https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1135-Temporarily-Stopping-the-Sacrifice/13344490/
Chapter 1134: Winning Sincerity
Chapter 1134: Winning Sincerity
Scarson fell silent for a moment, then got up from the stone box. He glanced at his left arm, noticing that it had already fully recovered. However, due to inactivity over the past few days, his muscles and mutated tissues were still somewhat lax and thin. But with his focused will, they quickly regained their strength and resilience in the blink of an eye.
Chen Chuan knew that what Scarson was most concerned about was the investigation. He said, "If I'm not mistaken, Mr. Scarson, this time, you used yourself as bait?"
Scarson did not hide his thoughts and admitted, "Yes." He then added apologetically, "I'm sorry, Mr. Chen, for involving you in this."
Chen Chuan replied, "It's no problem. Safeguarding the World Ring is a shared responsibility of all nations. However, I want to remind you, Mr. Scarson, that you are still an essential part of the international investigation team. If you were to disappear, it would be a significant loss to the team."
Scarson said solemnly, "My power is not great enough to do more than increase the impact and bring in people of sufficient influence to push and resolve this matter."
Chen Chuan nodded. While he did not think this method was ideal, it was indeed an effective way to break the deadlock without international intervention.
"Your leader, Mr. Meteora, sent a telegram to me and your colleagues, saying he will come in person if necessary. Mr. Scarson, I can also inform you that the Daxun delegation will support you this time."
Scarson responded solemnly, "Thank you."
Chen Chuan knew that this "thank you" was less about his rescue and more about his support for the investigation.
In Scarson's eyes, the World Ring must not have any more vulnerabilities. Whether he could save himself was probably not even a consideration.
Chen Chuan said, "This is not the place to talk, Mr. Scarson. Let's leave first."
Scarson nodded and followed him out.
As they walked out of the palace, the blinding light outside made him squint, not because of the sun, but because of the floating Flame of Truth. This thing was an unstable hazard for him, potentially aiding communication with certain entities from the other side. However, he knew that as long as the New Light Cult remained, even if the light were eliminated today, it would reappear soon.
Long-term investigative work had taught him that one could only focus on one priority at a time. If he tried to manage everything, he would ultimately manage nothing.
What he needed to address now were the actions in the wastelands that had torn open rifts and summoned entities from the other side. That was the greatest threat to current safety. Despite finding the Flame of Truth extremely glaring, he remained silent.
Chen Chuan said, "Mr. Scarson, don't worry too much. This time, I've found a witness for you. He was involved in the operation to capture you, and I hope he can be of use."
Scarson was taken aback and said, "Thank you!"
As they walked along the path, they saw New Light Cult members lying on the ground and Samaruga, who was still suffering but not yet dead. Scarson could see that most of the mutated tissues on Samaruga's body had disappeared, making survival impossible. However, the ritual around him would likely keep him alive for another four to five days or even longer.
Chen Chuan looked at him and felt his suffering was too great. He opened his palm, and a flash of light appeared, followed by a tremor on the mountaintop. When the light and sound faded, Samaruga was gone.
The two short sticks then floated up to him. Although this weapon had not played a significant role, it was left by a combatant he had faced, so he reluctantly accepted it.
At that moment, some core cult members, after enduring initial torment, began to tremble. They still vividly remembered the moment Chen Chuan and Samaruga clashed and now saw the final scene of Samaruga's elimination. Many showed signs of fear.
However, among them were fanatics who shouted, "May the Light of Truth eternalize!"
"May the Light of Truth eternalize!"
As the crowd echoed the phrase, they drew their weapons and stumbled forward, trying to attack Chen Chuan.
But before they could reach Chen Chuan, a powerful mental shock swept through the area. They instantly rolled their eyes and fell in droves, quickly restoring the silence.
Dulujiezi had acted, his expression clearly showing a desire to please Chen Chuan as he approached.
Chen Chuan glanced at him but said nothing.
The investigation team members, seeing Scarson and Chen Chuan walking together, showed surprise. The leader and other members hurriedly approached, surrounding Scarson and asked, "Captain, are you alright?"
Scarson was not only diligent but also used his personal wealth to support his colleagues, earning him great respect and loyalty from his subordinates.
