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"This time, Flame Saint's attack on Saint Spirit Mountain has already exceeded our tolerance. The ambush by the 'Black Ice Demon Knight' is an act we cannot tolerate any further. This situation is the result of our leniency over the years and Sacred Dragon Mountain's indifference. Therefore, we have decided to send an envoy led by High Priest Silver Stripe to Sacred Dragon Mountain. We must unify the wills of the two major human sanctuaries once again and re-establish order among the high-level experts in the Holy Realm. If they refuse, we will be forced to take strong measures to accomplish this task alone—a result no one wishes to see."

Among the descendants of the three founding fathers of humanity, the Temple lineage is the most united. For a thousand years, although the Temple's influence has fluctuated, its status as the primary religion of humanity has never wavered. The lineage of Sacred Dragon Mountain, however, is different. Initially, the dragon knights only saw Sacred Dragon Mountain as a spiritual symbol without a proper organizational structure. It wasn't until more than three hundred years ago, during the internal strife of the Dragon Kingdom, when the dragons altered their contracts that the dragon knights gradually withdrew from the political arena and formed their own organization. As for the Sword Saint lineage, they have always been independent, scattered across various nations. The Moonlight Tower, another lineage successor, has always thrived within the Yellow Dragon Empire, with its influence never extending beyond the East. Thus, the only ones capable of constraining the Viking Empire and the Mercenary Empire, and thereby restraining Flame Saint Levis and the 'Black Ice Demon Knight,' are the combined influence of Saint Spirit Mountain and Sacred Dragon Mountain—the "Dual Saints."

As expected, my name appeared on the envoy list. Ultimately, I am merely a newcomer to the Temple. In the future, the Temple will make many adjustments to deal with the current crisis, and the secrets involved are not convenient for me to know. Rather than keeping me on the mountain and creating a rift, it is better to send me away.

Fortunately, I was prepared. Among the various contingency plans, there were ways to turn passivity into initiative, so I was not worried.

The four High Priests of the Temple—Gold Badge, Silver Stripe, Red Merit, and Blue Seal—each have their responsibilities. Gold Badge oversees the training and leadership of numerous knight orders; Silver Stripe handles the study and dissemination of doctrines; Red Merit manages foreign diplomacy and coordination; and Blue Seal deals with the Temple's internal affairs and finances. Normally, communication with Sacred Dragon Mountain would be the responsibility of High Priest Red Merit Wayne. However, this time, it is Silver Stripe who is being sent, likely to emphasize that this exchange has surpassed ordinary diplomatic matters and has reached the level of divine authority and human safety.

"Oh, Knight Xuanfeng," after discussing the main matters, some personnel had already dispersed, but High Priest Vidorra called me back. "The mages at the Research Institute seem to have found some information and wish to borrow your epic sword 'Divine Retribution' to study the application possibilities of Divine Retribution Lightnings. If it's convenient for you, please visit the Research Institute. Whether you lend it or not, it will give them a resolution."

"Sure, I'll go right away." After bowing, I turned to leave.

The Temple Research Institute is located in a valley behind Saint Spirit Mountain. Due to the dangerous nature of some experiments, there are no other buildings nearby. Upon arriving, I was quickly brought before Chief Master Jupino. Beside him was an ugly middle-aged mage. They were flipping through piles of ancient texts, constantly discussing.

"Knight Xuanfeng, here's the situation. Recently, the Temple faces threats from Sword Saint-level experts. With our previous defense systems, we can defend but struggle to counterattack. Using powerful forces to break through a Sword Saint's Holy Domain would inevitably kill the Sword Saint, which is an unacceptable loss given the scarcity of such experts among humans. Fortunately, Mage Dajiaxi recently discovered some annotations by the Twelve Sages while studying the sword 'Divine Retribution.' Based on this information and the magical data you provided to the Temple, we have found a way to store 'Divine Retribution Lightnings' in a magic array. If successful, this research could enable us to create attacks that penetrate a Sword Saint's Holy Domain, providing crucial assistance." Grand Mage Jupino explained upon seeing me.

"Well, Master, as you know, I am a warrior, and my weapon is my second life. 'Divine Retribution' is an epic sword that recognizes me as its master. To hand it over is..." While I stalled, I glanced at Mage Dajiaxi. At the same moment, the ugly mage buried in books looked up at me. His eyes were clear and serene, like a night sky that embraced everything, yet this gaze caused a pang in my heart.

I had never met Mage Dajiaxi, but I knew him. He was the highest-ranking spy the Orc Alliance had planted within the Temple, possessing a rare magical constitution among the first generation. He had been infiltrating the Temple for years, stealing research results for the alliance. Soon, he would play a crucial role in the 'Key to Hell' phase of the plan I devised, sacrificing his life. I did not know who this spy was until now, having only communicated my plan and partial information about the sword through secret channels. Until now, I had not truly seen him, and he had probably never seen me, the one responsible for his impending death. Yet, despite knowing his fate, his eyes showed neither resentment nor fear, nor even a sense of righteous determination, only a calmness born of understanding everything.

Initially planning to extract more benefits regarding lending the sword, I suddenly lost interest in playing along. After exchanging a few pleasantries with the Grand Mage, I left the sword and departed the Research Institute. In both my past and present lives, I, Chen Xuanfeng, have killed countless people without remorse. Others' lives, even my own, were mere tools for achieving greatness. But when I saw someone who could face their own death with a smile about to vanish, I still felt a deep sorrow.

"Brother, what's wrong? Don't be sad. Shall I sing a new song for you? I learned a new one." Jin Luosha, who had been following me since I returned, sensed my unease and tugged at my sleeve.