Acolytes were non-clerical personnel who engaged in auxiliary tasks within the temple, often predominantly female with some knowledge of midwifery and healing.

"I am a merchant newly arrived in Ley City," Fong House stated, strolling forward as the female acolyte curiously trail behind.

"I have a peculiar trait, namely," "Oh, are you here for medical assistance?" The acolyte inquired, realization dawning upon her.

"My peculiar trait is that I possess wealth.

I intend to donate to the temple to strengthen my faith.

Fongghao concluded in one breath.

Upon hearing of his intent to contribute, the acolytes eyes sparkled with delight.

Individuals like Fong Hao, who harbored faith and the willingness to provide financial support, were cherished by the temple.

That is splendid.

Please allow me to escort you inside while I summon the high priest.

The acolyte exclaimed eagerly.

Following her, they entered the adjacent structure of the temple.

The corridor was immaculate, flanked by individual rooms.

In front of one room stood four guards, prompting Fong how to inquire.

What distinguished individual has arrived? Following his gaze, the acolyte replied in a hush tone, the patient delivered last night must belong to a prominent family.

I have heard their injuries are quite severe.

Is the patient deceased? Fonhow questioned.

Huh? If they had died, wouldn't they have been taken away directly? Why would they be left here? You make a valid point, Fong Ho conceded.

The acolyte then guided them to a private room, requesting that they wait briefly while she sought the high priest.

As Fongo stepped out, he opted not to bring the skeletal ash sparrow with him.

Despite his boldness, he preferred not to carry the creature into the sacred space.

Casually wandering the corridor, he appeared to be surveying the temple, his gaze occasionally drifting towards the guarded room.

As the guards cast vigilant glances, Fong Hao nonchalantly returned to his chamber.

Before long, the door swung open once more and an elderly matron entered, leaning on a gnarled wooden staff as she settled herself opposite Fong Hao.

"Sir, I have heard that you inclined to donate to the temple.

" The matron inquired.

Fong Hao<unk>s eyes narrowed slightly.

She was indeed a 10th tier priestess.

"Do you have the final say?" he asked with curiosity.

I have been responsible for this place so naturally I possess authority.

She nodded.

Her voice aged yet devoid of tremor.

Fong how acknowledged her realizing that a 10th tier priestess must be the most formidable force within this temple.

It seemed implausible to fabricate such a status.

The city of plural lacked any temple.

As a neighboring entity, Lis boasting a 10th tier figure was quite commendable.

Very well.

I would like to inquire about the types of donations the temple accepts.

He continued, "Are you a merchant? Many merchants donate various goods of production.

We also welcome contributions of gold coins.

" The matron elaborated.

"The temple is not particular.

You provide what you have, and we accept what we need.

Goods of production are welcome, and direct monetary contributions are equally acceptable.

I am a fabric merchant.

Might the temple have a need for garments?" Fonhow queried.

Indeed, the temple has not received clothing donations in quite some time.

The matron replied succinctly.

By the way, would it be permissible for me to advertise on the donated garments? Fongo suddenly pondered and sought confirmation.

What do you mean by advertising? The matron furrowed her brow.

Fong Ho gestured to his chest, explaining right here.

We would imprint our shop's name, signifying that these garments are crafted by us.

That is acceptable.

The matron nodded.

H then please compile a list of the temple's personnel and the styles of clothing needed.

Upon my return, I shall arrange for production, Fong House stated.

This notion of donating clothing had occurred to him spontaneously.

Soon, both the Lord's residence and the temple would be adorned in garments from his fabric shop, likely ensuring that the name of his establishment would become known throughout the city overnight.

The next step would be to determine when a fabric shop would officially open.

"Please wait a moment.

There are not many individuals within the temple, so the tally will not take long, the matron remarked, a faint smile gracing her aged visage.

May I tour the temple? He inquired.

Certainly, she replied, and the two proceeded towards the exit.

As they stepped into the corridor, a sudden, terrified whale echoed from ahead.

I don't know.

I've told you all.

Let me out.

Let me out.

Almost immediately, a figure burst forth, crashing into the guards as they charged towards Fong Ha.

Chapter 315.

The Cunning Gambler, a young man, forcefully pushed past the guards before him and dashed out of the room.

He ran down the corridor, shouting frantically, "I have told you all, "Let me out.

Let me out.

" The young man stumbled forward, tearing open his still healing wounds, and blood began to seep through the linen tunic he wore.

He barreled through the crowd, clearing a path.

However, as he passed by Fong Ho, his pupils dilated in sudden shock, and he stumbled to the ground.

Fongghow instinctively moved to assist him but was halted by Nia who shielded him from behind.

The young man now devoid of strength gazed at Fong Ha and uttered, "They are capturing us.

Those lunatics we must leave here quickly hide.

What do you mean by they?" Fonhow pressed for clarity.

Them hurry those are madmen.

They kill they kill.

The man rambled incoherently, his eyes betraying sheer terror.

"Who are they? What did they ask you after capturing you?" Fonhow inquired further.

The man remained ins snared in his panic, his gaze darting around fertively, repeatedly murmuring about leaving and referring to them as devils and madmen.

At that moment, guards approached from behind, lifting the man off the ground and escorting him back to the previous room.

Under the guard's insistence, the onlookers quickly dispersed and the corridor fell silent.

Only Fong Hao and Jia and the aged priestess remained.

"What was wrong with that person just now?" Fongghao asked the priestess beside him.

The priestess scrutinized him before replying slowly.

A patient sent from the Lord<unk>'s mansion, apparently involved in some violent incident.

I'm not entirely aware of the details.

The temple is merely responsible for healing, so he is not in mortal danger.

Fungho followed closely behind the priestess as they walked ahead.

His life is not at risk.

He has merely been traumatized and requires time to recuperate.

The priestess informed him.

Fongghow nodded slightly, choosing not to pursue the topic further.

He had witnessed five corpses the previous night and perhaps understood more than the priestess did.

This was no mere violent incident.