Chapter 612: Chapter 169: 1 vs 3_2
The Pope’s eyes flashed with cold light. As the emperor of the Church and the highest ruler on the mainland, when had he encountered such a situation? He was about to react but Ah Dai beat him to it. Ah Dai prevented everyone from continuing, pleading earnestly, "Uncle Master Xi Wen, esteemed mentors, friends, thank you for your concern for Ah Dai. However, I was indeed wrong today. As a disciple of the Tian Gang Sword Sect, I must not retreat in the face of challenge. I cannot disgrace the Tian Gang Sword Sect, nor can I disappoint my former master. Please rest assured, I am confident of facing this challenge. I implore you to stop making things difficult for His Holiness the Pope."
Xi Wen sighed and shook his head, refraining from speaking further. The rest of the crowd showed worried expressions. Quan Yi spoke disdainfully, "Courting death." Without even looking at him, Ah Dai casually retorted, "When people are talking, dogs should not butt in."
"You... you dare to call me a dog!"
Feng Wen, who was standing next to Xi Wen, solemnly said, "Ah Dai, how can you call His Majesty Quan Yi a dog? Isn’t that an insult to those loyal animals?" Seeing Feng Wen’s serious look, all present at the venue burst out laughing, even the Pope couldn’t help but chuckle. The previous displeasure with the Tian Gang Sword Sect had thus dissipated.
Had it not been for Byinlog holding him back, Quan Yi probably would have rushed up. While pacifying Quan Yi, Byinlog asked the Pope, "Since Ah Dai is willing to accept the test himself, Your Holiness, can we begin now?"
The Pope sighed, nodded, and said, "Hmm...." He was about to instruct the four Red Robe Priests, but was interrupted.
"Wait up." Xuan Yue, who had been silent thus far, suddenly spoke. She lifted her head, her tear stains vanishing, glanced at Ah Dai, and then said to the Pope, "Your Holiness, as I am involved in this matter, to avoid suspicion of favoritism, please find someone to replace me for his test."
The Pope acquiesced, "Very well, I will let you withdraw from this test. Who is willing to replace Priestess Xuan Yue and set the challenge for Ah Dai?" He looked towards the crowd on the dais.
Luo Shui held back the Balloon father and son who were about to rush out, and said to the Pope, "Your Holiness, within the Holy Church, the only one who can match the status of the Red Robe Priest is the Judgement Chief."
The Pope frowned, and intently stared at Luo Shui, who involuntarily lowered her head under his piercing gaze. The Pope then shifted his gaze to Xuan Yuan and pondered for a moment before asking, "Judgment Chief, are you willing to replace Priestess Xuan Yue and set the challenge for Ah Dai?"
Complex emotions reflected in Xuan Yuan’s eyes. After a long pause, he shook his head and said, "Your Holiness, I am reluctant. As a senior clergyman of the Church, it’s not good for our reputation to gang up on a junior. Even though he insulted the Sky God and the Church today, how can we, who represent justice and disseminate the will of God, treat him this way. In my opinion, having three Red Robe Priests to conduct the test is already enough."
Without waiting for Luo Shui to object, the Pope nodded in agreement, "Very well, the Judgement Chief has a point. So, let it be Priestesses Xuan Ye, Mang Siu, and Yu Jian who will conduct the test on Ah Dai. Honoured guests, please move back over a hundred meters."
With one less Red Robe Priest involved, Xi Wen felt slightly relieved. However, he was uncertain whether Ah Dai could resist the onslaught of three top mages all by himself. After a worried glance at Ah Dai, he led the crowd back with Larthas. As Quan Yi retreated, he taunted, "Going up against three red-clothed Priests, I expect he won’t even know how he died." Just as he was walking out, he felt something trip him and fell flat on the ground. With a pained yell, he felt his energy dissipating from his body that was already drained by overindulgence. Startled, Byinlog noticed a fluctuation of magical energy but never imagined it was meant to attack Quan Yi. Even though he was the State Preceptor of the Empire of Sunset City, he could only look on helplessly, his anger rising as he scanned the crowd. With none of the guests harboring any good feelings towards the Empire and several being high-level magicians, discerning who was behind this was impossible. He quickly helped Quan Yi up and whispered, "Your Majesty, be careful."
Muttering as he rose from the ground, Quan Yi was confused, "There’s nothing here, how did I trip? This is really strange."
The Pope didn’t pay any attention to the incident and sighed at Ah Dai, "You must take care of yourself. All unrelated clergymen should also withdraw."
Gritting his teeth at Ah Dai, Ballon’s hatred for him had peaked. He wished he could tear Ah Dai apart himself. He hesitantly left the Light Altar with his parents.
Xuan Yue kept her head down and followed her mother down the altar. Seeing her indifferent demeanor, Ah Dai felt a chill creeping over him. Had Yue Yue still not forgiven him? The prowess of the Red Robe Priests was well-known to him. He wasn’t sure if he could withstand the attacks of three Red Robe Priests for half an hour. Observing Xuan Yue’s cold demeanor, his heart sank. He sighed, thinking, even if he were to die here today, he would die without regrets, for at least he had prevented Yue Yue from marrying a man she didn’t love. At this moment, Ah Dai made up his mind, his eyes sparking with determination and an icy aura enveloping him. Suddenly, Ah Dai felt something warm in his hand, as if he had grasped an object. A familiar voice echoed in his heart, "Ah Dai, don’t harm my father, be careful. I... I’ll be waiting for you. Remember, Absolute Defense!" That voice was so familiar, and the caring words warmed Ah Dai’s heart. Gazing at Xuan Yue who was leaving the altar, his heart stirred.
