Chapter 1436: Revised: Chapter 150 The Crisis of the Holy See_4
The Pope said in a deep voice, "The Empire of Tian Jing will be under the charge of Priest Yu Jian, and the Federation of Suo Yu will be handled by White Robe Priest Xuan Ye. As for the Empire of Huasheng, although our foundation there is quite weak, the possibility of Dark Forces existing is relatively small. Let’s temporarily abandon that for now. Priest Xuan Yue, you will visit the Tian Gang Sword Sect. You’ve been there before and are familiar with it. It would be best if you could meet the Sword Saint of the Tian Gang and inform them about what’s happening on our side. Request their assistance in tracking the traces of Dark Forces. With the strength of the Tian Gang Sword Sect in the Empire of Huasheng, they should be able to patrol that region. At the same time, with the appearance of the Dark Forces, I hope to ally with the Tian Gang Sword Sect to fight together. Make sure to convey my intentions clearly to them."
Xuan Ye frowned and said, "But, Your Holiness, the Tian Gang Sword Sect has always been at odds with our Church. Will they assist us?"
The Pope glanced at Xuan Ye and responded, "It seems stripping you of the papal succession rights was the correct decision. Must you ask me such a simple question? Xuan Yue, explain it to him."
Xuan Yue looked at her grandfather, then turned to her father, speaking indifferently, "Although the Tian Gang Sword Sect has never been on good terms with our Church and has little interaction with us, they are ultimately a force of justice. They would never stand idly by as the continent is invaded by evil forces. Therefore, as long as we inform them about this, the members of the Tian Gang Sword Sect will certainly assist us in investigating. They are not cooperating with us specifically, but for the peace of the entire continent, it must be done."
The Pope nodded slightly and said, "Very well, Priest Xuan Yue. Since you understand, set out tomorrow. Our location is quite close to the Tian Gang Mountains, so there’s no need to rush. I am giving you a month’s time."
Xuan Yue looked into the Pope’s deeply meaningful eyes and nodded, saying, "Yes, Your Holiness. I will not fail in my mission."
Xuan Ye looked at his daughter with deep concern. He wasn’t oblivious to what Xuan Yue had just said; he just deeply wished to avoid sending his daughter to the Tian Gang Sword Sect. Ever since she parted ways with Ah Dai, Xuan Yue had completely changed. Her former liveliness and willfulness had vanished, replaced by a profound coldness. Even toward him and Nasha, she would not open her heart. She merely completed the responsibilities of a Red Robe Priest in silence and spent most of her days in quiet meditation. Xuan Ye was genuinely worried about his daughter. He now regretted the attitude he had shown toward Ah Dai back then. He could never have imagined how important Ah Dai was in his daughter’s heart. If Xuan Yue encountered Ah Dai during her journey to the Tian Gang Sword Sect, there could only be two outcomes: either their broken relationship would mend, or she would fall into an even deeper sorrow. Xuan Ye truly did not wish to see his daughter take this risk, but the Pope’s command was beyond his ability to stop.
The Pope nodded and said, "Deputy Judge Xuan Yuan, Deputy Judge Fraeld, you need to accelerate the training of the Holy Knight Legion and the Judges. This is a critical time, and I authorize you to use any unconventional methods to enhance their power."
Hearing the Pope’s words, a glimmer of sharpness flashed in Xuan Yuan’s eyes. Although he was nominally demoted to Deputy Judge, he was still fulfilling the duties of the Chief Judge. Bowing, he said, "Your Holiness, I will follow your instructions and use all unconventional methods to improve the strength of the Holy Knight Legion and the Judges."
Everyone present, the Pope included, could clearly feel a chill rising from the soles of their feet. In their hearts, they silently prayed for the Holy Knights and Judges soon to undergo such training. Who wasn’t aware of Xuan Yuan’s methods?
The Pope coughed lightly, somewhat regretting his earlier words, and added, "But don’t go overboard. After all, they still need to be ready to respond at any moment."
Xuan Yuan nodded slightly, his face expressionless, and said, "Your Holiness, rest assured. I will implement the training in phases, ensuring that the Church’s overall defenses remain unaffected."
The Pope said, "Good, then that’s settled. Now, everyone may leave and rest. Priest Xuan Yue, stay for a moment, as I have additional instructions regarding your journey to the Tian Gang Sword Sect."
Xuan Yue acknowledged and paused her retreat, standing to the side. Xuan Ye and Nasha exchanged a glance, then looked at their daughter before reluctantly leaving. Xuan Yue remained standing erect, seemingly oblivious to her parents’ glances, silently watching these high-ranking Church figures depart.
