Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Arrival of the Lord

In truth, Zhou Tian had underestimated the capabilities of the local toughs. He was aware that evicting those beggars from the church would provoke some sort of reaction, but he failed to grasp just how sensitive these local bosses were to such matters.

In Zhou Tian’s mind, even if the local thugs were to make a move, it would happen only after they had gathered intelligence in the aftermath. If they were slow to act, perhaps upon learning his true identity, they might simply call off any retaliation.

What Zhou Tian did not anticipate was that, barely moments after he’d driven the beggars away—and before Afra and the others had even made it back—the town’s security squad had already come knocking.

“Is this the man?” The captain of the security squad brought a beggar to the church, pointed at Zhou Tian, and questioned the beggar.

“Yes, that’s... that’s him.” The beggar, who had been brimming with bravado earlier, shrank at the memory of Zhou Tian’s ruthless methods, his voice faltering in fear—yet, though faint, his words still pointed the finger at Zhou Tian.

Zhou Tian cast a disdainful glance at the beggar, unimpressed by his cowardice. Nonetheless, the captain of the squad nodded in understanding, then led his men to Zhou Tian and spoke: “Father, you have been accused of murdering several local residents within the church. Is there any truth to this allegation?”

“Yes, I did kill a few people,” Zhou Tian replied without the slightest hesitation, to the shock of all present. Even Afra, standing beside him, was startled by his frank admission.

But regardless of Zhou Tian’s unexpected response, the security captain, after his initial surprise, proceeded with his prearranged plan. “So you confess. Good,” he said offhandedly, then ordered his men, “Take the suspect away!”

“How dare you!” Afra erupted with fury. The continent was nominally ruled by several empires, but everyone knew that the Church wielded the true power. While no church had ever established its own country, within the empires, the Church was essentially a state within a state.

Ordinary church members might be subject to secular laws, but for core members like Afra and her peers, only the Church itself held authority over them. If an empire wished to avoid trouble, even should a high-ranking member of the clergy commit a crime, as long as the Church’s bottom line was not crossed, even an emperor would turn a blind eye.

And Zhou Tian’s status was even more delicate.

A bishop! Especially one appointed to an external post—though his title was unique, his rank was on par with a regional lord. Even if his dominion extended only over a single church, his status was by no means inferior to that of the local ruling lord.

Given Zhou Tian’s position, if the captain truly dared to arrest him, it would be tantamount to committing a grave taboo. For a mere subordinate to detain a high-ranking figure from an opposing power, with the two sides being evenly matched, such an act could very well trigger open conflict, even war, between the factions.

Thus, upon hearing the captain’s order, Afra’s first reaction was to think the man a fool. Realizing, however, that the captain was likely ignorant of Zhou Tian’s true identity, and eager to avert a clash between Empire and Church, Afra braced herself to intervene with force.

But—

“I’ll go with you,” Zhou Tian interjected, stepping forward with a hand to forestall Afra’s outburst. Wearing the expression of a model citizen, he moved calmly toward the security captain, leaving Afra bewildered.

“Is this man mad?” The security officers exchanged puzzled glances, unable to fathom Zhou Tian’s reaction. With a shrug, they led him away.

——— Scene break ———

“Speak! Why did you murder those innocent townsfolk?”

“Well... hmm, no particular reason. I just wanted to, so I did.”

“Bang!” The interrogator slammed his notepad on the table, pointing at Zhou Tian in fury. “I’m not joking. Tell the truth—why did you kill those people?” Without waiting for a reply, the interrogator continued, “It seems you won’t talk unless we show you what’s what.”

“I’ll confess, I’ll confess!” Zhou Tian replied at once, feigning fear. “Our Church is preparing a major operation, and we’re about to…”

His bizarre response left the interrogators speechless. They hadn’t asked anything about such “nonsense.” Unease flickered through their hearts, but they quickly suppressed it, moving toward Zhou Tian with sinister smiles…

Barely ten minutes after Zhou Tian had been taken away, a richly dressed middle-aged man arrived in the border town with more than a hundred guards, traveling via the teleportation array.

He flashed a token casually, and before the mages stationed at the array could kneel, the man hurried off.

“I never thought the lord would come here,” one mage whispered. “Our little town has nothing special to offer, and it’s been nearly a decade since he last visited. What could bring him here now?”

“Keep your voice down, do you have a death wish? The lord’s business isn’t for us to gossip about. If the mayor’s men hear you, you’d better start saying your prayers.”

“You’re right…”

As the mages whispered among themselves, the lord had already reached the mayor’s residence. He ordered the doors kicked open and stormed inside, shouting, “Wang Fugui, where are you? Get out here, now!”

“Damn it, who’s making such a racket outside? Tired of living, are they? Disturbing my rest…” The mayor, Wang Fugui, was dozing on one of his concubine’s beds when the commotion roused him. With a curse, his mind began to clear.

Wait—why did that voice sound so familiar? After wracking his brain to recall everyone he knew, the mayor’s forehead broke out in a torrent of sweat as he finally recognized the voice.

“The lord… It’s the lord’s voice.” Realizing who awaited him outside, the mayor dared not linger. He threw on whatever clothes were at hand and, in a panic, practically tumbled out of his room.

This was no metaphor—Wang Fugui, upon sensing the lord’s anger, literally rolled all the way out, hoping to appease him.

The sight gave the furious lord pause; he had never before witnessed such a shameless display. But even though his rage was somewhat dulled by this spectacle, he offered Wang Fugui no kindness. His face darkened, and he snapped, “Take me to your town’s security headquarters, now!”

Wang Fugui did not ask why. Though the lord seemed impatient, Wang Fugui understood his place—he had no right to question the duke’s orders. All he could do was comply and pray not to provoke the duke further, for a single word from such a man could cost him his head.

Alas, Wang Fugui had no idea why the duke had come. Had he known that his subordinates had dared to arrest and “interrogate” a bishop of the Church of Light, he would not have dared harbor the slightest hope for mercy.