Chapter 1697

The man hoped that having a child would restore his pride, but year after year, his second wife couldn't bear children. After three years, the villagers mocked him even more, looking down on him entirely. Some suggested he visit a temple to pray to the gods. On his way, he encountered a traveling priest who sold him the vial-shaped emerald pendant, claiming that wearing it daily would ensure he had children. A year later, his wife did give birth to a child, but the baby tragically passed away shortly after birth. The villagers declared that the man was destined to be childless due to sins from a past life. Unable to bear the shame, he took the pendant and jumped into the river. The pendant then passed through the hands of many others. Although its original malevolent aura had dissipated over the years, someone had recently enhanced it with intricate rituals and symbols, strengthening its malicious energy. Thora grew increasingly anxious as Skylar silently examined the pendant. "