In the vast underground space, the chaotic killings seemed to be nearing their end.
Although the enormous body was still emaciated, more than 80% of the old signs of decay had been restored. Crimson rivers of blood climbed up the body, filling the dry and broken wounds one by one.
Gray-green, curling magic patterns emerged, their ends connected like a long snake, squeezing the alchemical runes on the body's surface, which were used for sealing and control, into fragments.
The white skeleton in the shape of a deer roared to the sky, and a layer of flesh and blood, as if made of dried moss and sticky mud, grew out, with red light bursting from its sunken eye sockets.
Accompanied by that eerie growl, a gray-black halo and a frosty-white halo flashed from beneath the monster's feet, quickly spreading out and enveloping the space.
The light swept over everyone, followed by an intense hunger and a bone-chilling cold.
A wizard who was still struggling to maintain his defensive spells suddenly convulsed violently and bit his companion's neck, tearing off a large chunk of flesh.
"...It's the domain of famine and frost. Try to counter it with the corresponding elemental power!" Blake shouted, revealing the information that was originally kept secret. He huddled behind the protective circle, staring intently at the hole in the dome, his mood rising and falling like the waves.
The sudden change gave him hope for survival. This was New York, the place with the strongest official support. If a capable person arrived, things might still turn around.
Having narrowly escaped death, Blake suddenly realized that his heart wasn't as resolute as he had imagined...
No, this is not cowardice! I am an elite of the Federation, a pillar of strength, and surviving means I can make even greater contributions! He roared madly in his heart.
As if hearing his innermost thoughts, a deep, trembling sound, indescribable in its own right, suddenly descended.
The rock slabs overhead suddenly jolted, bursting apart like tofu being struck by a giant hammer, radiating outwards from the center of the hole. Countless stones flew in all directions with a sharp force, the piercing sound of them tearing through the air drowning out all other noises.
A holy radiance rippled outwards, surging forth like a flood, flowing freely like mercury spilling onto the ground, instantly transforming the underground cave into a sea of light.
Logically speaking, even without deliberate targeting, the mere leakage of light and heat would be enough to burn flesh and boil blood. Yet, those who are immersed in it do not feel any discomfort whatsoever.
The holy light, so intense it was almost liquid, possessed its own spirituality. It gently enveloped everyone like a spring breeze, dispelling any negative influences that might have tainted them.
However, when faced with undead monsters awakening from their long slumber, the immense power derived from the fusion of human faith and the higher planes reveals a cruel and ruthless side.
The withered yellow antlers turned to dust in silence, the ashen skin turned to mud, and the newly grown flesh melted into thick black mud that rolled down, evaporating before it even dripped, leaving only a lingering stench.
The ferocious and overwhelming monster was as if it were enveloped in a sea of strong acid, roaring in vain, struggling and trembling, but it was tightly sealed by the infinite divine power, like ice in a furnace gradually melting away, until only the huge, grotesque skeleton was left, struggling left and right, still stubbornly refusing to leave.
But what's meant to die will die eventually.
"Poor souls who were lured by a glass bead worth 24 gold coins and lost the ground beneath their feet...may your souls be freed from centuries of torment and find eternal peace."
In stark contrast to the sigh that carried a hint of guilt, the owner of the voice acted with exceptional decisiveness. With a gentle turn, a transparent and pure cross-shaped sword was placed against the grotesque skull.
"Crack—!"
A crack as thin as a hair, two cracks, and then hundreds and thousands of cracks.
The skull, still bearing half a deer antler, slightly opened its mouth, resignedly ceasing its resistance, and then silently transformed into countless wisps of light and dust.
Amidst the fireflies and stardust, two streaks of light, one black and one white, suddenly appeared, hovering aimlessly in mid-air like lost lambs.
A slightly thin hand reached out, trying to grab the ball of light, but at that moment, a palace surrounded by auspicious light suddenly jumped out and swallowed the spoils with lightning speed.
Zhu Mingyao's projection emerged with its head bowed, bowing and scraping, and smiled shyly at the elderly nun who had appeared:
"Respected Aunt Irene, it's been so long! You're like an angel who heard the call of humanity, coming from Eden to save me from suffering..."
He clasped his hands together, tilted his face up, and blinked his eyelids. His posture was so humble and his tone so reverent that it was as if a primary school student who was chasing after a star had met his idol.
What's a few kind words to the old lady? It's best to pocket the benefits first!
Chapter 361 The Origin of New York
The milky white sea of light swirled and churned, merging with the remaining evil and filth into stillness. Then, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, it all settled on a string of pure red rose beads. The air was filled with the scent of sunshine after rain, fresh, invigorating, and lovely.
