The sky brightened.
At the airport of Bright City, a small private jet landed on the runway.
As the cabin door opened, stirring music instantly filled the air.
On the tarmac, flanking the red carpet, a full orchestra played with passion, while numerous reporters held various recording devices, capturing everything.
On the other side of the red carpet stood a delegation from the Temple of Light, with the front two rows comprising over a dozen individuals clad entirely in red robes, followed by those in black robes.
This indicated that the Temple of Light attached considerable importance to the Chinese delegation, with cardinals and archbishops present.
The next moment, the plane's cabin door opened, and three figures slowly emerged.
The person in the lead wore white, and while not particularly handsome, his eyes were remarkably sharp.
Behind him were two women; one wore a veil, appearing somewhat mysterious, while the other, holding a black cat, looked incredibly noble.
These three were Ye Cangtian, Gui Wu, and Lan Yue.
"This..."
Seeing no one else emerge from the cabin, the Temple of Light delegation stirred.
The information they had received indicated that the Chinese delegation comprised at least twenty to thirty people. How could only three have appeared? Where were the others?
"Lord Hassal, with so many missing, what should we do?"
A cardinal quietly inquired from behind Hassal.
The Pope had dispatched so many experts for several reasons: first, to create an impressive display and show due respect to the Chinese delegation; second, to showcase the Temple of Light's strength. With so many cardinals, other factions would surely feel intimidated, serving as a strong deterrent; and third, to keep a close watch on the Chinese delegation, preventing any escape or unforeseen incidents.
Therefore, upon seeing only three members of the Chinese delegation, these cardinals became uneasy. It would be difficult for them to report back to the Pope if they couldn't account for the others.
Hassal's expression also shifted.
After a brief silence, he said quietly, "Let's not worry about the rest for now. Their delegation leader is here, so let's proceed with the reception."
As he spoke, Hassal stepped forward and walked briskly towards them.
"Welcome, a warm welcome to the Chinese delegation to Bright City..."
Hassal, with a broad smile, extended his hand.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian reciprocated, smiling as he said, "It is truly my honor to be personally welcomed by Lord Hassal..."
They exchanged pleasantries, and under the flashes of cameras, they posed for a few photos to signify their friendship.
However, just as Hassal was about to escort Ye Cangtian away, a reporter suddenly spoke.
"Mr. Ye, we heard that Xu Zhenguo, the Dragon Chief of the Dragon Group, was killed by the Temple of Light, and his head is still in the Temple of Light's possession, even made into a specimen."
"Is your visit this time to reclaim Xu Zhenguo's head?"
At this question, Ye Cangtian immediately stopped. He turned to look at the reporter in the crowd, his heart churning with a killing intent.
Without a doubt, the reporter intended to use this topic to humiliate China and simultaneously probe the purpose of his visit. It was clear that this was instigated by someone from the Temple of Light.
The next moment, Ye Cangtian, suppressing his anger, forced a smile and replied, "Hello, my friend. My visit this time is solely to represent China and deepen our friendship with the Temple of Light."
"Xu Zhenguo's bones are barely cold, and you've come to 'deepen friendship'? I can understand that. Has China conceded and is preparing to become a lickspittle for the Temple of Light?"
The reporter pressed on.
Seeing the reporter's persistent and provocative questioning, Ye Cangtian raised an eyebrow. "Friend, please do not spread rumors indiscriminately!"
"Mr. Ye, are you so certain that everything I've said is a rumor?" the reporter retorted, unwilling to back down.
"If I were to answer that question, it would be rather inappropriate. Someone from the Temple of Light should answer it."
"However, I believe that the Temple of Light, as an entity representing justice and light, would certainly not engage in such dirty assassination, nor would they commit the wicked act of making a person's head into a specimen after such an assassination!"
Ye Cangtian faced the reporter, smiling calmly, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"..."
His words instantly rendered the reporter speechless. This was something he had overlooked. After all, everyone was advocating for peace, and the act of making a person's remains into a specimen was deeply detested by all factions. If his question were broadcast, it would likely ruin the Temple of Light's reputation, leading to his certain demise. With this in mind, cold sweat broke out on the reporter's brow.
"Guards, apprehend the rumor-mongering reporter!"
"Additionally, secure the area and delete all the recent videos. Anyone who resists will be detained!"
Before the reporter could respond, Hassal, standing nearby, issued the order to have him seized. If this continued, it would bring disgrace to both China and the Temple of Light, so he had to intervene to stop it.
As his voice faded, several black-robed bishops rushed forward and took control of the reporters.
Meanwhile, Hassal turned to Ye Cangtian and quickly said, "Mr. Ye, such an incident has occurred due to lax supervision from the Temple of Light. I hope you will not take offense."
As he spoke, Hassal's eyes flickered. While others might not have understood the meaning behind his gaze, Ye Cangtian grasped it instantly. The other party was implying that he had no part in this and hoped Ye Cangtian would not misunderstand.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian smiled and said, "When the forest is large, there are all sorts of birds. It's not surprising to find a few that disrupt peace."
"Yes, yes, it's good that Mr. Ye understands. Rest assured, I will investigate who was behind this and provide Mr. Ye with an explanation!"
"Shall we proceed then? His Holiness the Pope is likely waiting impatiently in the main hall..."
Hassal breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, quickly forced a smile, and made a gesture of invitation.
"Alright!"
Ye Cangtian agreed and left the airport with him.
...
The Temple of Light on Bright Mountain.
The main hall was, as on the previous day, filled with cardinals, numbering at least a hundred.
The only difference was that the main seat of the hall was empty; the Pope was nowhere to be seen.
Having learned his lesson from yesterday, the Pope did not rush to appear, but instead awaited Hassal's report, to avoid waiting in vain and losing face again.
However, upon receiving Hassal's report, his expression once again turned grim. He then stormed into the hall in anger. He had already heard about the incident with the delegation and was extremely furious that the reporter's attempt to trouble them had almost damaged the Temple of Light's reputation. He wanted to see who had devised such a foolish plan.
"Who arranged for the reporter to trouble the Chinese delegation?"
The Pope's voice was grim as he spoke. A cardinal, lowering his head, stepped forward. It was Hausman, who had been reprimanded by the Pope the previous day. He naturally had to admit his involvement in such matters. If he didn't, the Pope would likely investigate and uncover the truth, resulting in a harsher punishment for him.
Looking at Hausman stepping forward voluntarily, the Pope's eyes began to flash with anger as he said grimly, "Hausman, give me a reasonable explanation."
Seeing this, Hausman quickly replied, "Your Holiness, your subordinate was also angered by the Chinese delegation's open disrespect towards us, which is why I wanted the reporter to cause some trouble!"