A Guide to Becoming a God Starting from a Monastery

Everyone felt that news of the fall of Rhodes Island would soon arrive.

By then, the Knights would have completely disintegrated. Even if they hadn't disintegrated, they would have been able to survive under the patronage of the Byzantines.

But the truth is always so unexpected.

Since Grand Master Thomas took office, news of victory from the Knights Templar has come one after another.

Some good news were fine, such as "victory in naval battle, several Crescent Moon Cult warships sunk, and several warships captured", but they were nothing more than small victories.

After all, no matter how bad the Knights are, a broken ship still has three pounds of nails, so it is understandable that they can win one or two insignificant victories.

But the news later became more and more explosive.

The combined forces of the Knights and the Byzantines attacked Smyrna and were badly defeated, but the Knights retreated intact.

The Knights captured Smyrna and annihilated the defenders.

The Knights won battle after battle, defeated the Crescent Moon Cult army and seized a large amount of spoils.

The Knights launched an expedition, fighting from the eastern Mediterranean to the western Mediterranean, eventually capturing Ceuta and spreading the glory of Christ across the entire African coast.

The Knights supported the Holy Land and launched an offensive against the Fatimid Empire with unstoppable force.

The Knights faced the Crescent Moon Cult's protectorate on Rhodes Island, and after a hard battle, they were finally defeated...

After a few years, the knights who were believed to be unable to grow long brought unbelievable news.

Thomas, the Grand Master, made many outstanding achievements and was eventually canonized as a cardinal by the Pope.

The news has already spread throughout the city.

Of course, it was just a title. He didn't really want to go back to Rome to share the power cake and fight for power and profit, but to continue to serve as the grand commander.

But even if it is just a title, it is an extraordinary title.

It also proves the value of Thomas, or the Knights Templar.

So this time, before entering the city, we met a welcoming team.

It's unclear whether this was arranged by the Pope, but there were indeed a lot of people coming to welcome him. And these people were not ordinary people.

Basically, they were all children of prominent families. Although Thomas' status and position were not enough for the dignitaries to come and welcome him, most of the dignitaries in the city sent their family members to welcome him.

There is a welcoming team of hundreds of people!

When they arrived in the city, a small-scale welcoming ceremony was held. Surrounded by many people, they paraded through the streets and alleys, which was a magnificent sight.

The formal ceremony is still a few days away, so during these days, invitations to parties and banquets come one after another.

……

In a noble manor on the outskirts of Rome.

A cardinal named Bernard hosted a banquet here to welcome distinguished guests.

A large number of dignitaries in the city attended the banquet.

The guests of honor at the banquet included not only Grand Master Thomas of the Knights of Rhodes, but also the current Doge of Venice, Balbo.

After all, Rome, as the center of the Christian world, was always visited by many distinguished guests. However, it was unclear whether the Governor had come to Rome at this time by chance or on purpose.

Although it was technically a dinner party, in this era, banquets were not held according to meal times. In other words, a lunch party could last from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a dinner party could last from 12 p.m. to the next morning, until the guests could no longer bear it.

Although it was called a dinner party, the banquet actually started very early. By the afternoon, the place was already full.

The meeting place was in an oriental-style attic in the manor.

It is just an "imitation", not a "high imitation", so in Thomas's opinion, it is actually a bit out of place.

Under the pale blue sloping roof, bursts of music, laughter, and conversation drifted out from the upper windows of the attic.

Doge Balbo was a sturdy man over fifty years old, a former soldier and fleet commander. It was said that his personal strength was also at an elite level, making him a rare hawk among the Venetians.

Businessmen value profit and will be soft when necessary, so there are really not many hawks.

However, even as an elite warrior, even if he still keeps training, his strength has begun to decline at his age.

There's nothing you can do about aging.

If you fail to protect the country, you will have to face this cruel law of nature early. Even if you succeed, it will only delay it for a while.

At this moment, Governor Balbo was sitting on his seat and talking.

The Venetian army had previously launched an attack on the Fatimid Empire, which happened to be when the Fatimids were fighting in the Holy Land. The timing was perfect, and this time the war ended with the Fatimids surrendering.

There were only a few minor battles, and no significant achievements were made. But this did not stop Governor Balbo from bragging about it.

It was mainly his eldest son, Aubigny, who was the commander of this military operation.

The governor naturally had to emphasize this victory repeatedly.

This is understandable, as the Venetian Doge was not hereditary but elected. Balbo always had to praise his son to increase his reputation and political capital so that he would have a chance to succeed him in the future.

"...In the end, those Crescent Moon believers chose to surrender! The castle became the territory of Christians!" Balbo proudly spoke of Venice's victory, and then looked at Thomas who was silent over there.

The only two people who had fought with the Crescent Moon Cultists here were probably Balbo and Thomas.

Especially the Knights Templar, which caused quite a stir after Thomas took office.

It seems that every time is a gamble and an adventure, but he is the ultimate winner in the end.

The current Knights Templar have replaced the Byzantine Empire and control the entire sea area.

Although it is only a small area in the Mediterranean, it can generate huge benefits.

After all, not to mention other things, escort safety alone is a problem.

Others may not know, but how could the Venetians not understand?

Only with money can you have power.

This is not empty talk, but a real objective fact in military affairs.

"I heard that Grand Commander Thomas also fought against the Crescent-Star Cultists in the Holy Land. Although he captured many castles, he was unfortunately unable to hold them."