At that moment, he looked at his colleagues who were all concerned about him and said, "I'm fine. I'm sorry for worrying you all."
Chen Chuan saw several reconnaissance airships appearing in the sky, guessing they were sent by the nearby military to check the situation. The New Light Church had deep ties with the military, so it was not surprising that the military might be involved upon learning of the events here.
He was not afraid of this, but there was no need to engage in direct conflict with the Federation's military at the moment. He said, "There's no need to stay here. Report the situation to all parties involved. We can discuss further when we return."
Everyone in the investigation team nodded hurriedly and followed two people as they walked down the mountain. They then witnessed a peculiar scene: many tourists were taking photos of a bird, their faces beaming with excitement.
The bird, in turn, would sometimes spread its wings and pose, and at other times fly to a high spot, looking down at the crowd as if enjoying the attention.
Scarson immediately noticed the bird's unusual nature, but since it was not his concern, he remained silent. On the other hand, Duruziye looked at it with suspicion.
Chen Chuan ignored the bird and led everyone directly to the vehicles they had arrived in, then they left the area.
After being active for a while, the robin suddenly became disinterested. It stared at the scene for a moment but did not follow them. Instead, it flapped its wings and flew away as the crowd expressed their disappointment.
A day later, in the central city of Pacifica Province, the second-largest central city on the West Coast after Asia Province, and one of the core regions of the Federation.
The headquarters of the New Light Church was located in this central city, occupying a large area along the coastline.
Across the beach stood the towering headquarters building of the church, entirely constructed from white metal and glass, gleaming under the sunlight. Its overall shape resembled a massive torch, with a special crystal at the top that shimmered with a brilliant light, symbolizing the Light of Truth. This building was also one of the geographical landmarks of Pacifica Province.
Around the building were various supporting structures. Besides religious activities, the New Light Church had developed a vast industrial network in this area, with investments and shares in almost all the commercial zones and major companies within the city.
At the top of the building, Pope Ilosar was reading ancient scrolls. He stood over four meters tall with a nearly perfect body proportion. His face was covered by a silver mask, revealing only a pair of golden eyes. He wore a luxurious tassel robe, and his long, pale hands held the ancient scroll.
Behind him, the church's auxiliary official was reporting on the recent events.
"Chen Chuan from Dachun defeated the church's guardian, Samaluga, and found Scarson, a member of the international investigation team, in the underground palace of Sanoy."
"Initially, we instructed Samaluga to deal with the person quickly, but he might have wanted to wait for an appropriate sacrificial day, so he kept the person alive."
He paused, glanced at the Pope, and continued when he saw no response, "There is also Duruziye, who participated in the hunt for Scarson. He has now joined the investigation team and is testifying against us.
The international investigation team has already sent us an inquiry telegram, demanding an explanation for this incident... Also, the Dachun delegation has sent a similar inquiry. We expect that the major countries of the world will follow suit within the next two days..."
After finishing, he waited for a moment. Finally, Pope Ilosar spoke, "Samaluga is dead?" His voice was elegant and melodious in the spacious hall.
"Yes," the auxiliary official relaxed slightly, "Yes, it has been confirmed."
"What is the church's stance?"
The auxiliary official replied, "This was Samaluga's personal action, and the church can offer compensation. However, the investigation team has many demands, including the cessation of all sacrificial activities in our various regions."
Ilosar said with a casual tone, "Is that all?"
"Yes..."
"Then we will comply for now."
The auxiliary official tried to remind him, "Holy Father, if we do this, it will significantly impact our operations in various regions, and we need to—"
The Pope seemed unconcerned, "It won't be for long. Their attention will soon shift elsewhere." He turned sideways and said meaningfully, "The arrival of the Truth is unstoppable."
The auxiliary official roughly understood the implication. It seemed that with the approaching Great Collision, the long-awaited opportunity for the church was near. Since it was the Pope's decision, they must follow it unconditionally. He bowed and drew a circle on his forehead, saying, "Your will," before respectfully withdrawing.
Ilosar returned his gaze to the ancient scroll, which displayed a star map that seemed to be moving slowly.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
