Chapter 66: Miss Luo Ling, A Brick to Be Moved Wherever Needed
The biting winds of early March still swept through Victoria, accompanied by a drizzling rain and a dreamy, hazy fog that enveloped the entire city.
Before Highgate Cemetery, three young women in black dresses and veils gazed sorrowfully at two tombstones, one large and one small, mourning in silence. Luo Ling thus achieved the feat of attending her own funeral for the second time.
However, Luo Ling’s consciousness had already withdrawn, no longer impersonating Eve. The Eve puppet’s actions were now driven entirely by Eve’s memories and emotions.
Previously, she had maintained the impersonation due to the presence of Ms. Nightingale, a powerful Myriad Path Awakened One who could perceive the essence of life, one of the furthest progressed individuals on the Myriad Path.
There might be other Awakened Ones of the same Path who were stronger in combat, but in terms of healing, Ms. Nightingale was second to none.
The fact that Luo Ling’s puppet could deceive Ms. Nightingale’s perception was a testament to the Puppet Ballad’s incredible power. However, the puppet’s empty consciousness could easily be detected during the healing process.
Outside of treatment, an empty consciousness wasn’t so easily noticed.
The main reason for withdrawing from the Eve puppet now was that Luo Ling felt she couldn’t perfectly impersonate Miss Eve. Her abilities were fine, but in certain situations, she couldn’t maintain the act…
She hadn’t had this problem when impersonating the stranger, Alyssa. Even Stasha, who had grown up with Alyssa, only vaguely sensed something was amiss.
Seeing her two teammates consumed by grief through Eve’s eyes, Luo Ling sighed inwardly. The three of them would soon join the Star team to hunt down the White Witch’s Apostle.
…Of course, it wouldn’t be Elsa. Elsa was currently safe and sound in Starry Victoria.
Clearly, this was a setup by the Harbingers, shifting the blame onto the White Witch…
“Truly worthy of being two organizations branching from the same root, even their scapegoating tactics are so synchronized, inexplicably dragging me into their conflict,” Luo Ling thought with a sigh.
Now that the three team members had returned to being cogs in the Company’s machine, there was nothing for Luo Ling to worry about. She had to hurry to the Harbingers’ side and investigate the situation.
How could the White Witch have made a deal with the Harbingers without her knowledge, so secretly that even she herself was unaware?
After withdrawing her consciousness from the Eve puppet, Luo Ling immediately descended onto Alyssa’s body.
The blindfolded nun sat in her wheelchair on the pulpit before the cathedral’s central hall, receiving the worship of her followers, facing the statue of the Sacred Heart and performing Mass.
Luo Ling didn’t immediately take control of Alyssa’s body, as she knew nothing about religious rituals. She began browsing the Church of Light’s recent memories.
“Good heavens…”
After browsing for a while, Luo Ling narrowed her eyes slightly.
No wonder the Company believed they had made a deal with the White Witch, possibly even forming an alliance.
The Harbingers had been quite active in these few days…
The Harbinger leader had directly ordered “Theologian” Alyssa to expand the number of priests in the Church of Light.
Previously, almost all priests in the Church of Light were from the Harbingers’ former cult, or if not, they were wicked individuals.
These people had all been killed by Alyssa and perfectly dominated, becoming complete puppets.
Therefore, despite the Church of Light’s recent popularity, it hadn’t expanded on a large scale.
At most, when encountering wicked individuals deserving of death, Alyssa would have them literally lay down their butcher knives and become Buddha on the spot, personally meeting God to repent, their bodies joining the Church of Light.
As a result, the number of priests in the Church of Light had remained at a few thousand, a relatively small number among other church branches, even with many people wanting to join.
Because of this strange behavior, rumors circulated in Victoria that only those most devout to God were qualified to follow the Saint.
…In a sense, this wasn’t wrong.
However, under the Harbinger leader’s orders, Alyssa, the newly appointed Theologian, had no choice but to obey and expand the church.
Due to the large scale of the expansion, they couldn’t find enough deserving sinners to instantly become Buddha, so Alyssa opened recruitment for priest positions in the Church of Light for the first time in Victoria.
This news was a bombshell in Victoria’s religious circles. Everyone had witnessed the Church of Light’s recent rise. Regardless of the benefits, just joining it would significantly elevate one’s status.
