Chapter 0019: The Arch-Cardinal

It was deep at night.
When Huang Long returned to his courtyard, in a mansion not far from the Huang family’s residence, Huang Cheng was furious, shouting at the man in black before him, “Didn’t Duros say he would definitely kill that brat this time? Why is he still alive and well in the Huang family?”
The man in black sneered, “Huang Cheng, don’t forget your place. It’s not your business to criticize how ourHill family handles matters.”
Furious, Huang Cheng pointed at him and said, “You…” But in the end, he only let out a hateful snort.
“It’s strange. Even if the mission failed, Luman and the others should have returned by now. Not a single person in sight,” said Luo Kai, clad in black, his gaze cold.
“Hmph, maybe they’re too scared of punishment and have all hidden away,” Huang Cheng sneered.
“Hidden? Impossible,” Luo Kai shook his head. Yet, he couldn’t help but doubt. If not that, how else could it be explained? Over fifty people, all strong enough to reach level seven, including a level-nine mage—seemingly vanished without a trace.
After another brief conversation, Luo Kai vanished. Before leaving, he said, “Our family head said you needn’t worry. We’ll find a way to get rid of that Huang family brat. But don’t forget your promise to us.”
Watching Luo Kai disappear, a cold glint appeared in Huang Cheng’s eyes. Hmph, a promise? I’ll deal with you all after I seize the position of Huang family head.
Then he frowned and muttered, “But how could over fifty people above level seven just disappear like that?”
He knew about the thirty or so guards Zhao Rong took with her when she went to the Blizzard Empire. In terms of strength, the forces sent by theHill family this time were stronger. Even if the mission failed, it shouldn’t be hard for them to escape unscathed.
But where were those useless guys like Luman now? He felt uneasy.
The night passed, and the sun shone brightly.
The day of the magic sword auction, long awaited by all the major forces in the Hengyuan Continent, had finally arrived.
The George Family Auction House was packed with people. Every one of the thousands of seats was occupied, and none of the dozens of VIP rooms was empty. Even King Oriel of the Lutong Kingdom came in person. In VIP Room 320, Oriel sat respectfully next to an old man with red hair.
The old man wore a red robe of the Church, with an angel emblem on the chest. Those who knew this emblem would be shocked, for it was a unique symbol only found on the robes of the Church’s Arch-Cardinals.

In the Holy Church, the archbishop’s status is second only to the pope. One could say that his rank is so high that even the emperors of the five great empires treat him with great respect, let alone Oriel, who is merely the king of a small kingdom.
Through the jade crystal curtains, Tai Ruo watched everything happening at the auction below and said, “Oriel, what do you think? Is the story about the magic sword being stolen true or false?”
Oriel was taken aback, unable to fathom the archbishop’s thoughts, and replied with a smile, “If the archbishop says it’s true, then it’s true; if he says it’s false, then it’s false.”
Tai Ruo laughed heartily and glanced at Oriel, clearly pleased. Seeing that his flattery had worked, Oriel was also happy and continued to flatter him even more.
After a while, Tai Ruo seemed much more satisfied with Oriel. Seemingly remembering something, he said, “Oriel, I heard that the Huang family is among the four major families of the Kingdom of Lutong, along with the George family, right?”
Oriel’s heart stirred as he smiled and replied, “Yes, Your Eminence.” Then he cautiously asked, “May I know what Your Eminence would like to ask?”
Tai Ruo nodded and said, “It’s fine if you know. Actually, besides wanting to acquire that magic sword, I’ve come here to get that magical genius from the Huang family—how was his name again? Huang Long, that’s right—into the Holy Church’s Holy War Academy.”
The Holy Church’s Holy War Academy was renowned. Although it wasn’t as famous as the Divine Wind and Baru academies, it ranked just behind them.
Oriel’s eyes lit up as he said, “I see. It’s about that. If the Holy Church takes a fancy to that young magical genius from the Huang family, it’s both an honor for him and for our country.”
However, the fact that Tai Ruo, as archbishop, had come in person to recruit Huang Long showed just how important the Holy Church considered him.
Just as Oriel was about to speak, suddenly, a commotion arose in the auction hall below, drawing their attention.
On the auction stage, a heavy sword had appeared somehow!
As Eya, the head of the George family, slowly pulled it out, a clear ringing sound echoed throughout the auction hall, striking fear into everyone’s hearts.
“It’s the magic sword! It’s that magic sword!” someone in the crowd exclaimed in delight. That cry, like a thunderclap, set the entire hall ablaze with excitement.
It really was the magic sword!
Weren’t they saying it had been stolen? Could it be a hoax?
Even Tai Ruo and Oriel were stunned. They had thought the George family wouldn’t be able to produce the magic sword again today. But now…
After being shocked, the two began to think deeply.

It’s likely true that the magic sword was stolen, but if the George family produces another magic sword now, it means there are more than one such sword. Furthermore, that employer might well be the one who created them.

This time, Tairo came with two apparent tasks, but secretly, he also had one more goal: to uncover the employer who commissioned the George family’s auction house to sell the magic swords. If they could obtain the technique for crafting magic swords from that employer, the Church would finally be able to unify the Eternal Continent.

In the hall, those who had come merely to watch the George family fail were now filled with both disappointment and surprise.

“This magic sword boosts its power by 70% below the Holy Realm!” When Eya said this, the crowd erupted into even greater chaos; many even stood up excitedly.

“That’s impossible!”
“It can’t be true!”

Many who had rejoiced at the supposed theft of the sword now shouted in denial. But after everyone present tested it and confirmed its enhanced power, all those who claimed it was impossible fell silent.

It was true! It boosted its power by 70% below the Holy Realm! It could be used by both mages and warriors. The sword’s blade wasn’t made of magical materials—it was entirely forged from iron ore.

Even many dwarf blacksmith masters present were stunned speechless.

“70%? Really 70%?” Tairo also looked incredulous, but his eyes burned with determination as he resolved to find that mysterious employer.

With Tairo’s example, all the major factions present shared the same intense desire.

Under countless eager gazes, the auction of the magic sword finally began. The starting bid was 200,000 gold coins, but within less than half an hour, thanks to the continuous bidding from various factions, it soared to a terrifying 2 million gold coins!

And the bidding continued.