Chapter 011: The Warden

“Actually, there’s no need to do much about him,” said the voice. “For you, Lord Anthony, whether Du Fan is pious or cunning, he poses no harm, right? As long as his faith remains strong, he will eventually rise to high positions in the church hierarchy. To be honest, Anthony, over the past few years, our Gavin Empire has really lacked useful talents. It’s rare to find someone like Aldas, yet Roland Academy got there first. The Pope has also expressed dissatisfaction over this. As for Joshua, though he’s talented, he’s too modest. Someone like him is only suited to walk in the light; he can’t appreciate what lies beyond it.”
Joshua frowned and asked, “So you mean Du Fan is qualified to appreciate what’s beyond the light?”
“Not necessarily,” replied the voice indifferently. “But there’s a 50% chance. Besides, even if he’s not suited for that role, having more people walking in the light isn’t harmful to us. So my advice to you is to keep this man. Within three months, he should be able to master Radiant Combat Energy and the Holy Light Cross Slash to that level. What a talent…”
Anthony slowly shook his head and sighed. “I’m getting old; my judgment isn’t what it used to be.Neo, keep watching over this man for me. If he’s truly suitable, why not let him join Gavin’s high ranks? Compared to other dioceses, we’ve had too few talents these past years.”
“Lord Anthony, you’ve called my name again,” said the man namedNeo, seemingly smiling. “It seems you really are getting old.”
With a light laugh, a subtle elemental fluctuation arose in the air behind Anthony. Amidst this fluctuation, even the entire space seemed to warp.
When it was over, a man dressed in a clean priestly robe appeared before Anthony. His face carried a faint smile—so gentle it was hard to describe. Yet compared to that gentle smile, his features were excessively ordinary, so ordinary that you’d forget him the moment you saw him.
If Du Fan saw him now, he might still recognize him asNeo, the ordinary priest who had spoken with him during the recruitment exam. But over time, even Du Fan might not be able to remember him.

Anthony looked at him and suddenly smiled, saying, “The warden of the Divine Might Prison in our Gavin Diocese throughout the ages has always been someone who practices space magic. But I doubt there are many who can reach level seven at such a young age like you.”

Nio replied calmly, “Lord Anthony, you’re overpraising me. Someone at my level is nothing compared to those in the Holy City. Such petty tricks can only be used to show off in front of ordinary people. In front of experts, all I can do is run away.”

Though he said this, Anthony knew that Nio, the warden of the Divine Might Prison, was someone even he couldn’t fathom. So he stopped pressing the issue and, with his hands behind his back, gazed at a tulip not far away, saying, “Lord Nio, what do you think? Should we go to the Divine Palace this time or not?”

“Go. Why not?” Nio nodded. “How many years has the Holy Church been unable to find the sacred site? If we do find it, not only will our Gavin Diocese prosper, but even you, Lord Anthony, will likely be much closer to that position.”

Perhaps these words hit right at what Anthony was thinking. The muscles on his face twitched, and after a long while, he said, “There are too many people eyeing that position. Besides, even if I die, that person will probably remain the same. It seems I won’t have the chance to fulfill my long-held wish in this lifetime. But it would be good if it could elevate our Gavin Diocese’s status a bit.”

Nio smiled and said, “Since Lord Anthony has already spoken so, why ask me? Isn’t my Divine Might Prison just another pawn under you, the Archcardinal?”

“Sigh…” Anthony sighed. “If that ‘abomination’ hadn’t suddenly disappeared, I wouldn’t have taken the risk of clashing with Roland Academy to do this. After all, we not only lost that ‘abomination’ but also so many members of the Temple Knights. It’s only natural for the Pope to be angry. This time, we must bring whatever is in the Divine Palace out no matter what. Anything that can compensate for our losses would be good. Nio, please arrange for the manpower. After all, according to Du Fan, those above level nine can’t enter. The Temple Knights have suffered too great a loss this time, and I really can’t find suitable people.”

