Firefly Journey

Aheclotes' prediction was too conservative. Perhaps the Papal cavalry was too strong, or perhaps the monsters had really degenerated. Half of the six months, or three months, the massive Abyss Expedition came to an end, ending in the monsters' defeat.

Upon hearing of the great victory in the Abyss, countless people took to the streets and lined the Pope's route back to the city, eagerly awaiting the return of the victorious army.

Lin Yuanran ended his confrontation with the Fear Demon King and originally wanted to return to Yicheng as soon as possible to begin implementing his plan against the nobles.

All three high priests felt that Lin Yuanran's actions were inappropriate. The great victory in the battle against the abyss was a glorious feat that would be recorded in history and would definitely be included in the Vatican's archives. Even if they were in a hurry, they wouldn't be too late.

Lin Yuanran thought about it and realized that it would be unreasonable for him to go back first. So he patiently followed the group and enjoyed the flowers and applause all the way.

The Bright Carriage led the returning army, the driver standing tall and proud. Lin Yuanran, sitting inside, didn't feel much of a sense of pride.

The conquest of the Abyss was a foregone conclusion, and there's nothing to be proud of. One of the three "external threats" has been eliminated; now, it's time for internal troubles.

Countless nobles have seized mines and land, holding rare resources firmly in their own hands, leaving the common people living in dire straits. As Cassius's student, he must change this.

The residents of Ilham were extremely enthusiastic, and the welcoming procession stretched for over thirty miles. Surrounded by believers, the chariot of light finally returned to St. Phileun Cathedral.

Lin Yuanran got out of the car and led a group of priests and bishops to the prayer hall, where he spoke to the statue of the sun god Julius, recounting the details of the expedition.

After finishing these official duties, Lin Yuanran finally had some time to himself. He couldn't stay idle at all; there were still many more things to do.

He went to the Pope's private archives and reviewed the history from ten thousand years ago again, this time more carefully, not missing any details.

When they came out again, it was three days later.

Lin Yuanran pushed open the door to the archives room and stretched.

After taking a few steps, the stationed Papal soldiers quickly greeted him: "Good morning, Your Majesty, may the light be with you!"

Lin Yuanran hated this way of greeting, but now that he was the Pope, he had to set an example, so he reluctantly raised his hand to return the greeting.

After taking two steps, Lin Yuanran turned back, which frightened the stationed soldiers.

Was I seen dozing off in the early hours of the morning?

That can't be! His Holiness the Pope has been inside the whole time and hasn't come out at all!

As the soldiers grew uneasy, Lin Yuanran asked, "Has anyone come looking for me these past few days?"

Thank goodness, the soldier's heart was at ease, and he quickly replied, "Yes, there is, but you said earlier that no one is allowed to disturb us. After I explained the situation, they all left."

Lin Yuanran then asked, "Who are they? Is there... a Saintess?"

"You mean the Xu family's daughter?" the soldier said.

"Yes, yes, yes." Lin Yuanran suppressed his excitement. "Did she come looking for me?"

After Lin Yuanran returned, he used the ancestral artifact to communicate with Feng Ling, saying that he had some things to confirm and would not meet with her for the time being.

Wind Chime replied, "Okay."

Fengling's idea was that they had been living together for so many years and were practically an old married couple, so there was no need to disturb them while they were working, especially since Lin Yuanran had specifically "called" to give her instructions.

But Lin Yuanran is a bit hypocritical. If Feng Ling insists on coming, even if she forces her way into the Pope's archives, he can be quite unprincipled and not blame her.

The soldier said, "She came, but I told her that His Majesty doesn't see anyone, so she didn't make things difficult for me and just left."

The soldier looked righteous and said with a hint of pride.

See how dutiful I am? The Pope will surely praise me now!

Lin Yuanran looked at the self-satisfied soldiers and wanted to say something harsh, but he was the one being pretentious. The soldiers were just doing what they were told, so why should he scold them?

Lin Yuanran, who was reaping what he sowed, patted the soldier's shoulder armor and said, "Well done, keep it up, I have high hopes for you!"

"This is what I should do!"

Lin Yuanran left the place, while the garrison soldier was full of excitement. "The Pope thinks highly of me, so I have to work even harder. I haven't even polished this armor in half a year!"

……

Lin Yuanran left the church, bought a pastry at random, and headed towards the Xu family's house.

They found a spot in the Xu family mansion and walked through the wall to emerge.

Lin Yuanran didn't want to use the main entrance.

It's not that I don't want to, but I have my reasons.

His affair with Fengling, while not exactly common knowledge, had certainly spread. The residents of Yicheng all knew that His Holiness the current Pope was in love with the daughter of the Xu family.

And this young lady happens to be a Holy Maiden of the Temple—isn't this a match made in heaven?!

All sorts of imagined scenarios began to emerge, saying that the two of them had been flirting since their school days and had feelings for each other all along, and believe it or not, it really was true.

Every newspaper in Yicheng dreams of creating a big news story to boost sales. But what constitutes a big news story? It's the trivial matters of the powerful and wealthy, of course.

Therefore, while everything appeared normal in front of the Xu family's house, in reality, an ambitious reporter might be lurking in every corner, just waiting for Lin Yuanran to come and provide a big news story.

Before conquering the Abyss, Lin Yuanran had passed through the gate several times, only to fall into the trap. Although he was an upright person, even the Duke of Zhou (a figure in Chinese mythology associated with peace of mind) was afraid of rumors. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, he decided to force his way in. In any case, it was just a matter of divine revelation for him.

What frustrated Lin Yuanran the most was that the veteran reporter Victor was also among the gossips, which shocked Lin Yuanran. No, I saved you for nothing back then. I thought you were an honest and upright gentleman who pursued the truth!

Lin Yuanran had approached Viktor to raise questions about this topic, but Viktor had his own explanation.

As you know, Your Holiness, since the Seven Gods' conquest of Chu, the continent has been peaceful, and the profession of war correspondent is no longer needed, so he had to change careers.

He transitioned into a private journalist...

Lin Yuanran could only express his understanding and give him a warning. Viktor agreed readily, but as he was leaving, he said, "We've known each other for a while, can you provide some friendly information?" This angered Lin Yuanran, who yelled "Get lost!"

Upon entering the Xu family home, Lin Yuanran, familiar with the place, found his way to the door of Fengling's room.

dong dong.

No one answered the door when I knocked.

Lin Yuanran didn't consider himself an outsider and teleported in instantly.

Fengling wasn't home, and Lin Yuanran thought about taking out "Sun" to contact her, but immediately put it down again.

I hadn't contacted her before coming, because I wanted to surprise her. Now I can't give up halfway. I'll just stay here and wait for her to come back and see me in the room. She'll be so happy.

As Lin Yuanran pondered, his body gave out. Days of reviewing files had made him drowsy, and his eyes closed wider as he drifted off to sleep…