"It has indeed been a long time, handsome young man. To be honest, you young people are full of energy and make quite a commotion."
Having clearly seen the situation, the worldly-wise old woman, who had lived for more than half a century, instantly guessed most of the cause and effect.
The old man, who had seen through his little schemes, was not offended. He simply glanced at the women and teased them with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"If you want to be a hero and save a damsel in distress, you have to be realistic about your abilities. If I hadn't arrived in time, you would have embarrassed yourself in front of the lovely girls."
"Your presence nearby is indeed unexpected." Zhu Mingyao rubbed his hands together and chuckled, his eyes, gleaming with a cunning and lively light.
“However, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. John’s Cathedral, St. Nicholas Cathedral…” He pointed his index finger upwards, then spread his hands, “They still stand in New York, just like the devout and venerable priests and bishops inside, and can’t be moved anytime soon, right?”
"You cunning boy... do you think the clergy are hunting dogs? You'd better donate a sum of money to apologize later!" Sister Irene looked at his lazy appearance and laughed angrily.
On the surface, he pretended to be angry, but in his heart he secretly praised his cleverness. As the first city of the Federation and even the New World, it was a must-win place for all the churches in the Holy Temple in every respect.
The name mentioned by the other party refers to the Patriarchate of New York, which comprises three major factions: Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy. These factions are numerous and powerful, and when they join forces, even the most formidable enemies will have to give way.
The most ingenious thing is that if it were any other target, the three major churches might not have been so eager, but a powerful and evil undead creature suddenly appeared in the bustling city center.
Good heavens above! This is a sales report! And it comes with a hefty year-end bonus!
After pulling off this job, I'll make a big splash in front of the authorities and believers, surpassing the other two and dominating the local religious market in no time! Then I'll get a promotion and a raise, maybe even become Pope or Patriarch—just thinking about it makes me a little excited.
"However, I still have to say that while courage and wisdom are certainly good things, going too far can easily put oneself in danger. For example, if it were someone else who came this time, they might not have been able to easily deal with that monster."
After all, they were fallen heroic spirits, formed from the last resentment of the local indigenous tribes..."
Zhu Mingyao raised his eyebrows at the vague hints about the monster's origins in the old man's words, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly realized, muttering to himself:
"I see, that explains it. No wonder they were willing to risk committing crimes right under everyone's noses. It turns out that the King of Wendigo, because of his obsession from back then, has become a kind of earthbound spirit and can't be moved at all!"
While the onlookers were still confused, the two had already exchanged enough information in their back-and-forth questioning.
Talking to intelligent people is so effortless, Sister Irene smiled and nodded, confirming his guess.
"Whether it's famine or cold, it leans towards the negative in the spiritual realm. Young people may have good appetites, but they should be careful not to get an upset stomach."
"Thank you for your concern and reminder. I will cook and prepare it carefully and use it with caution."
The old man's words contained a hint of advice, and Zhu Mingyao naturally understood his good intentions. He followed the conversation, putting away his spoils while humbly expressing his gratitude.
"You are probably aware of the current situation. Please take good care of these reckless and foolish women. I will have to excuse myself for now. Once things have calmed down in a few days, I will definitely go to the church to donate money and listen to the teachings of the elders."
As the last bit of incense burned out, the jade-white smoke drifted away in the air, and the summoning ceremony finally came to an end. Zhu Mingyao's projection could no longer be maintained. He bowed deeply to the old man who came to his rescue, and then gave his girlfriend a comforting look. Immediately afterward, his figure burst like a fragile soap bubble.
"What...what did you mean just now?" Bathed in the warm, spring-like light, the injuries and fatigue of the group quickly recovered. Michelle, being younger, couldn't help but feel confused. Her rambling words had left her completely bewildered.
“My lovely girl, do you know the origin of New York?” Sister Irene’s question seemed to be completely off-topic.
Fortunately, the extraordinary inspiration brought by years of prayer and meditation allowed the old man to instantly see through the girl's poor academic performance. Instead of expecting any reliable answers, he revealed the answer himself.
"When the colonists arrived, the local Native American tribes kindly welcomed them and generously shared this fertile ancestral land with them..." She paused, her tone tinged with a hint of sorrow.
"But just like countless sordid stories from that ugly era, once the greedy outsiders had established themselves, they used only a glass bead worth 24 gold coins to swindle their benefactors out of their homes."
After softly reciting a sacred passage and offering a heartfelt prayer, Granny Eileen lamented, "The awakened tribes, led by their chiefs, rose up in resistance. At that time, the elements were at a low ebb, and no matter how valiant the totem warriors were, or how bizarre the priestly magic was, they could not withstand the ferocious gunpowder weapons and the divine magic of the accompanying priests. Blood soaked the earth."
