CHAPTER 54: 54 KNIGHT ORDER’S OLIVE BRANCH

The Mist Knight Order, being the strongest force associated with the Monastery, has established its base in the surrounding Misty Mountains.

Some members of the Knight Order venture out to execute missions, acting as a sharp sword against evil.

Another portion remains at the Monastery, spending their days either maintaining the monastery’s security or training in the Misty Mountains.

They either enter the depths of the mountains in squads to battle ferocious Demons, or temper their bodies and minds through various rigorous techniques.

They never harm their bodies, but their process of honing both spirit and body is truly worthy of being called Ascetic.

And now...

Herbert is about to become one of them.

"..."

He followed behind the Rusted Nail Bishop up the city wall, watching the Knight Order members training below, his eyebrows twitching constantly.

Herbert looked on as a middle-aged Paladin pierced his sword into his forearm, only to pull it out and continue practicing his slashes with a bleeding arm.

Self-harm?

No.

It’s not just self-mutilation. As he practiced slashing, he was also using Divine Skill to heal his wounds.

He even felt it was insufficient, so he swung his sword to pierce his calf as well, beginning to coordinate with a staggering pace.

So, is this practicing combat while injured?

"Hiss..."

He turned his head and saw two Martial Monks facing each other in horse stance—taking turns kicking each other’s groin.

Crack!

"Ugh!"

Crack!

"Ow!"

Crack!

"Ha!"

Every kick was quite forceful, as their eyes darted venomously, appearing as if they wanted to devour each other alive.

Under the blazing sun, dust flew around their groin areas, veins bulged at their temples, and their bodies shook like a shivering sieve.

So, is this practicing the Golden Bell Shield?

Uh... perhaps it’s said to be enhancing resistance to critical strikes?

"Hiss..."

Herbert felt a phantom pain beneath his waist, unable to bear the sight, he averted his gaze again.

On this side, a Martial Monk was challenging ten Paladins bare-handed—almost being kicked into a rolling pig-head by the circle of people.

What the hell, this young man!

On another side, a gray-haired Paladin embedded his sword into the platform, single-handedly gripping the hilt, he supported his entire body weight with his one arm.

What the hell, this old man!

And another side...

A brief scan revealed Herbert’s exceptionally rich expression; he exhaled a long breath, unable to resist shaking his head in admiration.

I didn’t expect that in this tiny Monastery, dragons and phoenixes would be so plentiful.

The number of celestial beings here is as abundant as sesame seeds in a bun!

The entire training ground of the Knight Order gave Herbert a strange sense of "Knight Order, the grand stage, if you dare, come on!"

Here, you may not live, but you definitely cannot be lifeless.

Is this Florida?

While he was inhaling sharply through his teeth, the Rusted Nail Bishop in front of him spoke: "Herbert, you know, your request is unrealistic."

"No matter if the heretics really change as you say, the fact of their extreme danger will not change."

"The request you proposed, I can’t agree to."

Herbert nodded silently. He certainly understood the feasibility of his request was low, even bordering on wishful thinking.

Because there’s simply no way to guarantee safety from his side.

Even if he believes they are reforming for the better, others would likely not trust it, and indeed... when the moment truly arrives, would Valentina and her people genuinely behave?

It’s hard to say.

Don’t extend your hand to the mouth of a hungry beast, nor stretch your dirty little hands towards the cooked ingredients while mom’s cooking...

Don’t jump repeatedly on the edge of danger!

Unless you can truly bear the consequences that follow.

But Herbert was not disappointed by the rejection, because it was clear the Rusted Nail Bishop’s words weren’t finished yet.

Sure enough, after a few moments of silence, the Rusted Nail Bishop continued: "However... it’s not completely impossible."

"If you can be absolutely certain you can suppress them, no one will stop you."

He turned back, gazing silently at the young man before him: "So, Herbert, do you know what you need the most right now?"

"Strength."

The implication was so clear, and Herbert knelt on one knee without hesitation, sincerely saying: "Please, Knight Commander, guide me on how to achieve that!"

The Rusted Nail Bishop looked at the sensible young man, approvingly nodded, and said hoarsely: "Good."

"You are smart. You figured out my intentions once you realized I held no malice towards you."

"Indeed, I do hope you can become a member of the Knight Order."

With his head lowered, Herbert raised his eyebrow slightly, surprised by the Knight Commander’s words—he had already seen through it?

This Rusted Nail Bishop wasn’t as oblivious to human nature as he appeared.

"As a noble, you know how to communicate with others. That’s very good."

"Many times, Cultivators come off too rigid in interactions; they don’t know how to communicate with others."

The Cardinal cocked the corner of his mouth, the rivets above gently clinking, making a slight hum.

"Nobles see us as heartless lunatics, worried that we’ll cleanse them along with the evil."

"And sometimes, even civilians view us as the noble’s henchmen, afraid we’ll demand exorbitant fees... heh."

The Rusted Nail Bishop’s gaze fell on the Cultivators in the training ground, silently shook his head, sighed, and then painfully closed his eyes.

Not looking anymore...

Giving it a glance makes the head hurt.

"What they lack... well, is precisely the diplomatic finesse you have."

The Rusted Nail Bishop turned back, looking at the white-haired young man, once again nodded approvingly, and said: "But having just these is not enough; you also need adequate strength."

He extended a hand to Herbert, offering an invitation:

"Abandon your work at the Judgement Hall, join the Knight Order, and I will personally train you."

"I won’t waste your talent, and will make you a Paladin truly capable of defending justice."

Herbert did not answer immediately.

To be honest, the Rusted Nail Bishop’s proposal was indeed a tempting one, as he indeed needed a structured path to enhance his prowess.

But...

Give up his work at the Judgement Hall?

Herbert furrowed his brow, feeling it was not an invitation but an attempt to enforce chastity on him.

You are putting me in a difficult position!

"I..."

Bang!

Just as he was about to speak, the door behind was slammed open, and a stout figure rushed in without grace, blocking the two of them.

"Herbert!!!"

Thorn Bishop’s booming voice resonated throughout the training ground, drawing everyone’s attention.

Everyone heard an exclamation filled with defensive anger:

"Don’t agree to anything he says—ah!!!"