Chapter 410: Openness and Conservatism (6K, please subscribe)

"……"

Under the silent gaze of the crowd, Guard Captain Charles squinted his eyes, thinking without moving a muscle.

He was deeply conflicted right now.

Should he let them in? Or turn them away at the gate?

If he chose the latter, he had ample reason.

He was the Guard Captain of the Shengcheng; his duty was to guard its safety and eliminate every uncertain factor without exception.

This was Solantis, the radiant Shengcheng yearned for by countless believers of the Sun.

This was the place closest to the mortal Sun God, a sacred ground that brooked no desecration.

In the past, even devout believers might be unable to stay long — or even enter — for various reasons.

And now, they were to allow some filthy Abyss aliens to enter?

The honor of the Shengcheng could not bear a single stain!

But if he chose the former, actually… it could also be justified.

These two alien nuns did indeed show a willingness to atone — should they be cast aside?

The Sun God holds the authority of 【Purification】, and there has always been a tradition of turning heretics from their wicked ways.

Although in the overwhelming majority of cases, the other party is simply purified outright on the physical level, there are indeed a small number of precedents where the fallen were brought to faith.

If a legendary-tier fallen one could be led back to the right path, that would be a feat grand enough to be written into the Holy Scripture and become one of the many legends of the Church.

Besides, the cooperative attitude they had shown was one thing, and their actual strength was another.

Although the Sun Church was confident in suppressing any enemy, no Epic-tier powerhouse should ever be taken lightly.

They were extremely dangerous powerhouses, capable of bringing tremendous harm to the world at the slightest move.

Since the other party had already taken the initiative to show goodwill, by all reason they ought to be treated well, showing the respect due to them.

Added to that was a point others had overlooked — Herbert and his companions' origins.

The Mist Convent.

That was one of the few reclusive organizations the Sun Church treated seriously, and it needed to be handled with caution.

Although the Mist Convent was not particularly famous in the outside world — even quite a few divine churches were unclear about them — it kept a low profile, as though tucked away in a corner, with only a modest reputation in some remote small country.

But in the eyes of those who truly understood, this special convent had always been an unfathomably mysterious organization.

This convent actually had a Saint!

Setting everything else aside, a single Saint alone was enough to make everyone take it seriously.

No one would look down on such a reclusive organization.

When facing a Saint, even the Sun Church — long known for its arrogance — was the same, and would show a considerable degree of respect.

Otherwise, the earlier "sincere request from an ally" asking the convent to provide battle armor would long since have become "a command that must be fulfilled, from a servant of the great blazing sun."

And among the many reasons, the importance of the Mist Convent could rank in the top three.

The fact was this: although the Randazhu Sect claimed the convent would not endorse Herbert's actions in any way and would not offer help, this was in truth only a tacit understanding between the two of them.

The people outside of them did not know of the agreement between the two.

So long as Herbert did not actively conceal his origins, then in the eyes of outsiders, he represented the will of the convent.

Even if he mentioned it, no one would believe him — they would only think he had some special hidden circumstances.

This was also why, in many cases, organizers would tell their members that they must always set an example and never let down their guard.

Because in the outside world, a member represented not merely personal honor, but also the reputation of the organization they carried.

"……sigh."

The Guard Captain had fallen into a dilemma.

And beyond the objective reasons, what made the Guard Captain hesitate even more was the attitude Herbert had shown.

The other party had displayed a considerable degree of trust — and confidence.

The young "angel" before him had not concealed his companions' origins at all, candidly stating the truth and making no attempt at concealment.

Why was he so certain?

Was he really so sure that Charles would agree to let them in?

Just on the basis of those "feats"?

Charles pondered, his heart wavering, his thoughts growing more and more shaken.

He had only just taken up the post of Guard Captain not long ago; his footing was still unsteady, and the very last thing he wanted was an accident.

As a result, first he had run into an ancient legendary phenomenon like the "Mistress of the Lost," and then into the even rarer situation of "alien cultivators applying to enter the Shengcheng."

To encounter such rare events, Charles did not know whether his luck was good or bad.

"……hm?"

Suddenly, his eyes shifted, and then his tightly furrowed brow slowly loosened. Under the crowd's gaze, he gently let out a breath, and his whole body relaxed.

Seeing this, everyone knew the Guard Captain already had his answer.

What was the result?

The Guard Captain nodded at Herbert, but did not speak. Instead, he turned his head to look at the waiting bishops and said in a low voice, "Gentlemen, what are your thoughts?"

Oh?