She clasped her hands together, her fingers interlaced, and calmly recounted the end of that bloody history.
"Desperate shamans gathered at the underground altar, merging their souls with the flesh and bones of their brethren to become the spirit of the wilderness—the King of Wendigo—symbolizing the cold and hunger of winter."
They intended to seek justice for the murderer, but were ultimately suppressed and sealed away. Even today, hundreds of years later, they almost became tools for killing by the descendants of the despicable!
Her tone shifted, becoming forceful and clear, revealing her inner anger and determination.
"Kidnapping, murder, breeding dark monsters—those behind these things must pay the price!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a slender, gleaming chain stretched out from the old man's palm, suddenly disappearing into the distant darkness, and then rolled back within a few breaths.
A ball of dark red fire was violently thrown to the ground, revealing the disheveled figures of Blake and Donnie.
After a series of brutal battles, only the two guards planted here by the mastermind remained.
One was the strongest, and the other was the commander who was quickest to react. They sensed something was wrong the moment the old nun arrived and secretly fled early in the morning.
"Gentlemen, please explain the reasons behind this!"
Chapter 362 Silencing the Victim
What are the reasons behind this?
The old woman's implication was obvious.
In any legal system, getting suspects to plead guilty is a crucial step, a rule that even those with extraordinary abilities recognize.
But just as a court still needs a confession to convict a sports star even if it knows he has committed the heinous crime of murdering his wife, necessary legal steps should never be neglected.
Especially when the other party has an almost gleaming official label, one must be even more cautious. This is no longer the era of divine right of kings. In the face of a secular regime at the world's pole, even someone as righteous as her must restrain her anger.
Of course, if the other party is really stubborn and refuses to cooperate, the old nanny is not so old-fashioned.
While the Christian system of magic has always claimed to be aboveboard, it also employs sophisticated clandestine techniques such as mental intrusion and memory retrieval. The formidable reputation of the Inquisition was not fabricated by historians.
"My esteemed nun, the situation is perhaps more complex than we imagine. I suggest we wait for higher authorities to send someone to negotiate with the church..."
Blake's eyes darted around as he racked his brains trying to buy time. With such a commotion, he was sure the government had noticed the situation had been exposed and was sending capable people to deal with it.
However, he overlooked one thing: the person in front of him was clearly not someone who could be easily deceived.
“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere on the earth, to show great power to those whose hearts are faithful to him. You have done foolish things; after this, you will have war…”
As the chant began, a golden-white, vertically shaped rune took shape, imbued with a penetrating power, and was imprinted on his forehead.
If you're unwilling to confess honestly, then I'll just take it from your head!
Even a naive nun who was originally indifferent to worldly affairs, after traveling around the world and fighting against all kinds of ferocious monsters for decades, naturally developed a hardened edge in her soft heart.
The dazzling, cold light mercilessly entered my eyes.
Then... it crashed into a giant hand!
The large hand was withered and dark, with a faint red glow flowing between its deep lines, just like the aged face of its owner.
He politely clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect, his bright red, bare-shoulder monk's robe fluttering in the breeze. The bald old man, with his distinctly South Asian features, spoke in a polite yet distant tone.
Good night, Your Excellency.
Sister Eileen pursed her thin lips, carefully examining the troublemaker who had suddenly intervened. She watched coldly without saying a word, only a faint milky white luster, like pearls, fell from the unknown void, dyeing her simple nun's clothes pure white.
Even a weakened camel is bigger than a horse; the influence of the Holy Church remains profound. With her keen eyes and ears, she is well aware of the powerful figures within the Federation.
"May I take them away? The relevant departments are ready to conduct an inquiry and investigation." The old Brahmin monk stated the routine, unbelievable platitudes, his face as calm as still water.
Seeing his savior arrive, Blake suppressed his elation and discreetly hid to the side. However, the thought of his mission falling through made him wonder if his connections and background were enough to exonerate him. He became anxious and uncertain again.
“Mr. Red Sun, you have only been in the Federation for a short time, so you may not be familiar with some of the ancient conventions… The Church has the right to intervene in such heinous incidents.” Sister Eileen calmly fiddled with the delicate silver cross on the rose-colored glass rosary beads as they twirled between her fingers.
The Venerable Red Sun raised his sparse, long eyebrows, creating deep furrows, as if he were considering something. After a moment of silence, the corners of his mouth suddenly turned up, revealing fine, white teeth that seemed far beyond his years.
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