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

Chapter 463: Chapter 462: The Expected Visitor

The ceremony has ended.

After the ceremony concluded, the fleets of the Kingdom of Flame and the Land of Wealth immediately left Golden Bay. They arrived pompously eager to join the festivities, yet left with defeat written all over their faces, leaving many onlookers unable to even muster a smile, alright.

It wasn’t just these two nations; representatives of other powers also hurriedly bid their farewells and scattered, each returning to their own abodes. On one hand, it was because most of them had little interest in the Platinum Family, and on the other hand, they needed to report back the intelligence gathered from this ceremony to their leaders without delay, to make further strategic decisions!

These people had now realized clearly that Fang Zheng, representing the Heavenly Dao Palace, was obviously favoring the Kingdom of the Holy Church, and at present, they were evidently at odds with the Kingdom of Flame and the Land of Wealth. Especially the Kingdom of Flame, who not only had their newest model of warship smashed to bits by Fang Zheng, but even saw their nation’s Guardian God effortlessly dispatched by his hands, solidifying a deep-seated enmity.

Therefore, other forces and nations also had to swiftly shift their stances. Any discerning person could see that the era of the Kingdom of Flame’s naval supremacy was a thing of the past, and from today onward, the title of overlord of these waters was up for grabs. They needed to consider whether to continue on good terms with the Kingdom of Flame or to align with the newly emerged Heavenly Dao Palace, as well as how to deal with the powerful warships they possessed that could change the entire world. These were all matters that required serious contemplation back home.

”Honestly, why do you have to be at odds with the Kingdom of Flame?”

Although the ceremony ended perfectly, Ogrande still had quite a few complaints about Fang Zheng. To this, Fang Zheng wasn’t surprised; the Platinum Family was in the business of commerce, favoring harmony and profit. For them, having more friends meant more opportunities, and making enemies was to be avoided if possible. But now, Fang Zheng had directly turned the reputation of the Kingdom of Flame to that of hostility. He certainly wasn’t afraid, but whether Golden Bay could withstand the Kingdom of Flame’s harassment remained to be seen.

”Don’t worry, I’ll stand tall should the sky fall; what’s there to fear?”

For others, Fang Zheng may have seemed simply unwilling to make concessions to the Kingdom of Flame, but only Fang Zheng himself knew that from the beginning, the whole affair had been a deliberate scheme of his own making.

Could Iona really not detect that turtle ship? Of course not—it would be ridiculous if the radar of the Warship of Sea Mist were so incapable it should be sent back to the Naval Code to be rebuilt. In fact, before Fang Zheng and his entourage arrived at Golden Bay, he had already utilized the Sea Mist’s projection and radar to scan and learn what was taking place there, which led him to deliberately descend with his fleet from the skies, delivering a ”stern warning” to the opposition.

Yes, it was indeed quite stern.

After that, Fang Zheng also intentionally sent out his charges to prowl around, again, for the purpose of fishing. Initially, Fang Zheng thought it would take more effort, but the Kingdom of Flame was so cooperative, so eager to oblige, that it made Fang Zheng incredibly pleased... Apparently, the quality of acting in a rival scene depends on the other party; if they were a bit more relaxed, Fang Zheng might not have found such a good opportunity!

Choosing the Kingdom of Flame as a target was also part of Fang Zheng’s plan. The emergence of the Heavenly Dao Palace definitely required making a statement by making an example, but if the target was too insignificant, it would give the impression that they only bullied the weak. Thus, after much consideration, Fang Zheng had chosen the Kingdom of Flame as the target.

And there were three reasons for this...

Firstly, the Kingdom of Flame had poor relations with the Kingdom of the Holy Church and the Magitech Nation, and coincidentally, Fang Zheng had good relations with these two nations. The strength of the Kingdom of Flame itself was amongst the most formidable on the continent, so attacking them wouldn’t attract accusations of picking on the weak.

Secondly, the Kingdom of Flame had a score to settle with Fang Zheng as they had sent people to capture Nanali and even lost a warship and a naval lieutenant general to him. Fang Zheng didn’t believe for a second that if word got out, the Kingdom of Flame would just let it slide. Since a confrontation was inevitable sooner or later, it was better to strike first from his side.

Thirdly, the Kingdom of Flame was far across the sea, allowing Fang Zheng to act without worrying about unintended damage to allies. This made the conflict less burdensome. Moreover, the strategic location of the Heavenly Dao Palace was perfect for blockading the trading routes of the Kingdom of Flame... Indeed, attacking their critical points was the most convenient, wasn’t it?

If Fang Zheng were just an ordinary paladin, Ogrande certainly wouldn’t have let him off so easily. But now that Fang Zheng’s strength had been fully revealed, she also clearly understood that her future, and perhaps even that of her entire family, might depend on him. Thus, after voicing a few complaints, she turned around to continue attending to her own business—after all, despite the final mess, there were still things that needed her attention.

