In this cyberpunk era, why are you still playing the traditional villain?

"Money, money, money! All you ever think about is money!"

The voice wasn't loud, but it really got Lu Baiyan into a frenzy: "When the Vatican is truly defeated, you and your money can go to your coffin!"

"This is only a tiny part. You think this is enough? Take your pig brain out of your heels and use it! Use it!"

His violent reaction startled everyone, including Qin Yiyan.

Because squinty-eyed people usually have a really good temper. No matter what they think in their hearts, they are almost always smiling. A furrowed brow like that just now is a very rare expression.

As for getting angry, that's another story. After working together for so many years, this is the first time we've ever seen anyone do it, which is why we were so surprised.

However, this also clearly demonstrates just how angry Lu Baiyan is right now.

He was indeed angry. He hadn't even thought about arguing with the two men's sarcastic remarks before, since they were all in the same boat... But now that he was here offering advice, the two men were still just as short-sighted!

There are some things he just doesn't want to say outright, but the truth is that, given the special nature of their work, Templar Knights can make a lot of extra money in addition to their regular salary.

At least half of the eleven Templar Knights would use their positions to earn extra income.

He himself is wealthy and doesn't care much about that little bit of money, but others might not be. This bastard in front of him is the best example.

But it's one thing if you usually do *that*, but why are you still worrying about these things now?

Good heavens, who am I working with?

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that Xu Shi was really amazing. Could there be such discordant voices in his team?

If he doesn't have it, that would be incredibly enviable; if he does, it only proves his skill is exceptional, since I'm already on the verge of losing my guard.

"...Alright, alright, Bai Yan, don't be angry."

Qin Yiyan pouted and acted as a peacemaker, "Didn't you just say this was only the first step? What's next?"

It was clear that she was a little uncomfortable with Lu Baiyan flipping the table, but that was fine, he had said everything he wanted to say, so it wouldn't hurt for her to play the good cop.

"What can we do after that? We'll probably have to talk to the royal family again."

Squinting eyes calmed her emotions, but her tone was still not very friendly. "Or you could talk to Xu Shi. He probably doesn't really want to fight us to the death. If that's the case, then of course we can talk."

Everyone was noncommittal about this. If doing these things could really reverse the current decline of the Papacy, they wouldn't be so worried.

Not to mention that this is just a stopgap measure. To be honest, even if it is done, it is already too late. In addition, they cannot provide compensation to the people, so the effect is probably not as optimistic as Lu Baiyan said.

"As long as we can find that point where everyone is at a balance, the situation will naturally not remain deadlocked indefinitely..."

Lu Baiyan continued, but then stopped midway through his sentence.

The others also realized it, because this point was right in front of them.

When Xu Shi came to the Vatican before, although his attitude was very bad, the conditions he gave were very clear - to make Qin Yiyan his maid, and to kill Luo Yu.

It's quite obvious that the latter is the result he wants, and the former is just a side effect.

This condition sounds acceptable—sacrificing one person for the benefit of the entire Papacy… But if they actually did this, regardless of whether it would be effective, the Papacy's status would undoubtedly plummet.

Killing one's own people, especially those of high status like the Templars, would be a huge disgrace if word got out.

If they happen to take money and do nothing again, then they'll become complete clowns.

So, no matter what, they couldn't possibly do such a thing... It's a good thing Luo Yu isn't here today, otherwise it would be awkward for quite a while now.

But this seems to create a vicious cycle; without addressing the root cause, there's no hope of reaching a real agreement.

All I can say is that Xu Shi is really petty... Of course, dealing with petty people is even more of a headache.

Thinking of this, everyone couldn't help but feel helpless. Qin Yiyan sighed and looked at the statue behind them, "Your Highness, what do you think? Do you think Bai Yan's suggestion is acceptable?"

The question still needs to be asked, because the Knights Templar's position is very delicate—they are a department jointly appointed by the royal family and the Papacy. Regardless of whether they are aligned with the monarchy or not, they have had a hard time obtaining decision-making power over the years, and it's the same for both sides.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the saint and the pope.

Her Highness seemed not to hear, and continued to pray devoutly before the statue.

"His suggestion is fine, I agree."

But what was remarkable was that the Pope slowly stepped out from behind the scenes and said, "You must take care of the relief station immediately. The treatment should be better than that of the royal family. We have already fallen behind, and we cannot fail to do better."

"His Holiness the Pope."

Everyone hurriedly knelt on one knee and bowed to him. In fact, they had rarely seen him in person in recent years. It was rare to see him even once before the last expedition against the sea god.

