Alice in the Land of Steam

Chapter 704 Need a Guide?

In the past, Lingge had always regarded the Witch Society and the Church Union as two different organizations. It was just that the former had infiltrated the latter and used the power of the latter to help himself achieve the so-called "great cause".

The direct reason that prompted him to have this idea was that the Witch Society was a secret organization with a long history. It first appeared in the early years of the Christian era, and has been looming behind the scenes of human civilization for the past 18 centuries. They interfered with and guided the course of history, pushing the world towards another path, and at the same time, for some unknown purpose, they always hid their true identities. Until now, only a few people - such as Ling Ge and others, and the Thirteen Hermits - knew of their existence.

In order to avoid being exposed, they usually interfered with and guided history indirectly rather than directly. Sometimes they asked members of the association to publish various major scientific research results or literary works in their own names, promoting the development of modern science and thought civilization, such as Galileo's celestial calendar, Martin Luther's Lutheran theology, Darwin and Marco Polo's geographical environment surveys of the East and West continents, etc.

Sometimes, the members of the association infiltrate the most powerful forces or countries in each historical period, usually to use their power to achieve political and social system reforms. For example, during the Hundred Years' War, Marshal Napoleon, King Barbarossa the Red Bearded, and Joan of Arc conquered and unified the three largest countries in the Western Continent, respectively, prompting the social and political system to transform from the backward feudal monarchy to a more enlightened modern constitutional system; or the three famous generals Clausewitz, Helmut, and Turenne single-handedly led the war against the extraordinary, allowing the more gentle magic system to replace the barbaric and primitive extraordinary system... These are all very clear examples.

Based on this, Ling originally believed that Langning Lavelle, Dickens, Christian, and even Saint Feier... were all representatives of the Witch Society's infiltration of the Cult Union, but the degree of infiltration was deeper. But perhaps this is not the case. Perhaps there is a possibility that the Cult Union itself is a force established by the Witch Society? It's just that ordinary believers don't know it, and only members of a certain level - such as the apostles or philosophers of the society know the truth.

Once the conclusion was determined, all the contradictory and related details that had been considered before were perfectly explained: there had never been any seven true gods, only seven witches named after saints; it was precisely because the seven true gods were fictional that their doctrines were so vague and no deeds were passed down; at the same time, the church union paid more attention to social practice rather than spreading faith, and also to prevent the believers' overly fanatical faith power from turning the fictional seven true gods into real conceived gods, leading to another tragedy of the Steam Holy War; the seven true god churches were actually different institutions under the Witch Society, but they were essentially the same organization, so there was a clear division of labor, and the reason why Longning Lavelle, a believer of the Grass Garden, appeared in the team of the Inquisition was not because he had abandoned his faith, but because of a job transfer...

Although there is no evidence so far to prove that this speculation is correct, Linger feels that it is the closest to the truth, otherwise it is impossible to explain the strange name of "Realist Cult Union": faith is of course an illusory thing, and only the crazy people in the Witch Society who think they can change the world are true realists.

But as soon as one question is solved, another comes to mind: What does this mean?
Does it mean that the Witch Society has finally grown tired of hiding behind the scenes and manipulating things, and has decided to step onto the stage and use the entire world as their chessboard? Or does it mean that their "Eden Project" has reached its final step, so they no longer need to be as cautious as before and can now legitimately welcome their victory?
Whatever the answer is, it can't be good news, at least for Ling and others.

The Witch Society is a mysterious organization that has been interfering in human history since ancient times, and the United Religious Orders is the most influential religious organization in the human world since modern times. From the past to the present, from the mysterious world to the surface world, from supernatural powers to all aspects of social, political and economics... Fighting against both of them at the same time will only make people feel deeply desperate.

Thinking of this, Lingge sighed silently.

"Why are you sighing?" A voice came from the side: "Are you disappointed that such a magnificent church has such a shabby ceremony building, Lingge?"

"Not really."

The young man replied subconsciously, and then he realized that it was Alice's voice, and from what she said, it seemed that they had arrived at their destination?

