Super Soldier in the City

"My crimes will never be forgiven; even after death, I cannot be reconciled. Owen is the same. He begged me to end his life. I knew his pain, torn between his godfather and decades of devout belief. I cannot fathom why I did it. So I respected his decision; I ended Owen’s life with the pistol Elder Babua gifted me. The gunshot rang out, and I panicked. I felt fear; Owen’s body seemed to struggle and twist! I heard his words of regret to me. After returning, I went to see Babua, but unfortunately, he had nothing to say to me, not even a word of comfort. I knew I made two mistakes: listening to Elder Babua and assassinating the Saintess, and lacking the courage to admit it all!"

"Now I’m dead. I know seeking the Saintess’s forgiveness is a luxury, but I still want to say I am loyal to the Holy Church."

Mus finished reading the letter. He looked back at the others and handed the paper to Andisto and the others, who read it one after another. Meanwhile, Mus said, "I’ve had this will verified by someone familiar with Zambis, and I’ve compared it with his past notes. It’s indeed from the same person. Besides, he was at the headquarters, where I doubt anyone forced him to write this will. The most important thing is, Babua, what do you have to say now?"

Babua was now sweating profusely. Until just now, he thought he would be fine, given his ranking among the top ten elders. But now... Babua didn’t know what to say; he couldn’t even argue. In this public scene, he was aware he was being schemed against, and the one plotting against him... could be Mus, maybe Andisto, Andrew... any of the elders. Suddenly, Babua realized he thought he had some friends, and yet... he discovered he had none. No one stood out now to say a word on his behalf or to offer an excuse. There was absolutely no one.

Babua knew he was being schemed against. He suddenly felt a penetrating cold, surrounded by noise, yet he was powerless to refute it, and his whole body began to sway, unable to stand firm.

At some point, Babua’s gaze fell on the Saintess. She was looking at him, her gaze calm, seemingly neither joyous nor sorrowful. No emotion could be seen in the Saintess’s eyes; she simply looked at him blandly. Yet Babua felt a chill spreading through his body.

"It wasn’t me!" Babua said weakly. The Saintess could read these words from his mouth, but she showed no reaction.

"It really wasn’t me; I didn’t do it! I have no reason to do such a thing!" Babua shouted, suddenly feeling his vision darken, and knew nothing more.

Before his sight turned completely dark, he saw the Saintess’s expression remained unchanged, not even surprised.

Some noticed Babua had fainted; others did not. Elder Mus said to Elder Andisto and the others, "Now that the dust has settled, it’s been thoroughly investigated. I suggest we proceed to a vote in the Xi’an to determine Babua’s disposition."

Andisto frowned, saying, "I think we should hold off on this matter. Babua has fainted. I believe it would be better to personally hear him admit it when he awakes. The matter is too significant to conclude lightly. Should.... it truly be as he claimed, that he was framed, then we’ll all be guilty!"

Grand Elder Andisto’s words elicited some approval, with nods and statements like, "Indeed, this matter requires caution."

However, Elder Mus seemed indifferent, shaking his head and saying, "You all are a bit too cautious. I believe the matter has been fully investigated. Even if Babua does not confess, the evidence is enough to convict him!"

"It’s better to hear him admit it personally!" Another elder came over. Despite having an average relationship with Babua and even being antagonistic, he spoke today: "Although I’ve known him for decades and don’t want to believe he harmed the Saintess, should it truly be him, I would suggest that we execute him. But now, I still want to hear him confess this matter."

"As you wish. Andrew and I have investigated thoroughly; whether or not you choose to believe is up to you." Elder Mus saw the other elders also had expressions of concern and didn’t insist further.

Ultimately, Grand Elder Andisto said, "So be it. We’ll wait for Babua to wake up, perhaps tomorrow, then convene the Elder’s Council. After interrogation, we’ll decide how to proceed with this matter."

"Agreed!" The crowd immediately responded.

"Saintess, what are your thoughts?" Andisto seemed to have just remembered the Saintess, only asking her after the elders had finished discussing.

The Saintess naturally understood the underlying reasons, primarily because she had not only refused the Grand Elder’s requests but had also met with Oisi first and voluntarily visited Mus, which deeply triggered the Grand Elder’s fury.

"Since you are so unreceptive, don’t blame me for being rude," the Grand Elder thought.

