Su Fu had originally thought that summoning her, the Pope would at least spout some standard lines about purifying heretics, or else ask with a grave face about the Twilight Judgment.
At the very least, she should have gotten straight to discussing the Tree of Life.
She never expected that the moment the Pope opened her mouth, she would start gossiping.
Zero-frame opener, huh.
Seeing Su Fu’s bewildered expression, the Pope couldn’t help but smile, a mischievous glint flickering in her green eyes.
“Ahem…” Su Fu braced herself and answered, “Well… not bad.”
“Houchu, um… pretty… pretty good.”
She couldn’t very well say she almost made Houchu cry, could she?
After all, she was representing the Chinese Pantheon. That would be terrible for the diplomatic relations between their nations.
Su Fu quickly changed the subject. “Your Holiness, how exactly did Augustus find me?”
She was genuinely curious.
Only then did the Pope return to business. “He must have sensed the tainted aura on you.”
“Of course, I mean the aura of the Serpent of Temptation.”
Su Fu: “…”
Chesia, come out and take the blame!
“So,” Su Fu said thoughtfully, “Augustus mistakenly believed I was of the same ilk as him, and that’s why he came to me on his own?”
“Indeed,” the Pope explained. “After confirming your existence, he had Laiyin investigate parts of your timeline.”
“That is also how he discovered your connection with the Tree of Life.”
Su Fu: “…”
Gotta say, that Twilight Judgment crew was really desperate. Were they trying to recruit everyone, build a network of followers?
And it was because of that tainted aura that Augustus thought she could be brought over.
But in the end…
He was not only sold out by Laiyin, but also fleeced by her, handed directly to the Pope.
A deeper smile crept into the Pope’s eyes. “To thank you for your tremendous contribution, Houchu will take you to the Holy Relic Court shortly. You may choose a few relics as a reward for this intelligence.”
Su Fu’s eyes instantly lit up.
Generous, way too generous.
As expected of the Pope who ruled the Paradise Pantheon—she sure knew how to spread the wealth!
She said demurely, “Your Holiness, you’re far too kind. We’re partners. This was my duty.”
“I’ll do my part without hesitation from now on!”
I’m rich, I’m rich! I never expected to get such a haul just for providing info. What a jackpot.
Chesia was actually pretty good. What an unexpected bonus.
From now on, she should take her out for some entrapment more often.
Now, whenever Su Fu looked at Chesia, she found her delicate and lovely.
Just then, the Pope’s smile faded slightly. “Besides that, there is something even more important.”
Here it comes.
The real business had finally arrived.
The Pope continued, “The situation across the Central Star System is now volatile. The conflict between the Ministry of Education and the Seven Great Clans has completely escalated.”
“A full-scale war is probably unavoidable.”
“The storm is coming, and no one can stand aloof—not even the Paradise Pantheon.”
Su Fu felt a chill in her heart upon hearing this.
What did the Pope mean by telling her this?
She probed, “Your Holiness… have you already chosen a side?”
She herself would definitely side with the Ministry of Education. She figured the Paradise Pantheon’s ideals should be more in line with the Ministry, right?
She hoped to heaven that the Paradise Pantheon wouldn’t suddenly get the wrong idea and choose the Seven Great Clans. That would be a real headache.
The Pope fixed her gaze on Su Fu. “Perhaps there is a better choice.”
Su Fu: “?”
The Pope said solemnly, “For example, the one standing right before me.”
Su Fu: “?”
Her?
Now it was Su Fu’s turn to be shocked. Did the Pope mean she wanted to cooperate with her?
Or rather, with the Chinese Pantheon behind her?
But as far as the outside world could see, the entire Chinese Pantheon had long declined. Only she and her master were left—oh, plus Zhuge Lao.
And the Pope chose to ally with her?
That was some boldness.
Even though Su Fu had vaguely sensed before that the Paradise Pantheon had a subtle, goodwill attitude toward China.
She never expected the other party to propose an alliance so bluntly and decisively.
Openly taking a stand. Completely taking a stand.
Suppressing her shock, Su Fu couldn’t help asking, “Your Holiness, may I ask why?”
The Pope gave a light laugh. “Because I believe in you.”
