Storm of Gods

Chapter 235 Undercover
Li Xin and his three companions boarded Didia's carriage, which was the largest and most spacious, while Travis's carriage led the way.

"As expected of a duke's family, it's definitely more upscale than an earl's family's," Li Xin said comfortably.

Simmons pursed his lips. "Brother Li, you guys analyzed so much yesterday, Number One and Number Two. I never imagined that Heldan would harbor two such vicious and secretive forces: the Dark Cuisine branch and the androids. The motive is clear, and we're getting closer to the truth!"

Didiah nodded. "I really want to find them and take them down."

"What are you doing? There are two demigods standing behind us. Our mission is to find the murderer and hand him over to the Holy See." Celia's mind was still sharp. Of course, she was also furious about the murderer's cruelty, whose methods were even more disgusting than those of the Fallen. But this was not something they could fight against.

“There must be accomplices to every murderer. We have to kill a few of those guys, otherwise we won’t be satisfied!” Didia said. Although he was very arrogant, after his battle with Li Xin, his mind was cleared. He couldn’t even beat Li Xin, so he was probably like a chick when facing a demigod. But if he didn’t fight, he felt like he could be so angry that he would die.

"Today's task is to look at Isaac's notes. Number Two is trying to replicate Isaac's experiments, but hasn't succeeded yet. Since we have the notes, let's see if we can find any clues, such as what materials are needed to create an artificial human besides human organs. We should look for clues in the materials used in its creation," Li Xin said.

“Compared to Number Two, Number One is even more hateful!” Didia said.

“We have a lead on Number One, but we need your help,” Li Xin said to Didia. Simmons and Celia also looked at Didia in surprise.

“You said it’s our duty to catch the real culprit, not for Anthony, nor for the honor of the family, but because I am also a Heldan,” Didia said in a deep voice. His chivalrous spirit, which had been ingrained in his soul since childhood, made him unable to tolerate the existence of such a murderer.

“Anthony’s act of digging out his heart was very likely not a brutal reaction after getting drunk, but an instinctive craving. It is said that people who have eaten dark cuisine have this side effect. Simply put, they look at people almost like they look at food,” Li Xin said. “The dark cuisine branch must be very good at hiding. The circle must be very small and very strict. Anyone who is even slightly suspicious to them cannot get in.”

Simmons and Celia both looked at Didia. "Brother Li, are you saying that Anthony contacted the murderer during the time he returned to Heldan?"

“Yes, both the Gourmet Association and the Dark Cuisine branch are extremely extreme. The Dark Cuisine branch is even more extreme. They are definitely selective about their diners and you have to meet certain requirements of them. Now that Anthony is dead, it means that you, Didia, have a chance,” Li Xin said.

"You want me to infiltrate?" Didia's face was extremely ugly.

It wasn't just the difficulty of the matter, but also because he actually thought Li Xin's analysis made sense. After returning from the frontier, Anthony had a problem with Didia, since Didia had become the heir while he could only be ranked behind. But one day, Didia excitedly greeted him, saying that he had tasted the most delicious food and rediscovered the feeling of being alive. Didia was somewhat impressed by that smug look. At the time, he was just happy for his brother, and he also felt that he had taken something that originally belonged to Anthony.

"Did something come to mind?" Li Xin asked.

Didiah nodded, then recounted the events of that time. The three exchanged glances; this confirmation made it almost certainly true. For someone like Anthony, who loved eating, drinking, and having fun, to get this excited...

Celia's face turned pale again, but she endured it. She really didn't want to be looked down upon. She pinched her inner thigh hard, using the pain to clear her mind.

“I’m willing to do this, but how can I join smoothly? I don’t know where he eats, and asking around might only alert him,” Didia said.

Li Xin thought for a moment, "This is easy. You don't need to go to them. Just let them come to you." All three looked at Li Xin, who waved his hand. The four of them huddled together and whispered among themselves.

"I can't do it, can I?" Didia was dumbfounded. This was too difficult. "I can't act it."