Herbert found this unexpected turn rather novel. He raised an eyebrow and faintly sensed something.

So he kept silent, like a bystander, quietly waiting to see how things would unfold.

Time to watch the show.

The first to respond to the Guard Captain's words was an elderly bishop in a resplendent golden robe, his face somewhat austere from its severity.

He rose first and declared in a loud, commanding voice, "Gentlemen, the Radiant Shengcheng is the sacred domain of our Lord, the symbol of light and holiness!"

We know very little about the origins of those impure ones from the Abyss; the Abyss has always been a breeding ground for darkness and evil, and they may carry the Abyss's curse and dark aura.

And that great dragon is an even stronger, wilder lowly creature, burdened with heavy sin, and will surely influence others.

Their power is difficult to control; once they enter the Shengcheng, they may shatter its peace!

In my view, such dangerous elements must absolutely not be allowed into the Shengcheng!

The gold-robed bishop's attitude was firm, and he bluntly voiced his protest.

After he finished speaking, Herbert keenly observed that at least half of those present nodded slightly in agreement.

These people thought the same way; the gold-robed bishop was merely one of their representatives.

Before Herbert could speak to explain, another faction's bishop spoke up.

"Respected Bishop Collier, I understand your concerns, but we cannot reject them solely because of their origins."

A female bishop clad in crimson robes stepped forward and said calmly: "Those two nuns, though from Abyssal alien races, did not choose their birth."

"The Abyss constantly torments them, yet they ultimately chose to defy fate and uphold their own will."

"Though dwelling in darkness, their hearts turn toward light—should this not be encouraged?"

"As for the Great Dragon, we ought to accept it—even enter into a pact with it, so its immense power becomes our ally against darkness."

"Our Lord's doctrine teaches tolerance and redemption; we must not turn away any companion at our door."

Compared to the passionate, hardline faction, Bishop Evelyn's demeanor was neither humble nor arrogant, neither proud nor agitated.

She merely laid out the pros and cons and stated her own viewpoint.

Then Bishop Collier frowned and immediately retorted: "Bishop Evelyn, you are too naive! The power of the Abyss is incalculable—how can you guarantee they are not Abyssal spies?"

"Once you let them into the Shengcheng, it's like planting a seed of darkness in our garden!"

"And that dragon—you've seen how dangerous it is! How long can a pact truly bind it? If it goes mad, the Shengcheng will suffer great losses."

His words were blunt—right before Herbert's eyes, he questioned the loyalty of Valentina and the others.

Yet Herbert felt no anger; instead, he found the scene fascinating.

For he realized: the man was not truly attacking them—he was using them as a pretext to strike at the other faction.

Is this… factional strife?

Clearly, within the Sun Church, there were different cliques and factions, constantly vying for true dominance.

Herbert and his group were merely a pretext; it could have been anyone, anything—no difference.

Indeed, Herbert didn't need to speak; Bishop Evelyn simply shook her head slightly and replied: "Bishop Collier, is our faith so fragile?"

"If we dare not accept nuns seeking light and a great dragon, how can we demonstrate the greatness of the Sun God to the world?"

"We have many clergy and powerful magical defenses—can we not supervise and guide these alien races?"

"Or… have you lost your confidence?"

Thud!

"Supervise? Guide? Bishop Evelyn, wake up! You're gambling with the safety of the Shengcheng!"

Bishop Collier stomped his foot hard, his voice rising further: "We cannot take this risk—not even the slightest danger is acceptable."

Thud!

Bishop Evelyn stepped forward as well, her face still calm, but her eyes now tinged with anger; she raised her voice too: "Your Grace, please wake up—no risk, no reward!"

"If we remain stagnant, the Shengcheng will forever be confined here, unable to truly spread our Lord's faith to distant lands!"

"This is cowardice! It shames our Lord!"

Collier's brow twisted completely, and he roared: "What did you say?"

Evelyn did not reply; she merely gazed back at him calmly, silently affirming her stance.

Though it seemed only two were arguing, they in fact embodied the entire Sun Church's conservative and open factions.

Collier and his group upheld the ancient Sun God doctrine: destroy all evil.

Evelyn and her faction wished to evolve the doctrine—to destroy evil while accepting new possibilities.

One side was conservative and radical; the other, open and inclusive.

As the two appeared ready to continue quarreling, with tensions escalating further, Herbert, the onlooker, finally looked up at the Warden.

Aren't you just going to stand there?

Aren't you going to stop them?

"Ahem!"

