NOVPUBDeep within Nox Mountains, known as the Guardian Ridge, which lies between the Nanwantina and the southern Cerryti Empire.
In the dimness, an ancient hall stood silently.
This concealed cave is surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides, like a masterpiece carved by nature and human wisdom. Even with meticulous exploration, it’s hard to notice that a dilapidated temple is hidden beneath the dark and closed barrier.
In the temple, several clusters of lights flickered continuously. The throwing light illuminated several dark figures.
In the center of the main hall, several individuals sat or stood near an ancient, meticulously engraved stone conference table, as if they were the protagonists of a silent play.
Their attire was not out of the ordinary. Even if they were to step out of the temple, they would look like hunters in the Nox Mountains, geologists, or adventurers. Some even seemed as simple as commoners. Yet at this moment, they all showed an extraordinary aura, like a well-trained troupe that had finished their performance and had returned to standby status.
Some unknown time passed.
"Duchess Huberian is back."
A voice echoed.
Unlike the people around the conference table, the figure standing on the preaching stage was looking quietly at the dull rose window, speaking to them.
Just then, all the figures beside the conference table looked up to the person who was standing on the preaching stage — a black-clothed priest who had appeared who-knows-when.
"Moreover, she went to a wealthy merchant’s house in Nanwantina. Thankfully, you won’t have to waste your efforts sneaking into the Capital City Ekrite now."
"Lord Solomon."
All the Grand Priests present bowed to him.
Without a doubt, this was excellent news for them.
The Duchess Huberian that they had been waiting for had finally appeared, and their mission was to assist the Blood Clan in killing her.
The hardest step, undoubtedly, was to sneak into the Capital City Ekrite under the watchful eyes of the High Priest Loren and set up a murderous trap.
Now that Duchess Huberian had left the capital of her own accord, everything became much simpler.
"Do not take it lightly or the fate of Phoenix would be your end."
The Destruction Holy Son Solomon’s pitch-black eyes seemed to pierce everything. His vague silhouette emanated a suffocating pressure. As his gaze slowly turned towards the Grand Priests, those who had moments ago shown joy couldn’t help but shiver.
In contrast to the Goddess of Destruction Adelis, who is a few years younger than him, Solomon had already reached the Seventh-order, entering the realm of the truly extraordinary. Even when facing a common Eighth Order, he was not without fight.
The difference between Sixth and Seventh order is as vast as the gap between mortals and gods, or ants and humans. For most races, once crossed, they will possess incredible vitality and combat power.
"Yes, sir."
All the Grand Priests nodded in agreement.
Their understanding of the Holy Son Destruction’s warning was indeed not simply admonishing, but a critical reminder.
The Phoenix, who had earlier infiltrated the Royal Arolan Academy to visit the Ichrite Academy, carried the [Destruction Spark] and [Great Puppet Theater] to assassinate Duchess Huberian, but failed to make any waves in Ichrite. Instead, he allied himself with the High Priest Loren, making it difficult to guess what had happened.
It might be that Loren was more mysterious than imagined, an unassuming High Priest. Or there may be a mysterious powerful figure protecting Huberian, who could control Phoenix quietly.
To defuse the murder attempt unprepared and unpredicted, based on the Blood Clan’s estimation, there is a high probability that an unnamed Eighth Order being was by Huberian’s side.
But this time, they were ready to deal with it.
"In addition, there seems to be a cardinal from the Northern Continent heading south. Although we do not know his exact location and objective, considering the direction, he might collide with us. In any case, do not rashly provoke the clergy of the unknown branches."
Saint of Destruction, Solomon, didn’t seem to show any sign of emotion. His calm voice exerted a form of invisible command that rendered every Grand Priest present unable to resist.
"If there is a chance to find his real body, please contact me at the earliest opportunity."
"Yes, Lord Solomon."
The priests answered devoutly.
The sudden arrival of the Cardinal Bishop was the focus of attention of the few bishops in the South Continent.
He seemed to be searching for something with a clear objective, traveling south like a comet, never stopping.
Although it’s unlikely that the bishop from the Northern Continent has anything to do with the feud between the Blood Clan and Miss Duchess Hyperion.
But the existence of the Cardinal Bishop is an unknown variable. It’s better not to provoke him for no reason and trigger unnecessary chain reactions.
In the dark space, the heartbeats of several Grand Priests quickened. They also felt the pressures of the plan. Any mistakes could lead to terrifying events initiated by this destructive Saint.
In the coming days, they will gather near the Welfort family and try to infiltrate it, always keep an eye on information about Duchess Hyperion.
"Forget about sacrificing. Strive all out for any useful information, even if it’s living in the courtyard of the Welfort family."
In the Destruction Branch, failure is always more terrifying than death.
However, the newly appointed Cardinal Bishop may not necessarily be a bad thing for him.
For instance, within the territory of the Hutton Kingdom, as long as the information about the Cardinal Bishop is delivered to High Priest Loren, High Priest Loren will naturally deal with the new Cardinal Bishop.
Wisdom is a part of one’s strength just like power, reasonably exploiting the special environment and all possibilities of borrowing other’s knife, there might be a chance to find a unique flaw in a Cardinal Bishop.
Solomon watched each Grand Priest present, as though he saw through their minds, yet as if nobody had entered his eyes. He was merely announcing that everything was ready, and the play of killing was about to begin.
...
Hutton Kingdom, Capital City Ekrite.
At ten o’clock in the morning, the heat of summer had replaced the freshness of spring, but the sunlight still carries a hint of lingering softness. Under this radiance, the ancient buildings of the Sage Academy seemed rejuvenated. The contours of the buildings became clearer, and the plants on the windowsill looked even more vibrant.
In the fifth floor of the Main Building of Sage Academy, Loren sat at his desk, looking at the secret letter in his hand, lost in thought.
A floor-to-ceiling window occupied nearly the entire wall of one side of his office. Natural light streamed in, casting a golden glow on his right while his left hand, holding the secret letter, sat in shadow.
Loren tapped on the desk. The glossy walnut surface held stacks of files, books, and an elf-shaped Magic Energy Desk Lamp.
Loren stared at the secret report with an expression-less face.
More than a month ago, changes in the Northern Continent created a series of impacts. It seemed that the peace talks between the Aestheland Kingdom and the Protoss Empire in the North were successful, and for some reason, the Bingxue Witch intended to visit the church in the South Continent.
The ridiculous part was that there were actually rumors that he, Loren, had personally gone to the Northern Continent!
What on earth was all this about?
But on the other hand, after bearing so much gossip recently, he was already accustomed.
No matter what rumors will be spread about him in the coming days, or what will happen, he believes he can accept it all with equanimity.
