Chapter 544: Chapter 543 Finally Arrived at the Place Where the Dream Began

“This is the Holy City…”

Gazing upon the pure white city before him, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but exclaim.

Although Fang Zheng had visited many worlds and seen plenty of magnificent structures, the capital of the Kingdom of the Holy Church still managed to make him feel awestruck.

Fang Zheng had heard rumors about the capital of the Kingdom of the Holy Church more than once, whether from Shi Dong, Bishop Carl, or even ordinary Paladins who shared stories about the Holy City with him during conversations. Bishop Carl had once proudly said to Fang Zheng, “Once you visit the Holy City, you’ll know it’s the most beautiful city in the world.”

Now it seemed Bishop Carl’s confidence was not unfounded.

From the skies above, the entire Holy City gave the impression of a blossoming white lotus flower. Pure white walls crisscrossed to form the “petals'” edges, unfolding in all directions.

“It truly is beautiful.”

What moved Fang Zheng wasn’t just the plan of the Holy City but also its architectural construct. As previously mentioned, the city resembled a blooming white lotus flower, a description that applied not just to its shape but also to its buildings. Throughout the city, the flat-laid “petals” on the outside were residential buildings. Moving towards the center, these “petals” naturally rose to form layers of large structures with curving exteriors. At the very center stood the main structure of the Holy City, akin to the heart of a flower, composed of golden-framed white church clusters, dazzling from afar.

No wonder people from the Kingdom of the Holy Church spoke of the Holy City with pride. Even Fang Zheng found himself in awe upon seeing it. This wasn’t just because of the city’s ingeniously crafted beauty but also because all these marvels had been created by human hands… Realizing this, one couldn’t help but be even more astounded when looking at the city.

“The area where we dock is the airfield dock. I remember Bishop Carl said he would send someone to guide us… Oh, it seems they are already here.”

As soon as Fang Zheng finished speaking, he saw on the screen before him a team of Knights wearing armor and riding Pegasi. They were clearly shocked upon seeing the two giant warships, but they quickly regained their composure. The leading Knight made a gesture towards Fang Zheng then turned and flew off in another direction.

“Let’s follow.”

The airfield of the Holy City was located to the west of the city, seemingly in the middle of the commercial and nobility districts. The arrival of the two battleships undoubtedly caused quite a stir among the citizens. Although the Holy City was indeed a splendid and impressive metropolis, it was still just a city built on the ground. It lacked the confidence to face the titanic metal warships soaring through the skies.

Compared to Golden Bay, the airfield of the Holy City was obviously far more lavish. When Fang Zheng disembarked from the warship and stepped onto the airfield’s platform, he could even see the immaculately clean floor beneath his feet and the elaborate patterns carved into it.

“Welcome to the Holy City, Your Excellency Fang Zheng.”

The person approaching was Bishop Carl himself, followed by several young girls and Knights dressed in Cleric Robes. Fang Zheng glanced at them casually, not spotting Fina. It seemed these two were not from the same system.

“Hello, Your Excellency Bishop, it’s been a while since we last met.”

Fang Zheng also bowed to Carl, who in turn smiled and nodded his head.

“Yes, Your Excellency Fang Zheng, we must thank you and your subordinates for all you have done in the service of upholding order… Well, please come with me. The banquet will start at nine in the evening, but before that, His Holiness the Pope wishes to meet with you.”

“Of course, that’s no problem.”

Upon hearing Bishop Carl’s invitation, Fang Zheng paused for a moment and then nodded. Soon after, Bishop Carl smiled, made a gesture, and walked beside Fang Zheng as the two of them proceeded forward together.

“What is it? Did you receive some sort of intelligence?”

As they descended the staircase, Bishop Carl didn’t look back, but his voice reached Fang Zheng’s ears distinctly clear. Although Carl’s inquiry seemed abrupt, Fang Zheng knew exactly what he meant. After all, before attending the gathering, he had informed Bishop Carl about the number of people he brought along. Others might not have thought much of it, but Bishop Carl would have noticed something amiss from the list.

“Just a minor premonition, I hope it won’t be any trouble.”

“I understand.”

Bishop Carl knew Fang Zheng was a Paladin and also a Prophet Mage. Carl himself had introduced Fang Zheng to his mentor, and as an old friend of the muscular Mage, he wasn’t surprised by the secretive actions of a Prophet Mage.

“I’ll give the orders to have others on alert and report immediately if there’s any anomaly.”

Bishop Carl certainly didn’t want anything to happen to Fang Zheng in the Holy City. Even if it was just Fang Zheng’s intuition, he wouldn’t take the risk. Carl was well aware that an incident involving Fang Zheng in the Holy City could be disastrous under the current circumstances. To ease or even repair relations, the Sanctuary had invested considerable effort domestically in promoting the “glorious deeds” of Fang Zheng, the Holy Spirit Knight, essentially portraying him as a “Guardian of Order.”

