[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations":3,"chapter-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-41":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Nation of Ten Thousand Nations",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2333009,4562,"Chapter 41: The Chosen One (Part II)","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-41",41,"\u003Cp>“Yohoi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Longinus leaned his head down and saw a face paler than a crescent moon—he remembered now, it was Prince Baldwin, who had probably never seen his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately pulled back; he didn’t know the condition of the tunnel, but if the prince suddenly shot him with a crossbow, he feared the devil who led him down would laugh so hard the whole of Hell would shake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s Longinus,” Cesar said. “My servant. I told him to wait here for us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if in response to his words, a rope with several knots was quickly lowered from above; Longinus climbed down like a giant monkey, and with Cesar’s help, he strapped Baldwin onto his back, then climbed out again. A few breaths later, he descended once more. Cesar did not refuse his kindness, climbing onto his back and exiting the vertical shaft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin was already wrapped in a blanket, drinking hot red wine. Cesar glanced at him. “You’re well prepared.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as you’re willing to spend a few silver coins—or even copper ones… no one cares whether they get a full night’s sleep.” Longinus also produced a large stack of sticky baked cheese, the melted layer drizzled with honey—a simple but expensive sweet, like the hot red wine, capable of rapidly replenishing vast amounts of energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did Cesar… tell you to wait here?” Baldwin finally stopped trembling, chewing the baked cheese heavily as he asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Longinus glanced at Cesar. “He told me to keep watch on the Temple. Said those greedy bastards wouldn’t give up so easily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s happening at the Temple?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Longinus looked again at Cesar. “Speak,” Cesar said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The King of Arasalu has been assassinated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin’s movements froze. He looked at Longinus, then turned to Cesar, whose body was taut. “Don’t worry about me,” he said, his tone so calm it made Longinus’s hair stand on end. “I can think too, Cesar. When you felt blood on the door crack, I knew something major had happened—something so big they couldn’t come to watch over us. Maybe only for a short time, but it was calculated by those people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am the King’s son. Who else could come before me?” Baldwin’s eyes glittered with tears, yet his voice was as hard as forged iron, each word like a hammer striking an enemy. “You’re right—they’re worms more cruel than Jephthah, greedier than Judas Iscariot, more vicious than Jezebel! Devils! Filth!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please don’t grieve too deeply,” Longinus hurriedly added. “When I arrived, knights had already rushed out shouting: ‘The assassin is dead, the King is unharmed!’ The scene was orderly—no cries.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had kept his eyes locked on the Temple. When flames suddenly erupted from the western building of the Temple and a fierce commotion broke out, he immediately grew alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might not be as clever as his young master, but his understanding of monks and priests ran far deeper. When they made a decision, they acted swiftly, decisively, without hesitation—leaving no room for retreat whatsoever!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if in an instant, torches were heading toward the stables. Longinus didn’t know if his young master’s plan would succeed—what if they passed out? What if they failed to break through the wall of the water room? What if the tunnel entrance was completely blocked? Worst of all—what if they were trapped halfway? He wasn’t sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing he was certain of was that if he was caught by those knights, he’d be treated as an accomplice to the assassin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he no longer hesitated. He immediately fled along the path he’d already scouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached the vertical shaft he’d agreed upon with Cesar. The nearest small house had already been bought by him; the male owner had gone with several others to a neighbor’s home, leaving only a girl to serve him. The hot red wine and baked cheese were what he’d ordered her to keep ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Praise Jesus Christ! His wait had not been in vain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wonder if your father has opened the Temple gates…” Cesar said at once. “Longinus, hurry to Temple Mount—Baldwin, take a token…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused. They had only one soaked linen tunic, and the only fish-bladder antidote had been swallowed. But Baldwin immediately took the dagger Longinus offered and cut off a lock of hair. “Give this to my father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take this. Tell the King—or rather, find the monk Heraclius—and say we’re here. Then ask him: Is the hunter still waiting by the rabbit’s hole? If not, have him make arrangements quickly.” Cesar looked at the sky. The morning star had not yet risen; dawn had not come. They still had time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Longinus nodded, then asked, “Would you like to rest in my little house?