Firefly Journey

Chapter 178 Hopscotch (1)

Following Dean Ampera's footsteps, Wind Chime arrived at the rooftop.

She had never been here before, and probably never will.

The names of the three high priests are known throughout the world, but Wind Chime had never seen them before. Looking at the two dignified and solemn old men, her face remained calm.

Well, apart from being a bit taller than Bennett, there's nothing different about it.

"Your Excellency, the wind chimes have arrived," said Dean Ampera.

Thunderclap Texas nodded: "Okay, you can go back now."

"Yes."

Ampera placed his right hand over his heart, performed a papal prayer, and then slowly withdrew.

"You are looking for me."

As a high priestess, Fengling naturally treated her with utmost respect. In fact, she wasn't the kind of person who looked down on everyone.

He is relatively genuine, but he is by no means a fool.

Texas gave a kind, elder-like smile. "You're the child of the Xu family? You're very likable, and of course, your grades are even more likable."

The moment Fengling saw the high priest, she understood the purpose of her visit. It seemed that she was too outstanding and had attracted unnecessary attention.

Even though she had lived in Yicheng for many years and her family was of noble birth, she had never come into contact with any of the truly important figures in the Papacy.

The two old men in front of me are undoubtedly two of the three high priests. It's not necessarily a good thing to have the honor of meeting them today.

"You flatter me," said the wind chime.

"Raging Flame" Conrad stood silently to the side, his eyes sharp as he carefully observed Wind Chime's performance. Seeing her composure, he was somewhat satisfied.

He had met many talented juniors, but they were either uneasy or nervous in front of him. He had never seen a girl as poised and confident as Fengling before.

Texas then asked, "How has Grand Duke Xu been feeling lately?"

When I was young, I had some acquaintance with him, but that relationship gradually faded after I left Yicheng.

Upon hearing this, Fengling felt a little amused.

A high priest of the Inquisition would regard the seven ducal families as nothing more than roadside weeds. As for friendship, that's utter nonsense. Someone could claim to have a good relationship after meeting them only once. Anyway, I haven't seen it with my own eyes, so say whatever you want.

Wind Chime understood that Texas's move was aimed at closing the distance between them. She understood even more clearly Texas's true intentions.

I'm afraid that the old man has taken a liking to me and wants to take me on as his successor after I used "Thunder String Severing Prison".

In the past, she would have agreed without hesitation, because in this world with extraordinary power, having an elder to take care of you is like having an extra trump card. Who would complain about having a strong background?

That won't work now; she has a teacher now. Although she always calls him by his first name, she has to admit that Cassius Bello has given her a lot of help.

Furthermore, the title of the Holy Maiden of the Dark Temple is no less prestigious than that of the High Priest's direct disciple of the Church of Light, and may even be higher. Why would she switch allegiance for no reason?

As for wanting both, that's absolutely impossible; the old man won't agree, and Hantina certainly won't.

Fengling said, "Grandfather is in good health, so you don't need to worry."

"That's good." Texas maintained her smile, then changed the subject: "Your achievements in St. Louis are evident to all, and I saw your performance today as well. Staying in the academy might cause your progress to stagnate. Have you thought about where you'll go after graduation?"

Wind Chime shook her head: "I haven't thought about it."

How could I not have thought of that? Since Grandpa likes to pressure me into marriage, I should leave Yicheng and go as far away as possible.

Why would I marry someone for no reason? I have more important things to do.

Leaving is the best solution for both parties.

Texas finally revealed her true feelings: "I'm getting old, and I've never had a student worth lecturing. As you know, I'm a 'Thunder Mage,' which happens to match your main profession."

If you'd like, you can call me teacher, okay?

Feng Ling was silent for a few seconds, deliberately putting on a flattered expression, and then frowned.

She said, "But I already have a teacher."

Texas was taken aback, and Conrad was also stunned. Although she didn't say it explicitly, it seemed like she was refusing.

She actually refused the High Priest's request to take her as a disciple?

Are you crazy? Becoming a student of a demigod is a dream for so many people, and she doesn't even need it?

Texas felt a little frustrated, but he maintained a gentle smile: "Why?"

Wind Chime answered very quickly: "Because I already have a teacher."

Texas frowned: "That 'Great Teacher'?"

Fengling nodded: "I owe all my achievements today to his teachings."

That statement is an exaggeration. Cassius did help her, but he was definitely not as important as she claimed. Her strength largely came from her own efforts.

Texas sighed.

"I understand."

The wind chimes remained silent, standing respectfully.

Texas waved her hand: "Go back."

Fengling hummed in agreement and turned to leave.

Watching her retreating figure, "Raging Flame" Conrad smiled enigmatically: "It seems your charm isn't as great as that young man's."

"Thunder" Texas wasn't angry. He simply said, "The fact that Cassius can teach such outstanding students proves that his teaching methods are unique. In this respect, I may not be as good as him."

If we forcibly take the students away, it would only mislead them and be a waste of their time.

"You are very open-minded."

"We've waited so many years, a day or two won't make a difference. Our current task is to root out the evil god organization in Yicheng, ensure the safety of the people, and ensure the smooth running of the academy competition."

……

……

Cassius hurried westward.

About half an hour later, he appeared at an abandoned factory in the Card District.

The dilapidated and desolate factory building; his friend Simpson Budd smiled at him:

"I'm here. I apologize for interrupting your review of the teaching results."

At this point, Cassius was already wearing a black mask.

"It's alright, Cassius has absolutely no connection with the Black Knight."

Simpson smiled and said, "I invited you here to investigate this factory."

"Is this place, like the sewers from that day, a breeding ground for evil gods?" the Black Knight asked.

“No,” Simpson said. “It was a factory that went out of business normally.”

The Black Knight said, "In Yicheng, there's no such thing as normal bankruptcy."

“That’s true.” Simpson got to the point. “Many years ago, a man named Randolph Gert committed suicide by self-immolation at home.”

Although his main profession was as a banker, he also had other sources of income, and this factory was one of them.

The black-clad swordsman looked around at the factory's furnishings and the dilapidated machinery, and said, "A glass factory?"

“Yes.” Simpson Budd nodded. “Randolph sold all his possessions before he set himself on fire, including this glass factory.”

The factory was taken over by one of his former managers. Strangely, three years ago, this manager died suddenly at home. For various reasons, the glass factory has remained idle until today.

……

……

PS: Thank you gfgj and 待晴 for your contributions, and thank you 妮露 for your continued contributions and inspiration capsules.