Chapter 554

Chapter 554: The Former Xibis

“Proof? Do we really need proof to cleanse the world of the chaotic shadows?” The knight captain asked with a cold expression.

“Our mission from the very beginning has been to monitor and eliminate the chaotic shadows and corrupt elements in this world, to safeguard the flame of civilization and order.”

“Even something like this needs to be left to public opinion?” he asked again.

“If we let chaotic shadows run rampant, they will contaminate more innocent people and cause great destruction. This is an issue that cannot be compromised.”

The knight captain’s stern rebuke silenced the crowd momentarily, but the eyes burning under the torchlight did not waver.

“So what now?”

“Do you think you can massacre everyone in the church without any evidence?” A short priest asked slowly.

“Is this how the Spear Knights operate? How impressive,” his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“You!” The thousand-man captain’s face turned red with anger, wanting to drag the person out from the crowd, but he was stopped by Odysseus.

“What everyone said is true, but this time it was due to the urgency of the situation. We didn’t have time to fully disclose everything. Afterward, our order will compile the events and make them public, along with all the evidence.”

Odysseus wasn’t foolish; he quickly realized this was a trap set for him. Just like Xibis, he decided to buy time, waiting until the heat died down before responding thoroughly, rather than stubbornly resisting in an unfavorable position.

But the situation didn’t end there.

Soon, many more people stood up, recounting various misdeeds committed by Odysseus and the Spear Knights over the years, such as embezzling church funds, occupying land, and bullying weaker priests.

They seemed to have excellent memories, recalling minor incidents from three to five years ago, and even naming individuals among those present who had committed these acts.

“We know Lord Odysseus is strict and fair, but some within the Spear Knights have privately done many bad things behind your back. It’s not your fault, just that people are too intimidated to speak up.”

“So we beg you to take action this time, and let these people undergo the review and judgment of the Ten Sword Palace.”

“Oh, and how exactly would that work?” Odysseus laughed bitterly.

“That would mean temporarily detaining them at the Ten Sword Palace, where they can be accused publicly. If proven guilty, they will be punished according to the law. If not, the judges at the Ten Sword Palace will clear their names.”

“Hah! What right does the Ten Sword Palace have to detain members of our knightly order based on mere rumors?” Odysseus’ words stirred up the crowd, and whispers spread.

“He said earlier we should trust the Ten Sword Palace and the Church, yet now he denies it when it involves his own people.”

“How disgusting.”

“Just another coward hiding behind false bravado.”

These murmurs naturally reached Odysseus, fueling his anger.

On a mountainside opposite the Ten Sword Palace, two figures in long robes stood side by side. Compared to the bustling, torch-lit scene below, this place was much quieter, with the occasional chirp of insects and the rustle of leaves in the wind.

“Odysseus seems to have lost his mind,” a clear, feminine voice sounded.

“It’s no wonder given the situation. But looking back, tonight’s events might have been orchestrated by Xibis ahead of time,” a girl’s ethereal voice came from another figure.

“It must be so. I recognize a few faces; they seem to be old acquaintances of Xibis,” the woman replied.

“Tell me, what kind of person is Archbishop Xibis?”

As a gentle breeze blew, revealing the silver hair of the girl under her hood.

“When I was studying at the church, before I graduated, Xibis was already spoken of as an outstanding genius.”

“At thirty, he was respected and admired for his hard work and dedication, becoming a role model for many. Teachers and classmates often recounted his stories, and within a few years, he became the bishop of a major city in the south.”

“When I took office after graduation, he had already become a grand bishop of a diocese. Although he was relatively new, his reputation was growing.”

“In the next twenty years, the image of Xibis, once a paragon of diligence and dedication, gradually faded. His body grew fatter, and he began to enjoy comfort. However, his faction and network of interests within the church expanded significantly.”

“To say he was always like this is incorrect. The former Xibis was indeed a model, with ideals. Though I didn’t witness it firsthand, I heard from many who knew him well.”

“The poor boy, deeply grateful for what the church provided, despite his sun-tanned skin, always wore a smile like the sun, uplifting those around him. If you had any troubles, he would do his best to help, rarely asking for anything in return.”

“Helping others is a joy, no need for repayment. I believe angels and deities will bear witness to this.”

“He did good deeds wholeheartedly because he was so devout, believing in a beautiful world where every effort and sacrifice would be rewarded.”

“Though he occasionally made small mistakes due to impulsiveness or chivalry, such a person was hard to be angry with. A simple warning was enough to make him remember and not repeat it.”

“Many elders and priests in the church saw promise in this child. Not only did he possess extraordinary talent, but also a kind heart.”

“The archbishop wanted to send him to an important diocese for training and growth, but he volunteered to go to remote areas where residents and children needed more pastoral guidance and medical care.”

“Unable to resist his strong desire, the archbishop assigned him to a remote mountainous area.”

“There, the people were wild and uncivilized. Xibis spent many years enduring hardships to gain their trust, eventually building a permanent church—a branch of the church.”

“At that time, he was content and full of vigor, unconcerned with external matters.”

“Seven years passed, and he was finally recalled to headquarters. Despite his objections, the archbishop sent him to a prosperous diocese, perhaps hoping to motivate him. He was specifically placed under the command of his classmate, Ryan.”

“At that time, Ryan was already a sequence 7 angel, serving as the bishop of the county seat, while Xibis remained a regular priest, his extraordinary strength stagnating at sequence 5 due to scarce resources and overwhelming responsibilities.”

“The immense gap between his status and power caused him deep disappointment and confusion.

(End of Chapter)