Chapter 294: Silence

The Saintess withdrew her gaze from Ying Duo and looked again at the rapidly changing Data Stream; although there are many doubts about Ying Duo, it is the Pope who says this.

She no longer pursues the matter of Ying Duo, but chooses to trust Mu Linyuan's judgment.

In the time domain, the Pope's authority is beyond doubt.

Yang Yixie watched the Saintess on the screen, whose cold aura controlled all turrets for sniping, and felt a tingle.

The Pope's level reaches Lv. 60, titled "Time-Scar Silent One", which sounds unfathomable.

Then what level should that seemingly stronger Saintess be?

Her panel information must be more valuable.

He covertly manipulated Ying Duo, and while Pope Mu Linyuan was talking with Min Tianyou, he tried again to "inadvertently" shift his steps, moving closer toward the Saintess.

However, a hand wearing white gloves casually rested on Ying Duo's shoulder, and its gentle force pulled him off his original path.

It was Mu Linyuan.

He didn't even turn around, as if he had eyes on his back, continuing to speak with Min Tianyou while naturally shifting Ying Duo to his side.

"The Church's recent operations indeed failed, but at least we have confirmed that Fang Zhiyan himself personally came to Tianmian City........"

Mu Linyuan's voice continued the previous topic steadily, as if that small interception was merely an unconscious, casual move.

"Although such heavy casualties were somewhat unexpected, it is still... within reason." He paused.

"After all, that's Fang Zhiyan; if he personally participated in the operation's planning, then indeed few in Tianmian City could match him."

Shen Zexi at this moment could not worry about that, hurried forward a step, speaking sincerely.

"Your Majesty, I am deeply sorry, my companion..."

He glanced at Ying Duo, who had been "placed" by the Pope beside him, and at that moment was at a loss how to explain Ying Duo's abrupt "slip."

That was no longer a slip; it was practically low‑altitude flight, charging straight at the Saintess.

If the Pope hadn't intercepted Ying Duo midway, he truly doubted the guards' spears could treat Ying Duo like a mouse and pin him dead to the ground.

Mu Linyuan waved his hand, cutting off his apology.

"Never mind, a young student's curiosity is strong; it can be understood."

His gaze fell again on Ying Duo, and with pointed intent he spoke again, "Some boundaries must still be heeded; once crossed, there is no chance for regret."

He did not specify which boundaries, but everyone understood what he meant.

But the Pope seemed to have no concern for Ying Duo's recent offense, and continued to question Min Tianyou.

"What discoveries have you made on the ground?"

Min Tianyou's expression immediately grew a few degrees more serious, putting away his sympathetic look toward Shen Zexi.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, Co‑Absorption's multiple bases had preemptively completed material transfers; we walked into a trap, and Judge Chi encountered enemy encirclement......."

Mu Linyuan nodded slightly, "Fang Zhiyan's handiwork; since there is no progress here, you should return to the Chen Family side."

He turned his gaze to Ying Duo and Shen Zexi, shifting his tone.

"Come to think of it, I've heard some news about you; I heard the acting head of the Chen Family is also a member of your team?"

Shen Zexi felt a slight chill, not expecting the Pope to know even such a "trivial" matter, and could only answer cautiously.

"Yes, Your Majesty, Chen Mo Zhi is indeed one of our Mercenary Corps members, but recently he left the unit temporarily due to family affairs."

"Mm."

Mu Linyuan gave a noncommittal response, as if it were just an offhand remark.

"I hope that everything that happened today can remain confidential between you two; the matter is critical, the fewer people who know, the better."

After speaking, he didn't make them sign any confidentiality contract, but directly looked at Min Tianyou.

"You should still go to the Chen Family side for further investigation, right? If both of you worry about the situation there, you may go together; if you get tired, have someone escort you back to the Academy."

Shen Zexi hurriedly placed his hand on Ying Duo's head and saluted together:

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding."

Shen Zexi hesitated a moment, but couldn't help asking:

"Your Majesty, you just mentioned that Ying Duo has a 'temporal distortion wave'........ Could this be harmful to him?"

He looked at the still‑calm Ying Duo beside him, feeling a headache.

Mu Linyuan remained silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head.

"As of now, this wave, though abnormal, shows no obvious danger to his daily activities."

He shifted his tone, sounding more solemn.

Many times he chooses silence, but that does not mean he does nothing.

"It is more like a....... brand; you need not over‑worry, the mysteries of time are deep."

"If any mishap occurs, you may always seek help from the Church."

This counts as a rather weighty promise.

Shen Zexi instantly exhaled, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Mu Linyuan waved his hand, indicating no need for further courtesy.

"Alright, the matters here are temporarily concluded; your friend seems to have been waiting outside for a while."

"Friend?"

Shen Zexi was slightly taken aback; they hardly had any acquaintances in the Church, right?

Except that Min Tianyou of the Supervision Bureau, having previously escaped together, needed to be familiar, Shen Zexi and the Church's people had not had much further contact.

"Could it be an acquaintance of Ying Duo?"

"Ying Duo should have come to the Church for a brain check, so having acquaintances is not surprising......"

"Seeming to notice their confusion, Min Tianyou added softly:"

"It is Qi Hengyu."

He had just watched Chi Jinan being handed over when he saw the bewildered Qi brothers outside.

Qi Junyi could indeed come straight in, but he immediately followed the healer to check on Chi Jinan's condition, so Qi Hengyu could only wait outside, because without Qi Junyi leading, anyone wandering around might be driven out.

Mu Linyuan said no more, seeming ready to leave together with the saintess who had been waiting for him over there, but before taking a step he suddenly stopped, turned his head toward Min Tianyou.

"I heard that when you went to the surface, I was surprised—you actually put the investigation into the Chen Family on hold and chose to act together with Chi Jinan and his group?"

Min Tianyou lifted his head, meeting the calm gaze behind the Pope's mask, and then quickly glanced at Ying Duo, who seemed to be daydreaming elsewhere beside him.

He was silent for a few seconds before speaking slowly.

"Reporting back to the crown, Ying Duo does indeed have many problems; his actions are often unpredictable and give people headaches, constantly causing trouble......."

Min Tianyou suddenly realized the extent of Ying Duo's crimes; they were truly endless to recount.

"But the living are always far more important than the dead."