Chapter 1522: Chapter 169: Fighting 1 Against 3
The Pope was taken aback. Although he was aware of Quan Yi’s ruthlessness, he hadn’t expected him to propose such a vicious suggestion. The Red Robe Priests all possessed the cultivation of Magic Grandmasters. Even with four Red Robe Priests combined, the Pope himself would not dare to easily guarantee victory. Especially now, Xuan Yue’s cultivation in sacred Light Magic was already very close to his own realm. If indeed the four Red Robe Priests joined forces, even the Sword Saint of the Tian Gang might not be able to handle them.
Listening to Quan Yi’s words, Larthas was furious. The plan that was just about to succeed was disrupted by his words. He snorted disdainfully and said coldly, "Quan Yi Your Majesty should understand what the Red Robe Priests represent on the continent. Asking four Red Robe Priests to besiege someone as unremarkable as Ah Dai could harm the reputation of the Church."
The guests had all moved to the Light Altar. Xi Wen said, "Indeed, I agree with State Preceptor Larthas’ words. The Church is the leader of the continent. Although Ah Dai’s actions this time were indeed excessive, letting four Red Robe Priests test him alone, I think that’s a bit too much. Please reconsider, Your Holiness."
"Indeed, Sect Leader Xi Wen is right. Although Ah Dai’s behavior today was indeed wrong, the Church broke the agreement first. How can it let the four Red Robe Priests besiege him alone?" The one who echoed was none other than the Mage Guild Chairman Kary. As soon as he finished speaking, the various forces that had come for Ah Dai all voiced their agreement, and the area around the Light Altar was filled with noisy voices.
The Pope remained silent. Without Quan Yi’s appearance, he believed that with his own authority combined with Larthas’ previous reasoning, he could have resolved this matter smoothly. However, Quan Yi’s sudden appearance would undoubtedly provoke some thoughts among the clergy of the Church. If he rashly rejected Quan Yi’s opinion, not only would it cause a rift between the Empire of Sunset City and the Church, but it would also discontent many high-ranking church officials, especially in the minds of Ballon and his faction. For a moment, he hesitated repeatedly, finding it difficult to decide.
Ah Dai looked at the concerned eyes below the stage, feeling warm inside, realizing he wasn’t alone. He had friends and mentors who all cared about him. Glancing at Xuan Yue, who stood with her head down, Ah Dai took a deep breath and resolutely said, "Your Holiness, you need not be troubled. Let’s proceed as His Majesty Quan Yi suggests. I am willing to accept the test from the four Red Robe Priests."
Ah Dai’s words immediately caused an uproar among the clergy below the stage. In their hearts, the Red Robe Priests were revered beings second only to the Pope, holding an extremely exalted status. Ah Dai daring to challenge the four Red Robe Priests with his own strength was simply disregarding the Church.
Xi Wen was shocked upon hearing Ah Dai’s words and angrily rebuked, "Ah Dai, don’t speak recklessly."
Quan Yi’s eyes revealed a trace of malice, and he said in a tone neither cold nor warm, "Sect Leader Xi Wen, since Ah Dai is willing himself, why stop him? I am truly amazed by his courage! Indeed, a disciple trained by the Tian Gang Sword Sect is extraordinary!"
Ah Dai snorted coldly and said, "So, you are the ruler of that Dark Territory of the Empire of Sunset City, huh? No wonder the Empire of Sunset City has turned out that way. You yourself aren’t anything good. Be careful; the Grim Reaper might show up in front of you one day."
Quan Yi was furious hearing Ah Dai’s earlier words, but his expression changed drastically upon hearing the last sentence. Pointing at Ah Dai, he said, "You, you mentioned the Grim Reaper."
Ah Dai chuckled coldly and said, "The Grim Reaper who wiped out the Assassin’s Guild and killed a large number of your nobles from the Empire of Sunset City! You can’t be unaware of his existence. If you wish to die, he would surely be happy to oblige. After all, you are the very source of darkness in the Empire of Sunset City."
Quan Yi’s already pale face turned a shade of green with anger, his finger trembling slightly as he pointed at Ah Dai. "You, you! Who is the source of darkness? Your Holiness, you must stand for me!"
Ah Dai sneered disdainfully, turned his head towards Xuan Yue, and ignored him.
The Pope shot Ah Dai a somewhat reproachful glance. Things had come to this; even he could do nothing to change the situation. Turning to look at Ballon and others, he said, "What do you think should be done about this matter?"
Although Ballon hated Ah Dai for ruining his son’s wedding, he was, after all, the Deputy Judge of the Church. He knew this punishment was indeed too severe. Just as he was about to speak, his wife interrupted him. Luo Shui’s eyes were filled with intense hatred as she said resentfully, "Let the four Red Robe Priests test him. We have no objections."
The Pope gave Luo Shui a meaningful look, sighed softly, and said, "If that’s the case, then let the four Red Robe Priests test Ah Dai at the Light Altar. But, as the highest-level priest in the Church, I set a limit: the attack duration is thirty minutes. If Ah Dai can endure more than thirty minutes, he’ll have passed this test."
Xi Wen angrily said, "Your Holiness, how can this be? Letting Ah Dai face four Red Robe Priests alone is tantamount to sentencing him to death! I absolutely disagree. Our Tian Gang Sword Sect will never agree either." Those supporting Ah Dai immediately became agitated, criticizing the Pope’s decision.
The Pope’s eyes flashed with cold light. As the Pope of the Church, the highest ruler on the continent, when had he ever encountered such a scene? He was just about to flare up when Ah Dai intervened. Ah Dai stopped everyone from continuing to speak and said earnestly, "Master Xi Wen, all mentors and friends, thank you for your concern for Ah Dai. But indeed, what Ah Dai did today was wrong. As a disciple of the Tian Gang Sword Sect, I cannot retreat in the face of a challenge. I cannot disgrace the Tian Gang Sword Sect, nor can I let the Grandmaster be disappointed. Please rest assured, I am confident in facing this challenge. Please do not trouble His Holiness anymore."
