Chapter 387: Chapter 254: Retreat

At this moment, what unfolded before Hokele and the others was not the Golden Tree with its magnificent appearance, but a bloodthirsty vine monster, greedy and madness.

Vladimir frowned slightly, yet did not unleash his Divine Power. The Golden Tree attempted to draw him completely in, but being a Demigod was not a common sacrifice, nor could it be digested quickly. The leaves of the Golden Tree trembled with excitement, blooming with a bright glow once more. For these creatures of the Old Era, such divine power was the most delicious and fulfilling.

Only divinity can replenish divinity.

Vladimir became the largest growth under the Golden Tree, different from other protrusions in that it still retained Vladimir’s form, even his facial features, only covered with countless veins and blood vessels, sometimes seen pulsing and twitching as they drew power from Vladimir.

The Golden Tree restored its brilliance.

At this moment, Hokele, Achilles, and Estella knew their greatest support was also gone.

The light of the Golden Tree grew increasingly intense, piercing through the world of the Golden Tree, illuminating the sky, and bathing the entire Hedan Royal City in divine light.

A miracle had descended.

Countless citizens of Hedan took to the streets, gazing up at the Royal City on high. They mourned the King’s passing, still doubtful about past curses, and filled with trembling fear for the future. Many believed the Earth Mother Goddess no longer favored the Kingdom; they had lost their protection. The whispered end-of-the-world prophecies lingered in everyone’s heart, yet seeing such divine light filled the people with tearful excitement. The gods had not forgotten them, and a new King blessed by the Earth Mother Goddess was ascending, a greater King.

***

At this very moment, in the port of Saint George District, a large ship had already set sail. The Porcelain Doll, in a beautifully crafted puffy dress, with big, watery eyes, looked like a shining, adorable noble girl, standing beside her towering, stern “Baron Father.”

Gazing towards the highest point of Hedan, looking at the golden light shrouding the Royal City like a miraculous blessing, the Porcelain Doll showed a sweet smile, “The Demigod is finished, yet another fruitful journey, right, Isaac?”

Isaac lowered his head, deeply moved: “I’m filled with anticipation for the future now. It’s such a perfect ending, a grand movement played by the great Song of Hell.”

On deck, several men’s eyes wandered, intentionally or not, over the Porcelain Doll’s private parts. If not for the towering noble beside her, they might not have restrained themselves. However, once the ship left Hedan, anything could happen.

Sensing the malice, the Porcelain Doll’s sweet smile suddenly turned downwards like a cursed ghost face, her tone turning chilly and ethereal:

“Who said it’s the end, hehe… boohoo… what a pity, what a pity, we can’t see the exciting show that follows. So, let’s find some fun on the ship.”

***

Li Xin hadn’t seen Christie for days. When he went to the Canon Law School to find Simmons, he learned that Old Count George had also passed away. The George Family had a longstanding history in Hedan, and in the past, the death of the old Count would have been a major event, but now, few in Hedan paid attention.

The Count’s Residence, once jubilant from Simmons’ outstanding performance at the Glory Celebration, was now steeped in a bleak atmosphere. Not only because of the old Count’s death, but also because the George Family lost its pillar, with no new forces capable of supporting them. The family’s future seemed overshadowed with uncertainty. The current Hedan was filled with unpredictability. Whether Hokele ascended the throne or Prince Oliver returned, it seemed neither would fare well. Although Simmons was promising, he was too young and not favored by the family’s decision-makers.

Three days to the east of the river, then three days to the west; the Zheng Family, who had recently hit rock bottom and become a joke in Hedan, suddenly saw a surge of visitors. Rumor had it that Prince Oliver had returned to the city, to the place where he truly belonged.

As loyal followers of Prince Oliver, having both achieved merits and taken the blame, the Zheng Family was inevitably set to rise along with him. Those who mocked them and those now bowing low were the same people. Life is but a lowly stage play, depending entirely on one’s face and acting skills.

Li Xin had been silently writing for the past few days, not disturbing Christie. She must have many things to attend to, yet the complete silence was worrisome. Ultimately, he called for a carriage to Christie’s residence. She wasn’t home, and there were signs of tidying up, but no traces of the kitchen being used.

