Although Lin Xiao had already heard that the Shrek Inspection Group was active nearby, he hadn't expected to encounter them so soon. Fortunately, at this point in time, Shrek Academy had yet to learn of the Holy Spirit Church's existence, so his meeting with them hadn't raised too much suspicion.
Even so, Lin Xiao continued traveling deeper into the Sun and Moon Empire's territory, abandoning plans to deal with the other branch halls.
He didn't know whether those three girls had other experts secretly following them, nor could he gauge the perceptive ability of those kinds of powerhouses. If he were caught knowing the exact locations of every evil Spirit Master base, it would be impossible to talk his way out again.
What resided in his mind was far more important than a few minor branches.
The border towns were sparsely populated. With dawn still some time away, the city lay cloaked in darkness—save for one secluded courtyard, where a single soul-tool lamp cast a faint orange glow.
"You're back so soon?"
When Lin Xiao returned to his residence, the Nightmare Douluo was already waiting inside.
Seeing the cloaked figure seated at the table, Lin Xiao wasn't surprised. Long ago, he had realized that his teacher seemed to know his every movement.
"Teacher, I ran into members of the Shrek Inspection Group," Lin Xiao reported.
"Oh?" The Nightmare Douluo looked up with interest. "Did you fight them?"
"No." Lin Xiao shook his head and briefly recounted what had happened.
"I didn't expect them to move so quickly," the Nightmare Douluo mused, eyes glinting. "Seems someone among the border troops is feeding them information."
He waved a hand dismissively. "Forget it. There's no time left to waste here. Leave the border for now. The Shrek Inspection Group's influence can't reach deep into the Sun and Moon Empire yet. As long as we succeed in Radiant City, it won't matter even if they discover our trail later."
"Teacher," Lin Xiao asked cautiously, "what exactly is this mission you keep mentioning?"
A faint smile tugged at the corners of the old man's mouth. "Heh, it's a grand opportunity—a chance to earn a merit beyond all others."
"A grand merit?" Lin Xiao echoed.
"Yes," the Nightmare Douluo replied, rising to his feet and heading toward the door. "The greatest merit of all—serving the dragon."
"Serving the dragon?" Lin Xiao frowned slightly at the unfamiliar phrase, but a vague idea flickered in his mind.
"That's right. Throughout history, aiding an emperor to ascend the throne has been every ambitious man's dream. Don't be fooled by the peace of the Sun and Moon Empire's court—beneath that calm surface lies discontent. There are those who covet the seat above all others."
He turned his head slightly, the shadow of a smile hidden under his hood. "And our Holy Church's task is to help them realize that ambition. When that happens—when we have the royal family's protection and the nobility's support—our Holy Church will no longer have to live in hiding."
Lin Xiao's eyes flickered. So his suspicions were true.
During his ten years in the Holy Spirit Church, every disciple had been forced to conceal themselves—hiding their identities, their faces, their very existence. It was a far cry from the Church he remembered from the tournaments of the future—openly participating, killing without restraint, bathing the arenas in blood.
Now it all made sense. During the Sun and Moon Empire's political upheaval, the Holy Spirit Church must have had a hand behind the scenes supporting Xu Tianran's faction's rise to the throne. No wonder the Church later became the Empire's state religion.
"Enough," said the Nightmare Douluo coldly. "Few know of this plan—speak of it to no one."
His cloak rustled as he lifted a withered hand from beneath it. "Your pace is too slow. I'll carry you there myself."
Before Lin Xiao could respond, a wave of chilling spirit power enveloped him, lifting him into the air.
Though the Nightmare Douluo was not among the strongest of Titled Douluos, his nine rings still made him a formidable force. The night wind howled in Lin Xiao's ears, and soon, lights began to flicker faintly in the distance.
"Where is the Eighth Elder? Why hasn't he returned yet?"
The city of Radiant City gleamed brightly below, the countless lights of its soul-tools blotting out the moon. Near the imperial palace—an area normally reserved for nobles—several evil Spirit Masters had gathered.
Even seated quietly, the oppressive aura radiating from them filled the air with unease.
"Probably off fetching that precious disciple of his," one said lazily.
"That boy of his has impressive talent," another added, licking his lips with a forked tongue. "And his soul smells… extraordinary. I wonder where the old man found him."
"Enough, Fifth," another voice cut in sharply. "If you're thinking of feeding your Ten Thousand Soul Banner again, wait until this mission is over. Don't even think about touching the boy. If you anger the Eighth, he'll fight you to the death—and besides, the Church needs new blood."
"Heh." The one called "Fifth" chuckled and said no more.
"The Church Master is here," someone murmured.
The Nightmare Douluo's voice echoed through the hall, and every head turned as he entered, bringing Lin Xiao with him.
Dozens of gazes fixed on Lin Xiao at once. An icy chill spread through his veins; even his spirit power seemed to freeze within his meridians.
"Enough," said the man seated at the head of the room. His voice was calm yet resonant. "It's him."
The oppressive aura vanished instantly.
"Church Master, I brought Lin Xiao personally," said the Nightmare Douluo irritably. "Must we go through this every time?"
"This matter is of grave importance," replied the Church Master evenly. "Caution is necessary. Once he completes the Spirit Ascension Ritual, such measures won't be needed again."
The Nightmare Douluo accepted this explanation and sat down. Lin Xiao took his place behind him.
Lifting his gaze, Lin Xiao surveyed the hall, matching the faces before him with the names in his memory. Apart from the seated elders and the Church Master—Zhongli Wu—he recognized few. The others were likely the trusted aides of the elders themselves.
"Now that everyone is present," Zhongli Wu said, raising his right hand. The doors closed with a heavy thud. "You all know what must be done. I'll keep this brief—but remember, this time, you must restrain yourselves."
His piercing eyes swept across the room. "Those who crave blood, those who hunger for souls—now is not the time. Endure a little longer. When the time comes, the entire Sun and Moon Empire will serve as our offering. Until then, no one acts without permission. If this operation fails, do not blame me for what follows."
"Yes," the crowd replied in unison.
Silence fell again. After a while, Zhongli Wu suddenly looked toward the door. Lin Xiao followed his gaze.
Outside, two sets of approaching footsteps echoed closer and closer.
(End of Chapter)