Master the Abyss, starting from an apprentice priest.

Chapter 636 The Divine Omen (5k4)

After returning to the dark palace where the "Holy Court" was stationed, Luo Xiu began to deal with the newly added stack of Holy Court affairs as usual.

Although Emperor Asriel de Augusteville had issued a "warning" to him, he was still, at least for now, the only "proxy cardinal" of the Holy See.

Luo Xiu knew that his responsibilities had never lessened, so he continued working on the newly added files until late at night.

Other things also happened during that time.

When the Imperial Expeditionary Force had completely taken control of all areas of the Dark Capital and wiped out the stubborn remnants of the Dark Army, the Dark Capital was now completely sealed off by the Imperial Expeditionary Force and placed under the highest level of martial law.

Many of the Black Army soldiers captured by the Empire, known as "Black Fang" and "Fangs," were executed on the spot at street corners in various districts of the Black Capital. The original inhabitants of the capital were forcibly herded to the execution grounds by the Empire's soldiers, forced to witness the entire process of the "Black Fang" and "Fangs" being tortured.

Within two days.

More than a thousand "Black Fangs" and "Fangs" were beheaded or strangled, and their corpses were exposed on the streets, like human stakes driven into the sides of the street by steel stakes.

Also executed in the street were many nobles who had been arrested and had defected from the empire. For example, the former Minister of Finance, Odland, was escorted to the execution ground by the Royal Guard at noon and hanged.

It was a truly bloody scene—many of the city's native inhabitants couldn't help but gag. But they couldn't leave; the imperial soldiers around them were watching them intently, forcing them to watch helplessly as the terrifying inferno spread before them.

This is the supreme deterrent.

……

However, apart from that,
In the pitch-black capital, new "guests" also arrived—the ruling family of the "Golden Kingdom Federation" dispatched an envoy delegation, which arrived within the boundaries of the pitch-black capital on the same evening.

Previously, the Golden Kingdom had formed an alliance with the Empire, which helped the Empire block the psionic legions of the Holy Tower Kingdom at the border. This time, the delegation of the ruling family of the Golden Kingdom was granted special permission to enter the Dark City due to the alliance to discuss cooperation matters related to the "allocation and integration of resources in the Dark Duchy" with Emperor Augustusville.

Gurte Fesera, the Golden Elder of the Fesera family, one of the ruling families of the Golden Kingdom, was also among the envoys of the Golden Kingdom Federation.

The delegation from the Golden Kingdom was accommodated in a mansion that originally belonged to the Dark Nobles, and Gurte immediately learned that the "Bishop" Rosius Carlos, who had established a "Golden Contract" relationship with the Fesera family, was also in the Dark Capital.

Gurt's informant also told him that "Roshu Carlos" had now advanced to the "Sevenfold Fate" of [Radiance]—that very night, Gurt even forgot to attend the banquet hosted by the imperial ministers for their Golden Kingdom's envoy, and instead went in simple attire to Roshu's palace to visit him late at night—

Even Luo Xiu didn't expect that he would run into an old acquaintance from the Golden Kingdom the day after the final battle.

Gulte and Luo Xiu talked for about two hours, during which Gulte expressed his amazement and congratulations on Luo Xiu's advancement to "Sevenfold Destiny".

On behalf of the Fesera family, he expressed to Luo Xiu—

"You and the Carlos family are lifelong friends of the Fesera family. If you have any needs, you can contact the Fesera family at any time. The Fesera family's 'Golden Window' is always ready for you, and the family is always ready to establish the next 'Golden Contract' cooperation with you..."

From Roshchuh, Gurte had keenly discerned "potentially enormous value".

This was merely a brief greeting between Gulte and Luo Xiu upon Gulte's arrival in the dark capital.

Then, because he had other plans, he hurriedly said goodbye to Luo Xiu, who personally saw him off from the palace.

"..."

Luo Xiu understood the value that Gurte and the "Fesera family" could bring him.

With the promise from the Gurtdefessera family, after the triumphant expedition and his formal acceptance of Emperor Augustusville's investiture, and upon his arrival in Fafnir,

This would allow the Golden Kingdom Federation to provide important resources outside the Empire.

