CHAPTER 1018: CHAPTER 211: BETRAYAL

The twisted figures of the Twisted Vine Church were also invited to Rodest Port, appearing as the shell of his sister Elena.

A murky, rune-covered ocean-going sailboat lay at the dock. Because most materials were dismantled from other ships’ wrecks, this brand-new ship looked as though it had sailed for decades—despite only having undergone a few trial runs in the bay.

The sails were rising as believers retreated onto the ship. The leader of the runaway sect remained before Lu Li and them, chanting softly, "We mourn the fall of our master and thus face the perilous, troublesome, and magnificent world outside. We will remember our friendship with you. If we find a pure and safe new land, we will return to inform you."

The leader gifted the twisted figures with an ancient book documenting their sect’s magic spells. Although most magic had become useless with the divinity’s demise, some universal techniques and alchemy were still referential.

What it gave to Lu Li was a sacred artifact of the sect imbued with residual power: it now merely had the power to sense nearing heretics. The approach of Shadow Church believers caused it to continuously emit colorless haze as a warning, with a sensing range only of 50 meters and diminishing further—a symbolic gesture rather than practical utility.

The twisted figures’ return gift was a batch of supplies being loaded onto the ocean-going ship by the members of the runaway sect. Lu Li gave it several eyeballs, explaining their usage.

"We really need these..."

The leader was happier than expected. The ocean voyage would evidently not be smooth, filled with dangers. If trouble arose, they could buy supplies from Merchant Anthony. If a catastrophe struck, they would have time to retreat into the merchant’s Inner World.

This led Lu Li to think that the merchant might be capable of more than just transactions.

Witnessing the leader board the ocean-going ship, waving as anchors were raised and sails set, gradually sailing beyond the bay.

"What do you plan to do next?" The twisted figure in Elena’s appearance asked, approaching Lu Li’s side. When not in its true form, It behaved more like a human.

It was already aware of the lamentable outcome for the tentacle cultists as well as the astonishing revival of the ancient divinity.

"Wait," Lu Li replied.

Waiting for the God of the Deep Sea to return to its divine throne, waiting for Annie to mature, waiting for all ally factions to grow stronger.

"Do you want to join forces with me to clean up Belfast?" "Winter makes them indolent and conspicuous. We can take advantage of this time."

"Did the Prophet allow it?"

"It’s just my idea."

"...Not now." After pondering briefly, Lu Li still refused it.

For now, he could only wait.

...

"The Ancients that Exist Eternally Resist the Invasion, Destroy the Weird Lair in Ubu Viktoria."

The next day, under the Annie Tree.

Lu Li flipped through the Midnight City newspaper. The headline was related to the God of the Deep Sea.

"Giant Tree Observer" was the official newspaper of the Giant Tree Academy, suggesting no misnomer. The God of the Deep Sea seeking its remnant body was sighted in the Barren Lands.

Ubu Viktoria was in the northeastern Barren Lands, almost a base for Weird Lairs—numerous fallen or destroyed weird lairs resided there. After the incident, news traveled back to the surface via old sewers, but the losses were unclear for now.

The newspaper reported an attack or rather a cleansing in the southeastern Barren Lands the next day. This incident occurred the day before yesterday’s event, but the relative barrenness delayed news spread.

On the third day, a Spirit Town beneath the Spine of the World Mountains observed the Ancients passing by. They obtained local’s account: "Its vast sacred form swept through the clouds; the town’s divinity was uneasy about the passing Ancients."

No further news of the God of the Deep Sea emerged in the following two days. Judging by its path through the Spine of the World Mountains, It might be headed across the mountains into unexplored human territory.

"It... is too conspicuous..." Ophelia was not optimistic about the God of the Deep Sea’s fame.

This was not a good thing.

Clearly, the God of the Deep Sea was still in a state of seeking remnants to restore power, while reclusive town humans were perennially information-closed—if they knew, it meant news already permeated the Barren Lands.

The enemies of the God of the Deep Sea, who aim to conquer the world, would know about the revival of the Ancients.

Its return was destined to be troublesome.

Also troubled was Mayor Matteus, whose plea for help arrived on the second day with explosive news, delivered by Merchant Anthony.

...

Warehouse on the west side of Vena Ice-Free Port City, near the slums.

Under the scrutinizing gazes behind frost-covered windows, the Judiciary Guard took over, driving away unrelated soldier administrators.

"Block? Destroy? You can’t do that!"

Assistant Valendo glared in shock and anger at the captain of the Judiciary Guard.

The mayor was wrong, they were all wrong. The Judiciary Guard would actually go through with it.

No one responded, wearing badges they seemed like cold steel, executing orders indifferently.

"Do you realize what you’re doing?!" Valendo confronted the captain furiously: "Countless citizens need firewood; you’re killing them!"

Still no response, Valendo watched as the warehouse doors were locked, soldiers driven away, heading out cold-faced.

"Where are you going?"

The silent captain now blocked his exit.

"Tell the mayor, the Judiciary Guard has gone mad," Valendo mocked.

"Mind your words, young man," the captain replied blandly. "No need to seek the mayor, he’s being searched by our knights."

Finishing, he gestured for the attendant knight to search Valendo.

"It’s your turn now."

...

"This is a coup!"

Mayor Matteus raged, veins bulging, accusing the Judiciary Guard ransacking the office.

They confiscated everything related to Lu Li, including correspondence and the merchant’s eyeballs, placing Mayor Matteus under house arrest again.

After dozens of minutes, assistant Valendo returned. Matteus asked disappointedly, "So the warehouse has been sealed by those madmen?"

Valendo didn’t answer directly, bending over and retching out an eyeball.

"After last time, I worried it’d happen again, so I secretly kept one." He wiped spittle from his mouth, breathing heavily. "Mayor, please contact the Exorcist... inform him of the Judiciary Guard’s crimes!"

...

"We need to help Mayor Matteus," Puxiu angrily hopped around.

Lu Li pondered quietly.

Frankly, until now, he had no strong aversion to the Judiciary Guard.

Preserving the civilization and purity of one’s tribe is hard to judge right or wrong. Moreover, they knew right from wrong—for instance, mutual embassies and communication with Vena Ice-Free Port, or the Judiciary Guard extending aid when he was in danger.

But they were now leaning toward the extreme—

Extremes were never a good thing.

His gaze landed on the fresh Midnight City newspaper, Lu Li’s dark eyes suddenly constricted.

"Midnight City Nightmares: The Attacking Ancients."

The God of the Deep Sea returned... and attacked Midnight City last night.