But shortly after Ogrande left, another expected visitor arrived.

”It has been quite a while, Bishop Carl.”

Seeing the vampire old archbishop before him, Fang Zheng raised his glass and nodded with a smile. Bishop Carl also chuckled lightly and sat in the chair across from Fang Zheng.

”Well... I don’t think it’s been that long... Alright, judging by your expression, it seems like you’ve guessed why I’m here?”

”More or less.”

Responding to Bishop Carl’s inquiry, Fang Zheng shrugged his shoulders. He wasn’t surprised at all; the Sanctuary would naturally want to send someone to mend their relationship with him and would be observing him closely. Now that he had nearly played all the cards he had, the Sanctuary would naturally have to take a stand, and the sooner the better.

”Hehe, but speaking of which... you really did ask for the stars, didn’t you? I saw General John’s face turn pale, one could only imagine the questioning he’ll face from the Fanriel Parliament once he brings back that list.”

”It’s just basic operations, nothing too serious, but...”

Since the other party was willing to open up a common subject from this angle, Fang Zheng certainly didn’t mind stepping on a poor soul once more.

”...Bishop Carl, I’m honestly quite curious, will those guys really gather everything as requested?”

Honestly, Fang Zheng was a bit skeptical. After all, the Kingdom of Flame and the Land of Wealth were among the world’s major nations, and the items he demanded, although not crippling, could still be a significant annoyance to them. Moreover, to prevent them from postponing for centuries, he specifically noted that they should deliver everything to Golden Bay within twenty days. The spirit crystals and various alchemy materials he asked for were no small sum; would these two nations actually comply?

”Of course, do you think the Judgement Ceremony is just a simple ritual?”

Bishop Carl, who clearly understood the situation, spread his hands with a smile and then began to speak.

”The word ’judgement’ in the Judgement Ceremony is not written in vain. You have dueled under the Sacred Order, and both parties have presented their demands and conditions. Thus, the losing side must fulfill them, and should they fail to do so, disaster will descend upon them.”

”Oh?”

Upon hearing this, Fang Zheng immediately became interested.

”What kind of disaster?”

”That is uncertain.”

Bishop Carl replied with a slight smile.

”All I remember is the last nation that refused to abide by the rules and rejected to honor the agreement... Ah, it seems they were completely destroyed by a massive earthquake.”

”Such an execution method is truly formidable.”

Hearing Bishop Carl’s response, Fang Zheng could not help but comment. This wasn’t just about bringing ruin to nine generations; this was a rhythm of utter extermination... He was indeed curious about the operating principles of the Judgement Ceremony and perhaps could find some time to properly research it... Well, all that was beside the point.

”Then, Bishop Carl, you came here on behalf of the Sanctuary to see me; it obviously wasn’t just to have tea and chat, right?” ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

”That’s part of it.”

In response to Fang Zheng’s inquiry, Bishop Carl did not give a negative answer.

”However... Your Excellency Fang Zheng, to get back to our conversation, there is indeed a matter for which the Sanctuary requires your help. This matter is also somewhat related to you.”

”Oh?”

At these words, Fang Zheng showed a trace of surprise.

”What relation?”

”Well, Mr. Fang Zheng, do you recall the Monster Tide that erupted at the Order Fortress last year?”

”Hmm... I certainly do remember that.”

Responding to Bishop Carl’s question, Fang Zheng nodded his head. That was after he had returned from the Edge of Tomorrow World, when he first encountered Fina, and also the first time he summoned the Little Angel and battled with a Six-Armed Snake Demon, thwarting the cultists’ attempt to open the Gates of Hell... Well, although the process was somewhat comical, the outcome was not too bad.

”In fact, after that incident, the Sanctuary conducted a reconnaissance of the Northlands and discovered some situations. If our suspicions are correct, those Demon Beasts were in cahoots with devils, but due to your involvement, Your Excellency Fang Zheng, they failed to open the Gates of Hell... However, the problems we’re facing are more than just that.”

At this point, Bishop Carl’s expression turned serious.

”According to the scout reports, we’ve recently discovered a Demon King level Demon Beast leader appearing outside the Order Fortress, leading an army of millions of Demon Beasts towards the Order Fortress. While we’re still uncertain what this Demon Beast leader intends to do, it’s certain that if this army of Demon Beasts charges straight in, the Order Fortress will not be able to hold out for long before succumbing. By then, the entire Northlands will once again plunge into chaos and danger!”

As he spoke, Bishop Carl looked towards Fang Zheng.

”Thus, Your Excellency Fang Zheng, I implore you on behalf of the Sanctuary, to request your assistance...”

Hearing Bishop Carl speak, Fang Zheng’s eyebrows raised, and a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

So that’s how it is.