Chapter 466: Discussing Countermeasures

Vatican, late night.

In the Pope's Qin Gong study, the lamps are still burning brightly.

Francis sits upright behind the large desk, several latest investigation reports spread before him, his brows knit, his face bearing lingering fatigue and gravity.

Since the theft of Longinus' Gun at Bai Xiaoxia's wedding, his inner strings have remained taut.

That secretive, mysterious cult hidden in the shadows, like a festering sore, keeps him unable to rest.

He has mobilized every power at his disposal, investigating openly and covertly, vowing to root out these desecrators.

However, progress is disappointing.

Aside from scattered, dubious Ritual traces, a few secret hideouts possibly used briefly, and vague heretical legends circulating in remote regions, there is virtually no substantive clue.

The opponent seems to melt into the shadows, operates shrewdly, with strong counter‑intelligence, leaving him with the feeling of punching cotton.

"Who exactly... is hidden... what is the purpose..."

Francis mutters to himself, his fingers tapping the desk.

His gaze falls on the unassuming yet significant wooden box on the desk—inside lies the nearly lost Spear of Destiny.

The existence of this Holy Gun is both a reassurance and a warning.

"Your Majesty, I actually have an idea,"

A steady voice comes from the doorway.

Francis looks up and sees Laide De Lion, clad in silver‑white knight light armor, a long sword at his waist, standing at the doorway, bowing respectfully.

"Laide?" Francis rallies himself, raising his hand to signal him to come in:

"No need for formalities, tell me, what idea do you have?"

Laide strides into the study, does not answer immediately, but first walks to the desk, his gaze landing on the box containing Longinus' Gun, lingering for a moment.

"Your Majesty,"

Laide lifts his head, expression calm: "Based on current intelligence and the last incident, I think the opponent's intent is now fairly clear........."

"They wish to gather holy artifacts, especially powerful ones directly linked to our Lord Christ's earthly experiences!"

"Longinus' Gun is one of their explicit targets."

"I think so too, go on," Francis nods, signaling him to continue.

Laide shifts his tone, pointing at the box: "I wonder, since they crave holy artifacts so much, can we use this to turn the passive into the active?"

"Oh?" Francis leans forward slightly, showing interest, "Explain in detail."

"I think their next possible target..." Laide turns his head, his gaze seeming to pierce the wall toward the distant northwest, tone confident:

"It is the Holy Grail, the Holy Grail embraced in the arms of Arthur King!"

Francis's eyes narrow: "Holy Grail..."

That, too, is a Holy Relic of great significance.

"We can set a trap."

Laide withdraws his gaze, eyes flashing with sharp light, like a hawk eyeing prey:

"Since they desire holy artifacts, we will 'give' them this opportunity."

"But not in the Vatican."

He steps forward, outlining his plan: "We can 'secretly' send Longinus' Gun to Yingguo; of course, this 'secret' must be sufficiently concealed, yet not entirely without trace."

"We will let the information leak out bit by bit through seemingly accidental yet meticulously designed 'gaps' or 'channels.'"

"Ideally, they must go through great trouble and pay a hefty price to 'investigate' this intelligence."

"People always trust more what they obtain through hardship; they will believe it unwaveringly."

"When they are convinced that two top‑tier holy artifacts appear together at a 'opportune' spot... greed will drive them."

"They are likely to take a bold risk, attempting to seize both artifacts in one stroke!"

He looks at Francis, eyes glittering: "And this is our chance."

"We can lay a heaven‑and‑earth net, using holy artifacts as bait, to capture them all in one net!"

"Not only can we thwart their plot and regain the initiative, but more importantly..."

Laide pauses, voice colder: "During this process, whoever is most eager to probe the news, who shows anomalies in action, who tries to influence or sabotage our setup... may all reveal their tracks."

"We may thus be able to root out the one—or those—'inside traitors' who have been hidden inside, acting as the tiger's accomplice!"

"Your Majesty, what do you think of this plan?"

Laide finishes, quietly awaiting Francis's decision.

The study falls into a brief silence.

Francis's gaze moves back and forth between Laide's face and the box containing the Holy Gun.

The plan is bold and risky, full of uncertainty, but it must be said that it is indeed a viable way to break the current stalemate and turn the passive into the active.

Especially the point of exposing the insider is crucial to him.

Finally, a long‑absent, decisive smile appears on Francis's face.

He stands, walks around the desk, approaches Laide, and gives his shoulder a firm pat:

"Laide, you are indeed reliable," his tone full of praise and trust:

"Good! We'll do as you say! I entrust this matter entirely to you."

"Whatever resources or manpower you need, mobilize them; I will grant you the highest authority."

"All the sects will cooperate with your actions........... also."

His eyes become knife‑sharp: "I will watch from the shadows, mobilize every force that can be mobilized to aid you, and monitor all suspicious movements."

"I want to see... who dares to betray the Lord's faith and side with darkness!"

In the end, unabashed anger and a chilling murderous intent flash in Francis's eyes.

Go, Laide, may the Lord's light guide you, granting you wisdom and strength.

The Lord is with you.

Laide clenched his right hand into a fist, heavily striking the armor on his left chest, producing a clear metallic ring, and gave a deep bow:

Will not betray your trust, Your Majesty!

The Lord is with you.

He said no more, turned, and strode out of the study, his silver armor gradually fading in the hallway's light.