Everywhere, there were wealthy merchants rushing in from other lands, transcendents, and nobles.
There were even members from other Churches.
They had all come for one thing.
That was the Dawn Pope.
Sislia’s exclusive interview with the two High Priestesses of the Fertility Church, as well as the Water Elf Lisi.
This matter involved both the Church of War and the Church of the Ocean, along with the deities behind them.
“Baron Ram, you’re here too? It’s been a while.”
“Hm? Isn’t that the Legendary Adventurer, Burns! He’s here as well? I thought he was exploring the Dragon’s Lair?”
“And over there? People from the Justice Church…”
“Hey, did you hear? Recently, in the major empires, there have been a lot of incidents where citizens were polluted and mutated, and it always happens at night!”
“I have something to say about that. I saw my uncle mutate with my own eyes. It was really bizarre—he grew six eyes on his chest, and his whole body turned into a spider…”
“No one knows the reason. I’m worried all day, so I hired several transcendents for personal protection.”
“I
***
At the center of the square.
On a massive platform, Sislia, Ilena, and the others were all present.
Ilena lifted the curtain and took a look outside.
She immediately shrank back in surprise—she’d never seen such a scene in her life.
But when she thought of Lu Ming, she straightened up and braced herself.
No matter what, she couldn’t embarrass His Highness, especially since He was watching from the scene.
Besides.
The one going on stage wasn’t really herself, anyway.
No need to be so nervous…
Next to her, Naya clung tightly to Ilena’s arm. The two exchanged a glance and could see the urgency in each other’s eyes.
Sislia saw that the two seemed tense and stepped forward to pat their shoulders.
After giving the two women an encouraging look, she turned to look at the “person” beside her, who looked exactly like herself.
She could create clones herself.
But compared to the ones she made, it was easy to spot the fakes.
But the one in front of her—there was hardly any sense of falsehood. She even had the illusion that this was really her.
As if her perception had been altered, and she subconsciously accepted it.
“Is this really a clone…”
Without thinking too much, she spoke to Ilena and Naya.
“Don’t worry, your High Priestess will be fine.”
“His Highness has already made all the preparations. If there’s any danger, He will bring us into His Divine Realm.”
After Sislia finished speaking, she carefully examined her own “clone.”
Unexpectedly, the clone suddenly stepped closer.
A teasing smile appeared on her face, and she cupped Sislia’s chin with one hand.
Tilting her head slightly, she looked at Sislia’s face.
This sudden and bold action left Sislia stunned, unable to react for a moment.
Did my own clone just tease me?
Yet, as she looked at herself, Sislia’s heart grew inexplicably flustered, and her cheeks flushed ever so slightly.
She hurriedly stepped back.
For some reason, she didn’t even think about cutting down the clone with the Sword of Dawn.
She was even a little afraid to meet her clone’s gaze.
Off to the side, Ilena and Naya, quietly watching, were startled and even broke out in cold sweat.
“Is His Highness not worried Sis will notice something…?”
“How strange, it’s like His Highness is teasing Sis, and the atmosphere between them—it’s kind of enviable…”
Disguised as Sislia’s clone, Lu Ming felt secretly delighted.
Then he glanced at Ilena and Naya, exchanging a look with them.
Without drawing attention, he moved over to Lisi’s side.
“Lisi, later, just tell the truth about what happened. Don’t worry—I’m here.”
Hearing the familiar voice in her mind, Lisi was taken aback, then looked at Lu Ming with joy.
Though they hadn’t been apart long, the feeling of reunion still filled her with happiness.
“Yes! Oh, right, Your Highness, I have something to tell you!”
“After returning to the Nation of Nature, I went back to my old home and happened to find Irene, who was hiding!”
“She’s my biological elder sister, and… she’s also the other mother of Lucia…”
At this, Lisi lowered her head shyly, a bit embarrassed.
Lu Ming looked thoughtful, and after a moment of contemplation, spoke gravely.
