Chapter 012: The Red-Clothed Priest

Du Fan couldn’t describe this sudden feeling of coming and going, but he vaguely sensed that some rule of this space was at work. Most likely, it was the power of Leois I protecting this space. After all, he was the first and only person in history recorded to possess power close to that of a god, so it wasn’t surprising he had such strength.

After returning to this place, Du Fan remained silent, seemingly lost in thought. Anthony, seeing this, wasn’t angry. He paused slightly with his magic staff in hand and sighed, “Du Fan, I understand how you feel. When I first saw these things, I spent many days pondering as well… The true history is completely different from what we know. It’s a strange feeling—both suffocating and comforting… Anyone who sees these things will feel their own power is insignificant. That’s only natural.”

Du Fan nodded. Anthony smiled slightly and said, “It’s okay, Du Fan. Come, let’s go for a walk together. I think you, like me, need a chance to breathe fresh air.” With that, Anthony waved his hand and slowly walked out of the stone hall. Du Fan didn’t dare fall behind and hurriedly followed.

The two strolled through the back garden of the sanctuary. Although the air around them was warm, Du Fan still felt a bit cold. After walking for an unknown length of time, Anthony finally sat down in a small pavilion. He pointed to a stone chair across from him and said, “Sit.”

Du Fan responded and sat down. Anthony sized Du Fan up before suddenly saying, “Du Fan, I’ve told you so much today… I wonder if you’ve grasped the key points?”

Du Fan nodded slightly and said, “I think I do.”

“Good,” Anthony smiled. “I’ve told you so much because, although the truth of history is extremely important, what’s even more important, I think you’ve realized, is our relationship with Roland Academy… The Holy Church and Roland Academy have always been one and the same. In the past, it was extremely troublesome for either side to be without the other… But now it’s different.”

Du Fan frowned and asked, “How is it different?”

Anthony said in a grave tone, “Over these thousand years, Roland Academy has grown stronger by cultivating talents and leveraging their influence. But our Holy Church has not fallen behind either and has developed to where it is today. Although we two powers cannot claim to be able to change the landscape of the continent, our influence on it is undeniable… At this point, it’s no longer possible for us to coexist peacefully.”

Du Fan’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean, Lord Anthony…?”

Anthony sneered. “It’s simple. Now, both we and Roland Academy have realized that whoever wants to progress needs a stepping stone, and that stepping stone is the other side… Over the years, relations between us have improved, so neither side dared to take direct action… But Du Fan, do you know? The situation is different now.”

Du Fan spoke softly, “So, Lord Anthony, are you saying… my actions in the North have broken this tacit understanding between us?”

Anthony nodded. “Yes. It’s good that you understand. In the past, no matter which side wanted to take action against the other, various factors had to be considered. But your actions this time were extremely reckless… You even went so far as to kill so many people from Roland Academy on your own… Roland Academy has already sent a message demanding that our Holy Church hand you over. Otherwise, there will be no possibility of reconciliation between us anymore.”

“Then… what do you mean, Lord Anthony?” Du Fan looked at Anthony with a faint smile.

Anthony shook his head slightly. “Du Fan, you must have guessed it by now. If we wanted to hand you over, we would have done so long ago. Since I’ve told you so much, how could I possibly let you fall into Roland Academy’s hands? More than half of the elders believe we should hand you over for what you’ve done, but the Pope believes your actions were well-considered. So, in every sense, our Holy Church holds the advantage this time… Moreover, you’ve broken the stalemate between our Holy Church and Roland Academy for the first time in a thousand years… The Pope faced a lot of criticism but still protected you. Out of concern for you, he even promised you the position of a cardinal archbishop first… Du Fan, you must not disappoint His Holiness!”

Du Fan’s eyes flashed, and after a moment, he said gravely, “Du Fan will surely dedicate himself wholeheartedly to the Holy Church until his death…”

“Good, very good!” Anthony nodded. “Since you can think this way, it’s no wonder the Pope values you so highly… By the way, this is something the Pope asked me to give you… We’re all looking forward to your growth from now on!”
With that, Anthony casually took out a small booklet from his bosom and tossed it in front of Du Fan.
Du Fan bent down to pick it up, flipped through it a few times, but his expression immediately changed.
The booklet detailed various combat techniques, magic, and divine arts used by the Holy Church. Yet these combat techniques and magic were all extremely strange. Aside from the Holy Church’s sacred combat techniques and holy light magic, most of them were cruel and vicious, with even detailed records of dark magic…
“Du Fan, there’s no need to be surprised…” Anthony smiled. “As long as something serves the interests of my Holy Church, it must be holy. Even if it’s evil necromancy, if you use it against our enemies, no one will blame you… Naturally, that shaman priest by your side can also become a devout believer as long as she wholeheartedly serves my Holy Church.”
Du Fan’s expression changed, and cold sweat immediately appeared on his forehead. Without hesitation, he knelt on the ground immediately and said, “I deserve death! Please forgive me, Lord Anthony!”
This time, Anthony didn’t stop Du Fan. He simply smiled lightly and said, “Du Fan, didn’t I say? As long as it’s for the interests of my Holy Church, I won’t blame you… As for that shaman priest’s subordinate, I won’t ask how she came about. But it’s best if she’s careful when using witchcraft. Although I can make people indifferent, there are also some powerful figures in the imperial capital besides our Holy Church, and they likely won’t take a liking to a shaman priest.”
Du Fan nodded, his back completely soaked.
“Also,” Anthony continued, “if you like those Templar knights who follow you, I’ll give them all to you. I’ll issue an order shortly—you’ll be officially promoted to a cardinal in the near future. There have been very few people of your age to reach this position in history, so Du Fan, you should cherish it and continue to serve my Holy Church…”
Du Fan exclaimed, “Thank you, Lord Anthony!”

Anthony sighed again and said, “Get up… But your actions in the North this time were still too reckless. Though I don’t want to dwell on it, you must understand that even within my Holy Church, things aren’t completely unified. Even though the Pope values you, there are still those who are dissatisfied with you… You need to be more careful in your future actions… Do you understand?”
Du Fan stood up and nodded, “I understand, sir.”
Anthony pondered for a moment before hesitantly saying, “Also, the Imperial Capital is likely to be unstable these days. Whether it’s the Holy Temple or your own family, choose a place where you can focus on training—strength is everything… Although your progress over the past half year has exceeded everyone’s expectations, you’re still only at level five. Even though you excel in both magic and martial arts, in the eyes of true masters, you’re not particularly impressive… Du Fan, do you understand what I mean?”
Du Fan felt a slight stir in his heart. His father had told him not to go out unless necessary, and now Anthony said the same thing… It seemed the Imperial Capital was indeed experiencing some turmoil… He just didn’t know what exactly was going on, to the point where even important figures like them seemed nervous.
With these thoughts, Du Fan had an idea. Anthony must be aware of the assassination attempt he had faced a few days ago, yet he hadn’t mentioned it… Could there be some hidden truth behind this? He only wondered how much Anthony actually knew.
Thinking of this, Du Fan cleared his throat slightly and said, “Lord Anthony… Are you saying that the assassination attempt I faced a few days ago could happen again?”
Anthony was momentarily stunned, then said solemnly, “Are you referring to that incident? I’ve already sent people from the Divine Might Prison to investigate. There should be results soon. Du Fan, remember… Don’t go out casually these days… If anything does happen, make sure to bring several people with you…”