Chapter 552

Chapter 552: The Relinquished Scepter

The galloping cavalry raised their hoofbeats on the mountain road, quickly catching the attention of people nearby.

The crowd that had filled the mountain path first fell into chaos at the rear, driven back by these knights. Some rolled off to the side of the path into the weeds, while others kept retreating and shrinking back. The clamor died down considerably as people became more subdued under the sharp blades and spear tips.

After all, when faced with sharp swords and spear points, people could quickly calm down.

These knights surrounded the crowd from both sides of the mountain path, constantly driving and clearing the way. The formation moved forward until they finally reached the main gate of Ten Sword Palace, encircling the people like a letter.

“Silence!”

“Silence!”

As these knights continued to shout, the crowd finally quieted down.

“Is this Grand Marshal Odysseus?”

“Is he here to uphold justice for us?”

They whispered among themselves. Some believed that Odysseus was on the side of justice and would help them seek justice. Others did not believe him, while many stood there half-believing, waiting to see what would happen as the heavily armored man entered.

Odysseus followed by ten or so elite soldiers slowly walked to the center of the crowd.

“Everyone, please be quiet.”

“I know you’re all angry and hurt.”

“But such actions have disrupted the order of Holy Mountain and will not lead to good results.”

He tried to soothe the angry crowd, but his efforts were not very effective.

“How can we trust you? Can you seek justice for us and publicly try Cypsis?” shouted an extreme priest.

Odysseus looked at the hysterical priest and said calmly, “Everyone should trust me and the church. This matter will surely be settled.”

As a maintainer of the church’s order, Odysseus could not let the disruption go unchecked.

He continued moving forward, speaking as he went.

“The Ten Sword Palace is the law enforcement body within the church, and it should resolve your issues. It’s a crucial part of maintaining order within the church. As the commander of the Holy Lance Knights, I bear the responsibility of maintaining the stability of the church.”

As he spoke, these people gradually calmed down, gazing at this tall and imposing knight with hopeful eyes.

Thus, Odysseus continued to soothe the crowd, arriving at the front of Ten Sword Palace.

The golden-armored guards standing guard at the palace gate still did not make way.

Seeing this scene, Odysseus was not surprised; he needed this moment.

In the face of overwhelming public opinion, becoming their representative and pressuring Ten Sword Palace, if the palace did not respond at this time, it would be openly defying the church’s order and rules.

But if Ten Sword Palace responded, whether by agreeing to the people’s wishes or explaining and shirking responsibility, it would become a stepping stone for Odysseus’s rise. In terms of momentum and prestige, he would naturally be at a disadvantage, and he would inevitably lose in the papal election.

After this incident, Odysseus’s reputation in the church would rise significantly, making him a hero in the hearts of many lower-level cultivators.

If things developed as he anticipated, it would be perfect.

The doors of Ten Sword Palace creaked open, and a great archbishop in a gold-trimmed white robe slowly emerged, supported by those around him.

“Cypsis!”

“Is this person Cypsis?”

“He has finally come out.”

There was a commotion among the crowd, which then stepped back a step under the push of the golden-armored guards, creating a space.

Ten Sword Palace staff members brought over a dozen firepots and lit the wooden firewood and oil in the copper basins. The acrid smell permeated the cold night air, illuminating everything brightly.

“Good evening, fellow believers who follow angels and deities.”

Cypsis’s voice was not loud, but with the influence of his extraordinary abilities, it spread throughout the mountains and the crowd below. Thousands of eyes, illuminated by the firelight, focused on this high-ranking member of the church.

“I’m sorry for responding to your requests so late.”

“In recent years, I’ve made many mistakes and often neglected many hardworking believers. This is my dereliction of duty, and I willingly accept punishment.”

His expression was sincere and devout, making people gradually overlook his overly obese figure. Then he began recounting his experiences over the years, how he grew from a poor young boy in the countryside to eventually becoming a bishop and accepting the scepter to become a great archbishop.

His voice was calm, yet full of sincerity. Sometimes, when he talked about difficult situations, he choked up, moving everyone present.

“I know this is not right, but I couldn’t find a better way. If I didn’t do this, someone worse would take this position. I know this isn’t an excuse for my actions, but as the scepter priest of Ten Sword Palace, I should set an example and create a fair and just environment for everyone.”

“Therefore, I hereby resign from my duties as the scepter priest of Ten Sword Palace and voluntarily submit to the review of the Judgement Bureau.”

After saying this, his plump figure slowly bowed his head, presenting the scepter in his hands to others with both hands, while the accompanying priest shed tears.

The scepter was taken by the priests of Ten Sword Palace with both hands and placed on the ground in front of the crowd, while Cypsis was left empty-handed.

Odysseus watched Cypsis’s actions and suddenly felt a chill in his heart. An unpleasant premonition arose. How could Cypsis surrender so easily? He wasn’t someone who would give up power easily.

Just as everyone was in shock and the scene was quiet, a woman in her forties pushed her way out of the crowd.

“No, don’t do this, Lord Cypsis. You are our savior.”

Then several others came out from the crowd, crying for the venerable great archbishop, stating that he had helped them and their families, allowing them to escape their predicaments.

“At that time, I was seriously injured and nearly dead when I was sent to the church, but Lord Cypsis risked great danger to cast a healing spell on me, saving my life. But since then, Lord Cypsis’s strength has been severely affected, and he hasn’t progressed much over the years.”

“I once owed gambling debts, and my wife and children were scattered. Lord Cypsis provided for me and helped me start anew. I cannot bear to see a good person like this being slandered.”

“And I too…”

These people were not complete strangers; some were familiar colleagues within the church. They were not high-ranking officials but ordinary and kind individuals around them.

When they spoke like this, the previously noisy crowd fell silent and hesitated.

But this was not the end.

“Why, why are you slandering a good person, slandering such a respectable elder who has dedicated most of his life to the church, improving the lives of so many people? Because of Lord Cypsis’s leadership, the living conditions of churches everywhere have improved significantly.”

“Why can you speak so boldly?”

“But what about what he did before…” Some people murmured softly.

“Which eye saw it? All hearsay.”

“This is just a rumor and slander spread deliberately to force Lord Cypsis to step down.” An elderly priest stepped out from the crowd. He had remained silent during the earlier protests, only speaking now.

“Please forgive my cowardice; I was afraid to stand up when Lord Cypsis was being attacked. But now, I can no longer remain silent.” This white-bearded elder was a retired priest within the church.

(End of Chapter)