Nio said, “Du Fan’s statement only confirms that place really exists, doesn’t it? This sacred site has always been inaccessible even to the Pope, aside from some divine magicians. Since this divine palace also has such restrictions, it gives us some peace of mind. As for personnel, I’ll select a few, but there probably won’t be many. Please also inform Lord Joshua from the Temple Knights so I can try to pick some suitable people.”

Anthony thought for a moment before shaking his head. “That’s the only option. I’ll pass the instructions right away. If nothing else works, let Anthony lead the team. Although he can’t enter, having him there will give me some reassurance if he manages to retrieve something.”

“That would be ideal,” Nio nodded. “Then I’ll go arrange everything right away. Time is urgent—let them set off tomorrow.”

“Okay…” Anthony said. “Also, after all this time, is there any news about that ‘abomination’ or not?”

Nio’s calm expression finally changed. He was stunned for a moment before saying, “Lord Anthony, I really can’t find out anything. There were no holy-grade warriors passing through Emperor Gavin’s capital during that period. But if it wasn’t holy-grade warriors, how could ordinary people enter that place and kill so many of our men at the same time? So this matter…”

As he spoke, Nio let out a long sigh.

Anthony had already realized that it was unlikely to uncover what happened underground in the old cathedral, which was why he was taking such a risky approach, hoping to find something in the divine palace to make up for his grave mistakes. So upon hearing Nio’s answer, he didn’t say much more. Instead, he waved his hand, signaling for Nio to leave.

If Nio and Anthony had known at that moment that the person who infiltrated the old cathedral was actually Du Fan, whom they highly regarded now, they likely wouldn’t know what to think.

Du Fan, of course, had no idea about everything that had happened after he left. But he knew clearly that going to that divine palace to seek benefits—whatever they might be—was dangerous. If he wasn’t careful, his life would be at stake, without a doubt.

So as soon as he returned to the ducal mansion, he didn’t hesitate to hide anything. He handed a white crystal card to Old Mark, instructing him to buy a bunch of groceries, then persistently asked Chenchen to process them for him.

Fortunately, for some reason, Chenchen was quite interested in the Sacred Palace this time, so she didn’t say much and just buried herself in hard work. Seeing a large amount of gold coins being spent to produce batches of magic potions, magic scrolls, poisons, and other items, Du Fan felt his life was a bit safer. Unfortunately, high-quality magic equipment was hard to come by; otherwise, given Du Fan’s personality, even if it cost a lot, he would definitely arm himself to the teeth. After working nonstop all day until dusk, the voice of Old Mark came from within the crystal ball. Old Mark was extremely loyal to his duties. Although he knew his third young master now had more secrets that were even harder for him to understand, he didn’t doubt anything or take any unnecessary actions. Instead, he stood quietly on the ruins, staring at the dark hole. Soon, after leaving Chenchen in the basement to continue manufacturing items, Du Fan rushed out. Seeing Old Mark’s expression, he felt a bit awkward but still said, “Grandpa Mark, since you’re here, why don’t you come in and sit?” Old Mark smiled faintly and said, “That basement of yours is extremely hidden and dangerous. Yesterday, I saw someone go in and never come out again. How could I dare to enter?” Du Fan felt even more awkward. He scratched his head and said, “Grandpa Mark, um… this…” Unexpectedly, Old Mark smiled again and said, “It’s fine, third young master. For me, as long as your life is safe, that’s enough. As for what you’re doing, I really don’t care. But it seems the Duchess is somewhat interested. She’s asking me to invite you to the front hall right now.” Du Fan was stunned, his scalp tingling. He had planned to run away without saying anything, joining those fools from the Holy Church to seek benefits in the Sacred Palace. But now his mother was asking him to go? If she said she actually knew nothing and was just acting casually, Du Fan would never believe it. But since it was inevitable, no matter how hard he tried to escape, he couldn’t. With unease in his heart, Du Fan still stepped forward toward the hall. Old Mark followed behind him, his face bearing a strange smile.