Chapter 79

“A network of intelligence? You might as well run for Pope.”

“Sister, quickly check on Xia’er. How is her mental state?”

After Adelle administered the potion to Xia’er, she immediately turned to Yulis, who had just arrived, and asked anxiously.

Xia’er was clearly in a very dangerous state right now.

Although her mind hadn’t collapsed, according to her own account, the delusions in Xia’er’s brain had severely affected her mental state, making it difficult for her to hear the sounds around her.

Situations like this usually foretold the imminent consumption by a potion.

Yulis didn’t speak. She knelt beside Xia’er, and four white shadows overlapped with her figure. She extended her right hand and placed it on the top of Xia’er’s shadow.

Zhēng ——

It felt like a tsunami was crashing over her, and an endless stream of black noise instantly flooded her mind. Blood trickled down her cheeks from her ears.

The white shadow that originally overlapped with Yulis’ body began to convulse, unable to completely merge with her body.

Suddenly, Yulis withdrew her right hand. The overlapping white shadow within her seemed to be struck by something, shooting out from her back and hovering in mid-air.

The once pure white shadow had become somewhat murky, its form flickering.

Xia’er, who had been lying on Aivana’s lap with a pained expression, now had her furrowed brows slowly relaxing. She seemed to have fallen into a peaceful sleep soon after.

“I… helped her absorb some of the mental disturbances. She should be fine now…”

Yulis supported her forehead, trying to stand up, but her legs gave way, causing her to fall to the ground.

Bearing the pain and suffering of others was a characteristic ability of the “Reformed Monk” path. Previously, when Xia’er ascended to become an “Avenger,” Yulis had taken on part of her burns.

Now, even just bearing part of Xia’er’s mental disturbances and delusions made Yulis feel the potion she had almost digested boiling inside her.

Yulis’ vision began to flash with countless absurd and bizarre scenes, strange creatures wandering in the darkness before her eyes.

To an Extraordinary Person, damage to the sensory organs often meant seeing things that others couldn’t see, and it made them more susceptible to madness.

Yulis’ condition prevented her from bearing Xia’er’s pain any longer.

“I can’t hold out much longer…”

Yulis steadied her breath and said weakly, “We must take Xia’er to the Salvation Goddess Religion soon…”

She continued, “Let me baptize her. The Goddess will help her. When the Radiant Bishop arrives, we’ll take her to the temple for treatment…”

“No need, High Priestess.”

Aivana spoke calmly, interrupting Yulis. Her tone was firm and unyielding.

“Thank you for your help, High Priestess. I will donate in your name to the Church. I will also pay you a generous reward personally.”

Aivana lowered her head, gently placing her hand on Xia’er’s forehead, carefully pushing back her hair.

“Xia’er is my friend. I won’t trouble you further with her treatment.”

Nia, the Crown Guard behind Aivana, slowly stepped forward. Her sword and shield remained drawn.

Even without saying anything, anyone could tell that if Yulis refused, Nia would take action.

Aivana would never hand Xia’er over to the Salvation Goddess Religion, even though the religion had sufficient reason to investigate her. Xia’er was currently a strictly controlled “Judge” of the Salvation Goddess Religion.

Handing Xia’er over to the Salvation Goddess Religion would mean she could be baptized and become a member. Would she still be the same Xia’er then?

No, she wouldn’t.

“Miss Russell, please forgive me for speaking frankly,”

Yulis’ kind demeanor gradually faded, “Your family cannot solve Xia’er’s mental state.”

“Moreover, I promised Xia’er that if she provided information to me and the temple, I would help her complete the replication ritual. Now that her situation hasn’t stabilized, the deal continues.”

“The deal is not with me, but with the entire Salvation Goddess Religion.”

Yulis would never hand Xia’er over to Aivana.

The Radiant Bishop would arrive within 24 hours. Although the Salvation Goddess Religion didn’t have such influence in An Su, in Borough City, they were an absolute authority.

Before that, she must ensure Xia’er doesn’t leave her sight. Once the Radiant Bishop arrives, even Aivana wouldn’t be able to keep Xia’er.

Yulis was almost certain Xia’er was a candidate for the Holy Maiden. If she baptized her, she might complete the final part of the ritual and obtain the potion of the Radiant Bishop and the replication ritual.

Whether for personal or church reasons, Yulis was determined to keep Xia’er by her side.

Yulis staggered to her feet, the flickering white shadows surrounding her.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Just moments ago, the unbreakable alliance was beginning to crack.

Neither wanted to hand Xia’er over to the other.

“There’s no need to trouble the High Priestess with stabilizing Xia’er’s spirit. The ‘Substitute Holy Relic’ can help.”

Aivana was unwavering, “The deal is over.”

Yulis: “Your family doesn’t have many ‘Substitute Holy Relics,’ do they?”

Aivana: “At least enough to last until she regains her sanity and digests some potions. If not, I’ll acquire more.”

The atmosphere fell into a dead silence.

Aivana gently lifted Xia’er’s shoulders, cradling her in her arms, ignoring the blood stains on her maid’s dress rubbing against her exposed skin.

