13 Picking up demigods (2)

After Long He entered the Domain of Waterleche, and still in the form of a pitiful old man, he struggled to stay on his feet. Of course, he was only acting.

He strolled through the primitive mart and bought some fruits. He arrived in front of a temple, which had an enormous statue in the entrance.

Long He stopped in the middle of the street while examining the huge piece of art. This statue represents him, the god of Aquahelios.

It had the same appearance of him. Long He was truly fascinated by it, and he made a decision to see the artist, if not in person, at least it should be in a dream.

While he stood there, a young woman approached and stood beside him. She examined the old man and said in a soft voice, "Senior, can I help you?"

Long He took a slight glance at her but chose not to say anything. He was testing her temper, to see whether she'll get angry easily or not. The young girl looked troubled then repeated, "Senior?"

"Yes?" said Long He in the same old voice.

"How can I help you?"

"Oh... There is nothing I need help with, my dear. I was just fascinated by this statue."

"I see. It is truly fascinating. The rumors says that the top artist in our city spent almost all his life in sculpting this art."

"All his life? You mean that he is dead?"

"Um.. Yes. He died two centuries ago."

"Centuries ago?" asked Long He, the thought in his head, 'I should really pay more attention to my planet's people, and also answer their prayers.'

Out of nowhere, a middle-aged man appeared running towards the two in full speed. He stopped in front the young woman and said, "Princess Ellis, you really run away fast. Not even the fastest one in our planet can catch you."

He said that while trying to catch his breath. He then turned to a smiling Long He and saluted him, "Senior!"

Long He nodded but did not say anything. The man turned his head to the princess and said, "Princess, the position of your father, the newly ascended king, is weak right now. Don't make him suffer more."

"I am tired, Kendall. My fatber is just...." She didn't need to continue, her point was clear.

Kendall just shook his head helplessly, while Ellis sighed and said, "Alright alright. I'll come. But I need to speak to my father this evening."

She then faced Long He and said, "Senior, would you come to our castle and visit it?"

Long He was silent for a long time and then answered, "I would like to trouble you."

"Not at all. There's no problem in it." The three walked slowly, because Long He chose to do so. Kendall had a look of urgency on his face, but he couldn't do anything to speed the walking of the old man.

Finally, they arrived in front of the big castle that Long He have seen earlier from the outside of the city. It wasn't noticeable before, but now, he could see a transparent globe surrounding its castle.

Kendall must have seen Long He's interest, since he said, "Is it the first time for senior to see such magic?"

"No. But every time I see one, it interests me. However, I don't know why is this."

"Have you ever seen a mage before?"

Indeed, a mage. This was one of the abilities that Long He had granted for his people in the millennium. Only the ones that are born with pure souls can become mages.

Long He nodded his head and said, "Oh yes I have seen many. But let's not bother with this anymore. Princess Ellis, you have to definitely show this castle of your family."

"I will, senior."

The three passed through the protective globe easily. After entering the globe, Kendall and Ellis looked at Long He in surprise. He had walked through the barrier without any difficulty, which was supposed to prevent any intruder.

Long He noticed their expression and laughed, "My dears, I am old enough to know these simple and basic tricks. If I want to, I could easily destroy it."

Kendall still had a shocked expression on his face. When he recovered, he wondered what kind of senior he had just encountered. He also made up his mind to tell the king of this man, and to seek his favor.

"Come," said Ellis, "Let's enter."