Chapter 137: A Puppet?

With the Dragon Race repelled and the dungeon infiltrators largely rooted out by Zhou Tian, the capital soon returned to its former tranquility. However, this was merely the perception of the common folk. In reality, once word of the events between Zhou Tian and the Dragon Race reached the ears of the continent's major power brokers, every faction with any shred of influence began to make their own quiet moves.

"City Lord, an envoy from the Ice Empire has delivered an invitation. They wish to invite you to visit their empire as a guest."

"Oh, noted. Leave the invitation in the usual place."

"Understood, City Lord!" After placing the invitation down, the guard retreated with complete composure.

If one were to look back, what was the capital before? Within the Yanhuang Empire, there were countless cities far more formidable. On the continent at large, were it not for a figure of some renown like Zhou Tian holding things together, it is unlikely any power would have spared a glance for such a small city. Although Zhou Tian’s publications had brought some fame to the capital, in truth, very few powers had truly taken it seriously—until the news of his battle with the Dragon Race spread. Suddenly, the capital became the most coveted prize.

The Twelve Capital Deity Heaven Formation was both a deterrent and a curse. No one believed Zhou Tian possessed the strength to contend with a demigod; everyone attributed his victory over the dragons entirely to the formation. In truth, they were not entirely wrong; without it, Zhou Tian would indeed have been no match for those three great dragons.

However, how could the people of this world understand the structural mechanics of the formation? They were unaware that the twelve statues operated only by virtue of the array. To the leaders of these factions, the twelve statues were simply twelve powerful puppets. Since they viewed the formation as puppet technology, how could they not covet the knowledge to create such constructs themselves?

Upon learning that the twelve statues, acting in unison, had nearly killed a Dragon Elder, the leaders naturally concluded that these statues possessed the power of the Saint Realm or even the Demigod Realm. A kingdom only requires a Saint-tier powerhouse to be successfully established, and an empire requires the assistance of a Demigod. Now, hearing that Zhou Tian possessed the technology to manufacture such power, every major faction was tempted.

If they could obtain the technology, they would at least have a chance, regardless of the materials required. Even if they could only manufacture a dozen statues like Zhou Tian, it would be enough to double the top-tier combat strength of an empire. If they could produce even more… they all fell into a state of grand delusion.

No one stopped to think that if Zhou Tian truly possessed such technology, why would he not use it to establish an empire of his own? With such puppet power, he could be the most powerful and influential emperor on the continent. Everyone saw only the potential benefits, refusing to consider whether their assumptions were correct, or if such formidable puppet technology could even exist.

Regardless, Zhou Tian and his capital had become famous. Who on the continent did not know of this rising city? Who did not know Zhou Tian? Through the whisperings of interested parties, and unbeknownst to him, he had inexplicably become known as the "Continent's Greatest Alchemist," a title that left him feeling both amused and frustrated.

Fortunately, given his display of extraordinary power, no living soul on the continent dared to slight him lightly. The Dragon Race and the dungeon had both suffered at his hands. Unless absolutely necessary, and while his true cards remained hidden, no one was willing to easily provoke this new power on the continent.

Because Zhou Tian remained calm and showed no favoritism, the various factions remained restrained, avoiding any radical moves regarding the "puppet technology." They were all watching his reactions, not wanting to offend him while simultaneously fearing that someone else might secure the technology before they could. Yet, this balance was destined not to last. Once broken, the entire continent might well descend into chaos over this supposed technology.

Zhou Tian was plagued by this headache. He had never anticipated that revealing the formation would lead to such consequences. Had he known, he might still have purchased it, but he certainly would not have used it in public. Now that he had inadvertently triggered this chain of events, he had to struggle to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of his control.

Just as he was contemplating how to stabilize the factions, some began to make small, illicit moves.

The security of the capital was excellent, a result of the great effort Zhou Tian had invested, though the citizens were unaware of it. Beneath their seemingly peaceful lives, thousands of people were killed every day for attempting to sneak in and steal the "puppet technology."

