I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means
Chapter 920 - 557: Gur Festival?_2

Next, as long as we follow the clues, we will definitely uncover the problems of this city.

Lis took Taya on a walk along the streets of the small town, carefully observing the town known as Ihelos.

The name of the regional-specific mission he received is [Ihelos' Determination], which is introduced as due to the determination of Ihelos, this small town is eternally frozen in time.

Although other reasons can't be ruled out, this Ihelos should be a person's name and the reason for the formation of this secret realm.

So the first thing to do is to find this person named Ihelos.

And since the name of the town is Ihelos, it's very likely that the City Lord of this town is Ihelos.

This is Lis' guess, but it probably isn't far off.

Even so, Lis did not recklessly go straight to the City Lord Mansion to find the target.

If it were that simple, this regional-specific mission wouldn't be of Legendary Rank.

At least from the information Lis has observed, it seems the secrets of this small town are still hidden deeper, while everything on the surface still looks quite normal.

Better to observe more!

Lis made up his mind, as surely there is Legendary Rank Strength involved in this small town, caution is better.

Immediately, Lis and Taya went for a walk in the small town.

The buildings in this town are generally built low and sturdy, as if humbly crouching on the ground to reduce wind resistance and invasion.

The windows are designed small and exquisite, embedded in the thick walls like chess pieces. This design not only effectively blocks the invasion of sand and wind but also lets the interior light be soft and cozy, every time the sunset or dawn shines through these narrow windows, casting beams on the quaint floor, creating an atmosphere of timeless tranquility.

As the mountain slope gently rises, these low buildings layer by layer, spreading upwards until the mid-hill, harmonious with the surrounding oasis and small lakes. Viewed from a distance, the entire small town is like a carefully arranged oil painting, quaint yet rhythmic, every part an indispensable stroke of the painting.

There aren't many people walking in the small town, Lis feels he can easily distinguish who are outsiders and who are locals living here.

Lis scrutinized the people living in the small town, they generally wear a kind of white clothing, different from other oases where the clothes look simpler, covering only most of the body, with arms and calves exposed.

It's known that people in desert regions prefer to wear robes covering their whole bodies because compared to the heat, the scorching sunlight is more unbearable; an ordinary person could easily get sunburned.

Additionally, those living in this city generally appear slightly thin, with pale faces suggesting some malnutrition.

However, their expressions show no abnormalities, even showing hints of joy and happiness.

Although not many pedestrians, the stalls on either side of the market are filled with many goods, mostly the produce of the oasis like grains and fruits, and some handicrafts.

It feels like a very ordinary oasis town.

After all, most oasis towns produce similar goods, and smaller oases wouldn't have anything special, instead, grains and fruits are the most favored by passing travelers.

Lis casually bought some grapes from a nearby stall, costing fifteen copper coins.

Picking up a grape and putting it into his mouth, feeling the sweet juice burst within, Lis nodded slightly.

Hmm...

The food doesn't seem abnormal, travelers who want to get supplies here won't have any issue.

Lis fed the grapes one by one to Taya next to him, thought for a while, and said to the merchant beside them:

"Pardon me, I just arrived here, may I ask where the best inn is located?"

"Inn?"

"That would be the Golden Coconut Inn in the east of the city, head in that direction, cross two streets and you'll be there."

The stall owner said to Lis with a smile.

It seemed like a long time since seeing outsiders, the stall owner warmly said to Lis:

"Since the guest finally came to Ihelos, the day after tomorrow is the Gur Festival, would you like to stay for a few more days to experience it?"

"Gur Festival?"

"What is that?"

Upon hearing, Lis curiously asked the stall owner.

"It is a unique festival celebration of Ihelos, it is held at this time every year."

"At that time, the City Lord will appear, leading everyone to hold a bonfire party in the square, share various foods and wines with everyone, and lead everyone in praying to the Divine, celebrating the past year."

"Originally, many distant travelers came just to participate in the Gur Festival, but recently there have been fewer."

The stall owner said somewhat regretfully.

"May I ask boldly, during the evening, to which Divine does everyone pray?"

Lis squinted slightly, looking at the stall owner in front of him and asked.

"It's the Divine Gull! The great existence that has always guarded our city."

"Thanks to Him, we can live so peacefully without being displaced and drifting around."

Lis looked at the stall owner and asked a few more questions, but seeing no valuable information, he nodded slightly and said:

"I got it, if I get the chance, I'll participate."

Saying that, Lis led Taya in the direction pointed by the stall owner.

Gur Festival?

Does the city's secret relate to this so-called celebration?

Lis felt something was off, but couldn't glean any valuable information from that stall owner.

Praying to the Divine, could it be some Evil God?

Lis was somewhat suspicious, as the source of many quests in the previous game often pointed to some Evil God.

But Lis doesn't remember any Evil God named Gul?

The most important thing is, from the stall owner's description of the Gur Festival, Lis felt the so-called celebration and bonfire party didn't seem to have anything special.

Why would people come from far away just to participate in this festival?

Displaced?

Could it be that the people living in this small town were once wandering in the desert and later settled here?

But from the look of the buildings in this town, it doesn't seem like it's been here for a long time.

It doesn't look like something newly established.

Though it seemed to gain a lot of insights, it's more like unraveling the cover on a thick fog.

The City Lord will make an appearance at the bonfire party, perhaps many things will become clear at that time.

From the stall owner's description, Lis felt a sense of dissonant chaos, a bit oppressive and uncomfortable.

On the way to the inn, Lis continued querying a few more people while purchasing goods, but received similar responses.

It felt as if the city was excited and joyful due to the festival's arrival, which he sensed from the pedestrians earlier.

Soon, Lis and Taya arrived outside the Golden Coconut Inn pointed out by the stall owner.

This inn appeared much larger than the surrounding buildings, spanning three floors, seemingly newly constructed not long ago, looking much brighter.

Stepping inside, Lis glanced at the interior environment.

The inn's interior design abandoned complex decorations, using simple lines and elegant colors to outline a sense of comfort.

Under the high ceiling, several rows of wooden tables and chairs were neatly arranged; although not luxurious, they were polished to gleam, exuding a timeless charm, all decorations meticulously cleaned to be spotless, even the most picky travelers would be satisfied with this cleanliness.

One floor was cleverly divided into two areas: one maintaining the inn's reception and resting function, while the other transformed into a lively tavern.

In the tavern area, warm lights fall on each table, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The air is filled with enticing aromas of food, ranging from freshly baked bread to slow-cooked meats, seemingly having everything.

Interwoven with this is the irresistible fragrance of beer, subtly wandering in the air, teasing every passer's taste buds. Behind the bar, the brewer skillfully operates, concocting delicate foamy, alluring-colored beer for the guests. The tavern was already bustling with people, some seated and some standing, holding their glasses, faces beaming with satisfaction and relaxation. The sounds of conversations and laughter intertwined, forming an orchestral symphony of life, some engaged in high discussions, sharing travel adventures; others were quietly whispering, enjoying the rare peace and companionship.