If Yulis made any move, she could immediately pick up Xia’er and have Nia escort her away.

Seeing the tension escalating in the exchange area, Adelle became anxious.

On one side was a recently made friend who had listened to her inner troubles and secrets; on the other was her elder sister she had relied on since childhood. Adelle was at a loss.

But she felt she must say something, or else it would turn into a fight.

“I…”

Adelle raised her right hand slowly, but no one noticed her.

“Um…”

Seeing the Crown Guard lift her longsword, Adelle closed her eyes and stepped between Aivana and Yulis.

“Listen to me!”

Adelle opened her eyes, noticing that both Aivana and Yulis were looking at her.

“I have an idea…”

Adelle suddenly lost her courage and whispered, “Xia’er can stay at my place… I’m a Physician, so I can take care of her body.”

“Staying here isn’t helping Xia’er’s condition. It will only get worse…”

Adelle finished speaking and glanced at both sides, seeing them silent.

Yulis remained silent for a moment and said, “I have no objection.”

As long as Xia’er wasn’t with Aivana, and the Radiant Bishop arrived, she could forcibly take Xia’er even if Aivana refused.

As for her sister Adelle, she couldn’t stop her from taking Xia’er. She just needed to promise to bring Adelle to visit Xia’er later.

While Aivana was deep in thought, she finally said, “I have no objection either.”

Adelle lived at 31 Gem Avenue, close to Jazz Bridge District but far from the Clock Tower Church. It took about twenty to thirty minutes by carriage ride.

Xia’er’s current condition was indeed poor. If a top-notch Physician could help her recuperate, she would recover faster.

Aivana owned several properties on Gem Avenue. She could even live across from Adelle, and once Xia’er’s condition improved, she could take her away, along with her sister.

What about the High Priestess of the Salvation Goddess Religion? Would she rent a house near Adelle?

No, Aivana would rent several nearby buildings.

Aivana knew that most of the money collected by the Salvation Goddess Religion was invested in stabilizing the foundations in An Su. Due to frequent conflicts with merchants, nobles, and factory owners, they were seen as thorns in their eyes.

Their assets were minimal, and even if they had any, high labor costs and insufficient production capacity would lead to bankruptcy due to competition from other capital.

Starting from the “Reformed Monk,” members of the Salvation Goddess Religion constantly distributed wealth to help others. By the time they reached “Missionary,” they were nearly bankrupt, only to be saved by the Radiant Bishop before.

None of the disposable money would be abundant.

Even “Doctor” Adelle could live on Gem Avenue, but the followers of the Salvation Goddess Religion could basically only live in the Clock Tower Lane District or nearby.

Could they send someone to guard the place?

Sorry, the police station is all controlled by the Russell family. What can you do against me? With any excuse, I can detain them. Ordinary Reformed Monks and church attendants wouldn’t resist.

As for Adelle?

She wasn’t even considered by Aivana, whose threat was probably just slightly higher than a goose in a farm.

Seeing both sides reach an agreement without directly engaging in conflict, Adelle let out a long sigh of relief.

A wave of pride surged through Adelle’s heart. She had successfully prevented a conflict between the Russell family and the Salvation Goddess Religion using her extraordinary wisdom and remarkable courage.

Thinking about this, Adelle’s chest puffed up slightly, then she hunched her shoulders and bowed her body like a hunting wolf, saying resolutely, “My house is over there, I… I’ll lead the way…”

Since Aivana and Yulis’ clothes were already in tatters, and the only clothes available in the manor were the standardized maids’ dresses, they had to temporarily put on these dresses to cover their bodies.

Aivana carried Xia’er onto the carriage, directly placing Xia’er so that she lay against Aivana, as if afraid that if she let go, Yulis sitting opposite would snatch Xia’er away.

Adelle and Nia controlled the carriage, arriving at the entrance of No. 31 Gem Avenue.

This was a delicate four-story row house. Adelle rented the entire fourth floor to store various equipment and materials, so the space was still quite spacious.

It was already the time when people were waking up and starting work, and there were many people coming and going on the street. When they got off the carriage, they attracted quite a few curious glances.

After all, three beautiful young women carrying an unconscious beauty upstairs looked suspicious, which was hard not to make people imagine things.

Upstairs, Adelle had Aivana place Xia’er on the bed in the guest room, then began cleaning and suturing Xia’er’s visible wounds.

Aivana took Nia out for a while. Soon, Yulis also hurriedly left Adelle’s house, getting into a carriage, heading towards the direction of the Clock Tower Church.

Unaware of what was happening, Adelle continued to carefully clean Xia’er’s bloodstains and suture her wounds, applying medicine.

Although potions could directly heal these minor wounds, not suturing them could easily result in ugly scars.

About two hours later, Adelle finally stood up, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

Adelle didn’t know that at this moment, the section of Gem Avenue outside had been sealed off by the police station, and the neighbors downstairs had happily left without moving their luggage.

Outside the cordon, numerous disguised believers and church attendants wandered around, and occasionally someone would be arrested for trying to cross the cordon from the alleyways or rooftops.