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No,” Baldwin said. “We’ll stay here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the vertical shaft to the Temple Church, as long as you avoid the tunnel carved by the devil, it takes only the time to recite the Lord’s Prayer five times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, Cesar had wanted Longinus to go straight to Amalric I, but he reconsidered. The King’s side must be heavily guarded now. Even if he met Longinus, he wouldn’t listen to him and order everyone to stand down. Better to have Longinus quietly find Heraclius, then let Heraclius persuade the King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I only hope Heraclius isn’t by the King’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heraclius indeed was not by the King’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene had been chaotic—when Amalric I burst from the room, screaming Saint George’s name, drenched in blood, the night watchman screamed instantly. The news spread like ripples; everyone shouted for their knights and attendants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some hid in their rooms, others ran to the stairs, some crashed into the great hall, and more rushed toward the King. Worst of all, it was deep night—some knights, in haste, forgot to put on their cloaks; others, seeing strangers, immediately drew swords and fought them…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heraclius had just stopped the King’s bleeding. Seeing this scene, his face went numb. He immediately issued orders on the King’s behalf: summon the Count of Tripoli, the Duke of Antioch, the Grand Masters of the Templars and the Hospitallers, and the Archdeacon of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. They gathered dozens of the most loyal, strong, and valiant knights, ordering them to march through every area, shouting: “The King is unharmed, the assassin is dead!” while carrying banners and torches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone they found who could prove their identity was ordered back to their room. Those who couldn’t were thrown into prison. Anyone who resisted was executed on the spot as an accomplice to the assassin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing this, Heraclius was about to return to Amalric I when his heart suddenly tightened. He didn’t hesitate—he rushed toward the Temple Church and ran straight into the pale-faced Grand Master of the Templars, who had already discovered six dead Templar knights outside the church, all silenced without a sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grand Master called out loudly, but received no reply. He couldn’t decide whether to open the door, so he turned back to ask the King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heraclius felt the world go dark. Fortunately, at that moment, a servant brought Longinus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Longinus quickly relayed Cesar’s message: “The black rabbit and the white rabbit are both safe. We just don’t know if the hunter is still waiting by the old hole.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The hunter is greedy and arrogant—who’d bother with effort?” Heraclius replied. “He’s already returned to his pillow, snoring loudly. It’s a perfect chance. Let’s return the rabbits to their hole.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurried back to Amalric I and delivered the good news. Amalric I immediately stood up, wanting to go with him. Before Heraclius could stop him, Raymond fiercely objected. “Then take me with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Filled with passion, he didn’t notice Amalric I’s face turning icy. “No,” the King said coldly. “You stay here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raymond froze. He had always been Amalric I’s most trusted right hand. The King had never treated him with such disrespect or distrust—as if he were a traitor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood there until the Duke of Antioch, Bohemond, sauntered over, arms crossed. “Don’t take it to heart. After so many disgusting events, even a King can’t help but act on emotion once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he didn’t like Bohemond, seeing him offer comfort, Raymond’s expression softened slightly. “I’m just worried…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, don’t worry, don’t worry. You’re the last person here who needs worrying about,” Bohemond smiled. “If I were you, I’d never go to Amalric I’s face and ask for trouble. Haven’t you noticed yet? He hates you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bohemond leaned close to Raymond and whispered: “Isn’t it obvious? If Amalric I dies, and Prince Baldwin dies—who inherits the throne of Arasalu? Of course, only you: Baldwin II’s grandson, Amalric I’s cousin, the one closest to the throne!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Amalric I saw Baldwin, he forgot the veil was missing and pulled him into his arms, weeping uncontrollably. Heraclius, seeing this, felt an indescribable emotion surge within him. He hurried to his student, ignoring all details of his past, and immediately began discussing what must be arranged now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Patriarch of Arasalu had indeed returned to his residence, not far from the Holy Sepulchre. He stood at the window, gazing at the most sacred place, savoring the pleasure of publicly spitting on the King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, he returned to his desk, unlocked a wooden box, and took out three carefully written drafts: the first stated Prince Baldwin was alive but not chosen; the second, that Prince Baldwin was dead (making selection irrelevant); the third, that both King Amalric I and Prince Baldwin were dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, in every draft, he had earnestly, painstakingly told the people this was the thunderous wrath of God.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, he admitted, Amalric I and the other Crusader knights were warriors of Christ. But they had already received God’s promised rich rewards—and yet they were not satisfied. Instead, they had grown arrogant and greedy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This city belonged to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Mortals had no right to usurp it—and yet they had placed crowns upon their own heads…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now they should fear, for proof had come: whoever dares offend God, no matter how exalted, will descend to Hell. Not only will they descend to Hell, but they will be hooked by the eyebrows and roasted over the lake of fire until the world’s end, with worms burrowing through their flesh, devouring their skin…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought a moment, then pulled out a piece of charcoal. Too lazy to call a scribe to scrape parchment, he added a few threatening lines in the blank space to make the faithful even more obedient…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After revising the drafts, he locked the box again and returned to bed to sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where he could not see, Amalric I held Baldwin, Longinus held Cesar, and with Heraclius, they silently entered the great hall of the Holy Sepulchre Church.