Finally, the Warden cleared his throat, interrupting their quarrel, and said coolly: "Enough. Stop arguing."

"I have made my decision."

The Warden gave Herbert a slight nod and said calmly: "Brother Herbert, I understand your request."

"Since your servants have recognized their sins and are willing to atone, this is certainly commendable."

"Our Lord is merciful; the Shengcheng will accept such lost sheep who have found their way back."

"They may enter Solanthis."

The Warden, who had previously hesitated and wavered, now cut through the chaos with decisive action, giving no one time to argue or obstruct—he settled the matter outright.

No explanation. He simply ignored the disbelieving stares of some. If anyone opened their mouth, he met them with a calm gaze.

The Warden crushed all dissent outright.

The matter was settled.

Who agreed? Who opposed?

"…"

Under his overwhelming gaze, no one dared to object—not even the most hardline Bishop Collier, who silently lowered his head.

Herbert's eyes swept across all present, taking in every expression, then gave the Warden a slight nod: "Thank you for your understanding and assistance."

His words actually carried a hidden meaning as well.

"Understanding" was not hard to grasp—it meant thanking the Guard Captain for allowing Valentina and the others to enter the Shengcheng.

And "help," on the surface, meant thanking the Guard Captain for overriding the opposition, but in reality it carried a deeper meaning—thanking him for a reminder of another kind.

The Guard Captain had made his decision first, then asked for others' opinions afterward.

This move looked democratic and fair on the surface, but in truth it was still the strongman ruling with authority.

Then why did he have to go through this whole routine?

Could it be just to prove how open-minded he was?

No.

What the Guard Captain was actually doing was letting Herbert witness with his own eyes that faction within the Sun Church that was "unfriendly" toward them, so that he could be on his guard.

He was making clear the Sun Church's internal stance—although you are permitted to enter, you must not let your guard down; there will be those who bear you ill will.

You must act with caution, not stir up trouble, not invite complications.

At the same time, the Guard Captain was also making his own stance clear—if Herbert truly came into conflict with Collier and his people, he would not get involved.

Helping neither side—that was the Guard Captain's meaning.

"You need not thank me."

The Guard Captain shook his head slightly, not accepting Herbert's gratitude: "You should go rest first; whatever matters there are, we can discuss them tomorrow."

Having said that, he cast a deep look at the Angel Battle Armor Herbert wore, then turned and nodded to Evelyn: "Evelyn, please take Cultivator Herbert to meet his companions, and afterward lead them to their quarters for rest."

"Understood."

Bishop Evelyn answered with a calm expression, then gave Herbert a slight nod, turned and walked toward the high platform outside, then leapt straight off from above, her body transforming mid-air into the form of a flame giant spirit, streaking toward the city gate like a massive fireball.

It was hard to imagine that the expressionless woman would choose such a violent mode of travel—but then, remembering she was a follower of the Sun God, it somehow didn't seem out of place.

Herbert, meanwhile, smiled and bowed to the crowd, then with a beat of his blood wings, followed after her with ease.

Compared to Evelyn's thunderous flight, his movements were far quieter—appearing graceful and dashing, drawing the gaze of many residents.

"Phew… it worked."

In flight, Herbert quietly let out a breath of relief.

Although he looked relaxed and confident on the surface, inwardly he had been sweating bullets.

While the Guard Captain was deliberating, Herbert had several times caught his thoughts leaning toward the conservative approach of forbidding Valentina and the others from entering the city.

Fortunately, the Guard Captain changed his mind at the last moment; by the result, it was a close call, and he had smoothly secured the Shengcheng's entry ticket.

Whatever happened in the process, as long as the result was good, it was enough.

However, what Herbert found interesting was that, faced with the current outcome, not only did Bishop Collier's faction not appear angry or disappointed, but Evelyn's group also did not look particularly happy.

What was going on?

Collier and his people had clearly had their opinions overruled, yet they did not feel disgraced.

Conversely, Evelyn's group was the same—after being supported, they were not excited either.

What exactly was the reason behind this?

Carrying this doubt in his heart, Herbert followed Bishop Evelyn, whom the Guard Captain had arranged to guide him, to go meet Valentina and the others and bring them into the city.

"Wait, there seems to be one possibility that explains it…" a thought suddenly flashed through Herbert's mind.

"If the Guard Captain is a big shot belonging to the conservative faction, then everything makes sense."

Everyone has their own personal leanings and preferences.

If the Guard Captain himself originated from among those conservatives, then even if he overruled the opinions of the other conservatives, those people would not find it unacceptable.

