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Originally, in my estimation, once the injuries of the young brother and sister from the Mercenary Empire flared up, the hot-tempered "Heaven-Burning Flame Saint" Levis would surely be enraged and charge straight up Saint Spirit Mountain. I had long received word that the unfathomable Pope was currently undergoing a "Hundred-Day Silent Prayer," akin to seclusion, and would not see anyone for three months. The only one capable of facing the Flame Saint would be the "Divinely Blessed Holy Knight." The Flame Saint is one of the five Sword Saints who once battled on Saint Spirit Mountain against the old lion "Battle Saint" Leimen. Although he does not have the infamous reputation of the "White-Haired Demon Lion King," his strength surpasses that of the newly appointed "Divinely Blessed Holy Knight." With a few powerful trump cards at my disposal, I could ensure that the mysterious "Divinely Blessed Holy Knight" would suffer severe injuries. Then, with no Saint-level figure guarding the Radiant Temple, I could seize the "Doomsday Horn."

To be honest, although both in my past and present lives I have aspired to become an unparalleled master, I often find myself exceptionally talented in theft, achieving remarkable results. For this operation, Leimen and the Beast King requested that we act as stealthily as possible, so humans discover the theft of the "Doomsday Horn" as late as possible. This would facilitate our alliance's deployment of troops and secure victory. Thus, I employed the patience I used when stealing the *Nine Yin Manual*, meticulously planning each step to ensure the best outcome.

However, things do not always go as planned. The Flame Saint, whom I expected to arrive soon, did not show any signs of coming. Moreover, I dared not interact excessively with our first alliance spy stationed within the Temple, despite having made some preparations. All I knew was that the Flame Saint seemed to have met with the "Sky-Cleaving Saber Saint" Arshu in the south.

Time passed into summer amidst the heavy workload and anxious waiting.

Saint Spirit Mountain is located in the southwestern territory of the Four Guardian Kingdoms. Although the summer is not as scorching as in the Desert Empire, it is far more bothersome than in the northern Beast Alliance. Fortunately, being atop a high mountain, the seasonal winds provide constant relief. Hiding inside the thick stone buildings, even during midday, one can enjoy coolness and comfort. These days, I have been taking classes in several buildings on the backside of the mountain. Though it is said to be punishment for my rudeness, the Temple does not dare to make me too embarrassed. Therefore, my so-called classmates are just Jin Luosha and me, receiving private instruction from the Temple scholars.

Today's noble etiquette class was taught by the elderly goddess Airo. Despite her low divine arts cultivation, she has considerable seniority, reportedly originating from the same period as the current Pope. Having worked on Saint Spirit Mountain longer than the four High Priests, and known for her strict adherence to rules, she commands respect. Even I dare not openly sleep during her class. However, today, her lesson was destined to be interrupted.

"Puff... Pah—" As Airo was explaining the etiquette of Yellow Dragon Empire officials, suddenly, all the candles in the room burst into flames, burning several times larger than before.

"This is... such a violent... 'Momentum' of flame? Flame Saint, have you finally arrived?" I muttered to myself, watching the rapidly diminishing candles.

"Knight Xuanfeng, please pay attention and show respect; this is the basic etiquette of a knight!" Since there was only one master and two apprentices, Airo immediately noticed my distraction.

"Ah, what a pity, Lady Airo. I'm afraid your lesson must end here." While speaking, I looked towards the front of the Temple. "As a seasoned member of the Temple, you should know about the unique characteristic of 'Momentum' possessed by Saint-level experts, right? The abnormal burning of these candles is likely due to the 'Momentum' of the 'Flame Saint' Levis. Moreover, since just now, the shadows in this room have begun to fade. I suspect that belongs to the 'Divinely Blessed Holy Knight.' The 'Heaven-Burning Flame Saint' displaying his power without restraint and confronting the Temple's Saint-level expert indicates he has no good intentions. Soon, the entire Temple will be on high alert, and your lesson must pause."

"Brother, what is 'Momentum'? Is it just aura?" Jin Luosha, seeing the lesson stop, jumped off her seat and threw herself into my arms, asking in a sweet voice. Recently, she has been practicing both divine arts and the martial arts of Peach Blossom Island, naturally curious about such knowledge.

"It's entirely different. Aura is the sensation opponents feel when a martial arts expert prepares to attack, a kind of mental illusion. If the opponent lacks perception, like unintelligent creatures or lifeless objects, it won't affect them. 'Momentum,' however, is a fundamental change brought about by an extremely powerful Saint-level expert to the world around them." Here, I glanced down at Jin Luosha, who seemed half-understanding, and continued, "Just as the presence of a mountain alters nearby animals, plants, and soil, and the existence of an ocean changes climate and seasons, everything in the world influences each other. The difference lies in whether this influence is significant enough to be perceived. Sword Saints are such powerful beings. Their immense strength, if not suppressed, naturally affects everything nearby, causing various natural changes. This phenomenon is called 'Momentum.' Observing 'Momentum' allows us to detect the presence of Sword Saints."

As I spoke, the agitated candles burned even more fiercely, and the shadows in the room grew fainter. Jin Luosha and Airo could only see these surface changes, but I could sense the power fluctuations between the two Sword Saints. This distant contest transcends ordinary martial skills, entering a realm beyond my reach.

"Lady Airo, the Flame Saint is approaching Saint Spirit Mountain. As a Holy Grail Knight, I must go now. Please take Jin Luosha to the defensive fortifications for safety." I lifted Jin Luosha off my lap and told Airo. The powers of Sword Saints are not limited by physical constraints; their battles can last for days, endangering a hundred-mile radius. The battle between "Battle Saint" Leimen and the five Sword Saints lasted seven days, nearly leveling the summit of Saint Spirit Mountain. In response, the rebuilt Saint Spirit Mountain prepared numerous measures for Saint-level battles, including defensive fortifications for ordinary personnel.