Master the Abyss, starting from an apprentice priest.

Chapter 697 Departure (Second Update! 9,000 Chapters Today!)
Bishop Donovan raised his scepter and announced the start of the "soul-sending ceremony"—

Right before the altar, in the square where the Holy See once stood, thousands of clergy members looked at Bishop Donovan, their left hands lightly touching their right breasts, their faces solemn and sorrowful.

At the center where the clergy stood, and before the sacred altar, were the 1,013 clergy who had been martyred by calamity.

Their remains were placed in clean white coffins, and their bodies were covered with soft silk woven with patterns symbolizing the fleeting sun.

To the best of their ability, the clergy of the Church have recovered the remains of the martyrs. If their remains cannot be found, their belongings are used as a substitute, serving as a symbol and proof that they once existed and devoted themselves to the [Glory].

Beside each white coffin where the bodies of martyrs lay still, there was a holy torch with golden flames burning, symbolizing their sacred souls and the spiritual essence of their remaining "glory," now burning peacefully under the gaze of all the clergy.

Luo Xiu's gaze, along with that of Bishop Donovan and Saint Franja, was now fixed on the martyrs.

To the right of the saintess, Bishop Donovan gently lowered his scepter. His gaze swept over the clergy, then turned to look at the "saintess," Franya, then at Luo Xiu, and finally back at the clergy, his voice trembling with emotion as he spoke:
“I am deeply saddened and ashamed that the Church of Agnes has suffered such a heavy calamity.”

“‘Saint-Léon,’ such a sacred name—my brother, has desecrated its glory and betrayed us, tarnishing the name of Saint-Léon and bringing it such shame…”

"The calamity of the Church of Agus was caused by Finlake, and I, also a Saint Leron, failed to discover that my brother... failed to discover that Finlake had such blasphemous intentions."

"Ultimately, that calamity occurred here... This is my sin. I will bear my sin and seek the path of redemption that will atone for my sins."

"And I—I swear in the name of 'Donovan Saint Leron', I will not shirk my responsibilities as 'Saint Leron,' and when everything in the Church of Agus returns to stability, I will relinquish my position as Archbishop of the Church, go to the Holy See, accept judgment, and seek confession."

"Here, I mourn deeply—all that we have suffered was caused by Finlake, but it was also caused by me. I...I am sorry to all my comrades."

"..."

When Bishop Donovan got to this point, his voice choked up again.

Then, under the watchful eyes of all the clergy, he lifted his robe, took a half-step back, and knelt down.

A holy bishop with "seven destinies" knelt down before all the clergy!
In an instant, the clergy, who had been immersed in a solemn and heavy atmosphere, were shaken by Bishop Donovan's kneeling. Soon—

In a flurry, thousands of clergy members knelt before Bishop Donovan, while most of those who had not yet knelt bowed their heads, bowing to the martyrs and to Bishop Donovan.

When Luo Xiu and Franya saw this scene, they were both somewhat moved.

Bishop Donovan was recognized by the majority of clergy in the Church of Agnes for his character, abilities, and reputation.

Bishop Donovan often taught the saints by word and deed, and to the saints of the Church, Bishop Donovan was like their "father".

Even with the calamity caused by "Fenlake," Rosh knew that the vast majority of the clergy of the Church of Agus would not actually harbor resentment or hatred towards Bishop Donovan because of it.

Instead, most clergy were only concerned about Bishop Donovan's safety, and the fact that he had not perished in the calamity was the greatest comfort to them.

“You are still alive, Bishop Donovan.”

Beside Bishop Donovan, "Saint" Franja had also looked at him and comforted him—

"Your continued existence is the greatest fortune of the Church of Agus, and the best protection the Great Sun can offer. Look at the saints you have nurtured, these excellent and devout comrades. Your continued existence and ability to provide them with divine guidance is the greatest comfort to the martyrs."

Franya comforted Bishop Donovan in this way, and at the same time, extended her hand to him.

Bishop Donovan raised his head, tears streaming down his face, his deep sorrow, self-reproach, and grief evident in his expression.

He hesitated for a moment, then refused Franya's help and stood up on his own, trembling.

"I extend my sincerest respect and gratitude to the holy and sublime 'Radiant Saintess', Her Highness Franya. In the face of calamity and the most perilous moment for the Church of Agus, it was the Saintess who came to our rescue."

