Chapter 68

Chapter 68: The Minor Cult Leader Xia’er

[Sheng Year 741, June 20th, 5 PM]

[Avivana took the intelligence I provided very seriously. She realized that both she and Adelle had been exposed to the Holy Presence Church’s attention. She decided to secretly contact Adelle, asking her to come over and discuss a solution together.]

[I saw the subsystem and knew that this place was already a simulation. Therefore, I did not interfere with Avivana’s actions and watched the events unfold.]

[To avoid involving ordinary people, Avivana still did not recall any other servants. I could only prepare another meal for her, although it was just a simple stew, she still ate it contentedly.]

[Sheng Year 741, June 21st, 3 AM]

[Adelle arrived at Avivana’s home in the dead of night. We started discussing strategies in Avivana’s room.]

[What surprised me was that Adelle knew much more about the Holy Presence Church than Avivana. She shared a lot of information from within the Redemption Society — these details were compiled by her former teacher, Xie Lun. It seemed that Xie Lun had long harbored intentions of contacting the Holy Presence Church.]

[The discussion ended at 2 AM. I summarized the key points of the conversation for you.]

[The Holy Presence Church does not have a fixed base; its structure resembles a network of intelligence systems. Members are scattered across various fields. Jiti is likely a ‘missionary’ embedded in Derton Manor, spreading heretical beliefs while using her position to serve the Holy Presence Church.]

[Their internal communication is even slower than that of the Salvation Goddess Religion due to the need to avoid exposure. They use one-way communication methods, where only superiors can contact subordinates. Jiti probably has no way to reach other superiors or peers, and can only passively receive information.]

[However, this secretive cult member is extremely discreet and low-profile. It would be almost impossible for others to identify them based on appearance or ability. Only they themselves can recognize who is passing on intelligence.]

[According to a document from the interrogation of a cult member within the Redemption Society, that cult member described seeing the bishop as akin to entering the world of the Mother Goddess, something deeply alluring and beyond comprehension, which would make one’s faith purer.]

[I think it might be because they saw some text or items from the Other Realm, leading to mental disarray.]

[They decided to report the Holy Presence Church tomorrow. Avivana would report to the church, and Adelle to the Redemption Society, then wait two days to see how things developed.]

[I still felt this plan was too dangerous. I persuaded them to escape to An Su after delivering the intelligence, while I stayed behind, waiting for further developments and for you to arrive.]

[But Avivana and Adelle strongly rejected this proposal, saying it was too dangerous for me. If we left, we would leave together.]

[Avivana and Adelle are both loyal and considerate. They do not know about simulations. They believe my life is just as precious as theirs, and must be cherished.]

[Ironically, I became the least concerned about my own life among the three of us, which is quite ironic.]

Xia’er nodded slightly as she read this.

Since she could distinguish between the system and the subsystem, her emotions in the simulation had stabilized significantly. She even had time to crack jokes in her notebook.

The additional information from Adelle about the Holy Presence Church was an unexpected gain for Xia’er.

Xia’er pondered the description of the bishop transmitting information.

She wondered if her [Book of the Other Realm] could achieve such an effect.

No matter the outcome, Xia’er would try it out since she was in a simulation anyway. There was nothing to lose.

Xia’er turned the page and continued reading her notes.

[Sheng Year 741, June 21st, Noon]

[Early in the morning, they each left separately before dawn.

I asked Adelle for some healing medicine for wounds and took some money. After they left the manor, I also left, needing to temporarily distance myself from Avivana and Adelle to check if I was on the Holy Presence Church’s watch list.]

[I rented a room not far from Clock Tower Lane District. Recently, the Salvation Goddess Religion’s ‘reformed monks’ have been active, distributing diluted dehydration syndrome antidotes alongside the Salvation Goddess Religion’s physicians, bringing severe cases to the Church Hospital for treatment.]

