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In an instant, a lead-gray, peculiar two-handed greatsword suddenly pierced through the ground, tracing a perfect arc and intercepting the flying "Divine Blessed Paladin." Although the greatsword appeared for only a moment, its unique shape and the icy aura swirling around it instantly revealed its identity to everyone present.

"Magic Sword Frost Sorrow? It's the Black Ice Demon Knight!" The knight behind me, Apu, recognized him and shouted loudly.

Confronted by the magic sword, the "Divine Blessed Paladin," who was at a severe disadvantage, finally unleashed his hidden strength. Six pure white light wings exploded from his back, sending countless feathers flying like sharp blades. Using this explosive force, he narrowly avoided the vital areas, allowing the magic sword to leave a deep gash across his back. His mithril armor shattered, blood splattered, and he fell into the crowd of Temple personnel amidst the rain of blood.

This was my carefully laid trap. Of course, the Black Ice Demon Knight wasn't under my command; I didn't have the power to order him around. Two months ago, I had instructed the beast spy embedded in the Thieves' Guild to closely monitor Levis's every move. Once he headed to Saint Spirit Mountain, the spy immediately reported this to the Viking Empire through various channels. Then, I had the artificial person Youlijia, created by the Twelve Sages, disable multiple magical alarm systems on the front mountain. With the assistance of the Thieves' Guild, we managed to lure this sword saint, who harbored many grudges against the Temple, to this location, ultimately achieving my goal with one successful strike.

"Scoundrel! Sneaking up on me!" Flame Saint Levis, seeing his victory turn into chaos within moments, became enraged and slashed at the assailant emerging from the ground. Flames erupted from his sword, engulfing the Four High Priests as well.

"Puh~" The black-robed Demon Knight raised "Crost Sorrow" to block the vengeful strike from Flame Saint, spitting out a mouthful of blood before retreating downhill. The Four High Priests intended to stop him but were overwhelmed by Flame Saint's flames, unable to intervene. However, the path down the mountain was not peaceful. Areas normally frequented by tourists and Temple personnel suddenly erupted with numerous traps, like a beehive being broken open. Although the Demon Knight fought his way out using his strength and divine weapon, he still suffered additional injuries, spitting out more blood.

"This outcome is truly dramatic!" Seeing my goal achieved, I couldn't help but sigh with relief.

Chapter 67: Laying Plans for a New Strategy

The battle on Saint Spirit Mountain between Flame Saint and Levis unfolded with Levis arriving in anger and challenging the Temple's experts directly. Forced to engage, the Radiant Temple found itself at a disadvantage without activating the numerous magical restrictions on Saint Spirit Mountain. Ultimately, the "Divine Blessed Paladin" was severely injured by the lurking enemy, the "Black Ice Demon Knight," who ambushed him. The assailant also sustained injuries from Flame Saint's fury and the Temple's magical counterattacks before fleeing. With the Pope in seclusion, the Temple no longer had any high-level experts capable of countering Flame Saint, making it the perfect time for him to dominate the Temple. However, Flame Saint Levis, proud and dignified, refused to take advantage of the situation, leaving only with the words, "I will return to Saint Spirit Mountain after the Pope finishes his prayers and training."

Despite this, the Temple could not let its guard down. After all, the defense system they had built over a century was designed specifically to combat high-level experts. This time, their arch-enemy, the "Black Ice Demon Knight," had infiltrated the mountain silently and escaped after injuring someone. This was a shocking event that needed thorough investigation. Moreover, the "Divine Blessed Paladin" was severely injured and could not receive divine healing, likely taking over a year to recover. While the Demon Knight would heal within a month, he could return with Flame Saint, posing a significant threat. Even though the Pope would emerge from seclusion in a month, he could not afford to be distracted by Flame Saint's threat. The entire Temple leadership had to discuss how to handle the impending crisis overnight.

However, these matters were currently irrelevant to me. At the moment, I was exchanging information with the artificial girl Youlijia in my private courtyard.

"How is it? Have you successfully investigated the defense system of the Temple's underground chambers?" I asked Youlijia, who had just returned.

"I have successfully infiltrated and identified the defense system. The invasion routes and withdrawal paths have been confirmed, and I've left markers on the first two layers of defense mechanisms. They can be temporarily disabled using specific methods. The movements of the ascetic monks and patrolling warriors have been mapped, allowing us to avoid them based on their routes, timing, and control mechanisms. Only the fourth layer's defensive array needs your personal intervention, which might trigger a response from the monitors. Do you have any ideas?" Taking advantage of the distraction caused by the sword saints' battle, Youlijia successfully infiltrated the Temple's underground defense system. Using her body and soul created by the Twelve Sages, she influenced many of the same magical systems, further advancing my plan.

However, the Temple did not rely solely on the magical systems left by the Twelve Sages. Beyond that, there was a vast divine defense system and personnel security network. Even with Youlijia's magical manipulation and my martial skills and status as a Holy Grail Knight, infiltrating smoothly would be extremely difficult, not to mention the presence of the Pope and sword saints monitoring the area. To ensure success, I would need to create another disturbance to divert attention.

"I never thought I would have to activate the 'Key to Hell' plan. Such sacrifices are truly..." Contemplating the cost of causing chaos in the Temple's foundation, even I, who prided myself on having a heart of iron, sighed.

Soon, the Temple leadership also formulated a response plan to the crisis, and as a core member, I was summoned to the main hall of the Temple.

"With the current true strength of the Temple, we can face five or more sword saints without fear. However, if we unleash all our power, mutual destruction is inevitable. Regardless of the potential leakage of our secrets, such losses are unacceptable for the human world. Therefore, the best solution to the current predicament is to exert sufficient pressure on the surrounding forces, making them retreat." Speaking to the gathered core members of the Temple was the plump Blue Chapter High Priest, Pilate, who had been a close ally of the Star Dun Chamber of Commerce, founded by Jin Luosha's family.