Chapter 609: Chapter 168: Declaration of Love_4
While Pope may not highly regard Larthas’ magic cultivation, he cannot disregard the Empire of Tian Jing that stands behind him. The Pope nods slightly and says, "State Preceptor, please speak."
Larthas nods his head and says, "Firstly, I was extremely surprised and enraged when today’s wedding was disrupted by this unexpected stranger. The church is formed by the most loyal followers of the Sky God. Violating the church’s authority is akin to blaspheming the dignity of Sky God. Hence, I hope that, as Pope, you can severely punish this person."
The Pope sighs inwardly. For the dignity of the church, he has no choice but to make a decision. He nods and says, "The words of the State Preceptor are reasonable. I will handle it properly." He was about to give his commands, but Larthas interrupts him, "Your Holiness, I still have more information to report. This unexpected stranger is actually a subordinate of our Mage’s Guild of Tian Jing. He is called Ah Dai and he serves as one of our Elders. Your Holiness, don’t misunderstand. I would not favor him just because he belongs to our Guild. However, Ah Dai once told me something. Based on that, it is understandable for him to disrupt the wedding ceremony today."
The Pope is slightly taken aback and asks "What matter is related to his arrogant behavior today?"
Seeing the Pope’s question, Larthas rejoiced in his heart. This is the strategy they had discussed last night and now it was finally put to use. He was chosen to deliver the message because out of everyone, only the Empire of Tian Jing has a good working relationship with the church, apart from the despised Empire of Sunset City. Larthas clears his throat and says, "Ah Dai once told me that, over four years ago when he was practising at Tian Gang mountain, he had a bet with Priest Xuan Ye. The bet was personally set by the Sword Saint of the Tian Gang Sect. The content of the bet was if Ah Dai can defeat Priest Xuan Ye in a duel five years later, Priest Xuan Ye will agree to the marriage between Ah Dai and Miss Xuan Yue. I think Your Holiness should be aware this matter." Of course, it wasn’t Ah Dai who told him all this. Even Ah Dai and Xuan Yue themselves didn’t know about this matter, it was something he only heard from Xi Wen last night.
Upon hearing Larthas’ words, Ah Dai and Xuan Yue were dumbfounded. They were unaware of such a matter. Xuan Ye’s face darkened, given his intelligence, he understood Larthas’ intentions immediately. The rage he felt towards Ah Dai for disrupting the wedding ceremony was no less than that of the Pope. His fists clenched tight and glinted with cold fury.
Instead of being angry, the Pope felt relieved. He finally understood, Larthas wasn’t adding fuel to the fire, he was trying to help Ah Dai. The Pope thought to himself, "Larthas, you had better cooperate well. Ease my way in this matter." There was a tinge of approval in the depth of his eyes. He nodded and said, "That reminds me, I have indeed heard about this from Priest Xuan Ye before."
Larthas was naturally a cunning schemer. He was able to discern quite a bit from the Pope’s expression, and a broad smile flashed across his face. He smiled and said, "Given the bet, the duel should be held next year. According to the bet, if Ah Dai wins against Priest Xuan Ye, then Priest Xuan Ye has to let his daughter get married to Ah Dai. Yet, the bet has not concluded and Miss Xuan Yue is about to marry the Judge of Light. This implies that Priest Xuan Ye has breached his promise. Since Priest Xuan Ye came to the Tian Gang Sword Sect as a representative of the church, it equates to the church breaching their promise. Please forgive me for speaking bluntly. It was this dishonorable act that led to today’s disruption. In fact, the church bears a certain responsibility in this matter. What do you think, Your Holiness?"
Inwardly delighted, the Pope feigned a frown and turned to Priest Xuan Ye, "Priest Xuan Ye, I want your explanation for this."
Sweating profusely, Priest Xuan Ye came forward respectfully, lowering his head and said, "Your Holiness, indeed it was my negligence. Due to the rising dark forces recently, I had forgotten about this matter. I humbly accept your punishment."
Hearing the words of Priest Xuan Ye, Ah Dai realized that what Larthas had previously said was indeed the truth, and silently expressed gratitude towards the Sword Saint of the Tian Gang. The Pope, hearing Priest Xuan Ye’s words, angrily rebuked him, "How could you forget such a significant matter? Do you realize how much damage this has done to the reputation of the church? Guards, take Priest Xuan Ye away and lock him in the Divine Prison to await further punishment". At this moment, the Pope had no choice but to punish his own son severely.
"Wait, Your Holiness." The person who spoke was still Larthas.
The Pope feigned impatience and asked, "State Preceptor, what more do you have to say?"
Larthas says, "Although Priest Xuan Ye is at fault in this matter, Ah Dai’s violation today was even more egregious. Moreover, even if you punish Priest Xuan Ye, it cannot resolve the matter of who Miss Xuan Yue should marry. How about this? The initial bet shall be held in advance. Let Ah Dai and Priest Xuan Ye have a duel, if Priest Xuan Ye wins, Miss Xuan Yue will still marry the Holy Judge, and Ah Dai shall be at the mercy of the church. If Priest Xuan Ye loses, I hope you can cancel today’s wedding ceremony, and let Miss Xuan Yue be wed to Ah Dai. Of course, whether she is willing to marry Ah Dai should be left up to Red Robe Priest Xuan Yue herself. If at that time, she still chooses the Holy Judge, I believe Ah Dai will not hinder her. What do you think?"
