Chapter 274
Chapter 274
Chapter 274
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 274 – Lan Qi and His Connection with the Ba'tian Church
Several chandeliers hung from the tall ceiling. Beneath the lights, on the side of the archive hall, variously shaped hardwood tables and sofas were arranged in order. On the tables sat bronze candlesticks, candle flames flickering and giving off a mesmerizing fragrance.
Sigrid’s gaze still lingered on Lan Qi. Her delicate features carried a soul that was untamed and unrestrained.
“Before I agree to you, please allow me to confirm a few things first.”
At last, Lan Qi spoke.
“Go ahead.”
Sigrid’s voice remained indifferent.
She did not allow others to reject her, but when it came to questions from a future subordinate, she was still willing to answer.
“Do you want me to serve as your strategist?”
Lan Qi thought that mixing into the Ba'tian branch didn’t sound like a bad idea.
After all, this branch started from a higher position, its followers matched well with his nature, and the bishop herself looked highly upon him. If he wanted to make a career in the Empire, it was far better than slowly climbing up from being just a spy in the Annihilation Branch.
Besides, sneaking around wasn’t his style. He preferred to act openly and directly.
“That’s right. Helping me win the bishop election in two months will be your duty. If you can accomplish this task, whatever request you have, I will try my best to reward you.”
The Ba'tian Bishop nodded, giving her word.
“But being a strategist requires authority in order to do things properly. Are you really willing to trust someone like me?”
Lan Qi asked.
He didn’t think Sigrid was a bad superior, but if she was willing to bring someone over from the Annihilation Branch, then she must have considered the risks.
“I can tell you bear no grudge against me. But you do have the intention of harming Asksson, which in itself is enough reason for me not to doubt you.”
Sigrid lightly tapped the armrest of her throne, regarding Lan Qi with interest. For some reason, she felt this youth’s thoughts were very easy to read.
“In addition, I will give you one chance to betray me. Before I believe you have betrayed me, I will trust you completely—even if you want me dead. But correspondingly, if that day truly comes when you betray me, I will spare no cost to personally erase you.”
“So, when it comes to some decisions, may I take the lead as much as possible?”
If the Ba'tian Bishop had that kind of boldness, he was willing to give this partnership a try.
Sigrid paused briefly.
“You are a bit too arrogant… But you are precisely the kind of talent I need. Very well. As long as you can prove your strength, I will grant you authority as much as possible.”
She answered, but at this point, her voice carried no hesitation, and she seemed unwilling to waste more words with Lan Qi.
She believed she had already shown enough sincerity.
If the other party failed to appreciate it and kept pressing for more, then she would only consider it a waste of her time.
Boss Cat’s body was tense, like an arrow on the string. Silence filled the surroundings, but this quietness pounded on its heart like a hammer striking faster and faster, making its heartbeat race near the point of bursting.
“Then I am glad to work with you, Bishop.”
Lan Qi’s voice made Boss Cat’s twitching ears finally calm down again.
“Many decisions will also require your cooperation.”
Thus, Lan Qi formally decided to join the Ba'tian branch.
He had wandered half his life, never finding a true master. If Sigrid would not abandon him, then he was willing to serve her as bishop.
As for his original intent, it had never changed.
Who said observing the Sealed Stone Tablet had to depend on Askeson’s permission?
“Good. Show me your potential, and perhaps you can go even further. I will not begrudge the authority that is rightfully yours.”
Sigrid nodded.
The young man before her was utterly unlike her previous disciple, even the complete opposite. Yet she was very satisfied.
“Though I don’t really want to take in a Holy Son, one day I must train a newcomer to kill the Desolation Holy Son.”
The Ba'tian Bishop Sigrid murmured to herself, as if recalling the death of the Ba'tian Saintess.
When she spoke of the Desolation Holy Son, even the temperature of the entire archive dropped sharply, making Boss Cat’s fur stand on end in trembling fear.
“Killing him should be easy for you, shouldn’t it?”
Lan Qi didn’t find this strange. He understood the Bishop’s feelings deeply, and asked.
Had Lan Qi not been in Hedon Capital, where Loren and other strong individuals resided, it was likely that Ivanos, the Destruction Bishop, would have personally come to kill him.
After all, he had already slain a Saintess before. He was experienced.
“I am not so base as to kill a Holy Son with my own hand. Unless he chooses to challenge me—then I will take it as suicide and send him on his way.”
Sigrid answered coldly.
“I know you are not weak, but the gap between you and a Holy Son or Holy Daughter is still far too wide. Don’t harbor dangerous thoughts.”
Though she knew the present Protos Empire was the perfect stage for this youth, she did not want to lose such a promising seedling.
She never let go of any grudge. She could endure for a long time, but once she found the right chance, she would repay it doubly, making her enemies feel true terror.
After issuing her warning, she looked at the newcomer she had personally recruited. Her gaze still carried appreciation.
“First, I have something for you to do. Consider it your chance to prove your ability to me.”
She said.
“No problem. But next week I must work at the Protos Royal Academy of Magic. So at the earliest, I can only begin at the start of next month.”
Lan Qi replied.
In his arms, Boss Cat finally let out a sigh of relief.
It was sure that this youth’s professional ability was solid.
This was surely the Bishop’s initial assessment of him as a direct subordinate. Depending on how well he performed, her level of trust and reliance would either increase further or be slightly adjusted downward.
But whatever the case, Boss Cat no longer cared. As long as Lan Qi could steadily develop in the Ba'tian branch, and later find Hupe to quickly return to the Southern Continent—that would be enough!
No more promotions! Please, no more!
“I’ve read your records. You came from Lilorom City in the Southwestern Province, yes?”
Sigrid conjured, with her Bishop’s Seal, a [Token of Resurrection – Ba'tian] that glowed faintly with violet light, and tossed it to Lan Qi.
She knew this youth had served as tutor to the viscount’s daughter in border city Lilorom, and that the school would become closed during weekdays. She did not mind losing a few days’ time.
“That’s right.”
Lan Qi caught the sacred seal steadily and nodded in confirmation.
“It’s said that in the Southwestern Province, a figure has appeared who could change the entire Protos Empire. Even my followers have been swayed by him. Some even say he will take part in the coming presidential election of the Empire…”
Sigrid leaned back on her throne and spoke slowly.
“Take this seal of direct subordination, go to the Southwestern Province, and investigate the recent changes there—and who this ‘Forerunner’ truly is. Then bring him to me.”
She did not know what kind of incendiary words or innate charisma this so-called “Forerunner” possessed, that he could constantly enthrall the Empire’s people, leading more and more to revere him as a spiritual leader.
Although as the always-despised Resurrection Church, it would be difficult to persuade such a rising political star to cooperate in ruling the entire Protos Empire, let alone to gain his trust…
But if Lan Qi could manage it, then she would acknowledge his talent and bestow upon him great power.
(End of Chapter)