Chapter 70

Chapter Seventy: Heresy Trial and Slaughter

As Xia’er stepped out of the prison cell and returned to the previous stone hall, she saw three female servants wearing red-chip masks standing on either side with their heads bowed low, seemingly awaiting Xia’er’s arrival.

“Your Grace.”

Upon hearing Xia’er’s footsteps, they all bent over in unison, greeting Xia’er.

Two of the maids took a step back as one of them spoke: “Your Grace, the Manager Lady has sent us to tend to the new sister.”

“Go ahead.”

With Xia’er’s approval, the two heretics walked past Xia’er, keeping their heads down and facing her until they turned around to head toward where Adelle was detained.

Xia’er looked at the remaining maid, waiting for her to speak.

“Your Grace, I’ve been sent by the Manager Lady to serve you,” the maid said humbly, bowing her head. “If there are places you wish to inspect, I can guide you.”

“Alright.”

Xia’er nodded slightly and said, “Let’s take a tour.” This was exactly what Xia’er hoped for. She lacked information about the internal structure of the Holy Arrival Society, and the more she understood, the less likely her disguise would be exposed.

“Please follow me.”

During the following time, the maid led Xia’er through the crypts. It seemed that Jiti had ordered temporary no-entry, so no heretics disturbed Xia’er’s “inspection” in the underground Holy Arrival church.

The layout of the central hall, side aisles, transepts, altar, and rear chamber closely replicated the arrangement of the Salvation Goddess Religion within Bern City.

Based on the bell tower church she had visited before, Xia’er found herself in the small chapel that matched the simulation where Yulis had once taken her, discovering an almost identical replica—except for the faceless statues and altered religious symbols.

This was unsurprising, given the origins from the Salvation Goddess Religion.

Finally, Xia’er stopped at the scripture room. Here, numerous religious texts and research notes were stored. On the central desk used for copying scriptures, Xia’er spotted several familiar notebooks. These were Spiritual Notes.

Apparently, the Holy Arrival Society had inherited the habit of writing Spiritual Notes from the Salvation Goddess Religion. Xia’er approached the desk and opened one of the books to begin reading.

To the maid, Xia’er’s actions weren’t unusual; checking subordinates’ Spiritual Notes was an important task for upper-level church members.

Positioning herself four or five meters behind Xia’er, the maid explained: “These are the notes of the Extraordinary Persons who have become brothers and sisters within Derton Manor. However, the Manager’s notes aren’t here; we’ll only know where they are when the Manager Lady returns.”

Due to some unknown imprint-related factor, Xia’er could freely read the Spiritual Notes without being blocked by any spiritual marks.

Flipping through each book, Xia’er confirmed a prior suspicion: the Holy Arrival Church had two methods of imprinting. One involved marking someone during the most severe effects of potion-induced murmurs, while the other occurred when the body began assimilating the potion after prolonged resistance.

Some individuals who were failing to digest the potion or suffering from its backlash became more stable after receiving the Holy Arrival imprint. Instead of multiple murmurs, they now only experienced “Satanas'” whispers.

Of course, for ordinary people like the maids, Jiti’s “Missionary” ability alone could brainwash them without needing potions.

Is Satanas truly a god? If not, how does He block other murmurs?

Xia’er set the notes aside and turned her attention to other church literature on the shelves. After flipping through a few, she lost interest—they were just standard church texts, perhaps slightly modified versions of those from the Salvation Goddess Religion, offering little value.

While replacing the scripture on the shelf, Xia’er suddenly felt a gaze from behind. Turning around, she saw the maid with the red-chip mask quickly lower her head, trembling under Xia’er’s stare.

“What is it?” Xia’er asked as she approached the maid.

“No… nothing, Your Grace,” the maid stammered, clutching her skirt tightly and whispering, “Do you remember me, Your Grace?”

Hmm?

Remember her?

Indeed, two days ago in reality, Xia’er had been at Derton Manor, guided by this very maid…

“Of course, I remember,” Xia’er smiled gently beneath her mask. “Back then, you even gave me a notebook.”

“You… you remember me! By the Mother Goddess…”

The maid hastily removed her mask, her voice growing increasingly excited. “It was an honor to receive you, Your Grace! Rest assured, I haven’t told anyone about your private visit; everything remains intact!”

Ordinarily, even low-ranking attendants rarely caught Manager Jiti’s eye. Encountering the Bishop of the Holy Arrival Society by chance was an immense honor for a mere attendant.