……

late at night.

On the morning of June 9th, three days after the Imperial Expeditionary Force officially entered the dark capital.

Luo Xiu finished all his affairs and, without any priests accompanying him, passed through the blockade of the [Supreme] Knights and headed to the battlefield outside the capital, where the final battle was originally scheduled.

The entire battlefield remains a scene of devastation.

With millions of corpses, cleaning them up is extremely difficult—many of the Holy Court's clergy are mainly active here, and they have now collected and burned most of the superhuman corpses, and are frequently applying purification to the battlefield to prevent the spread of the plague.

However, the passageway leading from the main gate of the dark principality to the outside world has been cleared.

Luo Xiu walked towards his target until he saw a field shrouded in golden, holy light, with pure white flowers blooming on the ground and faint holy chants still emanating from the air.

That was the final destination of Pope Laurent, the "Holy Crown," in his downfall.

Meanwhile, the other two saints of the sevenfold destiny of the Holy Court, "Second Cardinal" Yazler and "Carmina Deacon" Hardy, were sitting opposite each other at the site of Pope Lawrence's martyrdom, chanting hymns that descended from the sky, praying for the souls to return to heaven.

The two saints have been keeping vigil for Pope Laurent. Three days have passed since his passing, and Luo Xiu can feel that the surrounding spirituality has become warm and peaceful, which is the holiness and tranquility that [Radiance] should possess.

Luo Xiu walked towards the two saints.

Seemingly sensing the spiritual aura emanating from Luo Xiu, Yazler and Hardy stopped their chanting almost simultaneously and looked at Luo Xiu.

"You've finally arrived, Luo Xiu."

"Second Cardinal" Yazler, with a calm smile on his face, first greeted Rosh.

The Second Cardinal of the Holy See, Yazle Saint-Lerran, looked rather weary. He hadn't truly rested since the final battle.

In fact, if Yazle hadn't been tasked with keeping vigil for Pope Laurent, he would have been the one to enter the Dark City and temporarily exercise holy authority in place of Pope Laurent. Rosh knew Yazle's background—he, like the Holy See's "First Cardinal," Finlake Saint-Léon, was a direct descendant of the first Pope, Saint-Léon.

"Lord Luo Xiu," Hardy, the "Red-Clad Deacon," also greeted Luo Xiu.

"We haven't seen each other for several days."

"How is the situation in Dadu (Beijing)?"

"..."

"It's alright," Luo Xiu nodded in response.

He did not intend to explain to Yazler and Hadi, the matter of Emperor Augustus's bestowal of titles upon him, for the time being. Because their true stance was still unknown, he would only tell them—

“I have taken care of the necessary matters, contacted the Supreme Being and the Wisdom, and arranged for the clergy to complete what we are supposed to do.”

"In the past two days, the city of Darkness has been completely sealed off and placed under martial law. The Supreme Knights within the city have begun to purge the remnants of Darkness... It was indeed a tragic scene."

"Then, the 'Golden Kingdom' has sent an envoy to discuss cooperation with Emperor Augustusville on dividing the land of the Dark Principality and exploiting its resources. Emperor Augustusville may then take action against the Holy Tower Theocracy, since the Theocracy and the Empire... are still at war."

"The Theocracy might also make a move. To be honest, they have suffered considerable losses after eliminating two of their Lich Kings in the final battle. However, the Empire is also exhausted and may not have the strength to launch another attack on the Theocracy."

"..."

As Luo Xiu recounted these events to the two saints, Yazle and Hadi listened in silence. Luo Xiu selected the most important points to explain to them regarding the recent situation in the Dark Capital and the Empire's possible future actions.

"I pray that the sun will grant us true peace in an instant."

Hadid silently recited prayers.

Yazler remained silent. Only after Luo Xiu finished speaking did he raise his head, look at Luo Xiu, and say:
"I understand, about that."

"However, I am not very interested in these things. We, the Radiant Ones, only need to fulfill our sacred mission, while worldly entanglements are more of a burden to us."

"Then why are you making me act as the 'acting cardinal' to handle these things... Luo Xiu couldn't help but grumble inwardly."

