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When Ning Tianchen and the others arrived at the Holy Spirit Sect's headquarters, Cassius had already sensed the divine imprints on their bodies.
To Cassius, even the weakest of the four gods—such as the God of Food—was someone he couldn't afford to offend.
Moreover, the divine aura emanating from Ning Tianchen filled him with dread, even making him consider fleeing.
But he didn't want to give up everything he had accumulated over the years, so he silently prayed that Ning Tianchen's group wasn't here to cause trouble.
Fortunately, Ning Tianchen and the others showed no signs of ill intent toward him. In fact, they even wanted to join his sect?
Though he didn't understand why, at least they weren't here to cause trouble, which gave him some peace of mind.
Of course, if they truly were willing to join his sect, that would be ideal.
As long as he could establish a connection with the gods behind them, he wouldn't necessarily dominate this continent, but at least no one would dare touch him.
When Ning Tianchen approached Cassius, the mark on the latter's forehead emitted a brief flash of light, and an authoritative voice entered his consciousness.
"Do as he says, or I'll come talk to you myself."
What Cassius feared most was the Asura God behind Ning Tianchen. This terrifying power penetrated deep into his soul, leaving him unable to lift his head or muster any thoughts of resistance.
Following Ning Tianchen's instructions wouldn't harm him, and he certainly didn't dare refuse.
As Ning Tianchen finished speaking, Cassius hurriedly manipulated the statue, emitting a dark red glow that enveloped Ning Tianchen and the others.
The conversation between gods was something Hurhan could never hope to perceive!
Receiving Cassius's "baptism" meant that Ning Tianchen and the others were officially accepted as members of the Holy Spirit Sect.
After the light dissipated, Hurhan rose and congratulated them. "You are now official members of the church, but you must complete the tasks assigned by the church to earn the position of priest."
"Of course, if you perform well, there's no reason you couldn't become my lord's representative in the future."
Hurhan was indeed worthy of being the Grand Priest; his ability to paint such grand promises was beyond ordinary skill.
Ning Tianchen exchanged a few more words before pressing him. "Since we've already received Lord Cassius's approval, may I ask, Grand Priest, when can we learn the blood sacrifice technique?"
The more eager they appeared, the more satisfied Hurhan felt in his heart.
If someone showed no desire for a method to increase their strength, they must surely have ulterior motives. Hurhan couldn't help but re-examine their origins.
However, based on Ning Tianchen's current behavior, Hurhan finally let go of his last shred of suspicion.
"Not urgent," Hurhan said. "I still have important matters to attend to. After Porter returns, he will teach you the blood sacrifice technique."
Porter was another priest of the Holy Spirit Sect, while the remaining priest was named Bertley.
Upon hearing their names, Ning Tianchen couldn't help but wonder if he should change his name. After all, using his original name while undercover wasn't the safest.
…
Ning Tianchen and the others were now part of the Holy Spirit Sect, so Hurhan naturally had no guard against them. He even sent someone to show them around the church headquarters and arranged accommodations for them.
The question that concerned Ning Tianchen the most was how to leave this place.
The answer came soon enough.
The person guiding them around was a member of Hurhan's team and also a core member of the Holy Spirit Sect.
For their own people, they held nothing back.
This person led the group to the wide-open gates and pointed outside. "Just walk straight out through the gates."
"There's a barrier protecting the outer perimeter of the church headquarters. Even if ordinary people find this place, the barrier will make it seem like nothing is unusual."
"This barrier affects both outsiders and our own people. After leaving the church headquarters, you can only return via the nearby teleportation point."
"So, make sure you finish your business within the church before leaving. Otherwise, it will take a long time to re-enter headquarters."
Ning Tianchen asked further, "Where exactly is 'outside'? If we leave without knowing where we are, won't that cause trouble?"
Through the gates, it was clear that the outside was a forest, though whether it was the Evil Demon Forest remained unknown.
The guide continued explaining. "It's the southern part of the Evil Demon Forest. Follow the path straight ahead from the gate, and you'll see a man-made tunnel."
"This tunnel leads directly to a city near the Evil Demon Forest in the Crescent Moon Empire."
Hearing this, Ning Tianchen couldn't help but feel relieved.
In the Crescent Moon Empire, they wouldn't need to take detours or cross international borders.
