106

Albert turned to look at Selina, his eyes were calm and deep, as if he could see into people's hearts. "Take me to see the person you mentioned." His tone was calm, but with unquestionable majesty.

Selina nodded slightly, motioning Albert to follow her. She turned and walked along the corridor of the temple. On the walls on both sides of the corridor were hung ancient murals depicting the long history and legends of the holy city. The murals looked particularly mysterious under the dim light, as if telling unknown stories. The air was filled with a faint sandalwood scent, mixed with the scent of ancient books, which made people feel a sense of tranquility. Selina's footsteps were light and steady, and Albert followed closely behind. His staff made a slight knocking sound on the ground, which intertwined with Selina's footsteps to form a unique melody.

They walked through the long corridor and came to a wooden door with intricate patterns carved on it. Selina pushed open the door, and a fresh air rushed towards her. The room was simply and elegantly decorated. In the middle was a bed covered with white sheets. Mark, who was unconscious, lay quietly on it, pale, breathing evenly and weakly. Beside the bed, a snow-white ice beast curled up, its golden eyes always staring at Mark, its eyes full of worry and concern. From time to time, it gently rubbed Mark's cheek with its nose, making a low whimper, as if calling Mark's name.

Albert walked to the bedside and observed Mark carefully. His eyes were sharp and sharp, as if he could see through Mark's body and understand all his secrets. He stretched out his right hand, put two fingers together, and gently placed them on Mark's wrist to check his pulse. His fingers were slender and powerful, and his fingertips trembled slightly, as if he was feeling the weak vitality in Mark's body.

After confirming that Mark's vital signs were stable, Albert withdrew his hand, frowned, and looked solemn. He turned to Selina and asked in a deep voice, "How long has he been unconscious?"

Selina thought for a moment and replied, "About two hours." She bit her lower lip lightly, her eyes full of worry.

Albert nodded slightly to show his understanding. He looked at Mark again, took a deep breath, and slowly closed his eyes. An invisible mental force emanated from him, spreading like ripples, covering Mark. He began to use his mental power to explore Mark's physical condition, trying to find traces of the dark power.

The room was very quiet, with only Albert's slight breathing and the low whimpering of the Ice Abyss Beast. Selina stood aside, nervously watching Albert's every move, her hands clenched together, her knuckles slightly white because of the force. She was full of worry and anxiety, worried about Mark's safety and the changes in the holy stone.

Time passed by minute by minute, and Albert's mental power wandered in Mark's body, carefully exploring every corner. After the mental power exploration, Albert slowly opened his eyes and retracted his mental power. His face looked even paler, his brows were furrowed, and his expression was solemn. He pointed to the places where Mark was injured by the Soul Taker before and said, "There are traces of dark power in these places. Although this power is very weak, it is very stubborn. The strange thing is that there is a weak holy stone energy in his body that is fighting against this dark power. If I am not mistaken, it should be the fire and ice energy of the holy stone. In addition, his soul is also protected by the soul energy of the holy stone. He paused and added, "This soul energy should come from this ice abyss beast." He tapped the staff lightly on the ground twice and pointed to the ice shadow of the ice abyss beast lying on the bed. After hearing this, Selina's face became even paler, her hands clenched together tightly, and her fingertips almost pinched into the flesh. She took a deep breath, trying to keep herself calm, and asked, "Then... was it Mark who caused the holy stone to break? "Her voice was low and hoarse, with a hint of despair.

Albert did not answer immediately. He pondered for a moment and took out a crystal ball from the cloth bag he carried with him. The crystal ball was transparent and emitted a soft light, like a shining star. He placed the crystal ball on the small table beside the bed, then clasped his hands together, closed his eyes, and began to divine.

The light of the crystal ball gradually became brighter, and the light in the room also became brighter, illuminating Albert's solemn face. He muttered something in his mouth, as if communicating with the gods and seeking guidance.

After a while, the light of the crystal ball gradually dimmed, and Albert slowly opened his eyes. His face was gloomy, and a trace of worry flashed in his eyes.

He put away the crystal ball and ordered in a heavy tone: "Selina, strengthen the guard on him. No one is allowed to approach without my permission." He paused and added, "In addition, mobilize the clergy in the temple to prepare for a purification ceremony. "

Selina took the order and immediately went to arrange the relevant matters. She walked out of the room quickly, and her footsteps echoed in the empty corridor and gradually faded away.

Albert stood by the bed, looking deeply at the unconscious Mark, his eyes flashing with complex light, as if thinking about some profound questions.

"Has the Soul Taker really appeared?" He whispered to himself, his tone full of worry.

He reached out and gently stroked the head of the Ice Abyss Beast. The Ice Abyss Beast raised its head and looked at Albert with its golden eyes, making a low whimper, as if responding to his worry.

"Guard him well." Albert ordered.

The Ice Abyss Beast growled to show that it understood. It rested its head on its forelimbs again, and its golden eyes kept looking at Mark, with vigilance in its eyes.

Albert turned and left the room, his figure disappeared at the end of the corridor, leaving only the Ice Abyss Beast silently guarding the unconscious Mark.