During the day, she pretended to be an ordinary believer and went specifically to the River God Temple at the ferry crossing, which occupied a vast area. She didn't find any trace of the Grand Celebrant but noticed a new human-height stone carving erected on the left side of the temple entrance.
The sculpture was that of a monster resembling both a crocodile and a water python, with flames swirling around its body.
During the day, Sophia felt that the sculpture was a little strange, so she kept it in mind. Later in the evening when everything was quiet, she sneaked to the temple gate to take a closer look to see what was so extraordinary about the sculpture.
However, as soon as she appeared, she felt as if the sculpture suddenly came to life!
Even though it was obviously a stone carving, its eyes were staring at her intently. It gave off a tremendous aura that pressed upon her like a flood, as if an overwhelming, mountainous wave was sweeping toward her!