Li Xin locked up and went to the Hex Bird Society across the street. It had suddenly become quiet, far from its usual bustle. The workers weren’t there. Li Xin headed to the editorial department, where a few editors were busy packing up, their expressions not very cheerful.

Wusu saw Li Xin, sighed deeply, and beckoned him over, “You came too. Ah, I thought I’d be doing this for a lifetime, but it’s over now. We’ve all received severance pay. Luckily, the President is in. You should go in,” he said, leaning closer to add softly, “Try to get more severance pay. Cough cough, if you find a good opportunity, remember your capable old brother.”

“Old Wu, severance pay?” Li Xin was a bit surprised. After all, even though the King was dead, the Celestial Principle School was overseeing things, and with the Crown Prince ascending, it should be stable in the short term. Was the Moon God’s Court really planning to withdraw?

“We don’t know specifically. You should ask the President.” Wusu continued packing his things.

Li Xin knocked on the door, and Ma Zhe’s slightly weary voice came from inside, “Come in.”

On seeing Li Xin, Ma Zhe forced a smile, “You’re here. I was planning to handle these mundane matters before coming to find you. You came just in time. You must know our Hex Bird Society is disbanding.”

“President, is it that urgent?”

Ma Zhe smiled wryly, “The outcome is clear. Do we really need to see the coffin before shedding tears? Captain Christie has already left Hedan.”

Li Xin was taken aback, finding it hard to believe, “President, Captain Christie left?”

Ma Zhe smiled wryly, “Prince Oliver entered the city last night. Rumor has it that the two Red-robed Archbishops and the Metropolitan welcomed him personally. If we stay, we will be cleansed. Captain Christie represents the Night Patrol. The Church ordered her immediate departure, or it would be troublesome. Our Hex Bird Society is slightly better off, being in charge of the aftermath. As long as the final victory isn’t fully determined, we can still leave with some dignity.”

Li Xin wasn’t incapable of accepting this; in fact, it was a very wise decision. From the current situation, the royal family couldn’t compete with the church. However, Christie wouldn’t leave without saying something to him.

“Oh, right, I almost forgot. The Captain left a letter for you.” Ma Zhe took a letter from the drawer and handed it to Li Xin.

Li Xin took it, and Ma Zhe patted him on the shoulder, “You can read your private words later. What do you plan to do? Want to return to the Celestial Capital or visit the Dragon Capital? Your performance in Hedan was outstanding, and the Captain has reported your achievements several times. If you head to the Dragon Capital, you should have a promising path. Alas, I might not be so lucky. At my age, I might just end up sitting on the sidelines.”

“President, you’re joking. Your ability and experience in exploring overseas are not something everyone possesses. Did Captain Christie return to the Dragon Capital?” Li Xin asked further.

Regarding the matter of dealing with the Golden Tree, the Moon God’s Court was also involved. The goal seemed achieved, but it was a loss entirely. Describing it with an old saying is more than fitting.

The mindset of those above never anticipated the King’s decision.

“Not sure. You know her status in the Night Patrol is actually higher than mine. I suspect she probably returned to the Dragon Capital. Of course, the higher-ups will certainly arrange other tasks for her later. After we return, we’ll also need to find new employment. But you’re different, Trial of Utopia Mountain is selling well. The higher-ups value it greatly. Whether you go back to the Celestial Capital or Dragon Capital, it’s a good choice. The failure in Hedan doesn’t really affect you. Trial of Utopia Mountain is also well-received in Long Dragon.” Ma Zhe explained, then took out a money pouch, “Travel expenses. It’s not much, but take it.”

“Thank you, President. I want to go back and think about it.” Li Xin replied.

Ma Zhe nodded, “Alright, I’ll be around for the next couple of days, but I can’t guarantee when orders to leave might come. Make your decision quickly. I still have some influence and can get you a ticket out. It’s crucial to stay discreet, more and more discreet in the coming days.”

Li Xin left the Hex Bird Society. The once vibrant Hex Bird Society was now utterly quiet, which made him feel somewhat melancholic. The Moon God’s Court’s approach was actually right, withdrawing in time to minimize losses, not sacrificing in vain, which was humane. Given the current situation, without more leverage from above, the Hex Bird Society and the Night Patrol could very likely become victims of power struggles.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep