Chapter 545: Chapter 544 Things Really Aren’t That Simple!!

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As Fang Zheng entered the room, he had to admit that he was somewhat nervous. Before coming here, Fang Zheng had learned a little about His Holiness the Pope. He only knew that the Pope’s age must be quite advanced; it had been almost eighty years since the last Pope had passed away, and this Pope was likely over a hundred years old. Not only that, but there were rumors that His Holiness possessed power beyond the mortal realm… Of course, these were just rumors, since no one had ever seen the Pope in action.

In such a world, as the supreme leader of a power, Fang Zheng certainly did not see the Pope as a mere figurehead or mascot.

Although he did not know why the Pope wanted to chat with him before the banquet started, Fang Zheng did not believe it was a simple invitation to have afternoon tea. Not to mention, since this was the Pope, the nominal head of the Sanctuary, he might have seen through his own facade? After all, as the Pope, he should be quite familiar with the Goddess of Order.

Could it be that he had seen through his deception under the banner of the Goddess of Order and thus planned to confront him?

Forget it, it’s better not to think about it. The more he thought about it, the more nervous he became. He would take things as they came. Since His Holiness had not revealed his identity thus far, it indicated that there was likely still a basis for cooperation between them. He just didn’t know what the situation would be like next.

While various thoughts spun in his head, Fang Zheng, along with Black Katie and two others, walked into the hall. It was a very spacious space that looked somewhat like a council hall, and at the front, a curtain made of thin gauze formed a barrier, blocking the view beyond. He could only see the soft sunlight pouring in through the window and casting a black silhouette on the gauze curtain. Since the figure was seated, Fang Zheng could not discern whether it was male or female, nor its height or build.

“Your Holiness, Your Excellency Fang Zheng has arrived,” said Bishop Carl as he stepped forward and respectfully bowed to the shadow in front of him.

“Mmm.”

The voice that followed from behind the curtain was strange; it sounded like that of a woman but surprisingly ageless, and the voice itself was peculiar, fluctuating high and low, reminiscent of the unpredictable waves of the sea. Fang Zheng did not say much, simply stepping forward to bow.

“So, you are Fang Zheng…”

Suddenly, the Pope’s voice rose again, as if he was sizing up Fang Zheng.

“…Although I have heard reports about you, I did not expect that you are much younger than described… I am aware of the contributions you and the Heavenly Dao Palace have made in defending Order and combating Chaos. On behalf of the Sanctuary, I thank you for everything you have done, and I hope you will continue to join hands with the Holy Church to fight against Chaos and guard Order.”

Sigh…

At these words, Fang Zheng let out a sigh of relief deep inside. His Holiness did not give him any orders as one would to a subordinate but rather treated him as the leader of an equal power. This indicated that at the very least, there was no hostility towards Fang Zheng and his group. If the Pope had intended to suppress him, there would have been no need for such an approach.

“Of course, I also hope that we can work together harmoniously,” Fang Zheng nodded, then smiled slightly.

“The Holy Church has made great efforts to protect the order of this world, and I hope to contribute my part to make this a better place… A world that is beautiful, peaceful, and orderly; I believe that is everyone’s wish.”

Since the Pope had set a friendly tone, Fang Zheng did not mind exchanging some mutually beneficial banter.

“Certainly, I can sense your sincere heart, Your Excellency Fang Zheng. I hope we can continue our cooperation in the future.”

“Certainly, Your Holiness.”

After a brief conversation, Fang Zheng felt it was about time to end the meeting. It seemed he had been overthinking things earlier; the Pope did not seem to be looking for trouble, nor did he intend to give any warnings or propose a deal. Perhaps he just wanted to have a chat… But soon, Fang Zheng realized he had been too naive.

“Bishop Carl,” called the Pope just as Fang Zheng was about to take his leave.

“Would you kindly escort these guests out for a moment? I would like to speak privately with Your Excellency Fang Zheng.”

…!

At this, Fang Zheng’s heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t forgotten his earlier prophecy–could it be that the one who wanted to kill him was the Pope? Good grief, if that were the case, things would get really troublesome! What if he attacked when they were alone? If Fang Zheng fought back, whether he could win or not, it would be a mess. If he lost, he would be doomed, but even if he won, they would likely end up completely breaking with the Kingdom of the Holy Church.

But… why would the Pope do this? Does he truly intend to?

“Commander?” Rodney stepped forward anxiously and asked in a low voice. Fang Zheng hesitated for a moment, then made his decision.

“Rodney, Iona, Black Katie, wait for me outside.”

“Yes, Commander,” Iona and Rodney exchanged a glance, nodded, and then turned to leave. Black Katie, however, stood still, quietly watching Fang Zheng.