When they asked the Saintess, everyone’s gaze turned to her. The Saintess was seated there, and said quietly, "The decision of the elders is good; I will respect it."

"Saintess, if you have any differing opinions, feel free to present them. Everyone is here and can discuss," Andisto said.

The Saintess didn’t fall for the trap and shook her head, saying, "It’s nothing. I also think it’s better that Elder Babua confesses personally!"

Andisto was somewhat surprised, not expecting the Saintess to say this. Still, being a cunning individual, he nodded slightly, saying, "Alright, then when Babua wakes, we’ll deliberate further!"

The Saintess responded with a smile, as Elder Mus asked, "Saintess, if it really is Babua’s doing, how do you plan to handle him?"

"Handle him?" The Saintess turned to look over, displaying a slight smile. "Elder Mus, elders, how does the Holy Scriptures dictate handling a traitor who dares assassinate the Saintess of the Holy Church?"

"Naturally, there is no such dictate!" Mus immediately responded.

"Then I will trouble the elders to deliberate a course of action. Of course, provided Elder Babua is indeed the mastermind behind it all," the Saintess said.

Mus was momentarily stunned, then smiled slightly, and said, "The Saintess is right. Everyone, let’s contemplate how to handle this matter when we return."

As the crowd dispersed, Andisto did not keep the Saintess back but instead left Elder Mus.

The Saintess noticed this, and as she walked back, her face still wore a smile. This was one reason she disliked some aspects of the Holy War Organization; loving yet frustrated with the complexity and factionalism. These years, she endured hardships, and after witnessing the lifestyle of the Li family, the Saintess also desired a similar life, especially now—having relieved herself of a primary burden, the hope of beginning anew filled her.

However, the Saintess never shared a secret with anyone: even if she failed and held no hope for further advancement, if the Holy War Organization needed her and pleaded for her to stay—even amid the longing to be with Li Yifei—she might still choose to remain and protect the organization. Unfortunately, just hours after her return, she was stripped of her Saintess title, directly stifling her spirit.

The Saintess kept this matter from Li Yifei and anyone else, possibly keeping it buried forever.

Li Yifei was already beside the Holy War Organization headquarters in his motorhome, at ease. The distance from where the Saintess resided was less than fifteen kilometers, which was very close. Li Yifei jestingly said, "Why don’t I come over tonight and sleep in your bed? I’d love to snuggle up, it would be so comfy."

"I advise you not to come; the security here surpasses your imagination!" the Saintess replied.

Li Yifei laughed heartily, saying, "I’ve broken through even the most secure places. But then again, your place certainly has its merits—ancient skills combined with modern high-tech equipment make it hard to invade!"

Li Yifei, grilling barbecue and sipping wine, responded as he set up his stand.

"So, don’t be reckless!" the Saintess said.

Li Yifei chuckled mischievously, asking, "What about your heart, does it want me to?"

"Want what?"

"My proposal just now, to cuddle you at night and do some naughty things," Li Yifei said.

The Saintess: "..."

"Hey, no reply?"

"I don’t know how to respond to you. Honestly, I do miss it a bit, but current circumstances don’t allow it. Yifei, can you help me analyze? I’ve been observing Elder Babua these past days and am puzzled."

"I understand you’re worried the evidence might be false, wrongfully accusing Babua. After all, if so, it would mean significant upheaval within the Holy War Organization’s hierarchy, and everyone would be on edge, so you’re hesitant to conclude," Li Yifei said.

"Exactly. I naturally hate the person, wanting nothing more than to find and kill them immediately for relief. But... if I wrongly accuse an elder, I can’t do it. Having grown up here, I can’t bear to watch the organization fall into chaos," the Saintess replied.

"From my standpoint, even if several more elders die, the Holy War Organization won’t fall into disarray. Its longevity implies a solid stability unaffected by the deaths of a few individuals. Of course, I believe the government also hopes for its demise. Yanzi, let’s let things take their course!" Li Yifei empathized with the Saintess’s conflicting and helpless feelings, so he advised, "Think of it this way: even if this isn’t resolved now, there’s no rush. Unless this opponent only acts once, they’re bound to slip up in future attempts. If you still hesitate then, as your husband, I’ll resolve it for you. Just don’t go soft-hearted then."