The recruitment ended a few days ago, bringing in nearly half ordinary people and expanding the church’s size by almost a third.
At the same time, the number of branch churches increased significantly. Looking at the map, one could see that the combined coverage of these churches now encompassed all of Victoria.
Clearly, Philosopher intended to use these churches for something.
Meanwhile, among the newly recruited personnel, the intelligence network had identified several unusual Awakened Ones. Alyssa judged them to be members of the Harbingers.
The Harbinger leaders hadn’t informed Alyssa about this, but judging from Religious’s recent actions, he seemed to be aware of it.
…Philosopher and the others still didn’t fully trust Alyssa.
This was normal. Theologian Alyssa was, after all, a newcomer to the Harbingers. Even the less favored Religious was a more trusted, older member.
Speaking of Religious, after relinquishing his position in charge of the church, he hadn’t taken on any major tasks. Perhaps he was preparing for his ascension ritual, or perhaps for other reasons. In any case, he was quite idle.
He would often visit Alyssa to discuss religious scriptures and explain things about the Awakened world, sometimes like an academic discussion, other times like he was trying to win her over.
Luo Ling could guess Religious’s intentions. He was going to become the fourth leader of the Harbingers. If he could win over the highly talented Theologian, his influence within the Harbingers would increase.
Where there were people, there were selfish desires. Even without infighting, power struggles would always occur in any organization, unless everyone was a saint.
It was during this expansion that the Harbingers infiltrated the church, using the costly secret technique to steal the White Witch’s Authority again, spreading the news of a collaboration between the White Witch and the Harbingers.
As for why the Company believed this information so readily…
Luo Ling recalled the strange object Educator had given her after her “interview,” the Sacred Tool.
Every time Religious visited, he would take something from this Sacred Tool. These items could mimic the White Witch’s Grotesquery aura, not just her abilities.
This was the true purpose of this Sacred Tool, not to collect the White Witch’s power, but to simulate her aura through its connection to her.
—The Company was well aware of the Harbingers’ secret technique. Stealing a bit of power wasn’t enough to convince the directors that the two powerful enemies had formed an alliance.
Only this unique Grotesquery aura could truly confirm their collaboration, forcing the Company to divert some of their attention to this matter.
The Harbingers likely weren’t afraid of the White Witch’s retaliation, as the Grotesquery aura was being simulated by church organizations throughout Victoria.
If she wanted to kill them, she could. It would further exhaust the Company, forcing them to deal with a rampaging High-Risk Grotesquery.
As long as they could divert the Company’s attention at this crucial moment, the Harbingers’ objective would be achieved.
Unaware that the “White Witch” had already planted a piece within the Harbingers, Philosopher’s calculations were quite thorough, their little scheme working perfectly.
“So, I’ve been played…”
Luo Ling’s eyes flickered. Even with her advantage in the shadows, she was still somewhat naive compared to these old foxes, easily used as a neutral pawn.
However, using her came at a price.
This was true for both the Company and the Harbingers.
The Harbingers’ success was partly due to Cheng Jianming’s death.
If Cheng Jianming hadn’t died, the Incubation Barrier nodes throughout Victoria would likely be in place.
The Company, holding the initiative, wouldn’t worry about an alliance between the White Witch and the Harbingers. They could simply risk initiating a collapse, putting the Harbingers at a disadvantage.
But now, with Cheng Jianming dead and the Incubation Barrier nodes incomplete, the Harbingers could seize the opportunity to turn the tables. Unfortunately… they had used the wrong piece and made the wrong move.
However, it had to be said that the game between the two sides was extremely dangerous. The slightest misstep could be fatal.
Just as Luo Ling finished browsing the key information in Alyssa’s memory, her Mass was also coming to an end.
After Alyssa descended from the pulpit, Religious, as always, was waiting for her behind the scenes in the central hall. Seeing the wheelchair approaching, he quickly went to greet her.
“Saint Alyssa, you’ve worked hard. How are you feeling today?”
“Thank you for your concern, sir. It’s the same every day. I’m used to it.”
Alyssa smiled gently, nodding slightly at Religious, then skillfully wheeled herself towards the back of the hall.
Religious quickly followed, entering the prayer room with Alyssa.
A barrier had been erected around the prayer room. Only now could Religious and Alyssa reveal their true identities and converse as Harbingers.
