Chapter 3, Sweeping Away the Divine Powers, Thunder Roars in the Nine Heavens (Part 2)
Welcome everyone who has traveled from afar, on behalf of Master Gilfihart, I hope you all have a pleasant journey, I am Tang Zhudi
The explanation is reasonable, but anyone can discern the underlying implications. It seems that the Empire and the Taiyi Zhenzong have likely reached a consensus on this matter, deciding to adopt a hardline stance to compel Gilfihart to step forward and resolve the issue as soon as possible. In this way, their repeated claims of respecting the Cihang Jingdian and wanting to act in concert with the monks of Cihang may very well be an attempt to co-opt Cihang Jingdian onto their war chariot
Lian Xingzhen was taken aback by the question posed under the moonlight, and after a moment of hesitation, replied: "I have a slight understanding."
Hiding among the crowd, Fengxiang saw the Holy Knights approaching with great momentum and thought to herself that it was not good. Remembering the warning from Gilfihart in the past, she intended to slip away amidst the chaos. However, before the Holy Knights entered the manor, a beam of white light suddenly shot in from the main entrance, coalescing into a figure—a young girl, seemingly in her early twenties.
However, apart from the issue of her lineage, which raises many concerns among the members of the Divine Gate, her past qualifications are also a matter of contention. Although she is affiliated with the Divine Gate, she does not come from a knightly order.
The five sects each possess distinct characteristics. When the Holy Lotus Sect was initially established, its slogan was "To widely gather extraordinary individuals and unique scholars from all corners of the earth, and to unite the myriad deities from above for cultivation." The sect embraced all foreign religions and ancient extinct faiths, providing funding and resources for their development. Ultimately, it selected five sects to promote the ancient techniques of the sect and to establish military forces.
Within the Divine Gate, there are multiple organizations, the most renowned of which, aside from the Holy Divine Knights, is a chilling place known as the Cross Tribunal. Any traitors of the Holy Lotus Sect are brought to the Tribunal, as well as those martial artists who have become prisoners of war in battles against the Holy Lotus Sect. It is said that this place is a gathering of the most severe tortures in the world, employing countless inhumane methods capable of forcing prisoners to confess and repent. It is rumored that even the dead can speak once they enter the Tribunal, for the Divine Gate possesses techniques for interrogating souls.
The Holy Lotus Divine Gate, reputed as the foremost cavalry among the Five Gates, features soldiers clad in light armor, enabling swift and agile movements. However, after receiving the prayers and blessings of the Holy Light Mage, they are enveloped in the protective armor of holy light, significantly enhancing their defense and magical defense, making them comparable to heavy armor. Even against martial artists who have practiced hard skills for over a decade, they do not fall short. Individually, such cavalry may not possess great power, but when numerous units unite and launch a cavalry charge, their momentum is akin to a thunderclap, capable of overwhelming and annihilating foes. The Holy Divine Cavalry has repeatedly achieved overwhelming victories in battle, instilling fear in all, especially after the legendary Holy Divine Cavalry developed exotic creatures and created the Sky-Soaring Pegasus, leaving everyone on the ground filled with anxiety.
Gilfihart's life has been marked by misfortune and wandering. He has collaborated, to varying degrees, with the major powers on the continent in search of opportunities for development. However, the closest relationship he maintained was with the Holy Lotus Church. Gilfihart was once honored as one of the Four Divine Beings of the Holy Lotus Church, which has regarded the Silver Valley as part of its sphere of influence for many years. This time, various factions have come in response to the news, yet the envoys from the Empire and the Holy Lotus Church have been conspicuously absent. Many have found this strange, and now... those who should have appeared have finally shown themselves. Gilfihart was once honored as one of the Four Divine Beings of the Holy Lotus Church, which has regarded the Silver Valley as part of its sphere of influence for many years. This time, various factions have come in response to the news, yet the envoys from the Empire and the Holy Lotus Church have been conspicuously absent. Many have found this strange, and now... those who should have appeared have finally shown themselves
Lian Xingzhen said aloud: "In the past, I served as a general in the imperial army, and many of my former students later joined my sect, which is quite common, so what is so surprising about it?"