When only the Pope and Xuan Yue were left in the Temple of Light, the Pope spoke, "Yue Yue, do you know my true purpose in sending you to the Tian Gang Sword Sect?"
Xuan Yue responded coldly, "To form an alliance with the Tian Gang Sword Sect and jointly resist the Dark Forces, isn’t it?"
The Pope nodded and said, "That’s certainly one of the purposes, and you are indeed the most suitable candidate. However, I have another purpose. If Ah Dai is at the Tian Gang Sword Sect, I want you to bring him back. I know you genuinely love him, and the way you’ve been now is entirely because of him. Child, your grandfather doesn’t want to see you in such pain."
A trace of sorrow appeared in Xuan Yue’s beautiful blue eyes as she murmured, "Relationships between people are dictated by fate. If the heavens have destined us to be together, then we won’t be apart. Otherwise, no matter how much effort I put in, what good would it do? I admit that I love Ah Dai, deeply, but his actions have deeply disappointed me. I will never take the initiative to seek him again. His cowardice has already broken my heart. If he truly understands my feelings for him, if he truly cares about me, he will come to find me within a year. Grandfather, there’s something I must tell you. With Ah Dai’s temperament, he is unlikely to be at the Tian Gang Sword Sect right now."
The Pope asked in surprise, "Why wouldn’t he be there? Then where could he be?"
Xuan Yue said, "Even if he intends to return to the Tian Gang Sword Sect, it will be in February of the Holy Calendar year 999. He once promised the Sword Saint of the Tian Gang that he would spar with the Sword Saint’s three friends at that time. Until then, Ah Dai will definitely not return. I know him too well. He has two potential destinations: one is the Illusive Forest, and the other is the Empire of Sunset. The latter is more likely because that’s where the Assassin’s Guild, who killed his uncle, resides. Grandfather, please don’t try to persuade me anymore. If Ah Dai truly doesn’t come to find me, I will dedicate my remaining years to the Church and become the best priestess."
The Pope frowned and said, "Child, sometimes happiness must be fought for. Why must you be so stubborn?"
Xuan Yue said sorrowfully, "Happiness? Do you think I could be happy with such a cowardly Ah Dai? If I manage to find him, what if he leaves me again when faced with some other trouble? I can’t bear to go through that again. Grandfather, I’ll head back now. I will set out for the Tian Gang Mountains tomorrow." After speaking, she turned and left in large strides. Two shining tears fell in the air, and her slender figure seemed so lonely and desolate.
The Pope sighed helplessly to himself, murmuring, "Child, why do you put yourself through this?" Although his desire for Xuan Yue to bring Ah Dai back was largely motivated by the well-being of the Church, he also truly cared for his granddaughter. Even as the Pope, he had emotions and didn’t want to see his only granddaughter trapped in lifelong pain.
Mie Feng carried Ah Dai swiftly through the streets of Tai Ang City. Because Ah Dai’s Giant Spirit Snake Armor glimmered too conspicuously, she deliberately draped her own outer robe over him.
Ah Dai’s body alternated between cold and hot, his consciousness teetering on the edge of unconsciousness. The alternating sacred and dark auras emanating from him were constantly assaulting Mie Feng, making her feel exceedingly uncomfortable. Finally, after traveling about two kilometers, an inconspicuous, ordinary inn came into her view. Overjoyed, she quickly approached it.
The inn was quite deserted, with only two staff members chatting idly in the lobby. Noticing Mie Feng carrying someone inside, one of the staff frowned and stepped forward, saying, "Miss, have you come to the wrong place? This is an inn, not a hospital."
Mie Feng raised her head, her eyes shooting cold sparks, "Quit talking nonsense. My husband accidentally fell and got hurt. He needs rest right away. Get me a room, a quiet one."
Seeing Mie Feng’s stunning appearance, the staff member was momentarily stunned and stammered, "O-okay, please wait a moment."
Mie Feng stood in the lobby, breathing lightly. When she mentioned that Ah Dai was her husband, an indescribable emotion suddenly rose within her—a longing of some kind. Touched by her own flushed face, Mie Feng struggled to calm herself.
Under the staff’s guidance, Mie Feng carried Ah Dai to a room in the corner of the second floor. The room, while not luxurious, was tidy. She carefully placed Ah Dai on the bed and said to the staff, "Leave us. Without my permission, no one is allowed to disturb us. Understood?"