“Ha ha ha, you made quite an impression on me back then,” Xia’er said warmly, casually asking, “Have you met any other bishops? You seem luckier than your fellow brothers and sisters.”

“Three months ago, I served another bishop,” the maid replied, her face flushed with excitement. “I even followed the procession and worshipped alongside the bishop.”

“Oh, that guy?” Xia’er chuckled and nodded. “How do you think he compares to me?”

“You’re much more approachable, Your Grace. That bishop barely spoke, only exchanging a few words with the priest during his week-long stay here.”

The maid paused briefly, recalling, “One day, I was responsible for hosting him. He was refined and dignified.”

“Oh? He doesn’t usually act that way,” Xia’er teased lightly. “Tell me more about the role he played here.”

“Uh… he…” The maid hesitated, finally asking cautiously, “Your Grace, are you… close to him?”

Within the Holy Arrival Society, connections were generally vertical. If Xia’er knew the other bishop well, it implied horizontal contact, calming the maid’s excitement but sparking slight doubt.

“What’s your name, child?” Xia’er asked.

“Hanan, Your Grace.”

“Congratulations, Hanan,” Xia’er extended her hand, placing it on Hanan’s bowed head. “You may see the Mother Goddess now.”

Pulling her hair, Xia’er slowly lifted Hanan’s head. Trembling violently, Hanan soon abandoned all resistance, raising her eyes to meet the horrifying mask and the dark red, dangerous glow of Xia’er’s right eye…

“By the Mother Goddess…” Hanan’s lips curled into a fanatical smile, her body ceasing its tremors as she whispered, “Your Grace… I hear the Mother Goddess’ words…”

Xia’er left the scripture room, closing the door behind her. Inside, a madwoman laughed and cried hysterically, repeatedly stabbing herself with a candlestick until bleeding to death.

She had seen Xia’er before—at least in this simulation, she couldn’t be allowed to live. Moreover, the task of executing heretics could be completed here directly. With Jiti absent, Xia’er could perform the Replication Ritual in this mini-cult circle Jiti had established.

Xia’er tidied her clothes and looked toward the corridor’s other end.

A maid seemed to have heard something and rushed out from the cells. Upon seeing Xia’er at the corridor’s end, she immediately lowered her head.

“Come here,” Xia’er beckoned the maid.

The maid jogged forward and asked humbly, “Is there anything I can assist you with, Your Grace?”

“I reviewed the Extraordinary Persons’ notes and found their faith in the Mother Goddess somewhat wavering,” Xia’er smiled. “Prepare a large private prayer room for me and call them down one by one. I will personally explain the scriptures to each brother and sister.”

“Really?!”

The maid’s excitement was evident. Controlling her breathing, she replied, “I’ll prepare it immediately!”

Soon, the maid arranged a private prayer room for Xia’er and quickly brought down the first Extraordinary Person. Word spread quietly: “The Bishop will privately teach everyone, imparting the supreme knowledge brought from the Mother Goddess.” Everyone was eager to meet the Bishop, and those called down displayed uncontrollable fervor and excitement.

Twenty-one hours later…

A carriage raced along a narrow road, stopping abruptly in front of Derton Manor.

Bang!

Bang bang bang bang!

Bullets shattered the carriage’s rear glass, piercing straight through the coachman’s skull and killing the brown old horse instantly.

Jiti gasped for breath, staggering out of the carriage with a bag, her body drenched in blood, unable even to summon her shadow helper.

“Help me deal with this!” Jiti, wearing a black-chip mask, looked toward the manor’s entrance but noticed the usual attendants were nowhere to be found.

“By the Mother Goddess… these lazy puppies…” Jiti cursed, struggling to drag the blood-soaked burlap sack inch by inch toward the manor gate.

Something inside the sack wriggled but ceased moving after Jiti delivered a fierce kick.

“Damn heretic bastard… hope you’re still as defiant when you meet the Bishop.”

Jiti spat, catching her breath momentarily before continuing to drag the sack inside. Avoiding the front hall, she swiftly pulled the sack to the side and entered the drawing room, ensuring no guests were present before dragging it inside.

As soon as she entered, Jiti smelled an indescribable stench. Looking at the gambling-chip-covered desk, she discovered a corpse that had started decomposing in the heat, dead for an unknown duration.

What happened?

Jiti frowned but could no longer concern herself with other matters. The mission to capture Yulis had already…

She had exceeded the time limit set by the Bishop, and she must hurry to the Underground Sanctuary before he lost his patience.