He looked at Yazler, and the "Second Cardinal" simultaneously raised his head and opened his eyes.

Those indifferent, gleaming golden eyes stared intently at Luo Xiu for a long while before speaking to him:

"The reason I wanted to meet you, Luo Xiu, is because there are things I want to know from you."

"..."

When Yazler said these things.

Luo Xiu had already sensed that Yazler's spirituality seemed to be secretly being drawn into his hands—a sign that he had been prepared in advance and was ready to use "authority" in an instant!

Luo Xiu, whose "Perception" attribute had reached nearly four thousand, could clearly discern the direction of such spirituality—Luo Xiu had become cautious. Could the Pope of Lorend's dying words about the existence of fallen saints within the "Holy Court" be referring to Azrael?

On the other side—"Red Butler" Hardy remained motionless. He was simply staring at himself, seemingly oblivious to Yazler's movements.

As he was gradually being spiritually locked onto by Yazler, Luo Xiu's mind raced, but he remained outwardly calm, as if he had not noticed anything.

Until Yazler asked himself—

"We want to know, what did His Holiness the Pope say to you last?"

"..."

He wanted to know Pope Laurent's last words!

Luo Xiu already understood—in the eyes of the "Second Cardinal," Pope Lorend, on his deathbed, did not summon any of the original "Sevenfold Fate" saints of the Holy See to his presence, but only allowed Luo Xiu to hear his last words. This could not help but arouse suspicion in an old saint like Azler—

“Indeed, Lord Luo Xiu, I also wish to know.”

Hardy, the "red-robed deacon," also spoke devoutly from the side:

“I want to know the last teachings the Pope left us… After the Pope’s passing, we are all somewhat lost about how to proceed.”

A sad and sorrowful expression appeared on Hardy's face.

That emotion flowed so naturally that Luo Xiu had already seen it; clear tears streamed down Hardy's face. He was a "saint of compassion"—and this compassion, even grief, was now uncontrollable. "I understand," Luo Xiu nodded.

He looked at Yazler, feeling Yazler's calm yet profound gaze, and said:
“I am the only one who has not been crowned…a saint of the sevenfold destiny. Pope Lawrence has some doubts about me. He has instructed me to be more steadfast and more devout in upholding the path of Glory, and to assist Her Highness the Saint more devoutly.”

"Perhaps because... the Pope is familiar with you and trusts you. I am the only saint whom His Holiness the Pope is not familiar with, so he left me with special instructions."

He said this to Yazler.

Clearly, he would never reveal Pope Lorend's true last words to Yazler and Hardy in this setting—words the Pope had indeed left for himself, and telling Yazler about them would be pointless.

"……Well."

Imperceptibly, Yazler's brow furrowed slightly for a moment.

But it quickly relaxed, revealing a calm and serene face. His golden eyes were still fixed on Luo Xiu, and Luo Xiu had already noticed that the spirituality that Yazler had gathered in his hands was receding along the spiritual veins.

He no longer seemed to have that kind of "guard" against himself.

Although it was only temporary, it at least averted a fierce battle between saints—Luo Xiu was certain that Yazler was still hiding something, but he simply remained silent.

"Then, as His Holiness the Pope has said, let us continue to strive on the holy path, Roshchior."

Yazler said with a smile.

He stood up at the same time, his gaze already fixed on Hardy, and said:
“We should go, Hardy.”

"The vigil for His Holiness the Pope has now lasted three days. After that, we should return to the 'Holy Court' and the actual ceremony for sending off His Holiness the Pope's soul will be presided over by us."

"..."

Hearing Yazler say this, Hardy also stood up.

He looked at Luo Xiu, nodded slightly to him, and said:
"Then, everything concerning the war is entrusted to you, Lord Luo Xiu."

"When you and the Holy Army of the Empire return in triumph, perhaps... you can bid a final farewell to His Holiness the Pope."

Done.

Hardy turned around and, together with Yazler, embarked on the journey back to the Imperial Capital.

Under Luo Xiu's gaze, their figures gradually disappeared into the sandstorm and vanished at the end of the road.

……

Same night.

The Nolan Empire, capital city.

The Holy Court Headquarters, the Divine Pivot Sanctuary.