“I’m not really good at it either,” Simmons shook his head.

"Damn, no way, it's only been a short time and you two are already this close? No need to act, just be yourself." Li Xin said. Men's friendships are so inexplicable; they often become good friends while fighting. But these two are too fast. Without even knowing it, the eagle-like young master has already found a new love?
“Give it a try, I’ve taken drama classes before,” Simmons said.

"I have absolute confidence in you. As a great man once said, nobles are all born actors."

"Ah, which great master?" Celia asked.

"Children shouldn't ask too many questions."

Two carriages arrived at the Metropolitan's Baramor Cathedral, a magnificent cathedral made entirely of white marble, second only in size to the Papacy. The Papacy manages the affairs of the entire Earth Mother Goddess Church in Daoyuan. The main power of the Earth Mother Goddess Church is in Montcareta, but it also has influence in other places. In fact, for a long time, all the major churches have been trying their best to expand their faith territory. The affairs of Heldan are managed by Metropolitan Warner. Because it is located in the headquarters of the Earth Mother Goddess Church, Warner's influence and power are actually no less than that of a cardinal.

Upon arriving at the church, everyone felt a surge of energy, as if the darkness and gloom in their hearts had been instantly cleansed. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the interior. The dome was adorned with allegories from the doctrines of the Earth Mother Goddess, presented in the form of oil paintings. The interior decoration and materials were extremely luxurious. The already wealthy Montcarette was certainly not stingy when it came to building churches, which not only contained gold but were also inlaid with diamonds, gemstones, and other precious jewels. However, there was no need to worry about anyone blaspheming or stealing from the gods here. It is said that the Vatican possesses a golden church inlaid with diamonds and gemstones. It is hard to say which church in Daoyuan is the strongest, but the wealthiest is undoubtedly the Earth Mother Goddess Vatican.

The group saw again Metropolitan Vorna, dressed in a long white robe, wearing a bishop's crown, a golden collar, a holy rope, and a holy sash, as he was blessing the believers. Li Xin and the others sat quietly in chairs with Travis, waiting for the Metropolitan.

The last time I saw Metropolitan Vorna, he was dressed rather casually, looking more like a gentle and healthy old man. Now, in this uniform, combined with the surrounding environment and his tall stature, especially his broad shoulders, which give people a strong sense of security, the Metropolitan's aura immediately emanates, majestic and dignified.

Simmons and the others had begun to pray devoutly, for Mother Earth was their supreme mother.

Li Xin looked at the white jade statue of the Earth Mother Goddess and silently prayed. He had crammed some information about the history of Daoyuan from Simmons, and would ask Simmons some questions after each training session when Simmons was tired.

In the Dao Yuan Continent, the era of direct divine descent dates back to the Fourth Era's War of the Gods until Ragnarok. In the Fifth Era's papal age, gods would occasionally descend to bestow blessings. Now, in the Sixth Era, the era of the Kingdom and the Papacy, miracles truly belonging to the gods have ceased to occur. Those powerful forces originate from demigods and quasi-gods, especially the popes of various sects. Of course, it is said that devout believers will receive blessings, thereby making rapid progress on their path of cultivation.

Knowing all this, Li Xin began to recklessly try to curry favor with powerful figures, taking whatever opportunity he could find. He had already tried this shortly after arriving in Heldan. The small chapel last time was probably a bit too far from the gods, but this cathedral was close enough. He wondered if he could gain the gods' favor. After all, it was a well-known main god, and even a little blessing would be enough for him to live comfortably. Even if he didn't receive power, making him rich would be fine too. In this world, it always felt a bit empty without a powerful backer.

The Moon Goddess might have some prejudice against him. Everyone says that the moon is rounder in foreign countries. Maybe the Earth Mother Goddess likes his type?

He didn't know what the others were talking about, but they were all completely absorbed in their conversation, and Li Xin pretended to be absorbed as well.

(End of this chapter)