After standing up, Bishop Donovan said in a slightly trembling voice:
"And I, too, extend my sincerest respect and gratitude to the holy and sublime 'Radiant Wise King' Lord Luo Xiu. Your Majesty the Wise King and Your Highness the Saintess stopped Fenlake, stopped the demon, stopped the calamity. We will not forget, we should not forget—the kindness Your Highness the Saintess and Your Majesty the Wise King have shown us."

Bishop Donovan declared this to all the clergy of the Church of Agnes.

Although the somewhat obese old bishop had recently shown some hostility towards him, he had calmed down in the past few days.

Moreover, he learned the full story of the calamity from Franya and other clergy who witnessed it. Now, he should no longer hate himself.

"..."

Luo Xiu thought to himself.

As Bishop Donovan finished speaking, the clergy of the Church of Agus poured out their gratitude and praise for "Saint" Franja and "Radiant King" Rosh.

The praise was so fervent and devout that it gradually subsided only after the waves of sound had swept through the air three times.

"The Church of Agus will be reborn after such a calamity."

Frania surveyed the clergy, and spoke in a clear and solemn voice:

"And I, along with His Majesty the Wise King, will witness that the Church of Agus will rise again from the ruins and from the ashes."

“Those of you who have experienced that true calamity and survived it are all devout and strong people protected by the fleeting sun.”

"Now, let's begin—"

"Begin the sacred ritual of sending off the soul—we pray together, we send the sacred soul up to the eternal kingdom, to the homeland where there is no more pain."

"..."

As Franya spoke, she lightly raised her scepter.

Bishop Donovan and Rosh also raised their scepters as Franya finished speaking her last sentence.

Beginning with Bishop Donovan, he began to utter a sacred prayer:

"I will worship the fire, I will ignite it, I will dedicate myself to its radiance."

"That pure, pristine, and white essence."

"Let the flame of the Holy Torch be lit!"

"..."

Luo Xiu, Franya, and Bishop Donovan were all praying the same prayer—

hum! ! !
Rings of brilliant golden light burst forth and spread from the tips of the scepters held by Bishop Donovan, Franya, and Rosh.

The spiritual aura of radiance has already spread and gradually filled the church, and that sacred and warm spirituality has gradually materialized and begun to flow rhythmically.

They hovered in the sky, gradually splitting into thousands of golden rays that rushed toward the 1,013 holy torches.

Wow!

The blazing sacred flame suddenly burst forth with a dazzling, bright light.

The spirit of the martyrs has resonated—the guiding flame directs, guides, the devout souls toward the path to heaven.

Bishop Donovan, Franja, and Roshchuh gazed at the radiant light swirling in the sky, their expressions solemn as they continued their sacred and solemn prayer—

"I will remember, I will pass on, I will witness the ascent."

"That unfinished, undying, eternal will."

"May the divine spirit return home!"

"..."

Om-! !

The holy flames that had risen in all the holy torches began to flicker violently at the same time.

The golden flames that ignited on those thousands of sacred torches quickly transformed from flames into pure light—as the light rose, the fire within the torches extinguished, and with it, the flames died out.

And that rising light, amidst the prayers of all the clergy, condensed into sacred golden amber, beginning to rise and fall, endlessly rising and falling.

A moment later—one thousand and thirteen pillars of light shot into the sky from the holy torch!

The bright light surged into the sky, then fell like rain and snow, finally covering the outlines of the remains of all the martyred clergy.

From the remains of the clergy, the flames flickered and reignited—

The pure, sacred flames burned their remains bit by bit until they were completely consumed, allowing their souls to break free from the shackles of the flesh and ascend to the eternal heaven.

……

Until there was nothing left in those pure white stone coffins.

When the flesh and soul of the martyrs transformed into the purest radiant spirituality, ascending under guidance and then vanishing—the martyred clergy have truly "returned home."

This is the "sending off the soul ceremony".

The most important part of the soul-sending ceremony belonging to the Church of Agus has been completed.

However, the martyrs of the Church of Agus who died in the calamity, and the more than one thousand clergy who sacrificed their lives, still have lingering thoughts, echoes, and residual spirituality in the process of sending off their souls; their "return home" is still incomplete.

Bishop Donovan will remain here, together with most of the clergy of the Church of Agus, to repeat the "sending off the soul" ritual for three days and three nights.

