NOVPUB
Chapter 345: Towards the Main Heavenly Direction Church
A few days later, in the morning at Larson City, Aldrian and his group stood in front of one of the city’s teleportation stations. However, unlike usual, their group had two new members: Arthur and—
"What are you doing here?" Arthur asked Elena, who was following them, wearing a new robe that concealed her appearance.
"Why can’t I? I also have business with Young Master Aldrian, so it’s more convenient to follow him," she replied.
Arthur couldn’t refute her, nor could he simply throw her out, as she had her own reasons. Besides, the place they were heading to accepted anyone without many restrictions—except, of course, devils.
When their number was called, they finally stepped into the teleportation portal to visit one of the holiest places on the continent.
------------------------------
The Heavenly Direction Church’s territory is like any other, with its own hierarchy. However, the difference is that this territory is led by religious authorities, so the country’s principles are based on their faith.
The Heavenly Direction Church is a religious group that directly worships the heavens. They believe that the power of the heavens is absolute and that all beings under it cannot be separated from its influence.
Many believe that beings who become cultivators are inherently opposed to the heavens because of their nature—they seek to grow stronger and free themselves from the natural laws that restrain them.
However, for the followers of the Heavenly Direction Church, cultivators are the ones who should abide by the heavenly laws, support the heavens in upholding divine order, and maintain harmony in the world.
The church’s followers across the continent number in the billions, with the majority residing in the main territory of the Heavenly Direction Church.
Once Aldrian and the others stepped out of the teleportation portal, they were greeted by many people wearing white robes adorned with the Heavenly Direction’s symbol, signifying their connection to the church. The holy aura and atmosphere of piety were almost palpable, leaving some members of Aldrian’s group, who were visiting this territory for the first time, in awe.
"Welcome to the capital of the Heavenly Direction Church’s territory—or you could call it the Holy Kingdom. This is what it’s like in the Heavenly City," Arthur said as they exited the teleportation station.
Aldrian, also stepping into this territory for the first time, was similarly amazed. However, he also sensed something different—something he had never felt before when visiting a new land.
"I feel refreshed and powerful here, and also—" Aldrian walked forward and stopped once he stepped outside the teleportation station’s area. He then turned his head toward the most conspicuous building in the city—a grand white Gothic-style structure adorned with the symbol of an eye shining upon the world, the emblem of the church. That was also the place where the pope resided.
"I feel like something is calling me there," Aldrian thought.
He felt the same sensation as when he thought about the bones in his vision—those that constantly called him to visit the center of the Everlasting Silent Forest. The pull here was even stronger, perhaps because he was much closer to the source.
"Let’s go. I’ll bring you to a place where you can stay, but my apologies—since this is a secret visit, I can only arrange accommodations outside the main church area. If this were an official visit, you would be taken to a special place inside the main church," Arthur said.
"It’s okay. That’s actually preferable since it’s much less strict outside," Aldrian replied.
Arthur then led them to a place where they could stay without drawing the attention of church members. There were several inns managed by people outside the church, and Arthur brought them to one of them. Although it wasn’t the best inn in the city, it was sufficient for their needs and helped them avoid unwanted attention.
Once they had settled in, Arthur turned to Aldrian and said,
"Let’s go. We need to meet with the Saintess as soon as possible. I’ve already informed her about your arrival."
Arthur and Aldrian walked toward the main church wearing white robes, while the others remained at the inn. White robes were common in this place, allowing them to blend in without drawing attention.
Throughout the journey, Aldrian’s eyes remained fixed on the main church, drawn by the mysterious calling he was experiencing.
As time passed and they got closer to the church, the sensation grew stronger, and his curiosity kept rising. Who or what was calling him?
"Before we arrive at the main church, I need to tell you that the church’s internal situation isn’t looking good right now. Our church is currently divided into two sides, something that has rarely happened in its history. At this moment, there are two prominent figures most likely to succeed the current pope," Arthur said through voice transmission.
"They are Cardinal Carsius Vilanix and Cardinal Daniele Valentino. Each has their own supporters within the church, but from my perspective, Cardinal Carsius Vilanix’s side still has the upper hand with more followers. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem—differences in opinion exist everywhere, and the church is no exception. However—"
Arthur glanced at Aldrian as they continued walking.
"You told me that there seems to be a traitor inside the church, right?"
Aldrian nodded in response to Arthur’s question. Arthur then looked forward again.
"After you told me that and informed His Holiness, the Pope, he launched a silent investigation under his direct supervision. You know, your words cannot be taken lightly since you are the prophesied one."
"At first, we couldn’t find anything, but that changed not long ago when we discovered that one side was engaged in suspicious activities—ones that might be connected to the devils," Arthur said.
"And that side is Cardinal Carsius Vilanix’s, right?" Aldrian asked.
Arthur was stunned but still nodded.
"That’s right. How did you know?"
"I have my ways," Aldrian replied with a smile.
"Yes, he is the most suspicious right now, but due to his position and influence, His Holiness cannot take any drastic action at that time—which has proven to be a fatal mistake," Arthur said.
"Fatal? What happened?"
"In the near future, we may have to select a new pope—sooner than expected."
"What?" Aldrian frowned.
"His Holiness has suddenly fallen ill, and his condition is deteriorating rapidly. At this rate, it wouldn’t be surprising if he passed away at any moment."
Aldrian widened his eyes.
"Since when?"
"More than a month ago," Arthur replied.
"Was it before the news spread about Wei Zhi, one of the Devils of Annihilation, being killed?"
Arthur paused, confused. Why was Aldrian bringing up Wei Zhi? Regardless, he still answered.
"Yes, this was before the news of Wei Zhi’s death in the Rivas Grand Duchy. And I think I know who the killer is," Arthur said, glancing at Aldrian.
Aldrian simply responded with a smile. n𝚘𝚟𝚙𝚞𝚋.𝚌o𝚖
"I see the bigger picture now. So, the election for the new pope is imminent, and with Cardinal Carsius Vilanix having much larger support, he is the most likely candidate, right? But the pope himself doesn’t want that because of the Cardinal Carsius Vilanix’s suspicious activities and possible connections to the devils," Aldrian said.
"Yes, you are correct. And I don’t think this is just a normal illness. Both His Holiness and I believe that someone is behind this, using some kind of trick to make him fall ill. Of course, our main suspect is Cardinal Carsius Vilanix, but we have no proof of it or how he did it."
"I see. Yes, that’s also a possible scenario. Anyway, I’ll do my best to help you. To be honest, I already have a clue about Cardinal Carsius Vilanix, and this time, I might be able to catch him."
"Thank you, Young Master. Your help is greatly appreciated."
Arthur then led Aldrian around the main church’s wall before entering a hidden underground passage that connected the church’s interior to the outside.
"This passage was specially built for the Saintess to use in case of an emergency," Arthur explained as they walked through the dimly lit tunnel.
After walking for more than 15 minutes, they finally reached a set of double doors. Arthur carefully opened them, but not before spreading his senses beyond the door for a moment—he wanted to ensure that no one was on the other side.
Once the doors opened, Aldrian found himself inside a beautifully decorated room filled with holy artifacts. There was also a large bed standing near a giant window that offered a view of the garden outside.
He also caught the scent of a refreshing fragrance, one reminiscent of a woman, mixed with a much stronger holy aura than what he had sensed outside the church.
Arthur continued escorting him through the empty hallway and toward a vast garden filled with beautiful plants and flowers.
In the center of the garden stood a small canopy, providing shade from the sunlight. As they approached, Aldrian finally saw the back of a woman seated beneath it—a woman he assumed to be the Saintess.