The two major sects, Cihang and Taiyi, are quite imposing, while the Silver Valley is a territory of the Holy Church. How can outsiders simply say they will explore or intrude as they please?
It is well known that the Holy Lotus Church is vast and intricate, with the saying, "One Saint, Two Messengers, Three Heavenly Lords, Four Deities, Five Gates, Six Immortal Dispersers." The organization is filled with talent and skilled individuals, almost overwhelming to behold. Within it, there are both honorary titles and positions of authority, as well as crucial roles that wield real power. Among these, the Holy Lotus Five Gates—Heaven, Deity, Buddha, Dao, and Witch—command a large number of combat troops, each establishing an army of several tens of thousands, along with a reserve force of one hundred thousand believers. In total, the Holy Lotus Church claims to have a loyal and faithful following of one million, but in reality, they are an army that looks down upon the world.
Without any prior indication, the members of the Holy Lotus Sect suddenly appeared, astonishing everyone. It was not just one or two envoys that emerged, but a cavalry unit of over 200 men, all wielding long spears and equipped with heavy swords at their waists. They were clad in light armor emblazoned with the Holy Cross emblem, and even the horses they rode bore the mark of the Holy Cross on their foreheads. The entire cavalry unit moved with impressive military bearing, their actions coordinated and swift, demonstrating excellent discipline. They swiftly advanced from outside the town along the main road, heading directly to Yulong Manor. The hearts of the heroes within the manor tightened, realizing that the Sacred Cavalry of the Holy Lotus Sect had arrived.
A high and thin sound, sharp like a needle, entered the hall. The technique was peculiar, seeming to come from a great distance, yet also appearing to resonate directly with the ear like a picture book, making it particularly uncomfortable. Although no identity had yet been revealed, upon hearing the words "Holy Teachings," everyone felt a jolt in their hearts, secretly thinking that what was meant to come had finally arrived
Dressed in a white robe, with a red flute tucked at her waist, this young girl possesses striking beauty, yet bears an unusual appearance: pointed long ears, white hair cascading down to her waist, and skin that appears abnormally pale, clearly indicating her mixed heritage of northern elves, making her a half-elf. Although her white robe bears the marks of the cross, the bloody aura emanating from her is even more intense than that of Lian Xingzhen, who once served as a military general.
The words of the representatives from the two major sects were baffling, leaving bystanders utterly confused. However, regardless of the circumstances, the two major sects were about to explore the Silver Valley. With these two formidable figures present, Gilfihart would have to show some respect and could no longer hide away. Even if he truly had no regard for appearances, Cihang and Taiyi had come prepared and would not simply turn back after a brief visit to the valley entrance. Thus, everyone would no longer be trapped in this stalemate.
Mingming, though an outsider, spoke as if she were the host, displaying the stance and arrogance of the Holy Lotus Sect. The phrase "pleasant journey" concealed deeper meaning, as if mocking everyone for their inevitable return empty-handed after a futile trip. Those who understood the implication of her words changed color, yet upon hearing her introduce herself, many who were about to curse her held back, thinking to themselves: So it is her.
In the hall, hundreds of heroes from the rivers and lakes fell silent, waiting for the response from Cihang Jingdian. Master Mian Yue paused for a moment and then spoke: "Lian Jiao Yu, do you also know about earth and wood mechanisms?"
The original intention of Master Mian Yue was to unite outside the Silver Valley to seek an audience with Gilfihart, requesting the Grand Alchemist to appear and explain. The two major sects would undoubtedly be responsible for ensuring his safety. However, with Lian Xingzhen's remarks, it became evident that the Taiyi True Sect had come prepared, with plans to breach the valley from the very beginning. Upon hearing this, Master Mian Yue pondered for a moment; his seemingly dull eyes suddenly flashed with brilliance, and he slowly said: "Is the talent of your sect merely skilled in mechanisms and civil engineering? Or have they also served in the imperial army?"
The Grand Commander of the Holy Light Order, who is also the leader of the Divine Gate, is typically the strongest Paladin within the order, promoted through special secret methods of refinement and enhancement. However, six months ago, the former Grand Commander Heim faced an unknown issue and was executed by the Holy Lotus Church on charges of heresy, being burned alive. Subsequently, the current Grand Commander Tang Zhudi took over the position.