However, at this moment, they absolutely couldn't leave the Holy Spirit Sect headquarters. Otherwise, Hurhan would pressure them into submitting a "token of allegiance," which would complicate things.
From their earlier inquiries, Ning Tianchen was certain that the Holy Spirit Sect's core members consisted only of the three priests and their respective teams.
The branches across the Sun and Moon Continent were typically managed by members of these priests' teams. In other words, as long as they killed these people, the Holy Spirit Sect would essentially cease to exist. As for the evil god statue, the Asura Devil Sword was more than sufficient to deal with it.
Ning Tianchen made up his mind: the moment these people returned to the church headquarters would be the time to strike.
Ning Rongrong then asked, "The teleportation array outside the church—isn't it risky to leave it unprotected? What if outsiders destroy it?"
The guide laughed. "We have multiple teleportation points in the forest, and some are just decoys with no actual function. Ordinary people who see teleportation arrays usually don't dare tamper with them."
After all, in spirit beast forests, humans were far more dangerous than spirit beasts.
When encountering human structures in the forest, most people avoided them and didn't dare investigate out of curiosity.
Even if someone tried to destroy the teleportation array, it would be futile.
The teleportation array was protected by the evil god's power. Any attack directed at it would rebound with double the force.
As for the method of using the teleportation array, the guide emphasized that it required tapping the metal pillar at a specific frequency—not reciting any incantations.
The mention of incantations was a deception tactic used when captured and unable to escape, intended to mislead outsiders.
Once the specific incantation was recited at the teleportation array, the Holy Spirit Sect's strong forces would arrive instantly.
Hearing this, Ning Tianchen inwardly sighed in relief.
Thankfully, he had been cautious and, through trial and error, accidentally tapped the correct frequency, activating the teleportation array. Otherwise, they would have faced an ambush by the Holy Spirit Sect.
While Ning Tianchen's group might have had the strength to fight back, alarming them would have made finding the evil soul masters' headquarters much more difficult.
Having gained a detailed understanding of the Holy Spirit Sect's situation, Ning Tianchen and the others were escorted to the guest quarters in the headquarters to rest.
…
They didn't have to wait long. The next day, the two priests, Bertley and Porter, returned to the church headquarters.
Cassius had placed great importance on the mission to invade the Butterfly Valley.
These two priests didn't possess divine artifacts, so they couldn't enter the valley itself. Instead, they guarded the perimeter, keeping watch for Cooper's team.
Unfortunately, today they discovered evidence that Cooper's team had failed their mission and returned simultaneously to report the situation.
"Grand Priest, we found the bodies of Cooper's team members near the mission site. They likely…"
Of course, Ning Tianchen hadn't buried these scum in the Butterfly Valley but instead casually dumped them in the spirit beast forest at the outer edge.
Hurhan waved dismissively. "I'm aware. The ones who killed Cooper's team are already in the church headquarters."
Porter and Bertley were both shocked, their faces turning pale. "What? They actually attacked us directly! Grand Priest, where are they? Let us handle them!"
Hurhan shot them a glance and sneered. "Cooper's team wasn't a match for them. Do you think you stand a chance?"
"Furthermore, I must remind you that my lord has canceled the mission. Cooper's fate was his own doing. Now, several powerful young individuals have joined the church, and they will greatly contribute to its future development."
"My lord has decreed that they are the church's hope, the church's future. Anyone who causes trouble for them is showing disrespect to my lord."
In order to curry favor with the Asura God, Cassius granted Ning Tianchen and the others an extraordinary status.
Hurhan didn't bother questioning Cassius's intentions. Whatever his decisions were, Hurhan obediently followed without asking why.
Listening to Hurhan's explanation, Porter and Bertley's expressions grew vacant.
So, the murderers who killed the church's priest not only faced no punishment but instead became core members of the church?
After years of risking their lives for the church, this situation inevitably left them feeling cold and disheartened.
But being part of the church, they didn't dare show any dissatisfaction and could only obediently agree.
Perhaps guessing their thoughts, Hurhan solemnly warned, "Don't forget, your strength comes from my lord. Without the secret techniques provided by my lord, the two of you would at most be Soul Kings, but now, you are high-level Soul Douluos."
"Grand Priest's lesson is well taken. We dare not forget my lord's grace. We will unconditionally follow my lord's divine decrees," the two hastily assured him.
Hurhan nodded in satisfaction. "Good. You haven't forgotten your roots."