And he has indeed aged—Qin Yiyan is the most qualified to speak on this point. He grew up in the Papacy, where the Pope was a capable middle-aged man, but now he is somewhat thin and even withered, constantly exuding an aura of old age.

It's hard to believe that he and Cheng Gujian are the same age... but this also proves one point well: no matter how powerful a "chosen one" is, they seem unable to escape the ravages of time.

"Get up."

The Pope nodded slightly, but his tone became stern. "As for talking to them... you should handle this matter carefully, after all, this is not the only path we can take."

"Don't be timid and hesitant just because you're afraid, understand?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes widened—who wouldn't understand the subtext? It was clear he was saying that if things truly reached an irreconcilable point, he agreed to use force…

Of course, it wouldn't be wrong to call it a warning. The first part of the speech was a warning to the two knights, Ji and Pu, while the second part was directed at Lu Baiyan, implying that his approach was too lenient.

"Yes."

Everyone responded in unison.

……

"The Vatican has finally made a move?"

Inside the mansion, Xu Shi lay on a recliner in the courtyard, chuckling as he looked at the intelligence report that had been handed to him.

The intelligence was naturally given to him by Cheng Gujian—he didn't need to worry about that at all. After so many years of open and covert struggles, it would be impossible for the two sides not to have planted spies in each other.

But he didn't care. Anyway, he did everything openly. What could they possibly find out?

However, it's still worthwhile to keep track of the other party's movements; knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle.

"What about you? What are your plans?"

Xia Ke'an popped out from behind him, rested her head on his shoulder, and asked.

"So you don't even call me 'Dad' anymore?"

Xu Shi's expression was quite exaggerated, as if he felt that his daughter had grown up but was no longer close to him.

"Then you should do something that a father should do."

The older woman rolled her eyes at him and retorted, "Let's get down to business. What are your plans now?"

"So, what are your plans...? Look, here you go."

Xu Shi stopped arguing with her about how to address her and handed her a stack of papers on the table beside him. “I’ve already compiled those charlatan’s rhetoric. Now the Holy Fire Cat Cult can open as many branches as it wants without any problem. We can retire with honor and just show up when the time is right.”

"...Who told you that?!"

The white-haired loli paused for a moment, then bit his ear.

"What are you doing? Are you a dog? Shouldn't the Holy Maiden of the Cat Cult be a cat?"

"Where did this zodiac sign come from? Can't you be serious for once?"

"There's no need for that."

Xu Shi smiled and stopped teasing her. "Let them do what they want... I know without Cheng Gujian's information that this must be Lu Baiyan's idea."

"why?"

"Because he's the only Templar Knight left in the main city who has a brain."

Xu Shi had already reviewed these people's files and had a certain understanding of each person's behavior patterns. "Who else could it be, Ji Bochang or Park Guochang?"

It's even less likely that Luo Yu could do that; if he had that level of skill, he wouldn't have caused such a scene on Silver Pine Island.

"Oh? Then why don't you think it's that redhead?"

Noticing that he seemed to have overlooked someone, Xia Ke'an blinked and teased, "What's his name again... Qin Yiyan?"

"She's a big-breasted, brainless woman."

Xu Shi gave his evaluation without any reservations.

"Haha, I have a feeling it was deliberately left out of the calculations?"

The older woman persisted, "You're itching to become her maid, aren't you?"

"How did you learn this trick too?"

Xu Shi was speechless. "I already said that I was forced into it by you guys. I never had such thoughts at all, okay?"

"Come on, who would believe that?"

The white-haired loli scurried up to him, narrowed her eyes, and scrutinized him, "Dare to say you don't like big breasts, huh?"

"...That's just one of my many hobbies."

The bad man gave an ambiguous answer, while glancing at Xia Ke'an repeatedly, "Of course, you're not very good at this."

"Isn't this nonsense?"

The old lady was so angry she laughed. "If I looked like her, wouldn't I be a monster?"

"You won't be all the same when you grow up."

Xu Shi spread his hands, his eyes full of pity.

"...Xu Shi!"

These words struck a nerve with the white-haired loli, and without saying a word, she switched into her mature woman form with a bang.

"Open your eyes and take a good look. What's wrong with me?"

"Just looking at it isn't enough; you have to handle it and experience it for yourself..."

"Will this ever end?! Go to hell!"

As they talked, the two of them started laughing and joking around.

The poor recliner couldn't support the weight of two people and collapsed with a crack.

Just then, the courtyard gate creaked open.

"Long time no see, did you miss me?"

Xia Wuyou walked in with a joyful heart.