[I noticed that the previously reserved hotel remained in a state of no vacancies, with priests frequently entering and exiting.

If everything went as planned, Yulis was likely still inside, directing the Salvation Goddess Church’s actions remotely.]

[I didn’t waste time and prepared to buy some things you might need and surprise you.]

[Don’t worry, it will only hurt a bit, like getting an injection. It will be over quickly.]

Injection…

Your needle seems quite thick?

Xia’er sighed, turning to the next page.

[Sheng Year 741, June 22nd, 12 PM]

[Everything was set up. Last night, I tested the crossbow with pork several times, adjusting the distance and force so that it could penetrate the body without causing excessive internal damage.

We originally planned to meet at a coffee shop today, but I spent a long time eating at a restaurant across from the coffee shop without seeing their figures. So, I left directly.

I need to set up the scene quickly to welcome your arrival and avoid running out of time.]

Welcome to the future simulation, I…

Your welcome gesture is a bit intense.

But as written in my notebook, the control of force was excellent, not hurting the internal organs. With the help of extraordinary potions, I barely feel any pain now.

Avivana and Adelle disappeared without appearing at the agreed location, indicating they encountered something.

If there are subsequent intelligence reports, Xia’er will investigate the reasons for their disappearance.

But for now, there are more pressing matters awaiting Xia’er.

She stood up, scanning the room, and found the black fur handbag that Avivana gave her. Xia’er opened it, revealing some items prepared by herself in the simulation.

A membership card for Derton Manor, a brand new silver revolver, a small jar of bullets, several bottles of potions and wound healing medicines, and a stack of fresh 20-yuan An Su currency (mostly borrowed), along with the mask bought by Avivana.

Xia’er took out the revolver, which had a longer barrel than the old one. She weighed it in her hand, opened the cylinder, and saw the six fully loaded bullets.

For some reason, Xia’er frowned slightly at the sight of the neatly arranged bullets in the cylinder.

For some reason, she felt that this “100%” feeling was really irritating.

Even though this gun had one more bullet and a larger caliber than the previous one, it…

The gains were too stable.

Xia’er raised the revolver, pressed the ejector, and the bullets fell onto the table with a pleasant jingle.

She reloaded a bullet, spun the cylinder to the right, and it clicked back into place. Then, she slid the gun into her belt holster.

Xia’er’s actions were more instinctive than deliberate, influenced by the ‘Gambler’ potion. Perhaps she hadn’t realized her mindset had subtly changed.

In the Avenger path, Xia’er’s thoughts often became agitated, as if there was always a fire burning in her heart, otherwise she wouldn’t have done terrifying things like gathering people to blow up the entire square.

Now, in the Gambler path, Xia’er’s emotions were somewhat unstable. In every decision, she prioritized high-risk, high-reward scenarios.

This wasn’t necessarily bad. According to the abilities Xia’er envisioned for the Gambler, taking high-risk, high-reward actions would better utilize those abilities.

The Gambler’s abilities weren’t like the Avenger’s, which increased combat power with a tangible shadow aiding in battle. Instead, they were more abstract, leaning towards ‘luck’ and ‘mysticism.’

The Gambler could activate their ability to perform a ‘Fate Roll,’ which could be anything from dice to coins, shell casings, or lucky rabbit feet. If the result was good, the next actions would receive significant luck boosts, otherwise, they’d face misfortune.

This process couldn’t be cheated or interfered with, or the ability would fail.

The Gambler’s fighting style was similar to the seal object pistol from the Death Wheel, where lower probability weapons or guns gained some enhancements when used by a Gambler.

If the Gambler fired and survived, their next attack would receive greater enhancements.

It was a fight style where risking everything led to stronger combat power.

Of course, if luck was bad, it would be a different story.

Xia’er counted her items and didn’t rush to leave the room. Instead, she began making preparations.

She took out the [Radiant Bishop’s Personal Letter] and [Lethal Bloody Orchid] from the warehouse and placed them on the table with the mask purchased from the Redemption Society.

