Space returned to its normal state. Bao Uyen clung tightly to Thien, her entire body trembling slightly.
"...Brother Thien..."
Van Thien gently stroked her hair. "It's over now. Those two have been driven off."
As she continued to hold him, Thien looked at her gently. "Let's go sit on that stone bench and rest for a bit."
Bao Uyen nodded, and he led her to a nearby bench. While she was still reeling from the fear of what had just happened, Thien's gaze shifted toward the three towering statues. His cross-shaped necklace had begun to resonate with a faint energy—though barely perceptible, his expression was filled with suspicion.
He stood up, intending to approach the statues, but Bao Uyen grabbed his hand. "Brother Thien... where are you going?"
Thien gave a soft smile, leaning down to pat her head. "I'm just going over to the statues. I'll be right back. Wait for me here, okay?"
She gripped his shirt tighter. "But... I'm scared..."
"It's alright," Thien said kindly. "I'm right here. Don't be afraid."
Reluctantly, she let go. "Okay... I'll wait here. Make sure you come back."
Thien stood before the statues, observing them for a long moment. He pressed his hands together and bowed his head.
"I do not know which of you intervened, but I am deeply grateful for saving us," he thought.
After bowing three times, his necklace vibrated softly. When he returned to the bench, Bao Uyen immediately ran to him and hugged him. Thien patted her shoulder. "Everything is fine now. Let's continue our tour."
Despite her lingering fear, she wanted to stay by his side. "Yes."
They entered the temples of the three kings. First was the Temple of King Ngo Quyen. Inside, a solid bronze statue of the King, gilded in magnificent gold, sat majestically on a throne. His face was commanding yet benevolent. The columns and rafters were intricately carved with dragons, clouds, and flowers. As incense smoke spiraled upward, Thien felt his heart go quiet for a reason he couldn't explain. His chest tightened, and his necklace hummed—a call from a distant past.
Next, they visited the central temple dedicated to Emperor Le Dai Hanh. The bronze statue captured his firm and resolute countenance. Standing before it, Thien felt a heavy pressure in his chest. Images flashed through his mind—fire, shouting, the chaos of war.
He frowned. "...What is this?"
This time, the necklace vibrated with an intensity that felt like a warning.
Finally, they reached the Temple of Grand Duke Tran Hung Dao. As they stepped inside, Thien's pace slowed. The atmosphere here was different. He stared at the statue, feeling as though he was being seen through. His heart pounded as if he had stood in this exact spot before. A cold shiver ran down his spine. For a split second, he thought he saw the shadow of a battle robe flicker behind the statue.
"...An illusion?" he whispered, tightening his fist.
As they finished paying their respects, a sudden breeze swept through the temple, making the small flags flutter. No one noticed, but the air was charged with something ancient.
Walking outside, Bao Uyen's stomach suddenly growled loudly, making her flush with embarrassment. Thien laughed. "Looks like someone's hungry. Let's go find something to eat."
Meanwhile, deep beneath the Thuy Nguyen River, the Red-Eyed Black Dragon watched his screens. His eyes glowed a fierce red.
"It seems... I must intervene personally." He turned to his crew. "Start the engines. Move to the designated coordinates."
The black warship began to glide through the depths.
After leaving the relic site, Thien asked, "What are we eating now?"
Bao Uyen, leaning her head against his back as she hugged him on the bike, replied, "Let's have Banh Da Cua (Crab Red Noodle Soup). It's a Hải Phòng specialty. I know a great spot."
They drove to Banh Da Da Lieu at 140 Tran Phu Street. It was a bustling sidewalk stall, packed mostly with locals. The air was filled with orders: "Two bowls of red noodles, with everything!"
Thien took a bite and froze. "...This is delicious."
Bao Uyen smiled at him. But as he ate, his necklace gave a short, sharp vibration. He looked up, but everything seemed normal
At the Bach Dang Estuary in Minh Duc Town, the black submarine lay in wait. The Red-Eyed Black Dragon gestured to four elite soldiers of the Black Legion.
"Approach him. Lead him here," he commanded, pointing to Thien's image.
As he spoke, the screen behind him showed the Bach Dang River churning violently. A cold smirk played on his lips. "...The perfect place to bury you."
Unaware of the looming threat, Thien and Bao Uyen finished their meal and headed toward the coast to watch the sea. The wind blew through their hair as they looked out toward Minh Duc Town. Bao Uyen finally let go of his arm, breathing in the fresh sea air.
Thien looked at her small silhouette reflected in the sunlight and asked, "About that necklace you're wearing... can you tell me about it?"
Bao Uyen turned to him. "Do you really not remember anything yet?"
Thien scratched his head. "Remember what?"
She sighed but braced herself. "Fine. If you don't remember, I'll tell you... Actually, this necklace is—"
BOP!!
A hand clamped around her throat from behind. A black-clad soldier appeared out of thin air, seizing her and leaping into the sky. Bao Uyen's eyes widened in terror; the sound was choked in her throat.
"Brother Thien... save me...!"
Thien's heart skipped a beat. Without a second thought, he lunged forward in pursuit.