The Peculiar Sixth

At his residence in the Southern District, Du Chen dismissed everyone save Deboning, then stared absently at the Lotus Sacred Artifacts scattered across his desk.

Just this morning, Du Chen had rescued the villagers imprisoned within the Tribunal, then arranged for carriages to transport them homeward. When the villagers learned that the benevolent Lord Francis had become their new liege, their cheers became an uncontrollable roar of joy. In the eyes of the common folk, a kind and merciful lord was the very guarantee of a happy and stable life!

Immediately thereafter, Du Chen's sixth lotus fully bloomed. Even his seventh lotus had opened by three or four tenths, and it seemed the "Open-Top Dui Trigram" might soon blossom completely, signifying the imminent grand perfection of the Precious Scroll's second layer.

As his inner strength refined, the chanting of the old monk in his mind grew clearer, and Du Chen vaguely perceived a few distinct words. Yet, his primary concern remained the Lotus Sacred Artifacts.

Unlike his mischievous 'fifth brother,' 'The Sixth' was uncharacteristically compliant. It detached itself from Du Chen, landing on the desk with a soft *clink*, remaining as still as a well-behaved child. Du Chen didn't need any explanation; a single glance revealed 'The Sixth's' function. Shaped fundamentally like a lotus, 'The Sixth' resembled the heart-protecting mirrors of ancient Huaxia generals. The size of a burly man's palm, its golden-yellow, flattened-spherical body gently protruded, with a dazzling, golden lotus pod at its center. Its outer rim was adorned with a circle of sharp, prominent petals, giving it the appearance of a work of art at first sight.

Undoubtedly, 'The Sixth's' form explicitly informed Du Chen of its defensive nature. Moreover, if one were so inclined, it could rapidly spin to serve as a chainsaw... *Ahem*, provided you didn't mind becoming a chainsaw-wielding maniac!

Du Chen couldn't help but inwardly grumble: *Was he destined to form a "slaughtering trio" with Flaying and Deboning?* Oh, right, 'The Sixth' wasn't as furtive as his 'fourth brother.' It was forthright and disdainful of stealth, instead radiating a subtle, sun-like brilliance!

"Another defensive sacred artifact?" Du Chen gazed at 'The Sixth,' somewhat incredulous. For even though Master Grape was a slovenly mess and had largely lost prestige in Du Chen's estimation, he was still an Eminence among Eminences. It was inconceivable that he would concoct two artifacts with entirely redundant functions merely to trick his disciple!

"Deboning, take a look at this!" Du Chen placed 'The Sixth' into Deboning's hand.

"Young Master, it seems you are correct," Deboning observed. "This is indeed a defensive sacred artifact. Currently, its protective capabilities appear similar to your Invisible Shield Sacred Artifact... Wait a moment!" Deboning glanced into the courtyard to ensure no one was present, then opened the window and peered intently at 'The Sixth' in the sunlight.

"Young Master, this sacred artifact also emits a divine aura, much like your other sacred artifacts. However, the divine aura emanating from it seems even more potent. And look!" Deboning oriented 'The Sixth's' convex surface towards the sun. Instantly, a faint, golden, misty radiance blossomed from 'The Sixth.' The misty light wasn't dazzling; instead, it was exceedingly soft, imparting a profoundly comforting sensation.

"It also carries an exceptionally peculiar aura," Deboning continued. "This aura... I can't quite describe it; it lies beyond the scope of my understanding. Yet, I am certain it holds immense benefits!"

*Sigh, Master Grape! Couldn't you at least provide your disciple with an instruction manual!?* Du Chen sighed inwardly, retrieving 'The Sixth' and pressing it against the small of his back — a position he hoped would enhance his security. Du Chen certainly had no desire to be ambushed from behind and then reincarnated once more; this world now held far too many things he cherished...

Carefully retrieving the other artifacts one by one, Du Chen's gaze finally settled on 'The Fifth' on the desk. A surge of unprovoked ire inexplicably rose within him. "Fifth Brother, what *exactly* is your purpose!?"

In the face of Du Chen's exasperated inquiry, 'Fifth Brother' remained utterly unperturbed. It lay limply on the desk, presenting an appearance of passive resignation, as if to say, *torture me as you will, I shall not resist!*

*"Go on, knead me to death if you dare!"*

Du Chen imagined he heard 'Fifth Brother's' defiant retort. He snatched 'The Fifth,' slapped it flat, then kneaded one end into a rod and shaped the other into a tube... *Sigh!*

With a *squish*, Du Chen flattened 'Fifth Brother' and tossed it into his sleeve like a piece of refuse.

