Chapter 551: Chapter 141: Reigniting Life _1
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Ah Dai first gathered all his True Qi into his Golden Body in the Dantian. Operating under energy, Ah Dai adjusted himself to the best state. He had already decided, even if his heart was exploded by the liquid life essence, he would never retreat. Under the control of his mind, the golden liquid life essence condensed into the shape of a spike outside the heart pulse. Ah Dai gritted his teeth, spurred this surging energy, suddenly penetrated into the depths of the heart pulse, making him spasm violently due to the pain much more intense than before, and spat out several mouthfuls of blood. However, he still didn’t give up on attacking the heart pulse, controlling the life essence charged forward with his mind. Blood gushed out mouthful after mouthful. Ah Dai knew he couldn’t hold on any longer. His will became slowly blurred. He felt he could not support himself any longer.
Just as he could no longer push forward, a warm and soft energy suddenly appeared, went along his right forearm, and rushed into the heart pulse instantly. The blocked blood vessels in the heart pulse suddenly expanded a bit due to the impact of this energy. Ah Dai’s life essence seized the opportunity to break through, finally connecting the bridge between heaven and earth. Ah Dai’s body shook violently a few times, gradually restored to calm. All the pain suddenly disappeared, and the lost strength returned to his body. Feeling the warm energy that continually soothes his soul, Ah Dai was heartbroken because he knew this was the warm energy that Goris’s wish transmitted. It was Goris’s soul that saved him during the crisis. Ah Dai lied flat on the ground and murmured, "Teacher, you are the best for me! Teacher..." Tears fell, Ah Dai slowly sat up, although most of his strength had been restored, his body was still extremely weak.
When he opened his eyes, after more than ten days, Ah Dai looked at his body again. He found that he had turned completely into a mudman. His black robe had turned into a yellow-brownish color, completely ragged. Some parts even revealed the Gigantic Spirit Snake Armor underneath. Ah Dai moved his incredibly stiff limbs a little bit. His blood circulation slightly accelerated, which gradually awakened his numb body.
"Teacher Goris, Uncle Owen, Master, for you, I can’t die yet. The task you gave me, I haven’t finished yet, I can’t die now." With a stroke into the void, he opened his own space barrier and took out the fruits he and Xuan Yue picked on the way to the Pu Yan tribe. Although there was no air in the space barrier, the fruits rotted due to their own reasons. Nevertheless, Ah Dai still stuffed those fruits into his mouth, swallowing them heartily. He needed nutrition, a lot of nutrition to restore his body. Nineteen fruits were all eaten by him in a short while. Ah Dai tore off his black robe, took a deep breath, and entered into the cultivation state, activating the life essence in his Dantian to circulate. A pale white radiance emerged from his body, and his consciousness submerged into his body, now, he had put everything aside, concentrating on his cultivated power.
Two days later, a clear long howl echoed in the empty wilderness. The howl surged like the waves in the sea, scaring off the surrounding birds and beasts quickly trying to get away. This howl emanated from Ah Dai after two days of cultivation, his condition had restored to the best. His body was filled with surging life essence. With his eyes open, two tangible cold glows shot out, and Ah Dai rose from the spot. Under the sunlight, his Gigantic Spirit Snake Armor glowed. Ah Dai raised his clenched right fist before his eyes and said coldly, "From today on, I, Ah Dai, will not involve emotions. What I will do is to avenge Uncle Owen and fulfill Master’s wish. Assassins Guild, you wait, the Grim Reaper will visit you, bring you the fear of death." Like Xuan Yue in the Elf Forest, Ah Dai also completely sealed his heart in his mind, where he only carried the idea of revenge. Rising from the ground, he identified the direction and flew to the west.
Holy Church. Inside the great hall of light. A heavy atmosphere made everyone feel a sense of suffocation. The Pope stood in the centre of the hall, an icy aura continuously emanating from him. Red Robed Priest Xuan Ye, Chief Judge Xuan Yuan, Deputy Judge Ballon, and everyone who had returned from the Tian Yuan Clan lowered their heads. Only Xuan Yue, whose face remained cold, was able to maintain their composure. They had just rushed back to the Church and had immediately reported the situation to the Pope. Now, they were all nervously waiting for his response.
The Pope’s gaze swept over each returning individual. His emotionless voice rang out, "Over a thousand people went, and only you returned? The dark forces are indeed powerful! Chief Judge Xuan Yuan, Red Robe Priest Xuan Ye, and Deputy Judge Ballon, how did you command them? Out of a thousand elite church members, only a little over sixty came back. Even if the enemy was that strong, didn’t you have a chance to break through with your own formidable strength? Had it not been for Priest Na Yan’s sacrifice, I suppose none of you would have returned." The Pope’s anger had reached its limit. His usually calm expression was somewhat distorted. Even his speech was disorganized. It was clear he was truly incensed. "Xuan Ye, as the main commander of this action, it was you who led the team into the Winged Tribe’s trap. Tell me, how should I deal with you?"
Xuan Ye knelt in depression, "My lord, the failure of this mission is solely because of my poor command. I am willing to accept any punishment."
Xuan Yuan wrinkled his eyebrows slightly and addressed the Pope: "As the leader of this expedition against the Dark Demon Clan, I bear undeniable responsibility. I ask for punishment as well. But your holiness, with the dark forces now running rampant, we are in great need of resources. I hope you will not be too harsh on Priest Xuan Ye. I am willing to take on his punishment."
Xuan Ye was taken aback. He had never imagined his uncle would take the blame for him. For the first time, he felt a sense of family from his uncle Xuan Yuan. Gratefully, he glanced at Xuan Yuan, then stated to the Pope: "Your holiness, this incident had nothing to do with the Judge. It was my fault alone that led to our total defeat. Please, punish me."
The Pope looked coldly at Xuan Yuan and Xuan Ye and said calmly, "Neither of you needs to say more. I know how to handle this. The church has its rules, and the Sky God does not forgive sinners. Xuan Ye, you committed such grave errors, we should take your life to serve as a sacrifice for the souls of the brave warriors who have died. But I will give you a chance to redeem yourself. Starting today, Red Robe Priest Xuan Ye will be demoted to a White Robe Priest and deprived of his right to inherit the papacy."
Xuan Yuan was taken aback and spoke in a broken voice: "Your holiness, you can demote Xuan Ye to a White Robe Priest, but you can’t deprive him of his right to inherit the papacy!" To be deprived of the right to inherit meant losing the possibility of inheriting the papacy forever, even if Xuan Ye recovered his Red Robe Priest rank, it would not change the fact. This is why Xuan Yuan was so panicked. In theory, anyone in the church could inherit the papacy. But once the incumbent Pope deprived someone of this right, it was equivalent to greatly diminishing their status within the Church.
The Pope turned his gaze to Xuan Yuan, saying, "I won’t change a decision I’ve already made. Xuan Ye lacks discernment and failed to think clearly during a difficult mission. He no longer qualifies for the succession to the papacy. I’ve been quite lenient with my punishment. Xuan Yuan, you, as the Chief Judge, though not the direct commander, did not rectify Xuan Ye’s mistakes in time, and you’re also to blame. From today onward, you are demoted to Deputy Judge. Ballon is exempted from punishment as he was not in the direct chain of command. The rest of the returnees bravely fought the enemy. Under Xuan Ye’s faulty command, they nevertheless managed to return to the church. Their merits outweigh any possible shortcomings. Each of them will be promoted. This is my final decision, and it will not be changed."
Xuan Yuan wanted to say something, but was stopped by Xuan Ye. Xuan Ye respectfully said, "Thank you, your holiness, for your leniency." He was never a person eager for power, and the failure of this mission was indeed mainly his fault, so naturally he was not going to argue further.
The Pope said solemnly, "I hereby issue a special decree of the Church, commanding all the scattered temples across the continent to simultaneously monitor and track the movements of the dark forces. Furthermore, gather all the priests, judges, and the Holy Knight Legion of the Holy Church for reassignment. Three days later, they will proceed to the Tian Yuan Clan in search of the whereabouts of the dark alien races. At the same time, we shall send letters to all nations, requesting their cooperation in investigating the traces of the dark forces." The Church having suffered such a severe blow, he was resolved to completely obliterate the dark alien races at any cost.
"Your Holiness, I have something to say," Xuan Yue’s cold voice suddenly echoed in the Hall of Light. The Pope paused and turned towards Xuan Yue, saying, "Speak."
Xuan Yue said indifferently, "In this critical time when the Church’s very existence is at stake, I beg Your Holiness to allow me to join the Church’s armies in their expedition, to jointly annihilate the dark alien races. Moreover, I wish to take over the position held by Red Priest Na Yan, and become the new Red Robe Priest. I believe I now fully possess the power required."
The Pope frowned and said, "You wish to become a Red Robe Priest? Being a Red Robe Priest not only requires profound cultivation, but it also requires numerous qualities." Xuan Yue was just an ordinary goddess in the Church without a position. Even though the Pope wished for his granddaughter to excel, he could not misuse his power to let Xuan Yue skip several ranks in one go.
Xuan Yue looked straight at the Pope and added, "Your Holiness, the Church is now facing a do or die situation, I hope you can temporarily change the old rules. I hope to have the identity of a Red Robe Priest so I can better assist you in commanding the Church’s armies against the Dark alien races. I believe I possess the strength to do so. Please approve my request."
The Pope suddenly felt that his granddaughter seemed to have changed, almost completely different from before. Her beautiful eyes revealed no trace of emotion, all that was visible was firm conviction. However, as the Red Robe Priest holds such a high position in the Church, even though Xuan Yue was his granddaughter, he could not rashly agree. He turned to the two other Red Robe Priests beside him and asked, "What do you think?"
Respectfully, Mang Siu said, "Your Holiness, Xuan Yue is right. Now is the time when we need all the help we can get. I have no objections as long as her abilities are sufficient." On the other side, the Red Robe Priest Yu Jian nodded, and said, "I share the same opinion as Priest Mang Siu. As long as Xuan Yue can show she is at par with a Red Robe Priest, she can certainly succeed in this position."
The Pope nodded and said, "Being a Red Robe Priest in the Church is a major undertaking and cannot be decided at whim. So here’s what we’ll do, Xuan Yue, as long as you can prove your strength, I can let you temporarily take the position of
the Red Robe Priest, and we will consider promoting or demoting you based on your future contributions to the Church. You, Chief Judge Xuan Yuan and Xuan Ye can now go and rest. In three days, we set out for the Tian Yuan Clan. Priests Mang Siu and Yu Jian, please prepare outside the Hall of Light, in an hour, we shall conduct Xuan Yue’s review. Order all clergy members of the Church to attend and jointly monitor."
After Mang Siu and Yu Jian had bowed and left, Xuan Ye and Xuan Yuan also led the returning group out of the Hall of Light, leaving only the Pope and Xuan Yue alone in the hall. The Pope gazed at Xuan Yue and said, "Why aren’t you preparing? Are you that confident?"
Xuan Yue said lightly, "I am not going because I know you have something to say to me. Moreover, I am confident in reaching the level of a Red Robe Priest, so why bother preparing?"
The Pope’s ceaselessly tense face relaxed, he sighed, walked up to Xuan Yue, studied her delicate face, and said, "Yue Yue, what’s happened to you? Didn’t you go to find Ah Dai? How did you come back so quickly? Didn’t you find him?" Xuan Yue said, "I found him. It just so happened that in the Pu Yan Clan, the Prophet Pu Lin told us that the Church was in trouble in the Elf Forest, so I rushed there, just in time to meet up with Father and return to the Church."
The Pope asked, "What about Ah Dai? Didn’t he come back with you?"
Xuan Yue’s eyes flashed a faint trace of desolation. She quietly said, "He’s gone. He said he’s gone forever and will never come back."
The Pope was startled and asked, "Gone? What exactly happened between you two?"
Xuan Yue replied, "I don’t want to talk about those things, if you want to know, you can ask Priest Xuan Ye or Chief Judge Xuan Yuan. They will tell you the answer. I’m sorry, Your Holiness, I need to prepare for the upcoming test. I will leave first." With those words, she turned and began walking out of the Hall of Light.
The Pope said, "Wait. I might not ask you about this, but you need to tell me, was the downpour of light that occurred a while ago caused by Ah Dai?"
Xuan Yue’s body trembled, scenes from the day with Ah Dai by the river instantly flashed across her mind, causing her heart to ache fiercely. She nodded silently, then she exited the Hall of Light.
The Pope watched Xuan Yue fade into the distance, murmuring to himself, "It’s them, it really is them. I can finally be certain they are the Saviors."
After leaving the main hall, Xuan Yue took a deep breath of the familiar air inside the Holy Church, and began the slow walk to her home. Before she even entered the door, she could hear the sobs of her mother. A feeling of suppression spread throughout her body. As Xuan Yue entered the room, she saw her father, Xuan Ye, sitting dazedly to one side, while her mother was lying on the bed, crying pitifully. Clearly, she had already heard of the death of her grandfather, Na Yan.
Upon hearing the door open, Na Sha raised her head. When she saw her daughter, the sorrow in her heart eased slightly. Xuan Yue walked up to Na Sha and whispered, "Mother, the dead cannot be revived. Please don’t be sad. Grandfather’s death won’t be in vain, I promise to avenge him."
Na Sha held her daughter tightly in her arms. How could she not be heartbroken over the death of her father? Although Na Yan had always been strict with her, she knew that everything he did was for her benefit. Not to mention the deep familial bond. Xuan Yue gently infused The Light of Tranquility into her mother’s body, soothing her overwhelming grief. As time ticked by, Xuan Ye let out a sigh, "Yue Yue, it’s time for you to go to the Temple of Light for your assessment."
After crying for a whole hour, Na Sha’s grief had lessened slightly. Hearing Xuan Ye’s words, she looked at her daughter in surprise, "Yue Yue, what assessment are you going through?"
Nestling into her mother’s side, Xuan Yue said, "Mother, grandfather was a Red Robe Priest. Now that he has passed on, how could I let his position fall into the hands of others? I want to take over his position, to become a new Red Robe Priest. The Pope has already agreed that as long as I can tie in a battle with either Mang Siu or Yu Jian, two of the Red Robe Priests, I can temporarily hold this position."
Na Sha was shocked, "What? You want to compete with the two Red Robe Priests? How is that possible? Yue Yue, you have to understand that the ranking tests in the Holy Church are a matter of life and death."
Xuan Yue’s eyes were filled with unwavering confidence. She said calmly, "Mother, don’t worry. I know when to hold back. I won’t hurt either of the Red Robe Priests. I must go now." Without waiting for Na Sha to protest, she used a Short-Distance Teleportation and left the room. Seeing her daughter vanish into thin air, Na Sha’s body convulsed involuntarily. She turned to her husband and asked, "What’s gotten into Yue Yue? Why is she acting so strangely all of a sudden?"
Xuan Ye sighed, "Don’t worry, Yue Yue’s power is now no less than mine. She’s more than qualified for the position of Red Robe Priest. Na Sha, you shouldn’t go. I’ll go to the temple to watch over Yue Yue. It’s better to be careful."
Na Sha shook her head, "No, I’m going. I’ve already lost my father, and I can’t afford to lose my daughter. I want to go with you."
When Xuan Yue arrived at the Temple of Light, a large number of priests and judges had already gathered. The Holy Knight Legion were stationed around the mountains of the church and without the Pope’s order, they were not allowed to enter the inner mountain freely.
Red Robe Priests Mang Siu and Yu Jian were standing at the entrance of the Temple of Light. They were close friends with Na Yan. Among the four Red Robe Priests, Na Yan was the oldest and deeply respected by them. His death had greatly saddened these two Red Robe Priests who were both over seventy. Today, when Xuan Yue proposed to take over Na Yan’s position, they were surprised, but they both decided that as long as Xuan Yue’s cultivation was not too poor, they would fulfill her wish and do something for the departed Na Yan. Na Sha’s worries were completely unnecessary; no matter what reason, neither Mang Siu nor Yu Jian would harm Xuan Yue.
Xuan Yue walked up to Mang Siu and Yu Jian, bowed respectfully and said, "Grandfathers, how do you do? Shall we begin?"
Mang Siu gave a slight smile, "Yue Yue, are you ready?"
Xuan Yue nodded, "I don’t know which of you would like to give me guidance?"
Mang Siu and Yu Jian exchanged a glance, and Mang Siu said, "I will do it." He used his Divine Energy to broadcast his voice far and wide, "By the Pope’s decree, due to the emergence of dark forces, Red Robe Priest Na Yan sacrificed himself for the church. In order to immediately fill the vacancy of the Red Robe Priest, we have decided to test Goddess Xuan Yue. As long as she can fight to a draw with either me or Red Robe Priest Yu Jian, we will temporarily promote her to the acting Red Robe Priest. This is supervised by all the priests and judges present." His voice echoed throughout the area, clearly audible to everyone gathered in front of the Temple of Light. The crowd immediately began buzzing with conversation. Little Witch Xuan Yue was well-known within the Holy Church. Although everyone liked this stunningly beautiful girl, no one could believe that with her age of less than twenty, she could achieve the cultivation of a Red Robe Priest. For a moment, the area was filled with murmurs.
Xuan Yue, seemingly indifferent to everything, spoke to Mang Siu, "Please proceed."
Mang Siu nodded at Xuan Yue, saying, "Be careful, girl." After speaking, he rose and landed on the left end of the Temple of Light, wrapped in white divine energy.
Xuan Yue’s delicate face showed no fluctuation. Golden flames surged out, encompassing her body as she floated to the other end of the Temple of Light.
Seeing the strong sacred aura emanating from Xuan Yue, everyone was stunned, including Mang Siu and Yu Jian. No one had expected Xuan Yue’s cultivation of the holy light magic to have reached such a realm. Mang Siu’s originally relaxed expression disappeared instantly. He very clearly knew what this golden energy represented. What Xuan Yue possessed was at least the strength above the White Robe Priest.
At this moment, the Pope walked out from the Temple of Light. As he appeared, all the priests and judges ceremoniously saluted him, shouting in unison, "We greet the Pope."
The Pope raised his hands, saying, "The position of the Red Robe Priest is very important to the Holy Church. I wouldn’t rashly decide on a candidate if it weren’t for the sudden emergence of dark forces. I hope that the faithful of God can understand my decision. Now, Mang Siu, Xuan Yue, you may begin. For fairness, neither of you is allowed to use any tools to enhance your strength during this contest." How could he not understand Xuan Yue’s strength when outsiders couldn’t? He had already discovered that Xuan Yue’s strength had dramatically increased when he saw her in the Temple of Light that day, she was absolutely not weaker than a light magic tutor. This was why he was confident in allowing her to take this test.
Xuan Yue and Mang Siu performed a priestly salute to each other, simultaneously chanting their own spells. The holy chant echoed continuously in front of the Temple of Light, all the priests involuntarily started chanting the prayer charm.
Xuan Yue chanted, "Oh, great God of the Heavenly Realm! I ask you to lend me your endless divine power, let the light cover the earth, let the sacred fill the world." The golden light suddenly flourished, completely enveloping her body within a five-meter radius. The golden light shot into the sky in the shape of a cylinder, reaching the heavens. In the crowd, Xuan Ye and Na Sha watched their daughter shrouded in golden light. They were completely relieved. What Xuan Yue used was the seventh level of holy light magic - Descent of Divine Light. Being able to use this seventh-level spell so quickly, her cultivation would certainly not be inferior to Mang Siu’s.
Mang Siu was also taken aback. He originally wanted to go easy on her during the contest, but seeing Xuan Yue using Descent of Divine Light, he abandoned that idea. The white light wrapping his body gradually turned golden, the same golden light column soared into the sky, on the left and right of the temple of light. He and Xuan Yue faced each other, continuously gathering light elements in the air.
Xuan Yue’s eyes were filled with a cold light. She drew two elegant arcs with her hands on each side of her body. Her palms turned outward, and the divine energy burst out. The golden energy that was shooting straight into the sky changed direction under Xuan Yue’s command, rushing towards Mang Siu. Mang Siu’s eyes flashed brilliantly, and the same movement appeared in his hands, and two golden light pillars erupted from the left and right sides of the Temple of Light. Since the two energies originated from the same source, there was no violent explosion. The same golden light remained in mid-air, pressurizing each other. Although both golden energies were filled with a sacred aura, they were slightly different. The golden light pillar emitted by Xuan Yue was a little deeper in color, clearly distinguishable in the sky.
