Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 450: Chapter 449 Judgement Ceremony (I)

”Your Excellency Fang Zheng is really too impetuous,”

Seated in the audience, Astor frowned and whispered a sigh as he looked at the crowd before him. In fact, he knew things were amiss when General John made his request. What Astor didn’t expect was Fang Zheng’s response, which was quicker than he had anticipated; Fang Zheng had nodded in agreement before Astor managed to interject.

”Hehe, there’s no need to hurry...”

Compared to Astor, Bishop Carl seemed quite composed.

”I know Fang Zheng very well; he never acts without preparation. I am certain that since Your Excellency Fang Zheng accepted the other party’s request, he must have considerable confidence,” he said.

”That may be true...”

Even though he still felt somewhat uneasy, Astor didn’t say anything more, just cast his gaze towards the crowd in front of him.

To ensure the fairness and integrity of the Judgement Ceremony, the ceremony would take place within a specially crafted demi-plane. This demi-plane was created by the powerful beings of Shikoku using the force of arcane magic, and its essence was much like the competitive plane Fang Zheng experienced in the White Tower, except that this demi-plane was specifically designed for the Judgement Ceremony and was not usually opened lightly.

”It does bring back memories,”

While stroking his beard, Bishop Carl showed a reminiscent look.

”I remember the last time the Judgement Ceremony was initiated was twenty years ago...”

”At that time, wasn’t it the Lord of the Heavenly Sword Duchy and the Clan Leader of the Moster Family fighting over a lady? Now that I think about it, it’s still amusing, especially since in the end, the lady they were vying for ended up in the arms of another woman... Hmm, it seems quite theatrical even now when I think about it.”

Recalling the past situation, Bishop Carl couldn’t help but smile. That event was also quite famous among the higher circles; two men fighting fiercely over a woman, only to find out during her invitation to the stage that she had another love... people were laughing their heads off at that. You’re fighting so eagerly, yet none of you bothered to ask the lady herself? How confident you must have been in yourselves!

However, this time, the situation was different.

At that moment, the crowd began to stir, and soon after, Lieutenant General John and Caron’s portly representative stepped out from their midst, smiling confidently and whispering to each other from time to time.

”It seems the Kingdom of Flame and the Land of Wealth have indeed come prepared,”

Seeing General John’s expression, Astor frowned and said in a lowered voice to Bishop Carl, who nodded slightly in agreement.

”Of course, it appears they had planned in advance. If it weren’t for the interference of Your Excellency Fang Zheng, then we would have been their targets,”

While the two conversed, Fang Zheng also emerged from another side, a smile curling the corners of his mouth just like General John. The three of them walked to the center of the crowd under everyone’s watchful eyes, where a mage in a white robe stood, and at that time, Bishop Carl also straightened his own robe and joined them at the center of the crowd.

As the first step of the Judgement Ceremony, permission must be granted to open the gates leading to the Sacred Tribunal; of course, before that, they had to ensure that it was a fair and just duel.

”Your Excellency Fang Zheng.”

”Bishop Carl.”

Seeing the vampire Old Archbishop smiling and nodding his way, Fang Zheng returned the greeting; he had quite a fondness for the old bishop, although he did not expect to encounter him here. But after thinking it over, if the Sanctuary intended to win him over, sending someone related to him here wouldn’t be surprising.

”Now then, let’s begin the ceremony,”

Watching the two greet each other, Douglas cleared his throat, then spoke up. After that, he looked towards General John and the portly representative across from him.

”I, Douglas Whyte, representing the Magitech Nation of Leon, consent to the commencement of the Judgement Ceremony.”

”I, Carl D. Quin, representing the Kingdom of the Holy Church Serres, consent to the commencement of the Judgement Ceremony.”

”I, John Cliff, representing the Kingdom of Flame Fanriel, consent to the commencement of the Judgement Ceremony.”

”I, Ante Doms, representing the Land of Wealth Caron, consent to the commencement of the Judgement Ceremony.”

Representatives from the four nations had finished their simultaneous declarations, and then they all turned their gaze toward Fang Zheng. Facing everyone’s scrutiny, Fang Zheng responded with a slight smile.

”Before we proceed, there’s something I need to confirm.”

”What is it, Your Excellency Fang Zheng?” freēNovelFire.com

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s words, General John slightly raised his eyebrows.

”You’re not thinking of going back on your word, are you?”

”Of course not.”

Fang Zheng waved his hand dismissively and then continued to speak.

”I want to ask about this Judgement Ceremony. The participants are me, and the Kingdom of Flame and Land of Wealth, correct?”

”That’s correct.”

At this, the plump representative from the Land of Wealth nodded.

”Then I want to clarify something first. According to the rules of the Judgement Ceremony, the loser must satisfy the demands of the winner. So... if I were to lose, would I have to meet the demands of both the Kingdom of Flame and the Land of Wealth?”

”This...”

Startled by this question, everyone paused, then exchanged glances. Undoubtedly, this was indeed an issue. Originally, the proposal of the Judgement Ceremony by the Kingdom of Flame and the Land of Wealth was designed for the Kingdom of the Holy Church and the Magitech Nation. Thus, they hadn’t thought too deeply about this particular problem. However, now reminded by Fang Zheng, they realized there was indeed such an issue.

”So what are your thoughts on this, Your Excellency Fang Zheng?”

Mage Douglas watched Fang Zheng with an amused smile, clearly intending to sit back and enjoy the show. Fang Zheng, on the other hand, spread his hands wide.

”Simple. If I lose, then I shall fulfill one wish for both the Kingdom of Flame and the Land of Wealth. But in turn, if I win, then both the Kingdom of Flame and the Land of Wealth must each grant me one wish... I believe this is a very fair and reasonable proposal.”

”This...”

At this, General John and the plump representative’s faces subtly changed. They looked at each other once more, both discerning the unease deep within the other’s heart. Everyone present was no fool; they understood why Fang Zheng would make such a proposal—it seemed highly disadvantageous for Fang Zheng on the surface, but conversely, it also indicated his absolute confidence in winning. Otherwise, he would never have made a request that appeared to be so unfavorable to himself.

But what were they to do?

Bishop Carl and Mage Douglas silently reverted to spectator mode. If this demand had been put forward by General John and his peers, they would certainly have opposed it. But since it was Fang Zheng’s idea, both sentimentally and logically, they wouldn’t undermine their own side at this moment. Now, it rested upon what choice General John and his peers would make.

”...We agree to this proposal.”

After consulting briefly with his companions, General John finally gritted his teeth and nodded in agreement to Fang Zheng’s proposal. Although he felt uneasy, the thought of the trump card prepared by himself and the Land of Wealth calmed him down.

Even if they accidentally lost the team competition, as long as they won the individual competition, then it would be a draw, making the wager void. But if they won both the team and individual competitions, they would receive double compensation!

As for losing? That was impossible!

Thinking of the ace up his sleeve, a smile spread across General John’s face.

Right, losing was absolutely out of the question!

”Very well.”

And hearing General John’s response, Fang Zheng nodded with a knowing smile.

”Then, I, Fang Zheng, on behalf of the Heavenly Dao Palace, agree to the commencement of this Judgement Ceremony.”