She paused, then added, “Besides, the Tree of Life said it would only choose you.”
Su Fu: “!”
The Tree of Life had done a great service.
But it definitely couldn’t be that simple.
“Su Fu,” the Pope said, turning serious. “What I can offer you is the Parian Pantheon’s core protection and support.”
“As a gift for our first cooperation, the Dawn Third Knights that accompanied me on this expedition will be placed entirely under your command. How about that?”
Su Fu:
“!!!”
Wow, she was just handing over an elite order of Paradise knights?
This Pope was truly generous!
What’s more, the Pope didn’t know about her relationship with Master Yan and the others. She thought Su Fu was fighting alone—the last remnant of China, without any subordinates at hand.
So she was directly solving Su Fu’s urgent need, giving her the support she needed most.
This knight order not only could handle various affairs for her, but also boost her prestige and fight alongside her. It hit exactly what she needed most right now.
Gotta say, as expected of the Pope.
Su Fu resisted the temptation with difficulty. “Your Holiness’s goodwill should not be wasted, but for a matter as major as an alliance, I need to consult with my master first.”
“Of course.”
The Pope nodded with satisfaction. “I look forward to your good news.”
“If you have an urgent matter, you can also mobilize them at any time. Just contact Houchu directly.”
“He is currently acting as the Third Knights’ Governor.”
Wow, Su Fu was even more tempted. An old acquaintance made cooperation easier.
Look at how thoughtful she was. No wonder she was the Pope.
Then the Pope kindly reminded her, “You must also be more careful from now on. The conflict between the clans and the Ministry has reached a fever pitch…”
“Those clan people might do something crazy—like a cornered dog jumping over a wall…”
After talking for a while longer, Su Fu took her leave and headed to the Holy Relic Court.
The Holy Relic Court.
Here, the dome was so high the top was invisible. Countless crystal display stands floated in midair, and the light of various relics illuminated the entire space.
There was the Holy Grail burning with eternal fire, the Dawn Scepter containing the light of creation, the Spear of Longinus that pierced Christ…
The forbidden relic Chain of Confession, the Tears of the Virgin that healed all wounds…
So many relics, and of such high rank, it was several times more than the collection at Eden.
Su Fu’s heart raced at every single one she saw. Her eyes were almost dazzled.
In the end, following the advice of the Angel Feather Pen, she chose a lantern that looked ordinary.
[Lamppost of Return]: Special rule-type relic.
When the holder is lost in any space, dimension, time vortex, or even on the soul level, simply lighting this lamp will ignore all obstacles and find the way home.
In addition, at the nearly frantic hints of the Angel Feather Pen, she also chose a golden fortune slip: [Angel’s Bet·Oracle Slip].
According to the Feather Pen, if she drew the best fortune, she could make a wish that would definitely be fulfilled.
But the method and process of the blessing’s fulfillment are decided by the angel.
On the golden slip was also written a line: “May the Holy Light have mercy on you.”
Su Fu raised an eyebrow. ‘This thing… it doesn’t seem reliable at all, does it?’
But the Angel Feather Pen specifically recommended it, so it probably wasn’t aimless, right?
Perhaps… it was secretly hinting at something?
In any case, Su Fu pocketed the Lamp of Return and the Divine Oracle Slip together.
As she was leaving, the Angel Feather Pen flattered her again, sidling up.
“Great Lady Su Fu! I look forward to your next inspection at the Holy Relic Court!”
“And I hope you’ll use me again!”
“Let me write the grandest epic and legend for you!”
Su Fu: “…”
She lowered her voice. “Keep it down. Don’t you think it’s embarrassing, being a traitor?”
Feather Pen: (Shrank back, wronged.)
Leaving the Holy Relic Court, Su Fu headed straight for Eden.
Since those Twilight Judgment bastards had set their sights on the Tree of Life, she had to go and strengthen it.
Houchu led her to Eden with practiced ease. From a distance, Su Fu saw the flamboyant Tree of Life.
Its leaves were colorful, and it was even decorated with shiny little ornaments.
Su Fu: “…”
At the same time, she recalled the clone she had used to send messages.
The Tree of Life immediately sensed Su Fu’s arrival and rustled excitedly.
