Ian walked gracefully through the crowd.
He was wearing a snow-white trench coat uniform again. With very few pendants on him, it made him look sharp and martial, clearly outlining his broad-shouldered, long-legged figure.
And that beautiful curly hair was like flowing molten gold, making even the blazing midsummer sun pale in comparison.
The surrounding clerics came and went. Most of them did not talk to him much, just exchanging simple greetings before leaving.
Su Cheng coughed lightly. "Um, good day—"
Zane quietly took two steps back.
Ian stared at the girl in front of him, looking her up and down for a few seconds, and suddenly let out a soft laugh. "I am guessing you have had a very pleasant adventure these past few days?"
The remark sounded a bit strange at first.
Especially since his tone was quite subtle.
Su Cheng almost immediately thought of how she had accepted the Dragon Clan's trial, obtained the Dragon Clan's power, and even been transformed into a half-dragon to some extent.
She also remembered the purification she had undergone before. This guy in front of her seemed quite sensitive to certain auras.
Su Cheng could not help but curl her lip. "I did not come here for you to interrogate me."
Ian raised an eyebrow slightly. "I am just greeting you, and I did not force you to answer the question. Is there a fundamental difference between this and asking 'how have you been lately'?"
Su Cheng nodded seriously. "Yes, you sounded like you were implying something."
In the blink of an eye, she noticed that Zane had retreated far away, as if he did not want to be caught in their crossfire.
Su Cheng could not help but look at him.
The archbishop nodded politely, looking a bit like he was forcing a smile, perhaps feeling very awkward. "...Then I will be leaving first?"
Su Cheng hesitated to speak, turning her head to look at Ian, who cast her a look that said 'what does that have to do with me'.
Su Cheng: "I actually wanted to ask about the Divine Grace Trial. May I ask which of you has the time and knows the inside story—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Zane had completely excused himself and left.
"I know a little," Ian said calmly. "You want to participate?"
Su Cheng remembered the information she had read from the documents. "I heard that many deities will pay attention to the trial process, and if one shows suitable traits, it is easier to be chosen as a favored one—"
"That is so," the blond young man nodded slightly. "So, whose favor are you trying to win?"
Su Cheng hesitated for a moment.
She could not remember exactly how Lin Yun obtained immortality, only knowing that it was some kind of deal with the God of Death.
But she had no clue how it happened, only remembering that Lin Yun did participate in this trial, so there might be a certain probability it was related.
But right now, she could not mention the God of Death.
After all, that was an ally of the Dark God. If she mentioned Him to a cleric on the Church's turf, she would be doomed.
Of course, then again, since the Northern Continent was controlled by the Church, the selection ceremony for the divinely favored initiated by the royal family of the Silver Moon Empire should logically be limited to the allies of the God of Light.
But she had a deep impression that Lin Yun had also come into contact with deities from the Dark God's lineage during the trial.
Su Cheng: "...The kind that can directly help in battle, I guess. You know, I can use divine power even if the other party has not broken the law or lied."
Among the allies or subordinates of the God of Light, there was more than one deity whose power matched her description.
Ian did not seem suspicious, just glancing at her. "So what is your question?"
They walked side by side deep into the temple. The corridor soon became quiet, with only the sound of their light footsteps.
Su Cheng briefly explained the situation. "...It is just like that between Duke Aulu and me. As I told you before, even if I get the qualification from him, it does not mean I will stand on his side in everything, especially when it comes to the Church's interests."
Unless she could get a huge benefit, such as obtaining a godhead from the Dark God's side, she did not want to mess up her relationship with the Church, which would bring a series of troubles.
Ian looked at her thoughtfully. "You do not need to worry about this issue. There are more than just one or two clerics who have personal relations with Duke Aulu. Just as we said before, he told you about the foundation to test your influence. I do not doubt he wants to make you an ally, but a person like him will seize every opportunity to turn anyone valuable enough into an ally."
Su Cheng nodded. "I hope everyone else in the Church thinks like you. Also, the Church has a similar ceremony internally, right?"
