124: Preparations of the Dark Church

Listening to the Green Plum Spirit Child's words, Jian Wenxuan murmured, "In that case, the status of Beast-Taming Cultivators in the Immortal Realm will likely skyrocket."

Green Plum, however, threw cold water on the idea, saying, "It's not that simple. To achieve this, one first needs a powerful Soul, and the Primordial Spirit they Cultivate must also be able to withstand the backlash from the beast Souls."

During their discussion, the battle in the distance concluded. All of the Green Plum Spirit Child's summoned beasts, except for the armored guard, had fallen in battle, while the Ice Tigers were completely wiped out.

The Green Plum Spirit Child stepped forward to pick up the dropped Materials and other items, saying, "Fortunately, this event automatically replenishes your status after every battle; otherwise, I probably wouldn't be able to afford such consumption."

At this time, within the Western Territory, a person completely shrouded in a black robe stood before a Teleportation Array, listening to a subordinate's report.

"Lord Divine Official, after testing, this Teleportation Array is intact and can be used for transport at any time," the Demonic Path Cultivator said respectfully to the Black-Robed Figure in front of him.

The Black-Robed Figure nodded very slightly and waved a hand, saying, "I understand. You may leave now."

The voice, however, was exceptionally gentle and clear.

Behind him was a dense, endless crowd of monsters. At this moment, the monsters were lying quietly on the ground, standing in ranks, motionless.

"Hehe, Hughes, it seems you are already prepared," a raspy voice called out.

The Black-Robed Figure called Hughes did not move, still standing before the Teleportation Array as he spoke, "Why have you come?"

Another Black-Robed Figure instantly appeared before Hughes and laughed, "I just wasn't at ease about you, so I came specifically to see how your preparations are going."

"What is there to be uneasy about? When have I ever opposed the decisions of the Dark Church?" the Black-Robed Figure named Hughes said.

"Hehe, Hughes, you were originally the Saint of the Church of Light. Although you have joined us now, can you be sure that when you see the people of the Church of Light again, you will be able to strike to kill?" the raspy-voiced Black-Robed Figure asked directly, without any hint of testing the waters.

Hughes was slightly stunned upon hearing this, gave a self-deprecating laugh, and twisted his body slightly backward, gesturing for the Black-Robed Figure to look at the monsters behind him before saying, "Ever since it was discovered that I possessed this power, I have long been regarded as a thorn in the side of the Church of Light."

"Besides, over all these years, have the monsters I've created killed few people from the Church of Light?" Hughes continued to speak calmly.

The Black-Robed Figure looked at the dense crowd of monsters behind them and laughed with a raspy voice, "True. Even if you still harbor old feelings for them, the lackeys of the god of light would not tolerate you."

Hughes did not respond, instead asking calmly, "Is there anything else?"

The Black-Robed Figure was silent for a while before saying, "Hughes, going there this time, I don't know how many experts are on that side. Be careful. If the situation looks wrong, remember to return quickly. I don't want to see an interesting kid like you die."

Hughes's calm tone suddenly became somewhat trembling as he said, "Is it that you don't want to see me die, or that you can't bear to lose my ability to create monsters?"

Hearing Hughes ask this, the Black-Robed Figure let out a burst of raspy, strange laughter. Instead of answering, he took out a beast-skin scroll and handed it over, saying, "This is a gift from me. Opening it at a critical moment can help you conceal your figure and isolate your aura."

Hughes did not refuse and reached out to take it.

However, the hand hidden beneath the black robe had skin so white it seemed to glow.

"Alright, I'm leaving. I can't stand that stench of light on you." After the Black-Robed Figure finished speaking, he vanished in a flash, as if he had never been there.

"What are you still waiting for?" another woman's voice came.

Hughes unexpectedly had a very strong reaction upon hearing this voice, turning his head directly to look into the crowd of monsters.

Another Black-Robed Figure suddenly stepped out from the monster crowd. She was quite tall and walked with a certain charm.

"Did the Eighth Divine Official just visit?" the woman asked.

"Yes, Lord Ninth Divine Official," Hughes replied.

"Hehe, you didn't even bow when you saw the Eighth Divine Official, yet you act like this when you see me. Won't that make the Eighth Divine Official jealous?" the woman laughed.

"What are you waiting for?" the woman asked again.

"I am waiting for more monsters to assemble!" Hughes said after a moment of hesitation.

"Liar," the woman said softly, as if with a hint of reproach.

"You are afraid, afraid of encountering the people from the Church of Light, aren't you?" the woman asked.

Hughes did not answer and fell silent.

"Hehe, we are all cursed people. Some things are beyond our control. Put away that pitiful kindness of yours," the woman said.

"But, Sister Catherine... I..." Hughes began.

"Call me Ninth Divine Official!" the woman suddenly interrupted Hughes's words sharply.

Then her tone softened as she said, "You are not allowed to mention this name again in the future, do you hear me?"

Hughes sighed and nodded silently.

"Alright, I'll give you a few more days to think it over. As for the others, I'll help cover for you. Remember, we have no choice!" Catherine said softly, shaking her head as she slowly walked away.

"Sister Catherine, do we... really have no other choice?" Hughes murmured as he looked at Catherine's receding back.

The receding Catherine suddenly paused for a moment, as if she had heard Hughes's mutterings, before continuing to walk away.

At this time, Lin Chuan was somewhat caught between laughter and tears. Having just left the Secret Realm, he was taking Number 28 back to rest for a bit when he was intercepted by Peak Master Lie Huo.

"Hehe, Lin Kid, I've finally managed to wait for you," Peak Master Lie Huo laughed.

"May I ask if you need something from me?" Lin Chuan looked surprised.

Peak Master Lie Huo grabbed Lin Chuan's arm and dragged him toward a less crowded area.

Lin Chuan raised his hand to signal Number 28 not to act, and could only follow Peak Master Lie Huo into a secluded grove.

"Lin Kid, I've never asked you for anything before, have I?" Peak Master Lie Huo said.

Amused, Lin Chuan said, "If you have something to say, just say it. If I can help, I certainly will."

"That's good. It just so happens that I don't like playing around with those convoluted things either." Peak Master Lie Huo reached directly into his robes and pulled out a roll of beast skin.

"This is?" Lin Chuan looked at the beast skin, which seemed somewhat familiar.

"This is the control contract scroll for the secret realm foundation of my Blazing Fire Peak!" Peak Master Lie Huo threw the scroll directly into Lin Chuan's arms.

Before Lin Chuan could ask, Peak Master Lie Huo said directly, "Lin Kid, I know you're quite capable. No one goes to this Secret Realm anymore, and leaving it there is just a waste. Now that I've handed it to you, how about you renovate a Secret Realm for me?"

Just as Lin Chuan took the scroll, the voice of the System suddenly came to his ears:

["Detected that the Host has gained planning rights for a new Secret Realm. It can be used for the Secret Realm upgrade of Dungeon & Fighter (Reduced Version). Would you like to upgrade?"]

Hearing the System's voice, Lin Chuan's eyes widened in surprise.