Chapter 1841 - 509: The Bishop Tripped the Knight’s Horse

As a Demon King skilled in the ways of humanity, Luo Yan understands one thing immensely well.

The enthusiasm of shareholders for a company is always more fervent than a CEO clocking out on time.

For example, there's a ready instance to refer to in the not-so-distant Twilight Province.

The same person on the same chair, doing almost the same thing, yet showing remarkably different zeal.

Just as Duke Edward took the first step toward overturning Theoden's crown, the future speaker of the Twilight Province also ambitiously made his first move.

The air at the Central Cathedral in Twilight City is exceptionally chilling.

Even with the sun blazing outside, the thick stone walls and stained glass windows filter the dazzling sunlight into mere dim shadows.

Since the "Judgment Cross" was used by Himenes on Erin, devout believers unconsciously avoid this place.

They would prefer to pray at a farther church than absurdly attract the Judicial Court.

However, today is an exception.

The Governor, who usually has no presence in Twilight City, unexpectedly came here today and proactively tangled with the notorious Judicial Court.

The church's prayer room, the heavy oak door closed tightly.

The candles on the brass candlestick flicker, the scent of burning sage fills the air, sacred to the point of suffocating.

Baron Elaric, Provincial Governor of Twilight Province, stands in the shadow of the marble column.

With a serious expression, he holds a black velvet-wrapped filthy thing in both hands, as if cradling a demon's severed arm.

Across from him sits a dignitary from the Holy City, Chief Referee Ximenes.

Seated behind Ximenes are a few accompanying theologians, sitting upright, their priestly robes exuding a simple dignity under the candlelight.

"...This is the enemy we must face, esteemed Chief Referee."

In a deep voice, Elaric speaks, then slowly unveils the velvet, revealing the manuscript wrapped in the black cloth.

The book's edges are curled and blackened, the cover tainted with dried bloodstains and greasy smudges, emanating a dungeon's unique musty scent.

Like something tainted that has been marinated into the aroma.

"...This was discovered by our prison guard last night after the prison riot. It was found in the bed frame of a death row inmate attempting to escape."

Elaric dismissively flips the cover with his fingertips, unabashedly displaying disgust, distancing himself from it.

"That death row inmate was illiterate, yet he could fluently recite every sentence, every word from this book, and even narrated it to other prisoners... I reasonably suspect that the 'New Testament's' infiltration has spread beyond the populace, even permeating into literate citizens!"

The rumors about the 'New Testament' have long spread like a plague through the gutters of the Holy City.

Yet for someone of Ximenes' status as a high-ranking judge, this is the first time witnessing the actual material.

Ximenes leans forward slightly, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's. He scrutinizes the dirty pages, attempting to discern some clue.

"Seems the servant of the witch doesn't respect their witch much," an aged theologian chuckled, with subtle disdain in his eyes, "got their Demon Book filthy like this, did the prisoner lack straw when wiping?"

Clearly, he's trying very hard to tell a joke. But it's too stiff, only a joke, devoid of humor.

Elaric nods.

"Indeed, those rabble are just that kind of people. But I must admit, the content still chills my bones."

"Oh?" Ximenes regards the Baron Governor with interest, "Specifically manifesting how?"

Elaric coughs lightly.

"...I dare not let these words taint your eyes, allow me to recount this poison flowing beneath the province for you."

Ximenes nods slightly.

"Go ahead."

Elaric awaited this line.

He opens the page covered in grime, clears his throat, and in this prayer room where the Divine will is connected, begins reading those treasonous words.

"The Holy Daughter said, the voice of the Divine... does not require golden channels."

Elaric's voice reverberates in the empty prayer room, the first sentence already blasphemous, like the axe looming over the neck.

The theologians' expressions instantly stiffen, the sound of several sharp intakes of breath clearly audible. Including the previously disdainful old scholar, whose face pales as if angered into internal injury.

Elaric seemingly oblivious to the storm behind him, only cautiously glancing at Chief Referee Ximenes.

Seeing the Referee Chief nod, he continues reciting the carefully selected passages.

"...It echoes directly in the heart of every sufferer, everyone can hear His Oracle, because everyone is a child of God, everyone can implement God's will."

"This isn't the most blasphemous yet, there's also this... You should be God's people, not slaves to the shepherd!"

Blasphemous remarks aren't just these, he selects the ones most likely to provoke the priests.

Elaric knows he's taking a risk, he has a thirty percent chance of not leaving this prayer room today, but also a thirty percent chance to make the Referee Chief realize the true threat.

He believes the Chief Referee isn't a useless coward who'd vent anger on the speaker.

Deathly silence envelops the prayer room, only the candles crackle.

Such blatant denial!