He looked up and found that there was a three-story building in front of him. It was a mixed structure of red bricks and wood, with whitewashed exterior walls, a triangular porch, old convex glass windows, and vermilion bricks on the sloping roof. Large patches of emerald green ivy hung from the roof, covering an entire wall, with small white or yellow flowers blooming among them, looking lush and green, and particularly comfortable. Judging from the appearance alone, it does not look like a traditional religious building, but more like a civilian house that can be seen everywhere in the city of Rostin. Old man Pancras stroked his red beard with a smile: "If I really disappoint Mr. Ling, please forgive me. Compared with the cathedral, the Jianxianyuan, the Jianzhiyuan and other buildings, the ceremonial building is indeed much more shabby."

"That's not the case, Lord Pancras." Ling said, "It feels... very comfortable."

This was not a polite remark. Compared with the various palaces, squares and bell towers they had seen along the way, the ceremonial building was not as grand, but it had a more unique temperament. The main reason was that this was probably the most popular place in the entire St. Annville Cross Church. The hurried black-robed monks, the nuns holding various documents, the maids or attendants in charge of sweeping, and people like them who were obviously not believers but had other purposes, all came and went under the open main door of the ceremonial building. Even though everyone deliberately lowered their voices, the conversations and footsteps still made the place seem very lively.

"Since the church was closed, all church affairs that were originally handled in the Academic Affairs Building, such as the daily management of believers, relief activities of welfare institutions, and the most important financial revenue, have been moved to the Ceremonial Building." Pancras introduced everyone: "The Cardinal of the Ceremonial Department, Brother Mufasa, should be handling church affairs in his office on the third floor. I will take you to see him."

No one objected, so everyone followed Pancras into the ceremony building. It can be seen that the old man has a high reputation here. People who pass by, whether they are black monks or nuns, will pay him respectful looks. The nun who is responsible for receiving guests on the first floor also said that if it is Master Pancras, there is no need to make an appointment and can go directly to the cardinal's office on the third floor. This is what Brother Mufasa has instructed in advance.

Thanks to the old man, Lingge and his party pretended to be a privileged class and came to the cardinal's office on the third floor without any obstacles. They met the monk Mufasa. Different from the traditional impression of the world, this red monk was a very tall and strong man with a face full of flesh and muscular body. He was covered with a red robe that symbolized the majesty of the cardinal, as if it could burst at any time. In addition, his appearance... To put it bluntly, if old man Pancras was ugly, he would probably be vicious, the type that could stop a child from crying.

Of course, judging people by appearance is wrong. Although Brother Mufasa looks fierce, he is an extremely devout believer, otherwise he would not have become a cardinal. He also has a soft side. According to old man Pancras, he has always liked to help old ladies cross the street since he was a child. He also escorted a lost little girl home - although the result only made the little girl cry louder.

By the way, Brother Mufasa is also a member of the True Spirit Sect, or in other words, the animists who are still staying in St. Annville Cross Church can only be members of the True Spirit Sect. And they are all influenced by old man Pancras, and some people, like Brother Mufasa, grew up under the old man's watch and teaching. Knowing this, it is not difficult to understand why Pancras still has a high reputation here after leaving the church for a long time.

The old man briefly mentioned to Brother Mufasa the origins and purpose of Lingge and others, hoping that he could provide some help within his ability.

After listening, the cardinal behind the desk fell into deep thought. He slowly turned his gaze to Lingge, and his voice was like an ancient bell, deep and deep: "I know about Rochelle's affairs. My thoughts are consistent with Lord Pancras. He has embarked on the wrong path for his obsession. You were able to stop him in time to prevent a greater disaster. I believe Rochelle is grateful to you. Please don't blame yourself for this, Mr. Lingge. As for help, to be honest, the Spiritual Prayer Society is currently in a very delicate position in Lunweiting, and our True Spirit Sect's position is even more delicate. If we blatantly provide help, it will not only easily attract the attention of the church union, but I am afraid that even some church members who regard us as traitors will hate you. Therefore, the only thing I can do is to find a church member to act as a guide for you. During this period, you can convey anything you need through her, and we will respond after careful consideration."

He didn't say it with full confidence, but his attitude was convincing. Linger nodded and said, "That's enough. Thank you very much for your help, Mr. Mufasa."

Mufasa nodded slightly, then picked up the copper bell on the table and shook it gently, making a crisp tinkling sound. He said to the void: "Sister Livia, please come to my office. I have a task for you."

　Give me some meow
　　
　
(End of this chapter)