If Fang Zheng were attacked in the Holy City, the problem would be far from minor–such an event could lead to a major crisis!

“There’s no need to be so tense, it’s just a precaution. But if anything happens… I hope you will investigate thoroughly.”

“Of course, even without Your Excellency Fang Zheng’s directions, we would do so.”

Carl nodded without hesitation, agreeing to the request. After all, this was the capital city of the Kingdom of the Holy Church, and the banquet was starting at the Holy Light Court. It was the most heavily guarded place in the entire kingdom. If Fang Zheng could be attacked there, then who knows when His Holiness the Pope and the Highest Bishop might also be attacked!

Such dangerous elements must be pursued to the end!

As Fang Zheng followed Bishop Carl out of the airfield, he saw that martial law had already been imposed outside, with soldiers in full armor everywhere. There were also men and women dressed in nobility attire, and upon seeing Fang Zheng, many cast respectful glances his way. The various scenarios Fang Zheng had imagined where he might be looked down upon or face confrontation did not occur–nobody came to belittle him. And this was expected, for not only did Fang Zheng arrive on a battleship, but he also wore a set of splendid and neat attire. Moreover, with Bishop Carl guiding him, only a fool would make trouble for him.

Thinking this way, Fang Zheng suddenly felt that the discrimination the protagonists in the web novels he used to read faced when attending banquets was justified. After all, it was a banquet, and some respect for the host was necessary, wasn’t it? Disliking luxury cars and feeling uncomfortable in nice clothes was your own business, but in formal occasions, wasn’t it necessary to maintain proper decorum?

Blaming the doorman for looking down on you because you arrive at a banquet wearing a T-shirt and coming by taxi? Only Hong Qigong, with his unmatched Dog Beating Staff Technique, could get away with that, otherwise, he would’ve been kicked out of the gates long ago.

“Bishop Carl.”

While Fang Zheng was lost in thought, criticizing the unrealistic nature of the web novel cliches he used to read about, suddenly, an elderly voice interrupted his thoughts. Looking up, Fang Zheng saw an old man with a tall and thin frame, dressed in a white bishop’s robe and holding a staff, slowly approaching them. Seeing the old man approaching, Bishop Carl quickly stopped and bowed his head.

“Your Excellency, the Highest Bishop…”

“There’s no need for formalities.”

The Highest Bishop raised his hand in response to Bishop Carl’s salute and signaled for him to raise his head. Then he turned to look at Fang Zheng. In his somewhat cloudy blue eyes, a resolute expression focused on Fang Zheng.

“You must be Your Excellency Fang Zheng. I’ve long heard of your fame and am finally able to meet you. I am Montbart, the Highest Bishop of the Sanctuary.”

“Greetings, Your Excellency, the Highest Bishop.”

Fang Zheng also extended his hand to his chest, performing the Paladin’s salute. Seeing Fang Zheng’s gesture, a smile appeared on the old man’s stern face.

“You don’t need to salute me, Your Excellency Fang Zheng. You are a Holy Spirit Knight. According to the rules of the Sanctuary, Holy Spirit Knights do not need to salute anyone other than the Pope.”

“Oh? This is the first time I’ve heard of this rule.”

Fang Zheng was momentarily surprised, and the old man chuckled.

“After all, there are no Holy Spirit Knights in the Sanctuary anymore… But in the end, these are just rules we mortals have established ourselves; there’s no need to take them too seriously. Now, I must be going, I have matters to attend to. We will meet again at the banquet.”

After saying this, the Highest Bishop nodded to Fang Zheng and then passed by them, heading towards the end of the corridor.

And as the Highest Bishop’s figure disappeared, Fang Zheng turned back to Bishop Carl at his side.

“It seems the Highest Bishop isn’t too fond of me.”

Although they had only exchanged a few words, Fang Zheng was no fool; the undertones of the other’s speech clearly carried a sense of keeping him at arm’s length and maintaining distance. If Fang Zheng couldn’t sense that the other party was unwelcoming, then he would truly be an idiot.

“The Highest Bishop and His Holiness the Pope have some… conflicts over certain matters.”

Bishop Carl clearly wasn’t at liberty to say much and could only hint at it vaguely.

“His Holiness the Pope has high hopes for you, but the Highest Bishop reserves his judgment, especially since… you are not from the Kingdom of the Holy Church…”

Religious and national conflicts? Well, that was pretty normal.

Hearing Bishop Carl’s words, Fang Zheng didn’t say anything more. After all, with his current status and power, he didn’t need to worry–well, at least he should still be a bit concerned.

It’s all about giving face.

“This is the place.”

Under Bishop Carl’s guidance, they quickly arrived at the great doors at the end of the corridor. Then, Bishop Carl made an inviting gesture to Fang Zheng.

“His Holiness the Pope is waiting for you inside.”