First Cardinal Finlake Saint-Lerran sat on the throne of the chief cardinal, with a paladin before him reporting on the war. He held both ends of a dossier in his hand.

The information recorded on it was actually quite concise, yet it made Finlake stare at it for a long time—

“Lorend…”

"..."

"His Holiness the Pope... has fallen..."

"..."

“…Yes.” Before Finlake, the paladin who had brought the war report looked sorrowful and nodded in response.

"His Holiness the Pope, in his battle against the demigod of [Void] and against the 'Matriarch of Delusion' Arivia... was affected by her illusions. As a result... Emperor Augustusville's sword, originally intended to strike the Grand Duke of Darkness, instead struck His Holiness the Pope..."

"..."

"……I see."

Finlake nodded heavily, placed the battle report from the front lines back on the table, looked up at the paladin before him, and said:
"You've worked hard, Veris. I understand the situation... Don't tell anyone about this yet."

“Yes.” “The Paladin” Veris bowed to Finlayk and responded respectfully.

"You go out first."

"..."

"Yes."

Veris then bowed to Finlake again and left Finlake's room, leaving Finlake alone in the room soon.

then.

Behind him—gray smoke rose, outlining the shape of an "angel".

That was Accipiles, the eight-winged angel, who was contracted by Finlake and inherited from the era of "Saint Leron".

"That Lorend is dead..."

Accipiles' voice seemed to carry intense sorrow, but to Finlaek, it sounded more joyful than mournful.

"We just returned from Fafnir and heard about this... Alas. What a misfortune!"

"..."

"You...did you do something to Lorend without my knowledge?"

Finlake's expression was indifferent. He turned his head slightly, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw the angel with a slight smile on his lips and questioned him.

But Accipiles did not respond to him, only letting out a laugh that chilled Finlaek.

That finally made Finlake unable to suppress the dissatisfaction welling up inside him—

"Achilles!"

He couldn't help but rebuke his contracted "angel"—

"You've gone too far, Accipiles!"

"And to this day, I still don't know what you're planning—it's the same with our trip to Fafnir; we found nothing, and you still haven't told me why we went to Fafnir!"

"And this time—did you really do something to Laurent? Without my knowledge... what kind of blasphemous sins did you commit using the name of 'Saint Leron'?!"

"..."

Faced with Finlake's questioning, Accipiles' laughter gradually subsided.

“A little push... Finlake, you won’t object to me.”

"..."

After receiving Accipiles's almost tacit approval, Finlake slumped back heavily in his chair, looking somewhat dejected.

"What...you've been hiding from me...what have you done...?"

"..."

"Don't you think this is the opportunity that the Great Sun is giving you, Finlake?"

Accipiles also composed himself, and in a solemn and dignified voice addressed Finlaek:
“I’m creating opportunities for you… Finlake. Opportunities for you to break free from your constraints, opportunities for you to truly become ‘Saint Leron’!”

"Lorend is dead... This means there's a vacancy for a demigod in the [Radiance], a position of 'Celestial Master' has become available!"

“You—you who have already reached the limit of your destiny—Finlake Saint-Larren, the ‘First Cardinal’ of the Holy See, don’t you think this is an opportunity for you to go further?”

"Are we really going to listen to that little girl... really go along with what that 'Saintess' Franya says? Why can't we replace Lorend and become the new demigod, the new Celestial Master of [Radiance]?"

"You're looking forward to it too, aren't you? Finlake, you are the apostle of the Great Sun, the bloodline of the first 'demigod'..."

"You are fully qualified to inherit the position of the Celestial God, and then, in place of Lorend, become the new Pope of the Holy See..."

"..."

At the time when Accipiles was so persuading Finlaek.

In Finlake's eyes, the blazing golden light gradually dimmed, and in its place, his snake-like vertical pupils contracted, and the edges of his pupils were tinged with gray and purple mist.

"you're right……"

Finlake's voice had become intermittent and hoarse.

He rose somewhat unsteadily from his seat and walked deeper into the sanctuary.

Behind him, the "angel" Accipiles watched Finlec's retreating figure, a strange smile creeping onto his face.

……

(End of this chapter)