A joyful smile finally appeared on Religious’s face. “Theologian, the leaders have brought good news.”
“Oh? Mr. Religious, please elaborate.”
Luo Ling, now controlling Alyssa, was immediately intrigued.
“You’ve done an excellent job with the tasks assigned to you. Educator is very pleased. These are extraordinary times, and you’ve been exceptionally promoted. I can now tell you more about the Harbingers’ secrets.”
The joy on Religious’s face was genuine. He believed that Saint Alyssa, the Theologian, was firmly on his side. Her promotion was naturally good news.
“Thank you, sir.”
Luo Ling’s expression remained calm, her smile unchanged. For Alyssa, this wasn’t something to be overly excited about.
However… getting closer to the Harbingers’ core at this time was indeed good news for Luo Ling.
Religious took out a parchment scroll, an ancient ring, and a dagger as exquisite as a work of art.
“These are the Harbingers’ unique secret techniques, allowing us to utilize power far beyond our own, but at a price. Use them wisely.”
Religious first handed the parchment to Luo Ling. After receiving it, she scanned it briefly, her expression turning serious.
The scroll detailed how to inscribe rituals, construct inspiration circuits, perform sacrifices, and avoid being completely consumed by the Grotesquery’s price.
The Harbingers’ ability to contend with the Order-side organizations despite their smaller numbers was largely due to these secret techniques.
With these techniques, even a Mid-Order Awakened One (Fourth to Sixth-Order) could threaten a High-Order Awakened One (Seventh-Order and above).
But the slightest mistake could be fatal.
“However, the Company seems to have similar secret techniques. Cheng Jianming used one before his death, seemingly more complete… So, is this a modified version?”
Luo Ling calmly put away the parchment. Next, Religious presented the ancient ring, carefully holding it before Luo Ling and saying,
“This is a Taboo Ring, containing a trace of a Taboo’s power. Used in conjunction with the secret techniques, it allows one to briefly wield a Taboo’s Authority… However, it must be used with extreme caution.
“The path of Taboo is irreversible. Even with your talent, it would be difficult to fully control it, unless—”
Religious suddenly realized he had said too much, pausing before continuing, “You’ll understand later. For now, keep the Taboo Ring safe. It could save your life in a critical moment.”
“Wow, even Taboo items, given to ordinary members. The Harbingers are truly the Company’s greatest enemy.”
Luo Ling sighed inwardly, accepting the ring and hiding it.
She had an idea: if she Devoured this ring, would she further develop her Naraku form or gain a new form?
The former would be a waste. A trace of Taboo power was definitely more useful than mere sustenance. The latter would be excellent, but… Taboo existences were probably difficult to fully control.
Her Naraku form was already somewhat unruly, often malfunctioning when using its abilities…
The last item, as expected, was a Sacred Tool.
Judging from Religious’s envious gaze, this wasn’t something every new Harbinger member received.
Sacred Tools were precious everywhere, and the Harbingers were no exception.
Religious reluctantly handed the dagger Sacred Tool to Luo Ling, his envy unconcealed. “Theologian, this is a Sacred Tool bestowed upon you by Educator himself, called ‘Lifebreath.’ Explore its abilities and usage yourself.”
Religious couldn’t help but add,
“Sacred Tools are extremely precious. Ordinary Awakened Ones might never obtain one in their lifetime, even I only possess half of one… Educator has high hopes for your future, hence such a generous gift.”
Luo Ling, who possessed several Sacred Tools and had the backing of a master Sacred Tool crafter, nodded in agreement. She also felt that Sacred Tools were precious. This showed Educator’s favor towards Alyssa.
“Educator is too kind. I am unworthy of such a gift.”
Luo Ling accepted the dagger without any hesitation.
After sensing it briefly, it seemed to be crafted from a Silent Demise Path Sacred Relic, but the crafting technique was ingenious, giving the Sacred Tool Myriad Path characteristics.
In reality, it shouldn’t be called a dagger. It was a staff crafted in the shape of a dagger, its primary function being healing, quite fitting for Alyssa’s abilities.
After presenting the “welcome gift,” Religious’s expression turned serious. “Theologian, now that you’ve officially joined the Harbingers, there are some more important tasks… that must be entrusted to you.”
He pointed to the shrine beside them, saying gravely, “The matter of the White Witch must be handled by you… From now on, you are the White Witch’s Apostle. Use this Sacred Tool to activate your abilities, and it will carry the White Witch’s aura.”
