Chapter 1258: Chapter 113 The Holy See Dispatches Troops_2
A chill flashed through the Pope’s eyes as he spoke indifferently, "Since the Dark Witchers have not given up, then let us fulfill the mission His Highness God Feather once embarked on. Issue my papal decree, commanding Red Robe Priest Xuan Ye and Na Yan to lead six White Robe Priests, Chief Judge Xuan Yuan to lead Deputy Judge Ballon, four Holy Judges, twenty Judges of Light, and two hundred Ordinary Judges, along with one thousand Sacred Knights to the Tian Yuan Clan within the Federation to search for the whereabouts of the Dark Witchers. Once the Dark Witchers’ lair is found, purge all of their kind without exception."
Xuan Ye and Na Yan shuddered simultaneously. The Pope’s words were tantamount to sentencing the Dark Witchers to death. The deployment of two Red Robe Priests along with six White Robe Priests and the personal involvement of the Chief Judge was nearly half of the Holy Church’s forces. In many years, the Church had never undertaken such a massive operation, not to mention the one thousand Sacred Knights. Although the Knights were not as powerful as the Judges, they were much stronger than the average human martial artists, especially since they had been trained from a young age in sacred battle techniques within the confines of the Church, which were the bane of the Dark Witchers.
Xuan Ye hesitated and asked, "Your Holiness, are you certain we should exterminate the Dark Witchers?"
The Pope closed his eyes and said faintly, "I shall pray for their souls that have blasphemed the Sky God. For the survival of humanity, we must be resolute. Decisive action is required, Xuan Ye. You must understand this reasoning. We can give the Dark Witchers no opportunity. The great Sky God will agree with my approach. Now go, act immediately. I give you three months’ time. If anything unusual arises, report back immediately. Also, issue my command that Red Robe Priest Mang Siu and Yu Jian must return to the Church immediately to await further orders." He paused, then turned to Ballon, his deep eyes reflecting approval, and he smiled, "Ballon, your timely report has been commendable. You shall also partake in this mission. I hope you display outstanding performance and honor the reputation of your grandfather and father. I await your good news. As for Yue Yue’s matter, I shall handle it myself."
Ballon said respectfully, "Yes, Your Holiness. Actually, it was Yue Yue who discovered the traces of the Dark Witchers. Ballon does not dare to take credit. Your Holiness, if Yue Yue returns to the Church, please tell her... tell her..." His face turned red, emotional for some time, yet he lacked the courage to express what was in his heart.
The Pope smiled and said, "Go ahead, I understand your meaning. Xuan Ye, this operation must be conducted in secret, do not allow the Dark Witchers to prepare in advance, understand? This matters to the reputation of our Holy Church. For this operation, Chief Judge Xuan Yuan shall lead, with assistance from you and Priest Na Yan. As for supplies, that will be handled by Brother Na Yan. You may mobilize the Church’s powers across the continent as necessary."
"Yes, Your Holiness," the three bowed and exited the Hall of Light, with Xuan Ye and Na Yan feeling an extraordinary weight in their hearts. They clearly understood the importance of this mission for the Holy Church.
The Pope watched their retreating figures and sighed faintly to himself, "Dark Witchers, Dark Witchers. Am I too sensitive, or why do I always feel there’s more behind the appearance of the Dark Witchers?" Since assuming the role of Pope, it was the first time he felt unease. As the one closest to God, he knew clearly that without a Savior to aid, humanity would be unable to survive the millennial catastrophe. But to preserve the Church’s legacy amid the impending disaster, he had to harden his heart to order the assassination of the Dark Witchers.
An image of Ah Dai surfaced in the Pope’s mind. Could that simple and honest young man truly be the Savior? He had been troubled by this question for some time. If that was the case, then sending Yue Yue to find him was not a mistake. Ah Dai, I hope you do not disappoint my expectations of you. As long as you can prove to be the second Savior following His Highness God Feather, I will commit all resources of the Church to support you through the millennial catastrophe.
By the time Ballon returned to the Holy Church, it was already evening, and the sky had darkened, with a bright moon hanging high above, bringing a sliver of light to the black night.
Stepping out of the Hall of Light, Xuan Ye smiled at Ballon and said, "Ballon, you did very well this time. The Holy Father seems to hold you in high regard. Keep striving."
Ballon replied respectfully, "Yes, Uncle Xuan Ye, I will."
Xuan Ye nodded in approval, looking at the handsome Ballon with great satisfaction. This was the son-in-law he dreamed of! He wondered what his daughter was thinking; what was so good about that foolish Ah Dai who couldn’t compare to the young and promising Ballon. "Ballon, when you saw Yue Yue, what did she say to you? And what about that boy called Ah Dai?"
Upon hearing the name Ah Dai, Ballon involuntarily frowned, but remembering that Xuan Yue would soon leave that foolish boy far inferior to him, his heart instantly eased. He quickly recounted everything that happened when he saw Xuan Yue.
After listening to Ballon’s account, Xuan Ye was moved. He knew his daughter best and faintly felt that Xuan Yue’s claim of having no more feelings for Ah Dai wasn’t true. No, he couldn’t let her continue this way. Even if it meant incurring his father’s disapproval, he would not allow Yue Yue to be further entangled with that foolish boy. He sighed and said, "That girl! She’s really too disobedient. Ballon, I know you’ve always been good to Yue Yue."