Hours passed, and the sky gradually darkened until it was completely dark. When Adelle entered the ward with the food Aivana had brought, she saw Xia’er’s eyelashes flutter slightly.

“Xia’er?”

Adelle placed the tray on a nearby cabinet and sat next to Xia’er, softly calling out.

At this moment, Xia’er was slowly opening her eyes.

She could hear Adelle’s voice beside her, but the buzzing in her mind had diminished significantly.

Raising herself, she looked down and noticed the pendant hanging around her neck swaying slightly, catching her attention.

She saw that she was wearing a pendant with a “substitute sacrificial relic,” which was currently burning, helping Xia’er resist the invasion of the buzzing voices.

Is this… Aivana’s pendant?

“Don’t get up yet, lie down first.”

Adelle reached out and pushed Xia’er back, asking, “Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere? Does your head still hurt? Has the buzzing gotten worse?”

Before Xia’er could answer, Aivana, who seemed to have been monitoring the situation, pushed open the door and walked in.

Seeing Xia’er lying in bed with a pale face, Aivana stepped forward, expressionless, and asked, “Do you still feel unwell, Xia’er?”

To be safe, she had already blocked off the entire street, and within 50 meters, no one else should be present. She wasn’t sure if this would alleviate Xia’er’s condition.

“I’m fine… Where am I?”

Xia’er spoke, glancing at the time on the system interface.

It was 8 PM… There were still nearly eight hours before the simulation ended, and she could save the “Judge” archive.

She needed to recover as much as possible, to avoid any future invasions by buzzing voices when using the archive.

Moreover, she had to use this time to come up with a complete plan.

A plan to deal with the inspection by the “Radiant Bishop” of the 23rd Holy Arrival Religion.

Even if she returned to reality, she had a 90% chance of killing Ji Ti and capturing all the cultists within 30 minutes of transforming into a “Judge” with 5 Mortality Points.

However, even if she killed them all quickly, there would still be a risk.

That she might be investigated by the approaching “Radiant Bishop.”

Or, even if she did nothing, once Aivana escaped, Adelle and Yulis were captured, various clues would point back to her.

Even if it was just to investigate her, Xia’er’s life would be disrupted, and she might even be brainwashed into becoming a cultist in reality.

If she couldn’t resolve the issue with the “Radiant Bishop,” Xia’er would have to escape to An Su with her sister in advance.

Even An Su wasn’t safe… As long as she was recognized as a relevant party after the incident, they would try every means to capture her, even if she hid in An Su, where various orthodox forces existed.

Xia’er felt that since she entered the extraordinary path in the simulation, she was like being stuck in quicksand, getting deeper and deeper into unrestful extraordinary events with each struggle.

But Xia’er didn’t regret intervening.

If she hadn’t intervened, she would already be dead.

Even if they killed the simulated version of herself, Xia’er would make them pay the price.

“I’m fine,” Xia’er said, nodding as she saw the bandages on her hands and turned to look at Adelle, saying, “Thank you, Adelle.”

Then Xia’er looked at Aivana standing next to Adelle, touched her pendant, and smiled, saying, “Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me yet.”

Aivana met Xia’er’s gaze expressionlessly. After a moment, her gaze shifted slightly, as if looking elsewhere.

“All the arrangements, you now owe me at least 2,000 pounds. The price of the ‘substitute sacrificial relic’ isn’t low.”

Continuing, Aivana said, “Based on your current weekly salary, you’d need to work for me for at least 77 years to pay it off.”

“…If you’re going to do anything dangerous in the future, you must tell me first, Miss Assistant. I don’t want to clean up after you anymore.”

“Of course, Miss Employer.”

Xia’er supported herself, leaning against the edge of the bed, looking at Aivana in front of her and said, “I can tell you something dangerous right now.”

Her ability wasn’t enough to fight the “Radiant Bishop,” so Xia’er had to try to form alliances with more people in the simulation.

At least, she needed to probe Aivana and Yulis’ cards and see what moves they could make.

“Huh?”

Aivana paused, her gaze returning to Xia’er. Her previously calm and composed face was now somewhat strained.

I’m just saying… You’ve just dismantled a cult hideout of the Holy Arrival Religion, what other dangerous things do you have planned? Dismantling a cult hideout, drinking a second-tier potion two days later, could anything be more dangerous than that?

“I have reliable intelligence telling me.”

Xia’er wiped the smile off her face, saying seriously,

“On June 23rd, at exactly 13:01 PM, a ‘Radiant Bishop’ of the Holy Arrival Religion will visit the Holy Arrival Religion’s base in Borough City — which is the Deerton Manor base I just destroyed.”

Aivana’s mouth slowly opened wide.

“Radiant Bishop”?

Exact to the date is one thing, but how did you pinpoint the hour and minute?

No, lady, what kind of intelligence network is this? Can this still be called an intelligence network?

Is your intelligence network tracking every cultist 24/7? Or is your intelligence network set up by a higher layer to give tasks to the ‘Radiant Bishop’?

In that case, they might as well run for Pope!!!