She brought candles and tailor’s tools, starting to destroy the hard outer shell of the mask, revealing the white velvet fabric inside.

She dripped red wax slowly onto it, the wax flowing down the mask like blood from a weeping face.

Xia’er sealed off the left eye area with paper, securing it with tacks from inside to outside. Taking a deep breath, she retrieved the [Book of the Other Realm] from the warehouse.

The moment the book appeared, the [Substitute Sacrifice Sacred Relic] in Xia’er’s chest began to burn fiercely, the purple flames almost breaking free.

Xia’er quickly closed her eyes, feeling her way, and tightly pressed the paper against the left side of the mask, securing it with a paperclip and sealing wax.

Only after Xia’er put the mask into the handbag did the buzzing in her head start to fade.

“Phew…”

Xia’er let out a long breath.

Xia’er had already planned how to contact Jiti — she would directly disguise herself as the bishop transmitting information.

She was betting that the person transmitting information had not yet received news of Xie Lun’s failure and had not taken any superior’s intelligence to Derton Manor.

She was also betting that her disguises would fool Jiti, who was already a cult member.

If she was going to bet, she might as well go big.

Xia’er looked up at the dressing mirror on the table. Her reflection still had light gray-blue hair, but there was a smile on her face she had never worn before.

It was the high emotion of a gambler drawing in a breath just before the lottery results were announced.

She picked up the Lethal Bloody Orchid and hung it on the left side of her belt, her face losing color. She packed up the rest of her belongings and headed downstairs.

…

A carriage swayed and rattled towards the foot of Creek Mountain in the outskirts. The driver stopped the carriage and cautiously turned around to ask.

“Hello, miss, the road ahead isn’t very smooth…”

“That’s more chaotic than I imagined.”

I had thought that being a Count meant a respectable status and considerable wealth, but I was entirely mistaken.

“I don’t want to eat this!”

“Aida, there are many people outside who are starving because they have even less than this. You shouldn’t complain.”

Aida, my younger sister, threw the bread aside and burst into tears, while our father, Count Bradley Somerset, sternly chastised her.

I glanced at the food placed before me, thinking that the dining scene in a noble household might resemble that of an ordinary family.

On the table lay a thin, unidentifiable soup and bread that resembled rocks in hardness.

Certainly, these were not appetizing dishes for even a child.

Resolving to eat, I attempted to dip the bread into the soup, but just as I broke it apart—

Crack!

Did I just hear the sound of wood splintering?

Shall we stop here?

The pale-faced Xia’er jumped off the carriage, flicked her hand carelessly, and a gold sovereign coin arced through the air in a golden trajectory, landing precisely on the wooden stool beside the coachman. The coin stood upright until the horse in front snorted and shifted, causing the coin to fall. The Queen Antelope steadily faced the sky.

“Thank you, miss! Thank you so much!”

The coachman picked up the gold sovereign, thanking her while biting down on the coin, his face increasingly excited.

Xia’er walked uphill, reaching into her skirt pocket for a candy, which she popped into her mouth and chewed, swallowing it down.

She saw the path leading to Derton Manor and, after stepping onto it, grabbed another handful of candy and stuffed it into her mouth. Then, from her handbag, she took out the modified mask and put it on.

With her vision obstructed by the mask, Xia’er could no longer see the influence of the Other Realm pages; their effect on her was merely a faint hum.

Currently, Xia’er wore the blue and white dress once belonging to Aivana, but she carried a gun holster around her waist with two complex-looking pistols on either side.

At this moment, she looked like a noble lady going hunting—ignoring the terrifying mask on her face.

Xia’er followed the mountain path upwards and soon reached the halfway point where Derton Manor stood.

A servant wearing a green chip mask saw Xia’er hiking up from afar and rushed to greet her. However, when they recognized the mask on Xia’er’s face, both servants trembled violently, quickly removing their own masks, closing their eyes, and bowing their heads.