"You do not need to care at all about what most people think," he said casually. "Yes, but that is only for clerics to participate in."
Su Cheng observed his expression, pondering that the royal family's purpose in choosing divinely favored ones and the Church's purpose in doing so would certainly not be entirely the same.
Moreover, the royal family of the Silver Moon Empire was fighting fiercely internally. Even during her closed-door studies, she received various letters of invitation, with all factions extending olive branches.
Although she did not have time to read them one by one, she had roughly glanced over those family crests and signatures.
"If you really care, I can give you a holy relic. If you present it to the Emperor, then according to the requirements of the Divine Grace Trial, he must give you a qualification or make you a recommender."
"A holy relic?"
"The Divine Grace Trial is about entering an Echoing Plane—"
Ian glanced at her. "I guess you should know what that is."
Su Cheng: "..."
The previous trial where she obtained the dragon's power was also conducted in an Echoing Plane.
Su Cheng: "Some kind of fake world created based on people's memories?"
"Yes. The plane of the Divine Grace Trial is made based on the memories of the deities. Of course, once you enter the trial, you will forget this fact and think everything is real. I guess you know this too?"
Su Cheng: "...Yeah."
"To open such an Echoing Plane, they need a deity's holy relic, an item used or blessed by a deity. Without these things, the Divine Grace Trial cannot be held. The imperial royal family does retain some such treasures, but they fear wear and tear when opening the plane, so they will not put in too many at once. For every additional holy relic, the experience in the plane becomes more real and flawless."
Su Cheng completely understood.
She remembered the collection hall Ian had once taken her to, which displayed various ancient relics and items left behind by deities.
Su Cheng: "I do not want to cause wear and tear on your collection either. Speaking of which, since that world is built based on the memories of deities, does every participant face the same scenarios?"
"It should not be exactly the same," Ian thought for a moment. "But I am not too sure either, since I have never participated. As for the wear and tear, you do not need to worry at all. I do not really care about those things."
Su Cheng could not help but be a little curious. "So are you a divinely favored one?"
He curled the corners of his lips slightly. "What do you think?"
Su Cheng did not really want to answer this question, feeling that if she said the wrong thing, he would lose his temper again.
Ian did not press for an answer, either, just telling her to go back and rest first. "The Divine Grace Trial held by the royal family requires you to personally enter the Echoing Plane—"
Wait, Su Cheng was stunned, Are you saying the physical body goes in? Not just the consciousness?
He shook his head, The plane you enter is a real place, but the things you see and experience inside are illusory. The deities might pay attention to the participants.
Ian paused, ...or maybe not, if they have no interest.
Su Cheng couldn't help but take a deep breath.
The materials given by Professor Li also included some related information, but didn't explain it so specifically; it mostly talked about various historical records of this ritual.
She hurried back to the dormitory to rest earnestly, and incidentally, over the next few days, she crashed quite a few martial arts and combat classes at the College of Valor and the College of Blades.
She also learned a bunch of random universal combat techniques—that is, techniques that had no requirements for aura attributes.
Her learning speed was very fast, and some instructors even felt quite regretful, sighing that she was actually a student of the College of Mysteries.
There were also those who tried to poach her.
Su Cheng politely declined them. Feeling she had a bit of a foundation, she asked the Commander at the weekend gathering if he could teach her combat techniques.
At that time, they were in a tavern in the lower district of the imperial capital, occupying a rather private corner by the fireplace.
The curved sofa booth was covered with soft cushions, and the air exuded the burnt aroma of roasted meat and the sweet smell of fermenting ale.
In the center of the round table in front of them sat a sizzling cast-iron roasting pan, bearing two huge honey-glazed roasted pork knuckles, their skin crystal clear amber, sprinkled with salt and pepper and chopped rosemary leaves.
The edges of the pork skin were crispy, while the meat inside was soft and tender. With a casual push of a fork, it would slide off the bone, and a bite would reveal abundant juices.
Su Cheng took a taste and immediately gave a thumbs up, Worthy of being their specialty!
