Chapter 106: The Barrier, the Holy Relic, and the Black Leather Shoes

Anran studied Murong Mingyue intently. Was he some kind of wandering mystic? But his appearance was so striking that he could easily be the lead in an idol drama. Moreover, the furrowed brows and serious expression on his face suggested he wasn't just making things up. 

Grandpa An exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? Something sinister was here? No wonder I've been feeling so achy and sore lately." 

Hearing this, Anran couldn't help but interject, "Grandpa, that's just your rheumatism acting up again…" 

Murong Mingyue remained silent for a moment before speaking, "Whatever it was, it's no longer here. Allow me to set up a powerful barrier around your home." 

A barrier? The more he spoke, the more it felt like he was weaving a fantasy. Having only just learned about the existence of bloodkin, Anran found it hard to accept. She couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Murong, what exactly do you do for a living?" 

Murong Mingyue replied, "You may call me Murong. I am currently a novice hunter, and in my spare time, I serve as a part-time priest at the church." 

Anran wasn't familiar with what a novice hunter was, but she knew about priests. No wonder this Mr. Murong had such a dignified aura, exuding the presence of a clergyman. 

Murong Mingyue continued, "I'll proceed to set up the barrier now. The existing one here has been almost completely destroyed." 

Anran quickly tried to stop him, "No, that's not necessary." 

However, Grandpa An interjected excitedly, "A true master! My dear granddaughter, your late grandmother loved dabbling in these things too. She once said this old house had a barrier. As long as we didn't actively invite strangers in, no demons or evil spirits could enter. Didn't I tell you that before?" 

Anran was at a loss for words. Her grandfather had indeed mentioned it in the past, but she didn't recall her grandmother ever being interested in such things, so she hadn't paid it much mind. And was any of this for real? Why had she never heard about it before? 

Watching the two of them eagerly head outside, Anran puffed out her cheeks in frustration. How was her grandfather so quick to accept all this? 

After a moment's thought, she decided to let it go. If Richard wanted to come in later, she could just invite him again, right? 

A few minutes later, Murong Mingyue and Grandpa An returned to the house. Murong Mingyue mentioned that he had urgent matters to attend to and needed to leave soon, so he bid them farewell. 

Just as he was about to leave, Murong Mingyue suddenly turned to Anran. Under the sharp gaze of his piercing eyes, Anran felt a pang of guilt. Had he noticed something? After all, she'd spent the entire afternoon with Richard. Could he really tell? 

"The item you're wearing, may I take a look at it?" Murong Mingyue asked. 

Hearing this, Anran's hand instinctively moved to the cross hidden beneath her clothes. 

Grandpa An looked at his granddaughter with suspicion. "Since when do you have a necklace, my dear?" 

Anran sighed and reluctantly pulled out the cross. "A friend gave it to me. It's for protection." 

Murong Mingyue took the necklace and began murmuring words that Anran couldn't understand. After a moment, he handed it back to her and said, "Holy relics require prayer to hold power. Though my abilities are limited, I've done what I can." 

Anran silently took the necklace back, unable to see any visible changes. All she could think to say was, "Thank you." 

*Meanwhile, at St. Celestine Academy, the old dormitory.* 

Three workers who hadn't left yet were sitting inside, enjoying drinks and snacks. After a long day of work, they felt they deserved a little reward. Instead of heading home for dinner like the others, they had bought some food and alcohol and decided to hang out together. 

*Creak—* 

It was the sound of a wooden door opening. One of the workers with sharp ears glanced toward the entrance, but the door was still closed. 

"Did any of you hear that?" he asked. 

"Wasn't paying attention. Who cares? Let's have another round," another replied, downing a can of beer and casually tossing the empty bottle onto the floor. 

The bottle rolled across the floor for a moment before hitting something and bouncing back. 

One of the workers glanced over and, through his drunken haze, thought he saw a pair of black leather shoes…