“Lisi, you and your sister have been separated for so long, you must miss her dearly. Once this matter is settled, bring her to the Divine Realm—I will receive her properly.”
Lisi pursed her lips, as if she suddenly thought of something, and gave a little cough.
“Mm!”
***
Soon, the scheduled interview time arrived.
The crowd looked to the stage in anticipation.
As the hour struck, the curtain was drawn back.
At the center of the platform stood four tables and chairs.
On the far left was the recently famous Dawn Pope, Sislia.
The world called her the Newspaper Creator, Empress of the Press.
Some even called her the Tabloid God—a title that had become quite widespread.
As soon as Lu Ming appeared, he felt several gazes lock onto him.
Some belonged to beings of demigod rank.
Those Legendary-level transcendents—there were at least a few in every part of Violet City.
He also saw that the Imperial Army of the Violet Empire had been deployed.
And several Imperial experts were keeping a wary eye on the other powerful figures within Violet City.
With all eyes on her,
She began.
“Ms. Lisi, as a refugee from the Fertility Church’s persecution of the Nation of Nature,
Did you conceal anything in your previous speech?”
“Were the Church of War and the Church of the Ocean involved?”
At these words, everyone present held their breath.
Many people wore expectant smiles, as if waiting for something.
Beneath the stage, Annie and the other reporters already had their recording crystals ready.
“Yes, I did hide something. I was afraid of more reprisals, so I didn’t say it before.”
“The Church of War and the Church of the Ocean were indeed involved.”
“The actions of the Church of War were even worse than those of the Fertility Church.”
“They seemed purely intent on stirring up hatred between the Nation of Nature and humanity.”
“When it came to my people, all they did was kill and…”
At this, Lisi fell silent, as if recalling a painful scene.
As soon as she finished, the crowd stirred.
Sislia quietly activated the power of [Public Opinion].
Without them realizing, their emotions were stirred.
Even some of the powerful Church members felt a sudden surge of anger, growing more and more disdainful toward the Church of War.
“Such a barbaric and violent faith—no wonder my Lord despises the God of War so much.”
“It seems all the gods share the same view of the God of War. He claims to be a benevolent god, yet allows his Church to do such disgraceful things.”
“Exactly!”
Seeing the crowd’s strong reaction, Lisi continued,
“But the Church of the Ocean was different. They didn’t slaughter my people.”
“They only wanted us Water Elves to convert to the faith of the Sea God.”
“In fact, the only reason I was able to escape from the Nation of Nature was because of the Church of the Ocean’s help.”
“Although they did try to convert us, they never harmed us. Instead, they secretly helped me and several of my kin escape from the Nation of Nature.”
When Lisi finished, she finally let out a sigh of relief.
Lu Ming was a bit surprised, but it was still within his expectations.
The Sea God was famous for being a benevolent deity, and was said to have a good relationship with the Dawn Goddess.
He shouldn’t have acted like the Church of War.
Now it seemed the Church of the Ocean had probably been deceived and trapped by the Church of War.
Then threatened and coerced—after all, the Sea God was only a third-rank deity.
And not one particularly skilled in battle.
Whereas the God of War was a fourth-rank Main God,
Master of war itself, and exceedingly adept in combat.
Before the crowd could gasp,
A streak of blood-red light caught everyone’s attention as it sped down to Imperial Square.
Wearing splendid crimson armor, War Pope Sadam radiated a formidable presence, using his high-level demigod power
To directly challenge Lu Ming on the stage.
In terms of aura, he was in no way inferior to Lu Ming.
And the sharp battle intent that seemed forged from countless battles was aimed straight at Lu Ming.
“Pope Sislia, you should know this saying: ‘If you wish to condemn someone, there will always be a charge.’”
Sadam’s expression was proud as he swept his gaze around.
“My Lord does not wish to explain further. If you insist on pressing the issue, He will not shy from your challenge.”
Lu Ming’s voice was calm.
“Then perhaps the God of War should speak for Himself.”