Sweat dripped down their foreheads, and terrifying whispers echoed in their minds as they approached.

Ta-da—

Her footsteps stopped near them, and the servants held their breath, not daring to breathe heavily. It wasn’t until the terrifying figure spoke in a melodious voice:

“What should I be called?”

The voice was soft, almost with a hint of amusement, making one feel as if blessed by the Mother Goddess herself.

“M… Master Bishop.”

“Master Bishop!”

As Xia’er expected, Jiti had been lurking here for some time, and most members of Derton Manor had become her followers.

A smile tugged at Xia’er’s lips under her mask. “The Mother Goddess is protecting you.”

“Thank you for Your Grace!”

“Thank you, Master Bishop! Thank you, Master Bishop!”

Hearing Xia’er’s words, the two servants who had their eyes closed suddenly knelt down, repeatedly kowtowing towards Xia’er until their heads bled.

Was this the completion of the “Blood Painter” replication ritual due to the insanity caused by the Other Realm pages?

After all, this was something Xia’er herself had written…

While pondering, Xia’er pushed open the manor’s main gate and entered the estate.

Following her memory, she turned left and opened the door to the Drawing Room.

Xia’er had only visited once, taking the new passage, and not knowing any other routes, she had to walk this path again.

The sound of the door opening made the man slouched beside the pile of chips frown slightly.

“How many chips to exchange? Once done, go in.”

He removed the cigar from his mouth, looking at the book in his hand while speaking indifferently.

“Me?”

Xia’er smiled slightly, “I don’t want to exchange chips.”

“If you don’t exchange chips, why are you here…”

The man grumbled as he lazily looked up towards Xia’er. When he saw her mask, his legs went weak, and he slid off his seat.

But it seemed he had missed the best opportunity to close his eyes, his expression changing from fear to distortion, eyes wide open, filled with blood vessels.

Clearly, he was seeing nothing more than a masked beauty, yet he felt as though he was witnessing something incredibly terrifying and indescribable.

“May the Mother Goddess bless you.”

Xia’er took several chips from the table and walked past the man.

Only after Xia’er opened the next room did the man seem to come to his senses, bursting into cries of anguish. He dropped his cigar and frantically scratched his eyes with both hands, then stabbed his ear with a knife, and finally stuffed the burning cigar into his nostrils…

Until his world became nothing but black silence, he collapsed on the ground, muttering “The Mother Goddess is above,” allowing his life to trickle away.

Xia’er entered the next room, still separated by a transparent glass. Inside, the corpse in a suit remained on the gambling table, an old actor who had been there since Xia’er’s last visit.

“Y… You…”

The maid in the red chip mask quickly bowed and removed her mask upon seeing Xia’er, “Bishop, good…”

“Where is Jiti?”

Xia’er asked.

“Manager is in the office on the third floor, I will take you there…”

The maid walked ahead of Xia’er, this time leading her directly to the right corridor instead of through the casino.

This small corridor bypassed the gambling areas, avoiding the sight of the Bishop by more people.

Not everyone here was a believer, and many social members or Extraordinary Persons came to gamble or exchange items.

Xia’er followed the maid to the third floor, stopping in front of a wooden door.

Ding-dong-ding—

The maid knocked on the door.

“What is it?”

Inside, Jiti’s impatient voice could be heard, seemingly irritated by something.

Jiti was currently looking at the double-sixes board in front of her, frowning deeply.

The lowest dice roll and the recent disruptions to her plans were causing her agitation.

She hadn’t shown any flaws, yet her plans were being systematically destroyed.

It felt as though someone was watching her from behind, silently scrutinizing her plans.

She couldn’t understand how Xie Lun was discovered, or how Aivana and Adelle knew about the surveillance.

Had she overlooked something?

