, becoming flustered.

"It's Yuri!"

The Princess looked around in a panic, and finally, her eyes lit up as she jumped onto Chen Che's bed in a few quick steps.

Chen Che immediately widened his eyes: "Princess, you..."

"Dear Chen, please help me cover for myself!"

The Princess pressed her palms together at Chen Che and pleaded, "I snuck out; if I am discovered, Father and Mother will surely punish me!"

"Tap-tap-tap..."

The sound of rapid footsteps drew closer, and the Princess's expression changed again, "Please!"

Having said that, the Princess lifted the quilt and covered herself completely.

"Uh..."

Chen Che felt speechless; he had seen people hide under the bed, but never had he seen someone hide inside the quilt!

It was completely like covering one's ears to steal a bell.

Although this naive Princess was cute and likable, if it came to inheriting the throne, it would be better if she didn't.

"Noble friend, may I ask, have you seen the Princess?"

Just as he was thinking this, an anxious, inquiring voice came from the doorway, and Chen Che turned his head to meet them.

………