Chapter 255
Chapter 255
Chapter 255
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 255 – Lan Qi Wants to Chase Dreams in the Imperial Capital
“Meow meow meow, so what’s your next plan?”
Cat Boss felt that Lan Qi couldn’t keep developing things like this.
If he grew any bigger, both man and cat would never be able to wash themselves clean of suspicion!
Lan Qi thought for a moment.
“I want to obtain a legal identity, then go to the Imperial Capital, and from there, transfer into the Annihilation Branch.”
He spoke as he walked, hugging Cat Boss in his arms. In the distance, the towering and solemn temple was gradually swallowed up by the surrounding clusters of buildings.
As long as he could reach the level of a Grand Priest who held the purple【Certificate of Resurrection – Annihilation】, there was a chance of meeting the Annihilation Archbishop, and then he could make his request to observe the stone slab.
Of course, he would also need to make an outstanding contribution before it became possible.
The black kitten in Lan Qi’s arms had eyes like stars in the night sky. It curled up against him, occasionally stretching out a paw to touch his hand.
“So you’re planning to cut ties with the Tyrant Branch anyway, so you’re not afraid of upsetting the Tyrant Archbishop anymore?”
Cat Boss still thought Lan Qi ought to rein himself in a little.
He knew Lan Qi was always playing at the very edge.
But following Lan Qi made him perpetually worried that he would crash and burn—after all, last time he had nearly been solo-killed by Tata.
“Right now, the three Archbishops in the Imperial Capital are openly recruiting disciples from among Imperial citizens. They are seeking talents, and the Empire has given them permission. As long as one passes the official examinations, one can become a disciple. Those who perform outstandingly can even receive special treatment and directly become elite disciples.”
Lan Qi explained to Cat Boss.
Naturally, he intended to give it a try.
Once he had secured legal residency in the Empire, he could openly take the test in the capital and join the Annihilation Branch.
“You’re a proper student—going to take the Resurrection Church’s assessment, are you sure that’s really okay?”
Cat Boss felt that since Lan Qi had come to the Northern Continent, he had gradually forgotten that he was still a student of Ikerite Academy and that his original goal had been to work on his research project.
“A truly excellent enforcer of justice must naturally understand the psychology of criminals.”
Lan Qi answered unhurriedly.
“…Then, three months from now, do you really hope the Annihilation Archbishop wins?”
Cat Boss couldn’t figure out why Lan Qi had such a fixation on the Annihilation Branch.
It almost seemed like he genuinely wanted to pledge loyalty to Archbishop Askson—or was targeting him for some reason.
“Don’t worry. Whether I’m a cop undercover among criminals, or a criminal undercover among cops, my essence is still cop.”
Lan Qi lowered his head to stroke the little black cat. His gaze was clear and resolute.
“Although the current state of the Empire is very complicated, and sometimes it’s hard to even say who counts as cop and who as criminal, I have always been steadfast of mind. Whatever I do, I follow my conviction. Even without a clear direction, I will not lose my way.”
“Meow… but if you want to earn merit in the Annihilation Branch…”
Cat Boss was beginning to feel uneasy about Lan Qi’s strange talents. Especially when Shu Bao wasn’t around, he seemed to transform into someone else entirely—never restraining his own drive to act.
“I don’t wish for the Annihilation Archbishop to win.”
Lan Qi said without the slightest hesitation.
“That’s good, that’s good.”
Cat Boss nodded quickly.
Hearing Lan Qi say that put him at ease.
In terms of potential harm, the Tyrant Branch’s disciples were far less dangerous than the Annihilation Branch’s.
At least those people weren’t mentally twisted—the doctrine they revered, “the strong take all,” was extreme but leaned toward order. They were relatively easier to reason with. Once the strong and weak were settled, they were willing to seriously listen to Lan Qi.
As long as they could be reasoned with, Lan Qi seemed able to control them.
But the Annihilation and Mourning Branches? No one could get into those without having mental issues. Cat Boss couldn’t even imagine how terrifying it would be if those two branches spread throughout the Empire.
If he had to choose among Tyrant, Annihilation, and Mourning Archbishops as the one to lead the Empire, Cat Boss would still hope for the Tyrant Archbishop.
Lan Qi walked lightly down the cobblestone path. From a large tavern nearby, cooking smoke and the aroma of dinner drifted into the air.
“Time to head back for dinner.”
Lan Qi glanced at the sky. These days, he had already become a regular guest at Viscount Francis’s household—the first household tutor who had managed to stay there long-term.
“Meow meow, buy me some dried fish on the way. The fish in this Lilom City tastes so good.”
“Alright, alright.”
He crossed the bridge carrying Cat Boss. The ripples of the sea glowed golden beneath the gentle sunset. Passersby on the bridge often paused when they saw the kitten in his arms, squatting down to interact with Cat Boss.
Cat Boss only pretended to be an ordinary cat.
In a small town where almost no one had rank, if a cat spoke, it would certainly terrify the residents.
On the other side of the bridge was a small park. Three streets further north would bring them to the lord’s manor.
“I actually quite like this Lilom City.”
“Yes, meow.”
In just a few days, Zestira would likely return to the Imperial Capital to continue her preparatory courses.
If Lan Qi was still employed, he might also have the chance to leave here together.
Every so often, he lifted his head to look at the waterborne city that had merged with the sea, its entirety wrapped in a gentle golden halo. At this moment, the tranquility and harmony felt like a rare treasure.
But both man and cat felt something was still missing.
As the glow of the setting sun faded, the city streets grew shrouded in a faint purple-red mist.
The silhouette of the lord’s manor gradually emerged before Lan Qi’s eyes.
Before he even reached the courtyard gate, the guards came forward to open the ancient bronze doors for him.
Lan Qi stepped into the front yard. A butler in formal livery swiftly approached, bowing deeply.
“Mr. Rocky, Viscount Francis is already waiting for you in the dining hall. He invites you to join him for dinner.”
“Alright, thank you.”
Lan Qi nodded. He followed the servant through the lord’s manor’s grand corridors, with their lacquered wooden carvings, until they reached a massive double door. The servant pushed it open gently.
Inside was a luxuriously decorated dining hall. The chandelier hung from the tall ceiling, illuminating the room as bright as daylight.
On the table, silver cutlery and goblets were neatly arranged. Viscount Francis sat at the head of the table, his expression as stern and detached as ever, yet when his eyes met Lan Qi, they showed a trace of warmth.
But tonight was different from usual—seated at the side of the table was another figure.
Zestira’s dark hair draped over her shoulders. She sat silently, her vertical pupils glancing briefly at Lan Qi before turning away in her usual quiet manner.
Seeing that Zestira had also been summoned by the Viscount to dine together, Lan Qi immediately understood:tonight, Viscount Francis must intend to discuss matters related to going to the Imperial Capital.
(End of Chapter)