She needed to fix this growing problem before the Bishop arrived to hold her accountable… at least ensuring her identity remained private and preventing Derton Manor from being exposed…

Ding-dong-ding—

The knocking at the door interrupted Jiti’s thoughts. She impatiently shouted, “What is it?”

“Manager, the Bishop is here.”

Upon hearing this, Jiti’s back was instantly drenched in cold sweat.

What situation? Why was she discovered so quickly?

“Come in.”

Jiti quickly closed the double-sixes board, but many pieces flew out and scattered everywhere.

She couldn’t care less about this now. Jiti quickly walked to the door, removed the black chip mask, and stood at the door, slightly lowering her head to open it.

Just as she opened the door, Jiti, with a distracted look, was met with a terrifying mask.

Maddening whispers roared in her ears, and hallucinations began flashing in her mind, showing her an illusion of a clock tower church, endless green mist, and underground eye-shaped orbs…

No!!

Jiti, relying on the strong resistance ability of a Missionary, bent her knees and half-knelt before the “Bishop,” lowering her head even further.

Once she stopped focusing on the terrifying mask, the madness in her mind gradually dissipated, but the hallucinations continued to flash, distorting her vision.

These injuries were irreversible…

Jiti’s back was soaked with cold sweat, and she never imagined that the Bishop would be so… petite, nearly driving her mad with the blessing of the Mother Goddess.

After the Bishop slowly walked in, the maid closed the wooden door and stepped back.

Before Jiti could fully kneel and say anything, a letter wrapped around an object was thrown in front of her.

“Bishop… what is this?”

Jiti did not doubt the Bishop’s strength, although the Bishop felt like a mere First Tier, the Mother Goddess’s blessing and the Sealed Object at her waist proved her identity.

They wouldn’t react so quickly, the Bishop must be here for another command…

“Open it and see.”

The Bishop said calmly.

Jiti changed her half-kneeling position to full kneeling, her vision still blurred with hallucinations, but when she opened the letter, she felt as though her veins had frozen.

It was an authorization letter from Radiant Bishop, granting the holder permission to manage the Clock Tower Church in Borough City, complete with the emblem of Radiant Bishop.

The sudden arrival of Yulis, a Second Tier, had already left Jiti flustered, and now another Second Tier “Missionary” was coming.

This would completely expose the gap.

“What have you done?”

Pang—

Suddenly, a violent gust of wind hit, and Jiti felt a fiery pain on her left cheek, her mind in a haze.

“The person, I have dealt with.”

The Bishop’s voice contained anger. After taking a deep breath, she continued, “Although the letter has been intercepted, the person has been missing for so long, it may raise suspicion.”

“Do you… know what to do?”

Do you… know what to do?

Is this… giving me a chance?

Jiti, who had lost hope, felt a surge of warmth in her chest.

“Thank you, Bishop’s grace! Jiti knows what to do!”

Jiti cried out before the Bishop, kowtowing several times, then crawled forward, holding the Bishop’s white sock-covered leg with her left hand and the small leather boot with her right, kissing the Bishop’s shoes fervently.

At this moment, Xia’er’s face beneath the mask twitched slightly.

No, I didn’t add any subject in my sentence, nor did I mention anyone disappearing or being suspected. How did you infer all this?

Is “Destiny Dice” so powerful? I only used this ability when paying the coachman.

Is it the power of “Conversation Art”? Or the confusion caused by the Other Realm pages?

Perhaps it’s a combination of everything…

In any case, Xia’er now appeared to Jiti as a high-ranking cult leader, higher than her own rank.

And…

Why are you Saint Presence worshippers kissing the Bishop’s shoes directly? Do you have a four-character mobile game in your phone?

The shoes were covered in saliva! Let go, please!

Xia’er struggled to suppress the urge to pull her foot back, using the previous topic to speak calmly.

“So, what is your plan?”

“Plan… plan… yes, I have a plan… please wait…”