Master the Abyss, starting from an apprentice priest.

Chapter 638 Triumphant Return (4k8, Second Update!)
Half a month later.

The Imperial Expeditionary Force, having triumphed in the dark capital after the war, has finally arrived in the already bustling imperial capital.

Luo Xiu has returned to the Songyuan Expeditionary Force, returning in triumph alongside Lord Gawain, Stuart, and Daveld.

Along the way—like all the expeditionary forces, Luo Xiu sensed that Emperor Augustusville might still be secretly monitoring him. Therefore, he did not return to the "Sacred Abyss" to handle some matters, but instead, like a normal saint, focused on meditation and cultivation, as well as socializing with other high-ranking individuals.

The high-ranking officers of the Songyuan Expeditionary Force who returned in triumph with Luo Xiu all lived to witness the final victory of the Empire's "Judgment War"—for them, there was nothing more glorious or sacred in the world.

Lord Gawain, in particular, seemed to be in a good mood throughout the journey.

In truth, given Gawain's "fivefold destiny" level, he was hardly qualified to be the commander-in-chief of an entire Songyuan Expeditionary Force. Everyone knew perfectly well why his father, Marquis Vizia Bakal, still sent him out and entrusted him with such important authority.

Gawain is the Marquis of Vizia, the first in line to inherit his title and estate. But he is still young, and there is no better battlefield than the "War of Judgment" for honing his skills and establishing brilliant achievements.

If the Empire can truly defeat the Principality of Darkness in the "decisive battle," and if Gawain, who leads the Pine Plains Expeditionary Force, can return to the Empire alive and receive the imperial honors, then the Marquis of Vizia can hand over power to him without any hesitation and silence the voices of his fellow nobles who question Gawain's qualifications and achievements.

Thus, as long as Marquis Vizia is alive and serves as the true "Supreme" behind Gawain, allowing Gawain to gradually take over the lord's power, the rule of Matsubara Territory can remain firmly in the hands of the Bakal family, without any wavering within two generations.

From this point of view, Gao Wen believed that he must make his father proud.

On the way back in triumph, Gawain even took the initiative to chat with Luo Xiu—something that had never happened before.

This shows that Gawain has begun to focus on building a higher level of connections. Even though he was once wary of Luo Xiu, now that Luo Xiu is a “quasi-cardinal” of the Holy See, Gawain’s attitude has become more proactive.

In addition, Luo Xiu also sensed...

Not only Gawain, but also "Sky Knight" Stuart, "Thunder General" Albert, and "Winter General" Lansas, all became more friendly and enthusiastic towards him.

Through the secret messages passed between the [Supreme] beings, they already knew in advance that Luo Xiu might receive a very high-ranking investiture from Emperor Augustusville.

All those in the "Supreme" realm knew that cultivating a good relationship with Luo Xiu beforehand would undoubtedly bring enormous benefits to their political future.

The several "Supreme" figures in Songyuan Territory had long since interacted with Luo Xiu. Originally, they would have been wary of Luo Xiu, but now they felt fortunate—fortunate that Luo Xiu was a bishop from the Church of Sina City.

This is the situation on the side of the Supreme Army within the Songyuan Expeditionary Force.

However, the atmosphere was somewhat somber on the side of [Glory].

"Heavenly Ring Paladin" Daveld didn't say much the whole way, just sat sadly in the same carriage as Luo Xiu, a sorrowful expression occasionally appearing on his face.

Almost all the clergy were still shrouded in the sorrow of the fall of Pope Laurent.

Luo Xiu didn't talk much with Daveld, and spent most of his time browsing the player forum and chat channel along the way.

……

June 26th, 768th year of the Tianqi calendar —

The Nolan Empire, capital city.

On this day, the atmosphere in the capital was more enthusiastic than ever before. The people of the empire had taken to the streets from their homes, craning their necks to look on the sides of the streets at the triumphant return of the "imperial army."

News of the great victory in the war, the complete defeat of the Dark Duchy's army by the Imperial Expeditionary Force, the capture of its capital, and the destruction of the Dark Duchy's evil rule, had spread throughout the capital.

Long before the Imperial Expeditionary Force returned to the city in triumph, the residents of the capital had already spread the good news far and wide—exactly six months had passed since the outbreak of the Trial War.

Many people still retain memories of the horrific disasters such as the "Bloody Declaration," the "Rolling Stones Sacrifice," the "Black Knife Incident," the "September Plague," and the "October Famine." With each additional day the "Judgment War" lasts, these memories haunt their days and nights like a nightmare.

Therefore, the complete victory in this "Judgment War" under the leadership of Emperor Augustusville, which led to the utter annihilation of the Dark Duchy, was undoubtedly a great achievement.

The atmosphere among the people in the capital was at an all-time high.

……

When Luo Xiu learned that they were about to arrive in the capital, he lifted the carriage curtain and looked out.
He had already seen them: on both sides of the main road leading to the city, children with bright smiles on their faces, holding bouquets of flowers in their hands.