Beside the roasted knuckle was a black pottery stew pot, with beef simmered in dark ale emitting a rich steam.
Huge chunks of meat with alternating fat and lean rolled in the broth, almost submerging the small amount of onions and carrots.
Kai cut a thick piece of bread and picked up a small pottery dish next to it, which contained butter sprinkled with crushed sea salt.
He used a silver table knife to spread the butter evenly over the soft, porous crumb of the bread, his movements meticulous and patient.
I actually think that if you participate in that type of trial, combat techniques aren't the main point.
Su Cheng tilted her head to look at him: Huh?
...Even the God of War, Kai handed the bread to her, seems to value a certain spirit more, rather than exquisite martial arts. Other deities go without saying. You should know that among those master-level warriors in humanity, it seems none are favored by the gods. Of course, you can learn whatever you want, I'm just speaking regarding this matter.
Thank you, you're actually very right.
Su Cheng took it and took a bite, then dipped it in the broth from the small bowl, To be honest, I know you will always support me, but do you secretly think it's very strange? Or think I'm being a bit silly?
She actually wasn't too anxious about her combat power.
Compared to Lin Yun at the same period, she was really much stronger than him. The situations he could handle shouldn't be too dangerous.
But who could guarantee the process would be exactly the same?
Earlier, Ian also said the participants' experiences wouldn't be completely identical.
No, Kai shook his head without hesitation, You definitely have something you want to obtain—whether it's the power of whichever god, or you simply want to experience this process. As long as it's something you want to do, you can go do it. I won't use my standards to measure your gains and losses, and then judge if it's strange or silly. I think as long as it can fulfill your wish, then it's worth it.
Su Cheng couldn't help but sigh, ...You're always like this.
She looked at the roasted garlic by her hand, reached out to secure the garlic bulb with a fork, and nimbly pressed down with the side of the table knife, squeezing those golden, soft, cream-like garlic cloves completely out of their skins.
I do have some things I want—
Su Cheng picked up a small pile of sweet, soft, and glutinous golden mashed garlic with the tip of her knife and spread it on the knuckle meat he had just cut, then picked up the pepper shaker to help him sprinkle it.
The black-haired man watched her actions with a smile in his eyes, Just participate with peace of mind. Once something happens, if needed, I will go help you, although I hope there won't be such an accident.
Su Cheng blanked for a moment, ...Go into the Echo Plane to help me? After the ritual starts, isn't that thing sealed? Others can't go in either, right?
Kai took the seasoning jar, No, nothing will happen in there either. I just remembered that the so-called heretical evil gods in the mouth of the church have been quite active in the Northern Continent recently. If they are going to destroy the ritual, it would be before you enter the plane.
A tavern waiter walked over carrying a huge wooden tray.
On the tray, a massive river perch was split down the middle, its skin roasted slightly charred, covered with chopped dill and lemon slices.
A fresh and delicious aroma immediately spread out.
Kai picked up the communal knife and fork, cut off a large piece of fish meat, removed the main bone in the middle, and pushed a large piece of snow-white, tender belly meat without any small bones onto her plate.
Su Cheng lowered her head, poking at the tender piece of fish with her fork, the corners of her mouth uncontrollably turning up.
...Thinking about that scene is quite interesting. Mmm, this is also so delicious!
She looked up, You're too good at finding treasure taverns!
Kai smiled slightly, using a clean napkin to wipe the sweat from the girl's forehead, as well as the slight oily traces left at the corners of her lips.
His movements were light and gentle, Eat slowly. I'll teach you combat techniques tonight. I have indeed researched a few.
Su Cheng nodded, suddenly realizing she was the only one eating fish.
The commander was still devouring the pork knuckle, while the two people opposite them remained completely motionless.
Sasha let out a long sigh and placed the wine glass containing blood on the table, Yes, we are still sitting here, and we are not dead yet.
The ice cream by Camus's hand was about to melt, and his face was several shades darker than the chocolate flakes stuck in it.