Even though they were of the same rank in a surprise attack, she almost lost to Yulis. This filled Jiti with shame and anger.

After passing through the Drawing Room, Jiti dragged the burlap sack to another secret passage, opened it, and ran down the stairs while dragging the sack.

Listening to the cries of pain from the person inside the sack, Jiti felt a sense of relief.

“Does it hurt? Cry now if you want,” Jiti said mockingly as she ran, “because once you see the Bishop, you won’t be laughing.”

With a loud kick, Jiti burst open the hidden door and saw the empty sanctuary.

Breathing in the cool air of the Underground Sanctuary, Jiti felt like she had come home.

Except for the smell of her own blood from her broken nose, everything seemed normal. The Underground Sanctuary always gave her a sense of peace.

Especially when she remembered the grand statue in the front hall, where the previous Bishop led all the brothers and sisters in worship. She planned to ask this Bishop to lead everyone in worship after the plan succeeded, to feel the grace of the Mother Goddess up close.

When Jiti shifted her gaze to the entrance of the side aisle, an unfamiliar dark figure made her pause momentarily.

But quickly regaining herself, Jiti dragged the sack toward the figure and stopped in front of them.

“Sister…” Jiti nearly called out their name but quickly corrected herself, “Where is the Bishop?”

Adelle, who was covered in bandages, opened the side aisle and pointed to the previous cell’s location.

If the Bishop was still waiting, then perhaps there would be no blame on her…

“Follow me,” Jiti smiled, shifting her eyes from Adelle to the sack she was dragging.

She could already imagine the despair on the High Priestess’ face after being judged by the Bishop.

This was the treatment heretics deserved.

Jiti stopped at the cell door, bowing her head as Adelle stepped forward to knock.

Dub-dub-dub—

The wooden door opened, but Jiti noticed something strange about the carpet’s deep red color.

Before she could ponder further, the door was fully open, and she entered, dragging the sack.

The kerosene lamp stretched the shadow long. Jiti knelt halfway beneath it.

“Bishop, I’ve brought the person,” Jiti panted, taking a deep breath, “I apologize, Bishop, I have failed to keep my promise and am late. I have not met the expectations of the Mother Goddess.”

Jiti confessed her fault hoping to gain the Bishop’s forgiveness.

“Yulis,” the Bishop under the kerosene lamp slowly spoke.

“She’s inside.” Jiti hurriedly untied the sack and flipped it over, dumping the person out.

Yulis, her elaborate robes torn apart, rolled out. Her legs clearly broken, she struggled with her hands to drag herself backward until she leaned against the iron bars behind her.

“Heretic…” Yulis’ pupils were gray and white, staring blankly ahead, breathing heavily, cursing.

“There will be your place to speak…” Jiti started but noticed the Bishop raising his hand and immediately stopped talking.

Xia’er walked slowly to Yulis and squatted down.

Though she sympathized deeply with Yulis’ current situation, Xia’er needed to complete her Replication Ritual to gain Strength within the Simulation.

“Heretic, I can give you some opportunity to defend yourself,” Xia’er said, “You may use this chance to explain why you refused to believe in the Mother Goddess and opposed her.”

“…A bunch of lunatics, I have nothing to say to you,” Yulis, recognizing Xia’er’s voice, turned toward her, her face full of resentment.

For a moment, Xia’er felt as if this scene was like a female priest triggering a defeat CG in a game, where the next step would be entering a direct phase of abuse.

“You’re too arrogant… child,” Xia’er reached out, lightly lifting Yulis’ chin, smiling faintly, “Your sister is much more obedient than you.”

Upon hearing the word “sister,” Yulis’ mental defenses crumbled instantly, her expression turning shocked.

“Don’t touch my sister!” Yulis gritted her teeth, speaking to the Bishop.

“Adelle,” Xia’er snapped her fingers lightly, “Help me recite the prayer of the Redemption Society.”

“Yes, Bishop,” Adelle’s hoarse voice came as she passed Xia’er, kneeling beside Yulis.

“Adelle…?” Yulis trembled, reaching out hesitantly toward the direction where Adelle’s voice came from, until she touched the scarred face.

“Adelle… is that you? How could you possibly…” Yulis, who had been strong until now, broke down in tears, crying as she caressed her sister’s face, muttering, “No… no no no…”

Adelle, expressionless, began: “In endless darkness, I call upon you… Sathana…”

“In the rift of time and space, your existence surpasses all things…”

“Adelle…” Yulis was nearing emotional collapse.

