The flame spirit exarch who'd been assured that everything would proceed smoothly felt like he was experiencing some form of human hearing problems. But flame spirits didn't have human ailments. Therefore, he believed a powerful cultivator was playing tricks with his mind and distorting what he heard.
Of course, it must be it.
Convinced of the accuracy of his judgment, he carried on as if the script remained unchanged.
"What devotion, what piety! Iliana Kracht, you are a heartwarming example for the faith, a beacon of virtue! In my thousands of years of existence, never have I seen such a humble, graceful human being! Surely the divine lord will bless you with countless graces, no, he's already blessed you!
Oh, to so unpretentiously reject what so many would aspire to with unconcealed greed? Oh, it is my greatest honor to…"
Confused, Iliana felt like the exarch wasn't hearing her words right, and so repeated stronger, louder, for all to hear.