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was amusing, really. Earlier, the Patriarch, to catch Amalric I off guard, had generously promised and bribed a group of monks—they had previously opposed Thomas of the Gerard family, but Thomas had turned the tide with Cesar’s asceticism. These days, they’d been suffering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had served the Patriarch in desperation, but they hadn’t expected that once his goal was achieved, he would abandon them, leaving them to rot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now these monks had swapped places with Thomas of Gerard. It remained to be seen whether Thomas would send them to desert asceticism or to the army for penance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, the Holy Sepulchre Church had returned to Thomas’s hands. For Amalric I’s request, he naturally granted everything. “But how will you explain to the world how you brought them out of the Temple Church?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You may go see,” Heraclius said. “The beeswax on the Temple Church’s door remains intact.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what will we say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Say that demons or pagan servants tried to sabotage the selection ritual by setting fire outside the church. The merciful God saw it and retrieved the two children, placing them in His Only Son’s arms to protect them.” Heraclius spoke fluently—he’d clearly rehearsed this on the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thomas looked nervous. “Did the Temple Church catch fire?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It will burn before morning prayer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thomas opened his mouth but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will buy a thousand-year indulgence,” Amalric I said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thomas’s face lit up. He clapped his hands. “This is truly God’s will—to turn men from their wrong paths!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He happily opened the great hall’s door himself, watching them place the two children down. “They…” he gestured with his eyes, “how are they?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heraclius froze. When chosen, the tested person emitted a burst of white light: shaped like thunder, it meant “Favored”; shaped like a river, it meant “Bestowed.” The longer the light lasted, the brighter it glowed, the greater the blessing, the stronger the saint invoked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when they saw Baldwin and Cesar, they had already been away from the Temple for some time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn’t know whether they’d left after being chosen—or… if it was the latter, the selection ritual had failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It no longer matters,” said Amalric I unexpectedly. Thomas turned to the King, startled by his dark, heavy eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How many others know of this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You, me, Thomas, and…” Heraclius looked at Longinus. “This knight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Longinus felt he was still in that icy, bone-chilling shaft. “In the Holy City, the only one I ever swore loyalty to is Cesar.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s not a knight yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Precisely because he’s not a knight, Your Majesty. No one notices me. You know—they all say I’m the slave of a slave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amalric I gave a short laugh. “Anyone else?” His gaze never left Longinus. “Anyone at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Longinus closed his eyes. “Yes… Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What exactly were “Favored” and “Bestowed”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar held Baldwin’s hand. After seeing Amalric I, Baldwin could no longer hold on—he fainted. Cesar too felt overwhelming exhaustion and dullness. Only after Heraclius gave them the antidote did they regain a little strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet just sitting here together, whether Baldwin or Cesar, both felt utterly content.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if I’m not chosen,” Baldwin said cheerfully, “it doesn’t matter. Then I’ll become a monk with you. If they won’t let us stay together, I’ll ask Father to build us a new monastery.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think even if you’re not chosen, you won’t be abandoned,” Cesar said, voicing his judgment—but he didn’t reveal Amalric I’s true intent. Baldwin might one day see the cruel truth, but let that come as late as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin turned to look at Cesar. Those emerald eyes, in dim light, looked like obsidian—a faint glow was slowly spreading from the center of the obsidian…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“God…” he whispered. “God bless you, Cesar…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No,” Cesar watched the glowing Baldwin. “It’s you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Footnote 1: Judas Iscariot (one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, who betrayed Jesus out of greed), Jephthah (a cruel general who sacrificed his daughter to win battle), Jezebel (a queen of Israel who encouraged her husband’s cruel persecution and murder).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2473,"2026-06-20T20:58:34.857Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f7d0e568f4fe2f5c874c5a36ac5b7a90d990cf61ec494840634da6842dbdcfdc","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-42","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-40",168,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-cover.jpg"]