Chapter 1435: Chapter 150: Vatican Crisis_3
The Prayer Charm was chanted to completion, and the Pope slowly turned, speaking in a grave tone: "It’s been three months, and there’s still no word of the Dark alien races’ movements. Have they simply vanished into thin air?"
Mang Siu bowed and said, "Your Holiness, we’ve searched every possible location within the Tian Yuan territory, and still found nothing. I believe the Dark alien races must have a secret hideout on the continent. Otherwise, it would be impossible for such a large group to remain hidden. The hideout is most likely within the Empire of Sunset’s borders, as that is where the Dark Forces are most concentrated. Shall we send people for a thorough investigation? The Empire of Sunset, while having many followers, has a ruling class that frequently dismisses us. I fear we’ll have to gather some details on our own."
Xuan Yue stepped forward and said, "Your Holiness, I don’t think that’s necessarily the case. Since the Dark Forces attacked our troop heading to the Tian Yuan Clan, they must have anticipated our retaliation. And the Assassin’s Guild and Thieves’ Guild within the Empire of Sunset always operate under the Dark Forces’ sphere of influence. Since we can imagine them hiding there, they must have expected it too. If those powerful Dark alien races have even a shred of intellect, they wouldn’t rush into plain view within the Empire of Sunset, giving us a trail to follow."
The Pope frowned and said, "Then where do you think the headquarters of the Dark Forces might be?"
Xuan Yue shook her head and said, "I don’t know. It could be anywhere on the continent—or perhaps even at sea."
The Pope paused in astonishment and said, "At sea? Is that possible? Without supplies on the ocean, it would be impossible to survive for an extended period."
Xuan Yue replied, "Not necessarily. On the sea, the biggest challenge isn’t food—it’s water. To my knowledge, Alchemists have developed a device capable of fully separating water and salt from seawater. With such a device on a large ship, they’d have no water shortage. And if they dedicate enough space to storing vegetables and grains, they could survive on the ocean for over six months. Once, I..." She faltered suddenly, her icy expression wavered for a moment before continuing, "Once heard Ah Dai mention that he and his mentor, the Flame Wizard Goris, encountered pirates at sea. And the Pirate Leader turned out to be a member of the Dark Demon Clan." The device she referred to, capable of seawater separation, was something she had seen with Ah Dai during their time in the Illusive Forest from Goris’ relics.
After listening to Xuan Yue’s words, the Pope paced back and forth in the Temple of Light. After a while, he looked at Xuan Yue and said, "What you say is possible, but I do not agree. First, the Dark alien races number at least ten thousand. If they moved from the Tian Yuan Clan toward the coastline, we would have received some kind of news. Second, even on the largest of ships, accommodating such a massive number would require at least a hundred vessels. Such a large fleet couldn’t have escaped our notice. From these two points, even if there are traces of the Dark Forces at sea, it couldn’t be their main force."
Xuan Yue nodded and said, "Your Holiness, you’re right. But I’ve suddenly thought of something—since the Dark alien races have so many people, if they were retreating to the Empire of Sunset, there should also have been signs of movement. Yet, we’ve scoured almost every area surrounding the Tian Yuan territory, and still, there’s no trace of the Dark alien races. Have they truly vanished into thin air?"
The Pope sighed and said, "It seems our intelligence network is still inadequate, leaving us like blind men fumbling around. Here’s what we’ll do. Ballon, I order you to personally lead fifty Judges and two hundred Sacred Knights proficient in naval skills. Depart from the dock of Hil Province in the Tian Jing Empire disguised as a merchant vessel to patrol the sea. Upon encountering smaller groups of the Dark Forces, eliminate them immediately. If you find evidence of the Dark alien races’ main force, avoid direct conflict and focus on locating their base, then report the findings back. Oh, and take two White Robe Priests with you—they might prove useful."
Ballon bowed and said, "Yes, Your Holiness."
The Pope said, "After six months, whether or not you uncover anything, you must return with your men. This mission must not fail, so proceed with caution."
Ballon nodded and said, "I will do my utmost to complete the mission."
The Pope said, "Be cautious in everything; failure is not an option! The Sky God will bless your efforts. Go prepare now."
Ballon acknowledged the order and exited the Temple of Light. Since their defeat at the Tian Yuan Clan and the matter of Ballon’s father driving away Ah Dai, the Pope had remained cold toward both father and son. This mission offered Ballon an opportunity to leave the central headquarters of the church. He felt somewhat relieved and resolved to bring his son along, determined to achieve merits to offset the Pope’s reproach for Ballon’s father.
The Pope turned to Mang Siu and said, "Mang Siu Priest, all matters regarding the Empire of Sunset have been handled by Priest Na Yan. Though the Dark Forces rampage there, and it’s a degenerate nation, the Sky God still has many loyal worshippers. I now entrust you with full authority over those affairs. Harness every ability at your disposal to uncover the whereabouts of the Dark alien races. Report any findings immediately."
Mang Siu bowed and said, "Yes, Your Holiness. I will do everything in my power."