They welcomed the triumphant return of the expeditionary force, while even more imperial people gathered behind the iron wall formed by the royal guards, cheering loudly, raising their hands in jubilation, and almost weeping as they shouted the emperor's name—

"—Emperor Augustusville!"

"Our Emperor—the Great and Supreme Emperor! Augustusville the Great!"

"Great Augustusville! Supreme Emperor Augustusville!"

"..."

Bathed in such a surging wave of voices, the expeditionary force had passed through the crowds and through the magnificent city walls of the capital.

Emperor Augustus—riding a tall, handsome armored warhorse, wearing a crimson crown, and holding the "Sword of the Supreme" symbolizing supreme imperial power, he rode slowly at the forefront of the expeditionary force, receiving the resounding praises of his people.

Augustus raised his crimson sword, displaying an imperial response to his people—and the cries praising the emperor grew ever more fervent and resounding.

Emperor Augustusville rode his tall steed through the most magnificent triumphal gate in the capital.

Behind him were the Empire's "Sky Pillar Knights," the Divine Seal Knights personally led by Emperor Augustusville, and the expeditionary legions from various empire territories, flowing into the capital like a surging yet orderly tide.

The vast expeditionary force, with its first wave of the most elite main force entering the city, took nearly half a day to enter the central palace amidst the cheers of the entire capital's inhabitants.

Afterwards, more expeditionary forces will return in three waves. The gates of the capital will be open for seven days for the victorious soldiers, and after seven days, Emperor Augustusville will hold a grand celebration and preside over the investiture ceremony for all the meritorious officials in the most magnificent imperial square in the palace.

……

“Your Excellency Acting Cardinal, Lord Rosh Carlos.”

Inside the Imperial Palace, Minister of Military Affairs Lagrand bowed respectfully to Luo Xiu and greeted him politely:

"We have arranged accommodations for you. Lord Asrell specifically instructed that your daily life must be taken good care of."

Luo Xiu had entered the palace with the high-ranking members of the Songyuan Expeditionary Force. Accompanied by Lagrange, he dismounted from the carriage, and Lagrange was about to guide him to his assigned lodgings.

"If you have any needs, please let the waiter know. We will do our best to make arrangements for you."

"And, Lord Asrell has asked me to tell you that His Majesty the Emperor will hold a grand ceremony in seven days—that is, on July 3rd. I hope you will be well prepared."

"..."

"I see."

Luo Xiu nodded slightly.

But in Lagrand's eyes, he saw Rosh turn to leave, and his expression became anxious— "Where...where are you going?"

“Your Excellency Lagrange, as you know, I may not be used to living in such a luxurious palace.”

Luo Xiu stopped and turned back to smile at Lagrange, saying:

“I want to go into the city for a visit. As you should know, I was born in a remote small town and have never been to the capital. I also want to make a devout pilgrimage like ordinary saints.”

In layman's terms, Luo Xiu wanted to have a real "tour" in the capital!
Although he had visited the capital city a few times in his previous life as a player, now, as a true "Sevenfold Fate" Saint, arriving at the capital city at the end of version 1.0, during its most prosperous and flourishing period, Luo Xiu had no reason not to wander around and take a look.

Knowing that the crimson tide of version 2.0 and the abyss of version 3.0 were approaching, Luo Xiu knew that there might be few more opportunities to stroll around as leisurely as he did today.

Moreover, staying in the palace in the capital... Luo Xiu could foresee that quite a few people would come to him to chat, and he didn't want to spend too much time on that.

Within the Emperor's palace, there were also "eyes" planted by Augustusville everywhere—Luo Xiu also planned to find an opportunity to avoid the eyes and spies of the [Supreme] who were watching him closely, and go to a place where no one would notice him, to return to the "Holy Abyss".

And he was indeed planning to go to the "Holy Court"—even though Asleil had warned him, it wouldn't matter if he went to the Holy Court a few times, since he was going to find Franya and talk to Monine about some things anyway.

“Uh…” Lagrange looked somewhat hesitant, “Then I’ll accompany you…”

“No, I don’t need anyone to follow me,” Luo Xiu interrupted him.

Although he knew that Lagrange might be burdened with the task assigned to him by the [Supreme] beings—to accompany and serve him—Luo Xiu didn't think too much about Lagrange's situation. Only when he saw Lagrange's increasingly troubled expression did Luo Xiu smile and say:
“I’ve heard that there’s a renowned manor hotel on Austin Street in the capital—the ‘Auston Royal Manor’—and I’d like to stay there before the official ceremony.”

"Afterwards, if you or any other guests have important matters to discuss with me, you may come to Austin Manor. If I am not there, the Attendant Saint will take care of you."

"..."

"Auston Manor"—Lagrand certainly knew of that renowned manor that had been famous for over a century. It was the property of "Austonville Nolan," a Red Crown Prince of the Empire. Court ministers, royalty, and nobles had all held banquets at Auston Manor.

Lagrand was also a frequent visitor to Austin Manor. Knowing that Luo Xiu was planning to stay there, he was somewhat relieved and respectfully replied to Luo Xiu:
“I understand, Lord Luo Xiu.”

“I’ll inform Austin Estate and have them arrange the best room for you. Hmm… I understand you’d like to tour the city’s sights; would you like me to provide a guide?”

He persisted, hoping to accompany Luo Xiu—but Luo Xiu simply shook his head and smiled in response to Lagrange:
"No, thank you. But I'd rather have some peace and quiet right now."

"……All right."

Lagrange then decided it was no longer appropriate to persist.

He then bowed to Luo Xiu once more, and watched as Luo Xiu mounted a golden steed and galloped away out of the palace.

"Go to Austin Manor and just mention my name—"

Watching Luo Xiu leave, Lagrange turned slightly back and instructed his accompanying officials:

"Go and tell the manor to make sure they arrange the best rooms. Also, give them a special reminder that Cardinal Rosh Carlos prefers peace and quiet."

"Yes."

The accompanying official nodded in response, then mounted his post horse and galloped off from one side of the palace wall toward Austin Estate.

……

Until they left the palace.

—The vast palace where Emperor Augustusville resided and governed, the true center of the empire's supreme rule, was filled with an atmosphere that was far too tense and solemn.

If he hadn't come to the capital as a saint of the "Holy Court" to receive Emperor Augustusville's bestowal, but simply as an ordinary person, Luo Xiu would have preferred the lively atmosphere of the city center.

At this moment, Luo Xiu had changed into simple clothes and was walking on the streets of the capital city.

He wore a magnificent white robe, adorned with precious jewels around his neck, waist, and fingers, intentionally exuding an air of ostentation, making him look like a newly minted young aristocrat.

If one didn't firmly remember his face, it would be difficult to associate him with the Holy Court's newly appointed "Cardinal" Rosh Carlos. Rosh, not wanting to attract too much attention, moved among the neatly dressed crowd, glancing left and right at the scenery of the capital.

It must be said that the Nolan Empire's "capital"—"August City"—is indeed much more prosperous than any other major city that Luo Xiu has ever visited.

He saw rows of enormous white marble law halls standing on both sides of the road, with arcades crowded with citizens coming to conduct business, and royal guards standing majestically at the street intersections to maintain order, the royal coat of arms on the bronze doors gleaming in the sunlight.

The Gold Country Bank, located on the main street, also faces the Imperial Bank across the street.

They occupy an entire city block, with intricate vine patterns carved into their granite facades and magnificent columns supporting gilded domes.

The towering bank buildings blocked the sunlight, casting cool shadows, while merchants and the wealthy walked in and out of the two banks. The fact that more people were coming to conduct financial business than ever before demonstrated the unprecedented prosperity of the empire's recent economic development.

At this moment, the bank was filled with aristocratic carriages, and uniformed servants were busy carrying heavy money boxes.

There were also wagons loaded with goods—Luo Xiu could already smell the mingled scents of silk, spices, and rare woods in the air.

Luo Xiu also saw many other things—

The exchange was bustling with activity, with hundreds of brokers shouting out prices in front of the huge price board, while the exchange manager, wearing a gold-threaded jacket, stood on the second-floor platform ringing the bell to maintain order.
In the city square, twelve fountains spout water simultaneously, the jets reflecting a rainbow of colors in the sunlight. At the center of the square stands a bronze statue of Augustus the Great, its pedestal inscribed with the empire's glorious history.
Across from the clock tower, in front of the newly completed Royal Opera House, elegantly dressed audience members are stepping down from gilded carriages, ready to enjoy the premiere of "Triumphal March" that evening...

And so on, and—

The sounds of hammering from blacksmith shops, the cries of cloth merchants, and the creaking of cargo wagons along the street blended into a noisy symphony. Apprentices in linen shirts carried baskets of freshly baked bread as they passed by, and the steaming aroma of wheat mixed with the cinnamon scent from the spice stall next door filled the entire street.

A merchant wearing a feathered hat stood in front of a silk shop, unfurling a bolt of deep red wool from the Frisian territory, which drew the attention of several noble ladies who stopped to marvel at it.
The aroma of roasting meat wafted from the open windows of the tavern, and waiters in leather aprons were rolling barrels of dark beer into the cellar. From time to time, cheerful sounds drifted out from the small but warm tavern...

These scenes of the imperial capital together weave together to form the complete landscape of the current imperial capital – “August City”.

Luo Xiu appreciated these things.

During his stay, he went into a nicely decorated restaurant and enjoyed a satisfying dinner. Afterward, he leisurely strolled around, heading towards his intended hotel, the Austin Estate.

Until he finally arrived at the exquisitely crafted wrought iron gates of Austin Estate.

A waiter approached Luo Xiu, who introduced himself as "Luo Xiu Carlos"—

The waiter immediately became respectful, bowed deeply to Luo Xiu, and said respectfully:
"Welcome, distinguished guest. We have received Lord Lagrange's reservation and have prepared a room for you."

"Please come with me, I will take you there now."

……

(End of this chapter)