Just as the balance he worked so hard to maintain began to fracture, the Church of Light stepped in to cause trouble. Perhaps the Pope, for his own reasons, would not go too far, but the Church was a massive entity; the Pope’s authority was not absolute. Just as Zhou Tian was losing his temper over the endless stream of spies coming to their deaths, a group within the Church of Light decided to take action.

"Brother Tian, are you there?" After finishing the interrogation of yet another spy from a faction eyeing his non-existent technology, Afra knocked on Zhou Tian's door.

Although Zhou Tian was burdened with trouble, he felt guilty for having been too busy to spend time with her. Despite his irritation, he softened his voice upon hearing her knock. "Is that you, Afra? Come in."

Walking into the interrogation room and ignoring the broken, cowering spies, Afra asked softly, "Big Sister has something she wants to discuss with you. Do you have a moment to see her?"

Zhou Tian looked up at her. Under his gaze, Afra showed a hint of unease. Zhou Tian knew her well enough to know that, given his recent coldness, she would not be this gentle unless she felt guilty. Gentleness was not usually her nature; if she acted this way, it meant she was hiding something or felt conflicted.

Though he saw through it, he said nothing. Given their relationship, he could not refuse her request, even if he knew meeting Vivian would likely lead to an unpleasant situation. He pretended to be oblivious and, as he usually did, took Afra’s hand and walked toward the courtyard where Vivian resided.

As he expected, the moment he arrived, he saw several members of the Church of Light. Compared to his own status, the people in Vivian’s courtyard were of significant rank—at the very least, Bishops. The leader was a Cardinal. Such a delegation was grander than what was usually sent to represent the Church to an entire empire. To send such "big shots" to his small capital made it clear they were ill-intentioned.

As soon as Zhou Tian entered, the Cardinal spoke without preamble: "Audacious Bishop Zhou Tian, do you know your crimes?"

Zhou Tian rolled his eyes at the cliché. Regardless of their status, he replied calmly, "I do not."

The Cardinal, after a moment of surprise, continued: "The Pope appointed you as a Bishop to spread the faith in the Yanhuang Empire. Instead of fulfilling those expectations, you have colluded with empire officials, taken the position of City Lord, and it is rumored you have engaged in improper relations with your subordinates. Is this true?"

"Yes, that is true."

The Cardinal was stunned. He had expected a denial, not an immediate admission of guilt. He nearly stumbled over his words. "Since you admit your guilt, then..."

"Wait!" Zhou Tian interrupted, showing no deference to the man’s rank. "I admit to what you said, but I never said I considered them crimes. I do not believe anything I have done is wrong. If you have no other business, please leave. My temple is too small to accommodate you." With a look of contempt, he turned to leave.

"You..." The Cardinal was furious but restrained himself. As one of those who knew the truth, he knew Zhou Tian was no longer a person he could easily offend.

However, others in the entourage, ignorant of Zhou Tian’s true capabilities, were outraged. One Bishop stepped forward. "Audacious! What do you mean by that? We come to your small city to honor you, and you dare speak like this? Hand over that 'puppet technology' at once, or do not blame us for being impolite!"

The air in the courtyard froze. Everyone knew they were here for the technology, but to state it so bluntly was a humiliation for the Church. Vivian, meanwhile, looked conflicted; her loyalty to the Church clashed with her feelings for Zhou Tian.

Seeing her reaction, Zhou Tian felt a surge of dissatisfaction. He knew she had been indoctrinated; whenever the Church was involved, she reflexively sought to help it. He had tolerated this before, but his patience had reached its limit. Perhaps it was because he had other women now, or perhaps because his feelings for her had dulled, but seeing her prioritize the Church over him stirred a cold resentment.

Fortunately, Afra remained on his side. She had not been subjected to the same brainwashing, and she was his woman. If a conflict arose, he was confident she would stand with him.

Squeezing Afra’s hand to calm her, Zhou Tian looked at the group from the Church of Light with a cold sneer, finally ready to cast aside all pretenses.