The reverse was also true—even if he agreed with the ideas of the liberal faction, they would not feel particularly honored.

"Then the question is, why did the Guard Captain change his mind at the last moment?"

Herbert narrowed his eyes, recalling every detail from before, and suddenly caught a detail he had previously overlooked.

Before the Guard Captain made up his mind, his ear had twitched slightly, and his body had instinctively tried to turn around.

He had heard a hint from someone else!

Herbert thought to himself, silently looking back, toward the tallest building in the Shengcheng.

"So, behind him… there is someone else?"

……

Just as Herbert had deduced, the Guard Captain's arrangement was not truly his own idea.

The boldness to override the opposition in the end was not because the Guard Captain had finally steeled himself, but because, while hesitating, he had heard a calm, gentle voice.

"Let them in."

It was the voice of the Lieri Sect Pope.

Although the Lieri Sect Pope had not formally appeared, he had actually been secretly observing the development of the situation all along.

It was precisely with His Holiness the Pope's approval that the Guard Captain ultimately decided to let them through.

With the leader's backing, even if something went wrong, he would bear no responsibility!

"Mist Monastery, Herbert…"

The Guard Captain dismissed the other bishops, stood alone in the great hall thinking: "Why does His Holiness the Pope value them so much? To actually allow them to enter the Shengcheng."

Charles pondered for a while, then helplessly shook his head and sighed silently.

"I hope no more accidents happen—one Lost Lady is already enough of a headache, sigh…"

Compared to the monastery's visitors like Herbert, the matter of the Lost Lady troubled him even more.

The Guard Captain had not deliberately mentioned the matter of the Lost Lady to Herbert.

This was actually quite normal.

The Lost Lady herself could only be seen by a very small number of devout priests under some fortunate coincidence; Herbert did not meet this standard.

Besides, this was the Sun Church's own affair, so there was no need to tell an outsider like Herbert about it.

He truly didn't think Herbert would have anything to do with the Lady of Bewilderment.

"They probably won't have anything to do with each other, right?"

"…Mm, they probably won't."

The Guard Captain thought it over, couldn't help but laugh at himself, and said helplessly, "Honestly, what am I even thinking?"

"How could something like that possibly happen?"

"Hahaha!"

……

"Nie Nasha, did you sense it?"

Herbert tried to communicate with the Young Lady of Discord, but got no response at all.

This time Nie Nasha really wasn't playing dead on purpose — she was hiding with all her might.

This was the Sun God's mortal base of operations; every single move here would be sensed by Him.

After Herbert entered the Radiant Shengcheng, Nie Nasha had already completely sealed herself off, and no matter how much he called out, she wouldn't respond.

Don't bother me, I'm offline, leave a message if you need anything.

Herbert also remembered this and couldn't help but tease inwardly: "Oh? Weren't you not afraid? Why are you being so cautious now?"

Oh, isn't this Nie Nasha?

Where's that hairstyle you usually have? Why aren't you standing it up?

Look who's got their day too!

Just as Herbert had mocked her for a while, the back of his neck suddenly went cold, and he became completely alert.

Hiss!

Faintly, he seemed to hear a click of the tongue, full of displeasure.

【"…Tch!"】

The Young Lady of Discord silently expressed her displeasure — don't push it too far, kid!

"Ahem, nothing, I didn't say anything, mm."

And while Herbert and Nie Nasha were conversing in their minds, an unexpected change was quietly brewing.

At that very same moment, in another corner of the Shengcheng, an illusory figure who had shown no reaction to the outside world came to a stop.

The Lady of Bewilderment, who had been wandering the Shengcheng, slowly tilted her head and, with that indistinct, illusory face, silently looked in one direction.

"…Mm?"

Radiant Shengcheng, at the massive city gate.

The bored dragon maid's eyes shifted; she spotted Herbert flying toward her, and her big eyes suddenly lit up.

"Herbert!"

She couldn't care less about her terrifying image as the "Crimson Giant Dragon" in the eyes of certain people.

What image?

Is it tasty?

Valentina hopped in place on the spot, waving at Herbert joyfully — the very picture of a carefree, innocent little girl.

"Come quick! Come quick! Come— hm?!"

Then, just before Herbert arrived, Valentina's expression stiffened, her pupils shrank to pinpoints, and she whipped her head to look to one side.

!!?

Her instinct, for the first time in a long while, sensed an immense threat; she faintly felt a cold, indifferent gaze.

But when she tried to sense it carefully, she felt nothing at all.

"…Was it an illusion?"

(End of chapter)