Despite the gathering of thousands, the area in front of the Temple of Light was exceptionally calm. Who wouldn’t want to witness a battle between magic instructors? Two streaks of golden light — one deep, one faint — suddenly collided in mid-air, each trying to overpower the other’s energy. In such a contest of magic, it all came down to whose magic was more profound. Only the one with the deeper understanding of magic could achieve ultimate victory.
The divine chants emanated unceasingly from Xuan Yue and Priest Mang Siu. Their two pillars of golden energy kept squeezing against each other, with neither gaining an upper hand. The enormous aura of energy formed an invisible barrier-like pressure, which pushed the onlooking clergy back by a hundred meters. As Xuan Yue kept on consolidating the light elements, her blue long hair was swept up by the energy. Inside the golden light enveloping her body, it fluttered constantly. Her calm face radiated divinity and dignity, making some of the spectators chant "Reincarnation of the Goddess".
Xuan Ye looked at his daughter’s gradually increasing energy with relief. However, Na Sha held tightly onto Xuan Ye’s hand. Despite Xuan Yue not being at disadvantage, she was still extremely tense, fearing any mistake from Xuan Yue. Xuan Ye telepathically comforted Na Sha, "Don’t worry. As long as Yue Yue maintains this stalemate, she definitely won’t lose. Priest Mang Siu’s cultivation is on par with mine. As long as nothing unexpected happens, at the very least, Yue Yue can hold a draw and won’t suffer a loss."
At that moment, the situation in the field changed unexpectedly. Priest Mang Siu suddenly spread his arms, a golden light shone in his eyes, as he loudly chanted, "One is the Light of Life; two is the Soul’s Spirit; three is the Light of Healing; four is the Heart of Man; five is the Sacred Light; six is the Mandate of God; seven is the Light of Destruction; eight is the Calamity of Immortality; nine is the Light of Death; ten is the Wound Between Heaven and Earth. With the power of the Sky God as the guide, taking form of Five Lights and Five Destructions, bloom forth, grandeur between Heaven and Earth, gather into the Great Light, sweeping away all terror and evil." As Mang Siu chanted, he made one strange gesture after another with his hands, firing golden symbols into the golden energy before him. As he completed the spell, the golden light guarding his body changed and formed a barrier with red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue and purple lights circling around and his energy significantly strengthened. The golden light pillar he fired also turned into a seven-colored pillar. The volume of the energy pillar significantly increased, and with an intensely powerful aura, it gradually suppressed Xuan Yue’s golden light pillar.
Only the clerics with the strength of a White Robe Priest or above could recognize the magic Mang Siu used. It was the Level Eight Light Magic - Great Light. Taking pride from Heaven and Earth, forming great energy against the enemy using Five Lights and Five Destructions. Although the sacred aura of the Great Light didn’t match the pureness of the golden light pillar, it still contained much larger energy, making it one of the most powerful single-target attack magic in the Level Eight Light Magic. Even Xuan Yue didn’t expect Mang Siu to use this magic. The Pope’s face slightly changed, frowning as even he would have to exert some force to combat the Great Light unleashed by Mang Siu, causing him to worry about his granddaughter.
Xuan Ye trembled with the appearance of Great Light. He too knew this magic, and was aware of how unimaginably mighty it could be. He hadn’t expected Mang Siu to use this powerful magic so quickly. Clearly unprepared, Xuan Yue was hard-pressed under the situation where her opponent had the absolute advantage. Xuan Ye didn’t expect Xuan Yue, pressured into a corner, to even have the ability to recite a spell, let alone fight back. He now only hoped that Mang Siu would show mercy for the Pope’s sake and not hurt his daughter.
Na Sha anxiously asked, "What should we do now? Yue Yue won’t last long." Xuan Ye looked at the brilliant lights in front of the Temple of Light, but without any solution. He murmured soothingly, "Don’t worry just yet. Yue Yue may not necessarily lose. Even if her life is in danger, I’m willing to face the Pope’s severe punishment and will definitely save her."
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