“Huh?” Luo Ling paused slightly. “I’m the White Witch’s Apostle?”
“Of course, of course, I know you’re not. The White Witch is such a cruel devil. I know you detest her. How could you become her Apostle?” Religious quickly said. “It’s just that the Harbingers are currently implementing some plans that require you to… put on a small disguise and cooperate, understand?”
Religious had explained most things about the Awakened world to Alyssa, including the White Witch’s atrocities, naturally from the Harbingers’ perspective.
In his narrative, the Company was the greatest villain in the world, the evil organization preventing them from saving the world.
…Although Luo Ling felt the two organizations were equally bad, birds of a feather.
“May I ask, what do I need to do?” Luo Ling asked calmly.
Hearing the Theologian’s reply, Religious finally relaxed. He had worried that she would refuse to become the White Witch’s Apostle, even if it was just an act.
“Act secretly as the White Witch’s Apostle to divert the Company’s attention. During this time… the Harbingers absolutely cannot be disturbed.”
Religious thought for a moment, then lowered his voice further. “To be precise, I cannot be disturbed. I can’t tell you the details now, but you’ll understand later.”
Religious couldn’t help but smile. Educator had repeatedly warned him not to reveal his upcoming ascension to the fourth leadership position, so he had been keeping it bottled up.
Finally, he found an opportunity to hint at it, even just a little, to relieve his pent-up feelings.
To Luo Ling, who knew the inside story, these words undoubtedly revealed the Harbingers’ plan.
“It seems they need to distract the Company to prevent them from interfering with Religious’s ascension,” Luo Ling thought, a faint smile appearing on her lips. She nodded. “Alright, I agree. However… I can impersonate the White Witch’s Apostle, but not as the Saint.”
“Of course, of course. The Saint shouldn’t be an Apostle of a devil, even I wouldn’t agree to such an arrangement,” Religious said. “You just need to secretly leave traces of the White Witch in various locations in Victoria. As for how… that’s up to you.”
After giving these instructions, Religious stood up to leave.
But then, Luo Ling suddenly remembered something and called out to him, “By the way, Mr. Religious, may I ask a rather presumptuous question?”
“Hmm?” Religious paused. “Ask away.”
“Which Path do you belong to?” Luo Ling asked.
“That’s not presumptuous at all. I can tell you directly,” Religious said with a smile. “I’m an Other Shore Path Awakened One. As for my specific ability… that would be presumptuous.”
They weren’t close enough to reveal such details.
“Mmm, I understand,” Luo Ling said thoughtfully.
“What’s wrong, Saint Alyssa? Is there something you need me to clarify?” Religious asked, his expression turning serious.
“Shouldn’t all Other Shore Path ability users belong to the Speakers?” Luo Ling asked.
“Indeed, so I am also a member of the Speakers,” Religious said calmly. “However, I joined the Speakers after joining the Harbingers, so I’m considered an external member—although almost everyone in the Speakers, besides the Four Harbingers, is an external member.
“Almost all Speakers members have other affiliations, even members of the wicked Company.”
This was new information to Luo Ling. She knew the Speakers were a mixed bag, but she hadn’t expected it to be to this extent.
Judging from this, Religious should be a Mid-Order Awakened One (Fourth to Sixth-Order), not a High-Order Awakened One, at least not before.
Other Shore Path Awakened Ones were notoriously difficult to promote. Only the Four Harbingers within the Speakers were High-Order Awakened Ones.
“Saint Alyssa, any other questions?” Religious asked.
“No more. Be careful, sir,” Luo Ling said calmly.
Religious bowed slightly and hurriedly left.
“A Mid-Order Awakened One attempting a forced ascension ritual? It seems these three months… were spent preparing for this,” Luo Ling thought, watching Religious leave the cathedral through her Spore vision, her expression darkening. “And this ascendant happens to be an Other Shore Path Awakened One.”
Philosopher’s hidden Path was Present.
The other end of the Other Shore.
Luo Ling couldn’t believe there wasn’t some hidden connection between the two.
“It seems ‘sacrificial lambs’ are also quite popular within the Harbingers,” Luo Ling said, tapping her fingers on the table, a sneer appearing on her lips. “Truly worthy of being ‘branches of the same root.’”
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