"Now, your task is to teach the new members of the church the blood sacrifice technique. They are eager to increase their strength. I plan to hand over He Nei City to them. Restrain your subordinates and don't interfere unnecessarily."
…
Having received their orders, Bertley and Porter had no choice but to adjust their attitudes and head to the guest quarters.
When they saw Ning Tianchen and his group, they were startled—their opponents looked incredibly young, appearing to be only in their early twenties.
Of course, they didn't dwell on this issue for long.
Though rare, there were still some secret arts or medicinal herbs on the continent that could preserve one's appearance. Perhaps these individuals used some secret method to maintain their youthful looks.
"Friends, you must be the new members of the church. On behalf of the church, we welcome you," they said.
"The Grand Priest mentioned that you wanted to learn the blood sacrifice technique?"
Ning Tianchen scrutinized the two with a puzzled look. "Who are you two?"
Porter smacked his forehead and chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, we got so excited we forgot to introduce ourselves."
Upon hearing their names, Ning Tianchen and the others immediately perked up.
They didn't want to stay here any longer. Now that everyone was present, it was time to get down to business.
"Two priests, where are your subordinates? Won't you introduce them to us?" Ning Tianchen asked casually.
Since they were all core members, it wouldn't be good for future cooperation if they didn't know each other.
Porter smiled. "You're right; introductions are in order. Let's discuss this with the Grand Priest later and arrange for everyone to meet."
Pointing to Feng Xiaotian and the others, he continued, "These people will be your team in the future. Consider carefully how to arrange them. If you wish to recruit more members later, they must pass my lord's test. Otherwise, they won't be allowed into the church headquarters."
Hearing that they'd meet all the core members, Ning Tianchen didn't care about whatever conditions were proposed—he agreed to everything.
The two priests didn't think much of it, assuming it was just a regular "team-building" activity.
In the end, Ning Tianchen's request was approved by Grand Priest Hurhan.
In the church's grand hall, the three priests' subordinates—36 Soul Sage-level powerhouses—were all gathered.
Ning Tianchen's group was invited to stand beside Hurhan so everyone could recognize their faces.
"Everyone, the church has welcomed a young priest. Today, I've gathered you here to make sure you recognize him and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings in the future," Hurhan announced.
Though Ning Tianchen hadn't officially "taken office," Hurhan already considered him one of their own.
Moreover, the "test" for Ning Tianchen's group was essentially a welcoming gift for joining the church.
After the introductions, Hurhan smiled and said, "I won't say more. The rest is up to the person involved."
With that, he handed the floor to Ning Tianchen.
Ning Tianchen didn't hesitate. Stepping forward with a smile, his gaze swept across everyone present.
After a brief pause, he spoke. "I'm glad to see all of your faces. Is everyone here? I don't want to miss anyone, which might cause unnecessary trouble later."
Receiving an affirmative response, his smile grew even wider. "Since you're all here, I won't hold back."
What did he mean?
The evil soul masters present were baffled by his words.
Just as they were pondering, Ning Tianchen provided the answer through action.
The Coiling Dragon Seven Kill Sword appeared in his hand, and the Killing God Domain instantly activated, enveloping everyone present.
Zhu Zhuqing quickly retreated with Ning Rongrong to the rear.
Feng Xiaotian, Chen Huayu, and Oscar simultaneously activated their Martial Soul True Bodies, launching indiscriminate attacks alongside Ning Tianchen against everyone present.
Everything happened so fast that even Hurhan didn't have time to react or defend himself.
"Eighth Soul Skill: Sword Shadow Clone."
Ning Tianchen's figure split into two. This wave of saturation attacks wiped out most of the evil soul masters present, except for the three priests. Even those who survived by chance were severely wounded.
"Ning Tianchen, what are you doing?!"
At first, Hurhan refused to believe what he was seeing. But the cries of agony echoing through the hall forced him to face reality.
The loss of so many elite forces at once dealt a significant blow to the entire church.
In the future, many of the church's operations would grind to a halt—all because of Ning Tianchen's group.
Ning Tianchen's gaze turned icy as he coldly stated, "We never ally with evil soul masters."
"By choosing this path, you should have anticipated today."
All of Porter's subordinates had been wiped out, and his rage burned uncontrollably. He roared, "You're courting death! My lord will flay you alive and extract your tendons!"
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