“Um… Miss Black Katie?” prompted Bishop Carl, clearly uncomfortable, as he looked at the Grand Priestess, uncertain of what to say. Soon, the Pope’s voice chimed in again.

“Let her stay here.”

“Yes, Your Holiness,” Bishop Carl replied, clearly relieved. He was not foolish enough to clash with a Transcendent power, and since his superior did not seem to care about such a trifle, Carl would not make a fuss. In fact, just standing next to Black Katie made Carl feel the pressure. He knew very well that the small-statured young girl was not as harmless as she appeared.

So, following the command, Bishop Carl promptly led Iona and Rodney out of the room and then closed the grand door.

“Clang.”

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The heavy doors slowly closed, plunging the entire hall into silence. After a good while, the voice of the Pope finally rose again.

“Your Excellency Fang Zheng, could you please come forward? There are some things I would like to confirm.”

What the hell? Is this like a flag signaling the BOSS is about to make a move?!

Upon hearing these words, Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow, while Black Katie behind him gripped her silver staff tightly. However, in the end, Fang Zheng signaled to Black Katie not to act rashly and he walked slowly towards the front.

One step, two steps, three steps…

Reaching the curtain, Fang Zheng stopped, peering through the curtain at the figure on the opposite side. Soon, the voice of the Pope rose again.

“Thank you for your cooperation, Your Excellency Fang Zheng, um… let me… um…? Your Excellency Fang Zheng, you’re not a human, are you?”

“So what if I’m not?”

Fang Zheng was not surprised that the Pope could identify his true identity. His current body had been transformed from that of a Giant Dragon, which might deceive ordinary people but not an entity like the Pope. Speaking of which, the Pope’s discovery of his true form didn’t surprise Fang Zheng; what would have been strange was if he hadn’t been able to tell.

“Indeed… hoo hoo hoo… hehehe…”

After hearing Fang Zheng’s response, the Pope muttered to himself in a low voice and then let out a chilling laugh.

I’ll be damned, this plot is getting more and more like the prelude to a big BOSS battle!

“Let me see!”

Suddenly, with this exclamation, Fang Zheng saw a shadow flash before his eyes, and in the next moment, a figure appeared right in front of him, grabbing his arm!

I’ll be damned!

Had it not been for the lack of further action, Fang Zheng would have almost used his Sealing powers!

“Um… umm…”

In front of Fang Zheng stood a girl with soft golden curls, appearing to be around sixteen or seventeen, with fair skin and a beautiful face, dressed in an elegant gown. The girl was holding Fang Zheng’s arm with one hand, wrinkling her cute little nose, she sniffed around his chest incessantly.

What’s going on here? Could this girl be the Pope? Are you kidding me? And what are you sniffing around me for? I just took a bath before I came here!

“Hmm… this scent, it’s not that of those scruffy Colorful Dragons, nor that of the Metal Dragons… wait, let me sniff… this feeling… the power of time… you’re a Time Dragon, aren’t you? You are a Time Dragon, right?!”

Now the girl’s voice no longer had that age-ambiguous tone when she was in “Pope mode.” Instead, her voice was quite crisp and pleasant, as if a little bird were chirping in the woods.

“Ah… um…”

Although Fang Zheng was unsure of the situation with the girl before him, he still nodded. Upon receiving Fang Zheng’s response, the girl’s eyes lit up with excitement as she clenched her fists and jumped for joy.

“That’s fantastic! I never imagined I could find such a perfect prospect!”

As she exclaimed, the girl lunged toward Fang Zheng, aiming to hug him tightly. But before she could succeed, Black Katie extended her silver staff with a stern face, blocking between Fang Zheng and the girl, effectively separating them.

“Wait a minute, what are you doing?”

Seeing Black Katie’s action, the girl clearly looked displeased, while Fang Zheng was completely unsure how to react.

“I say, Your Holiness, just what is the meaning of…”

“Ah… don’t call me Your Holiness anymore. Since we are of the same kind, there’s no need for formalities. Just call me by my name. I’m Carl Dani, you can call me Kani; it’s more intimate that way.”

“Kani?”

Seeing the Pope, who just a moment ago had been aloof, now smiling and patting her shoulder, Fang Zheng felt his brain wasn’t quite catching up.

“You said ‘same kind’… could it be…”

Before he could finish speaking, Fang Zheng saw the girl’s eyes suddenly burn with a sun-like glow. And among the Giant Dragons, only one race had such eyes.

“You’re a… Golden Dragon?”

“That’s right!”

The girl clapped her hands with vigor, and once again grabbed Fang Zheng with excitement.

“Right, Fang Zheng, it’s okay to call you by that name, right? So let’s cut to the chase, I have just one thing I want to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“It’s simple, are you interested in becoming my mate?”

“………Huh?”