“Su Fu! You came to see me in person!”
It shyly swayed its branches and leaves, a little embarrassed.
“I didn’t expect you to be so nice. Last time, you even left a clone to keep me company, talk with me, and play with me!”
Su Fu: “…”
‘Ah—is that how you interpreted it?’
Actually, she had only left a contingency at this absolutely safe coordinate point of the Tree of Life, and for convenient message transmission.
After all, this kind of clone could share all five senses at any time and transmit messages with absolute security, immune to interception.
Not to mention, she could swap positions with the clone, making it easy to escape at any time.
‘Uh, I’d better not explain this to the naive tree.’
If it knew, it would definitely throw a tantrum.
Su Fu cleared her throat and changed the subject. “Mm, looks like you’ve been recovering well lately. Your leaves are more vibrant, and your life aura is richer and purer.”
“Of course!” The Tree of Life proudly straightened its trunk. “I’m not the same as before!”
“I’m amazing now! I win every fight!”
“Not bad, not bad. Worthy of praise.” Su Fu nodded approvingly. “You haven’t disgraced Lady Nuwa.”
The Tree of Life, as if greatly encouraged, asked cautiously, “Then… now that I’m stronger, can I… meet Lady Nuwa?”
“I… I haven’t felt Her aura for such a long, long time…”
“I miss Her so much…” It choked up.
Su Fu: ‘Oh, so that’s what you were building up to, huh?’
First the thanks, then showing off how strong it had become—a whole preamble, and the ultimate goal was to see Lady Nuwa.
Tree of Life: “Hehe.”
After they bickered some more, Su Fu got down to business.
“I invite—Lady Nuwa!”
In an instant, a majestic divine figure gradually emerged between heaven and earth, compassionate and gentle.
“La… Lady!” The whole tree quivered with excitement. “Long time no see… I miss You so much!”
The projection of Nuwa chuckled softly, her fingertip lightly touching the Tree’s leaves. “You’ve grown up.”
Tree of Life: “Wuwuwu…” It was so moved it was speechless! The Goddess still remembered it!
—
Five Gods Dawn • Olympus Sanctuary.
In the dim hall, a red flame suddenly ignited in the air, twisting into a line of characters:
[Operation failed. Aogusidu has been captured. Saixiliya has intervened.]
The flame burned out. From the shadows, Vivienne walked out with a dark expression.
“That fool Aogusidu. Not only did he fail to bring back Su Fu, he couldn’t even kill her, and now he’s been captured alive by Saixiliya. What a waste.”
From the depths of the hall, a low male voice sounded. “The old fossils in the Ministry of Education have been pressing hard lately. They’re forcibly reclaiming all dungeon resources.”
“Tai Xuanzi is an even bigger problem. She’s almost finished slaughtering all the false gods in the dungeons.”
“Latest news: in the historical projection dungeon [Sorrow of Troy], the War God Ares we propped up just fell to her hand.”
Vivienne sneered. “Weipuer, I told you long ago, they were premeditated betrayals. There’s no need to hold back against these people. They’ve already squandered the gods’ initial grace—they don’t deserve to live!”
After a moment of silence, Weipuer’s voice rang out again, with a long sigh. “Indeed.”
“The gods have issued the latest divine oracle.”
“Humans are born bearing original sin. Their souls have been corrupted.”
“The so-called Golden Age is nothing but the final frenzy and an illusion of vanity.”
“When the golden light fades, withering and destruction are their only fate.”
“Now, the time for atonement has come.”
“Oh?” Vivienne said excitedly. “What’s the specific action?”
Weipuer said calmly, “We only need to follow the gods’ instructions.”
“The god says: cleanse.”
“Humanity needs a lesson—a cleansing powerful enough to make them remember for eternity.”
“The sleeping remnants shall be awakened.”
“The tide shall drown all order and light.”
Vivienne raised an eyebrow. “How many will die?”
Weipuer said indifferently, “Enough to make the Ministry of Education run around in circles.”
Just imagining the apocalyptic scene, Vivienne could hardly contain herself.
“What about Su Fu?” She pressed.
Weipuer looked up. “The divine oracle proclaims: the remnants of China—”
“No trial required. Exterminate them all.”
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