This is true, but it was not Thomas who was responsible for the defense, and Thomas is not responsible for it.

The author says:

Author's words: Thanks to fellow readers Wu Xilian Yin Jian Shu Shu and The Meaning of Life for their rewards.

More updates today.

One more update.

Chapter 228 The Reckless 2

Thomas narrowed his eyes.

I originally thought I was just here to attend a meeting, but I didn't expect that Governor Balbo seemed to have something else to say.

As for the relationship between the Knights Templar and the Venetians...I know it well.

The last time we wiped out all the spies in Venice, we had a falling out.

Theoretically they are in the same camp, but both sides are eager to stab each other in the back.

Anyway, if a war breaks out now, Thomas would have absolutely no psychological barriers to selling out the Venetians. He believed the Venetians would do the same.

"The Knights have fewer men and less money, so they naturally cannot compare with Venice," Thomas replied casually.

Before attending the banquet, Thomas asked Knight Joseph to inquire about it.

He returned with only one ship this time, but Balbo came here with a fleet of ships.

This is clearly a show of force.

It’s just that I don’t want to show it off to anyone!

Thomas clearly showed weakness and did not want to engage in verbal competition with Balbo.

Balbo was a little surprised.

Normally, it's hard for young people of this age to keep their composure. Especially someone like Thomas, who's been victorious so many times, should be full of pride and complacency. He'd jump at the slightest provocation.

At this moment, several young men and women strode into the entrance of the banquet hall.

Although these people were dressed in luxurious clothes, they had a fierce aura and were obviously martial artists.

The leader was a young man who looked about the same age as Thomas, but with strong muscles and an arrogant look.

Walk all the way to Balbo.

"Dad," the young man said. "They say Rome is full of experts, but it seems like there aren't many."

"I went downstairs to spar with my friend, but most of the nobles here are just worthless and can't stand a single blow. It's so disappointing."

"Nonsense!" Balbo frowned and looked at the young man. "This is Rome, God's city. This is not the place for you to fight and bully others!"

"But I really can't find any powerful person!" The young man remained calm and didn't care about his father's scolding at all.

He glanced at everyone present, including Thomas, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar.

Although most of the nobles had trained since childhood, training did not necessarily make them warriors. The only ones present who appeared to possess military qualities were actually the two men on Thomas's side.

Thomas, and Knight Joseph who accompanied him!

"Captain, this kid has been challenging the martial arts instructors in Rome these days." Joseph approached Thomas. "It's said he's incredibly talented and very powerful. He has the potential to be a great protector of the nation in the future!"

"This is Captain Thomas, right? I heard that you recently killed a national defender. Could you tell me what a national defender is like?" The young man stared at Thomas with a cold expression.

"This is my second son, little Balbo," the Governor said, a look of helplessness on his face. "He's been spoiled since childhood and may not know some etiquette. I hope you can forgive him."

"It's okay, young Lord Balbo is a man of his character. In fact, although I was the one who dealt the final blow to the Protector of the Nation, the real credit for killing him should be attributed to everyone in the Knights Templar. We set a trap, lured him in, and set it on fire." Thomas was not angry, but answered gently.

"Just set a fire?" Little Balbo was obviously a little surprised.

"Oh, right, it's mixed with some Greek fire. I'm sure Mr. Balboa knows what that is."

Everyone around was stunned, then chuckled.

No wonder he was able to kill Huguo... If you use this method, it really isn't difficult.

"I thought Captain Thomas was very skilled in martial arts, but now it seems he is just so-so." Little Balbo said provocatively.

"Enough!" Governor Balbo raised his voice.

"However, is it worth boasting about killing an enemy with such despicable means, even if the enemy is a patriot?" Little Balbo ignored his father's words and continued to be aggressive.

"Of course. Any means is a good means to kill a Star-Moon Cultist," Thomas replied.

"Get down! Get down right now!" Governor Balbo's face turned cold and he pointed at his son and shouted.

"Everyone says that Captain Thomas killed a national defender. I just want to ask him how he did it!" Little Balbo actually stiffened his neck and confronted his father.

He pointed at Thomas with an arrogant look on his face.

"If you kill the enemy in this way, what's the difference between you and a coward? Where's the honor of a knight?"

"Mr. Balboa seems to be drunk and talking nonsense." Thomas did not get angry, but continued to smile calmly.

It's a battle of life and death, so why should we be so particular?

No matter how noble a soldier is, he is worthless in death. This is true for him and the morality he believes in.

"I heard that the Grand Commander has many powerful men under his command. I wonder if there is a chance for me to ask for their advice." Little Balbo said arrogantly.

Governor Balbo tried to dissuade and hold him back, but to no avail. He looked helpless.

"Unfortunately, I didn't bring many people with me to Rome this time. So if you, Mr. Balbo, really want to learn martial arts, please come to Smyrna or Rhodes Island."

In the future, Smyrna will be the focus of the Knights' operations, while Rhodes Island will be considered the rear.

Little Balbo snorted coldly, turned around and left.

Only people with different expressions were left.

Naturally, someone stepped in to smooth things over and ease the atmosphere, but Thomas was stunned.

This little Balboa is probably not pretending, he is really stupid.

The kind of fool who is obsessed with martial arts and whose head is full of water because of the education of chivalry.

So it became a knife that came to test him. Behind this knife, someone was waiting for him to make a real move, so as to catch him in the sore spot.

But I can't figure out who is behind this. Who wants to deal with Thomas?