She couldn’t believe that her younger sister, who had always followed her around, had been captured by the Redemption Society.

It was almost equivalent to declaring war in Borough City.

“Turn away from darkness and embrace light, Yulis,” Xia’er continued, “In the arms of the Mother Goddess, you two can reunite.”

“You dream…” Yulis gasped, looking toward Xia’er, “Do you think you can threaten me with Adelle? If she still has consciousness, she’d rather let me kill her than recite these filthy prayers here!”

“Don’t push your luck, heretic!” Jiti took a step forward, reprimanding Yulis.

“Your sins are too great…” Xia’er shook his head, pulling out the Pistol.

“Blaspheming the Mother Goddess’ hymn, this is the first offense.”

Kadak—

Xia’er aimed at his temple, pulling the trigger; the cylinder spun but did not fire.

“Calling us heretics, this is the second offense.”

Kadak—

“Refusing correction despite familial persuasion, betraying family, this is the third offense.”

Kadak—

The silver revolver in Xia’er’s hand began emitting a faint blue glow.

Unsubstantiated charges flowed from Xia’er’s mouth, absurd yet convincing from the perspective of the Redemption Society.

At least Jiti was satisfied.

By the fifth charge, thunderclouds swirled around the bullet chamber.

“I declare you guilty, Yulis,” Xia’er lifted the gun slowly, aiming at Yulis, “Do you admit your guilt?”

Sensing the lightning that made her hair stand on end, Yulis was already resigned to death.

She no longer cared what the person in front of her said, responding indifferently, “I am guilty… kill me.”

As long as she died, the Salvation Goddess Religion would thoroughly investigate Borough City… This was the most likely way to save her sister.

If she didn’t die and instead became brainwashed into a cultist, all hope would be lost.

Xia’er paused briefly, then asked, “High Priestess Yulis, does this count as completing the heretic judgment process in the ‘Judge’ Potion?”

For a moment, the entire room fell silent.

Yulis: “?”

Jiti: “?”

“Bishop… What kind of joke are you…?”

BOOM—!

Xia’er raised the gun, pointing it at Jiti. The bullet roared like a thunder dragon, flashing with electricity and sparks, directly heading toward Jiti’s head.

Jiti, exhausted from battling Yulis, barely managed to turn her face in time. The bullet shattered half of her face.

Overwhelmed by the intense survival instinct, Jiti couldn’t even scream. She stumbled back, crashing into the wooden door, and fled toward the corridor’s private prayer room.

That Bishop… was abnormal!

She must survive… and leave information for… the next Bishop…

This private prayer room used to be Jiti’s exclusive one, containing a special legacy information array. If she left her blood in the array, future members of the Redemption Society could see all the images she saw before dying through the array!

“Adelle, send her to the Mother Goddess,” Xia’er gently said, looking at Adelle, “Jiti Priestess betrayed the Redemption Society. As the Bishop, you should know whom to trust.”

Being converted into a cultist didn’t seem to make Adelle any smarter. After thinking for a moment, she nodded and chased after Jiti.

When Adelle reached the end of the corridor, she saw Jiti kneeling in front of the private prayer room’s door, her face filled with disbelief, despair, and fear.

In front of her lay a mountain of corpses, their blood soaking the red carpet completely. With every step, the sticky blood oozed out of the woolen carpet, making a “sizzling” sound.

Right before her eyes was hell on earth.

Hearing the sizzling footsteps behind her, Jiti’s body wavered. Turning her head, she saw Adelle rushing toward her, wielding a forearm-length black-silver hook.

That was the very instrument she had given Adelle to torture others.

No… That Bishop was the traitor! She was the traitor! It was impossible! You cannot harbor hostility towards me! Impossible!

Jiti’s vision began to blur, her thoughts slowing down. She couldn’t utter the words in her heart and could only watch helplessly as the silver-haired girl who had endured her torment stabbed her throat with the oxidized, blood-stained silver hook.

Tch—

Meanwhile, in the cell, Yulis was utterly confused, looking in the direction of the girl’s voice, asking,

“Who… exactly… are you?”

What exactly happened?

Internal conflict within the cult?

“You might not believe me if I tell you,” Xia’er put the gun back, looking at the High Priestess, saying,

“I’m here to help you.”

“Do you think I’m lying, High Priestess Yulis?”