Chapter 1223 - 528: Stirring the Heavens

The real world, within the Plain Ancient City.

The time is high noon, and the midsummer sun pours down without hindrance. In other cities of the Kingdom, this time would be the height of bustling marketplaces and a cacophony of voices.

But in most places of the Ancient City, a leisurely scene unfolds. Children run and play on the streets, while adults lazily find shade to cool off. The taverns are empty, lacking throngs of people and lively shouts; only the hammering sounds from the blacksmiths' shops remain bright.

After all, this is a city built around Adventurers, and at this time, most Adventurers have already delved into the depths of the Dungeon, leaving mainly those in non-combat professions and the families of Adventurers in the city. Naturally, there is much less noise, which one could say creates a serene atmosphere.

The Ancient City during the day and at night are two completely different cities.

Inside the Ancient Capital Church, morning light slants through the stained glass of the high windows, dust slowly floating in the light, appearing both holy and solemn.

Having finished the morning mass, the white-haired Ancient Capital Bishop gently breathed out a sigh after putting down the heavy scriptures in hand.

The mass just conducted was aimed at the Outer Court Professionals—a spiritual ceremony where the Church Professionals engage in collective resonance, enhancing their Magic Power and Spirit.

In a cathedral of such rank as the Ancient Capital Church, a mass is held every morning, noon, and evening, with exceptions for rest days. Each mass is tailored to different groups according to the date, with varying methods and effects.

The Church Court houses a myriad of denominations, with the largest number among the Six Major Guilds, making the nature of each church quite complex. However, fundamentally, the Church's primary function is to serve as a guild for professionals, providing guidance for those pursuing Strength on their professional path.

Therefore, masses for Outer Court Professionals are held by all churches.

The professions within the Church emphasize the strength of Spirit, which for most is unattainable solely through one's own efforts.

Although there are beings like Lady Saintess who possess unshakable will without any initiation, most need the recognition of others and the collective resonance to initially establish an unwavering will after repeated confirmation.

Of course, many who are not fond of the Church may equate all this to something akin to a cult or brainwashing.

Nevertheless, participating in a ceremony officiated by a Palace Strongman is an invaluable opportunity for any professional.

Although the Ancient Capital Bishop belongs to the unpopular minority factions within the Church Court, her proficiency as a Cleric of her rank makes conducting mass a well-practiced affair.

She glanced at the professionals below, some satisfied and others pensive, noting that today's activity had once again achieved good results, a slight smile of contentment appearing at the corner of her lips.

She cleared her throat and her gentle, clear voice echoed through the church: "Hmm, we seem to have some extra time. Does anyone have any questions that need answering?"

Being able to seek advice directly from a Great Archbishop is a rare opportunity, but asking basic questions in the spotlight would only leave a poor impression.

Thus, although many professionals were eager, they remained silent, with no one raising their hand to ask a question right away, the air quieting down.

However, the Ancient Capital Bishop was accustomed to such scenarios and waited patiently.

After a little while, someone finally raised their hand first.

"Please speak."

"Lord Bishop."

The person raising their hand was clearly an Outer Court Combat Priest Adventurer. Though dressed neatly at the moment, the air of competence and finesse was unmistakable, evidently accustomed to navigating danger.

Yet now his face showed an uncontainable sense of expectation.

The Ancient Capital Bishop simply glanced at his expression and realized something, giving a slight tug at the corner of her mouth and a hint of helplessness in her eyes.

The Combat Priest first paid his respect, then spoke, trying to suppress his excitement despite its evident manifestation:

"I heard that Lady Saintess is currently still staying in the Ancient City…"

The opening was unrelated to the professional path. But none present showed any displeasure; instead, they all straightened up, eagerly listening for the conversation to follow.

"Could you tell us if Lady Saintess has any public activities scheduled next?" The Combat Priest took a deep breath and asked clearly.

People fixed their gazes, awaiting the Ancient Capital Bishop's response.

The Bishop bore a look of inevitability, but with a tinge of difficulty mixed in.

Following a centuries-old public performance, the Shining World Saintess visited the Plain Ancient City for the first time. On the day she arrived at the Ancient City, she displayed her saintly prowess, directly eliminating the Fantasy Species Magic Creatures that escaped from the Dungeon, saving the Plain Ancient City from disaster.

Due to the special nature of the City of Adventurers, the Plain Ancient City has always maintained a semi-detached relationship with the Kingdom's mainstream, evident from the fact that the Ancient Capital Church Bishop was once a member of the Anti-Saintess Faction.

Despite this, the Saintess's reputation has not suffered much here, especially after she showcased her Strength upon arrival.

However, that was nearly a month ago.

After vanquishing the Pale Knight, the Saintess has not made any public appearances, nor have there been any reports of her leaving the Plain Ancient City, as if she had disappeared.