Luo Xiu knew that the truly ritualistic "soul-sending ceremonies" only lasted for the first few times. Subsequent ceremonies were mostly for remembrance and... a solemn and respectful mourning performed in accordance with ancient and sacred precepts. Luo Xiu knew this, but he and Franya no longer participated in the subsequent "soul-sending ceremonies."

While Bishop Donovan was still leading the clergy in a new round of the "sending off the soul" ceremony, Rosh and Franja had already stepped down from the altar platform, left the Holy See square from the back, and then left the church.

……

Outside of the Church of Agnes.

The Templar Knights of the "Godhunter" Knights were already waiting on the street outside the church.

Standing there clad in heavy golden holy armor was none other than Monigne, the Grand Master of the "Godhunter" Templar Knights, the "Supreme Sword"—

She did not appear during the soul-sending ceremony, but instead, while Franya was participating in part of the ceremony, she and the Templar Knights of "God Hunt" prepared for their departure.

After Franya left the Church of Agus and met up with Monine, they prepared to set off from the city of Agus and return to the "Holy Court".

Seeing Franya and Luo Xiu emerge from the church, Monine walked towards them. She looked at Franya and asked:

"Is it all over?"

"Hmm." Franya nodded slightly and said:
“That’s enough. Afterwards, the Church of Agus will still hold a three-day ‘sending off the soul’ ceremony, which will be presided over by Bishop Donovan himself.”

“There should be nothing more for us to worry about here. We can go back now, Professor Monigne.”

“Okay.” Monigne nodded.

While Franya was talking to Monine, Luo Xiu saw that the four carriages that came with Monine and the "God Hunt" Templar Knights were woven with the emblem of the Golden Kingdom - the Florence family. He had asked President Jolis to prepare for their departure, and President Jolis had already fulfilled his instructions.

Meanwhile, Finlake, the former "First Cardinal" of the Holy See, was now placed in a carriage in the middle.

Afterwards, Franya, Monine, and the Templar Knights of the "Godhunter" Knights will return in the Florence family's carriage. This was Luo Xiu's arrangement, and Franya and Monine have accepted it.

"Luo Xiu."

As Franya and Monine were talking, Franya turned around, her golden eyes looking at Luo Xiu, and said softly to him:
"In the name of Frania Mayerin, I thank you, Rosh."

"Thank you for all the help you've given me during this time."

“Teacher Monigne and I are going back. There are still many things to do at the ‘Holy Court’ that await my return. Once the turmoil has subsided a bit, Teacher Monigne and I will go to the territory of Saint Carlos and come to find you.”

“There must be many things in the territory of Saint Carlos that even you find difficult to handle. Next time, it will be my turn to help you.”

"Okay." Luo Xiu smiled and nodded. "I'll be waiting for you in the territory of Saint Carlos."

He thought for a moment, his expression gradually becoming serious. He looked at Franya, then at Monine, and said:
"Beware of the Supreme One."

“I know that Emperor Augustusville, and his [Supreme], have always wanted to do something to the Holy Court. Be careful... Your Highness, Lord Monigne. Perhaps they have already begun.”

"If anything happens, I will use some means to ensure your safe departure. If that day ever comes, the territory of Saint Carlos will always welcome you."

Luo Xiu spoke solemnly to both Franya and Monine.

Even when he spoke of Finlake or even "Actus" to them before, he hadn't been this solemn. In Luo Xiu's mind, the Supreme Being and Emperor Augustus were the threats that the Holy Court and all the Radiant Saints should always be wary of and guard against.

The Supreme is still an ally. In Luo Xiu's vision, the "Crimson Tide" and "Abyss Upside Down" will soon arrive. At that time, the Supreme will need to rely on the power of the Radiance, so it will still be an ally of the Holy Court. But this is the most ideal situation.

Luo Xiu always had a very dangerous premonition.

He intuitively felt that the current Emperor Augustusville... might not treat the Holy Court as mildly as he had in his previous life. After all, when the "Judgment War" ended in his previous life, Pope Lawrence was still alive, and there was no saint like himself who was already considered quite dangerous in the eyes of the "Supreme".

Furthermore, Emperor Augustusville absorbed the true divinity and divine nature of the "Order of Slaughter" side of the Dark Grand Duke [Supreme]. This will have a subtle influence on his consciousness, personality, and sanity, all of which are dangerous signs.

Therefore, Luo Xiu solemnly warned Franya and Monine about the worst-case scenario he could think of. This would allow them to be prepared should the Supreme Being truly break off relations and take strong action against the Holy Court.

"..."

"We will, Luo Xiu."

Monigne nodded, responding to Luo Xiu with the same solemnity, for she too had long harbored the same warnings and concerns.

"I will observe the situation. If anything happens, I will protect Your Highness's safety."

"I will also protect myself and keep myself safe..." Franya said softly.

“I am no longer the Franya I once was, the Franya who needed your constant protection... Teacher Monine. I know that the [Supreme] has been plotting against the Holy Court.”

"I will be careful, I know what I should do."

As Frania spoke, Monine simply smiled, knowing that Frania was serious about what she was saying.

Having come to Agus City to resolve the calamity caused by Finlake and "Actus," Frania has indeed grown a lot. Now, Frania can truly face these things on her own.

"Well then, we're leaving, Luo Xiu."

Franya looked at Luo Xiu and said goodbye to him.

"See you."

Luo Xiu smiled and nodded. He watched Franya, Monine, and the Templar Knights of the "God Hunt" Knights before boarding the carriage.

The four carriages bearing the Florence family crest creaked and groaned as they drove on, right before Luo Xiu's eyes. Only after the last carriage disappeared around the corner at the end of the street did Luo Xiu turn around.

Frania, Monine, and the Templar Knights of the "Godhunter" Knights have already set off.

He himself was also preparing to leave, to leave the city of Agus, and to go to the new "San Carlos Territory".

Luo Xiu thought to himself.

He then walked towards the other end of the street.

Soon, his figure disappeared at the end of the street, vanished into the shadows cast by the buildings on both sides and the wide eaves, and could no longer be seen.

……

evening.

Head Maid Caroline had already packed all of Luo Xiu's luggage for his trip to Saint Carlos. Luo Xiu had also asked the head maid to help prepare these things, and she had done an equally thorough job.

The gains from this trip to Agnes City in terms of talent – ​​besides President Jolis, Head Maid Caroline is also quite good.

She is well-versed in the etiquette required for high-end occasions and is skilled in managing and arranging household affairs. Her elegant demeanor and excellent abilities as the "head maid" are also quite valuable.

Luo Xiu had tested her spiritual surge several times. As an ordinary person, she was able to remain calm, composed, and restrained. Even when such a great disaster occurred in Agus City, it did not frighten her. She continued to fulfill her duties—this was even more valuable.

Whether as the "Radiant Wise King" or the "Red-Crowned Prince," Luo Xiu needed someone like Head Maid Caroline to assist him in handling certain social situations.

He asked Head Maid Caroline for her opinion, inquiring whether she would like to go to the territory of Saint Carlos, and she replied that she would.

Luo Xiu then asked her to come with President Jolis, and Head Maid Caroline agreed. She would take most of the waiters and maids with her to the territory of Saint Carlos.

Then, evening came.

Under the watchful eyes of Head Maid Caroline, as well as the servants and maids of the mansion, Luo Xiu summoned the "Golden Pegasus" and rode on it.

"May you have a safe and smooth journey, Master."

Head Maid Caroline lifted her skirt with both hands, gave Luo Xiu an elegant bow, and bid him farewell.

Luo Xiu nodded slightly, and the golden wings of his "Golden Pegasus" unfurled simultaneously. Pegasus raised its long neck, neighed, and then soared into the sky—

Head Maid Caroline and the mansion shrank rapidly in Luo Xiu's eyes.

Then, Luo Xiu saw the clear and complete outline of the city of Agus in his eyes—even the city of Agus quickly became smaller and blurry, eventually becoming a tiny dot. Under Pegasus's speed, they had flown far away from the city of Agus.

……

They flew for about two hours high in the sky.

Beneath Luo Xiu lay a vast, deserted valley—

He directed Pegasus to land on an open slope, while simultaneously raising his right hand, on the back of which shimmered with deep red, engraved patterns of light.

He was going to the "Sacred Abyss".

Go see Quesanx, see the Count Hayek who has awakened, and—

Go and resurrect Accipile.

Now, Luo Xiu finally has the time to do these things.

……

……

(End of this chapter)