Deboning watched the entire spectacle with amusement, yet dared not laugh aloud, his expression peculiar. Du Chen shot him a glare, and Deboning hastily changed the subject, lowering his voice: "Young Master, Arges and Antoine have grandly publicized your impending marriage. How do you intend to handle this matter?"

His already foul mood, exacerbated by 'Fifth Brother,' grew even more dismal. Du Chen snapped impatiently, "How to handle it? I won't handle it! Go immediately and have Harry ride out of the city to retrieve my Wyvern Chariot. Then, find Godfather Ferdinand and tell him: any cleric on the Three Continents who dares to declare a marriage valid without my presence, Francis, the White-Robed Archbishop, will flay him without hesitation!"

With the secret matters now concluded, Du Chen's declaration was made in a rather loud voice. Deboning, hearing it, did not move, but frowned instead, saying, "Young Master, an Eminence at the initial Ninth Rank has arrived!"

No sooner had he spoken than a hearty laugh boomed forth: "My little brother, which cleric has offended you? Tell Boss Mars, and I'll drain him dry of blood! Who dares provoke my brother!"

Mars, the Guardian Battle God of the Enforcement Temple and Du Chen's direct superior, had arrived.

Du Chen gestured for Deboning to withdraw temporarily, then rose to greet him. "My dear Mars, the Battle God, I was just thinking of seeking you out! You've brought my White-Robed Archbishop's token and appointment letter, I presume!?" Du Chen spoke, while somewhat unexpectedly appraising a young man standing behind Mars.

The man appeared to be in his early twenties, with delicate features and fair skin. Beneath a head of center-parted golden hair, his pale purple eyes sparkled with intelligence. A pair of gold-rimmed spectacles rested on his nose. His benevolent and unconstrained demeanor, coupled with an exceptionally amiable smile, left a remarkably positive first impression on Du Chen!

"Greetings, White-Robed Archbishop Francis!" Although the man was clad in standard noble attire, he bowed respectfully to Du Chen with the etiquette of a clergyman, his speech and bearing utterly impeccable.

"There, your token and appointment letter are here! I also have another matter to discuss today, come, let's go inside and talk!" Mars, acting as if he were in his own home, pulled Du Chen with one hand and tugged the young man with the other, leading them into Du Chen's living room.

The boisterous Mars was as unrefined as ever, casually crossing his legs on the extended sofa with complete disregard for decorum. He then gestured towards the young man standing before him, grinning, "This is Ilan, fresh out of the Papal Curia's theological seminary. Don't let his refined looks fool you, he's tough as nails! And his temper is just like that old fox Godfather Ferdinand – a cutthroat operator who eats people without spitting the bones! This kid isn't like you or me; he's got a deep well of cunning in his heart!"

Du Chen nodded in acknowledgement, yet felt an odd prickle of discomfort in his heart. *Who's like you, you oaf? I'm shrewd as can be, with a belly full of schemes—oh, no, I mean, brimming with clever ideas!* Ilan hastily returned the greeting. "Boss Mars, surely you haven't brought Ilan to see me just to exchange pleasantries, have you?"

Mars chuckled, "Ha, of course not! You've seen the situation in Lanning recently; Wedno and Kirisek have fallen. The Lanning government is bound for a major shake-up. His Holiness the Pontiff's intention is to seize this opportunity to install some of our own people. And Ilan here is a prime candidate for cultivation!" He beckoned to Ilan with a finger. "Ilan, mark my words: White-Robed Archbishop Francis is not only His Holiness the Pontiff's favored minister, but also a formidable feudal lord in Lanning. If you want to establish a foothold in the Lanning government, you'll need his help to pull you up!"

So, the Holy Church wanted his cooperation in planting their people! Du Chen rubbed his nose and smiled. "I am but a minor lord; how could I be considered a feudal lord? Nevertheless, I will do my utmost in any area where I can be of assistance!"

"Excellent! Then it's settled! Ilan is currently the Second Secretary of the Department of Law, and we intend for him to become the Minister of Rites within fifteen years. Heh heh, we'll all reap considerable benefits then!"

Ilan bowed deeply. "Lord Francis, I humbly request your continued patronage henceforth!"

"My patronage is only fitting!" Du Chen chuckled. "We are all subjects of His Holiness the Pontiff, and you are my junior, after all! The future Minister of Rites!"

Du Chen suddenly realized that power, *damn it all*, was truly a magnificent thing. Just imagine: fifteen years from now, the Empire's Minister of Rites following him around, calling him "Boss" with every word. The feeling... it would undoubtedly be exhilarating!

Ilan politely thanked Du Chen, then smiled. "Then I shall not disturb the two esteemed lords any further. Please, continue your discussion at your leisure!"

"Mm, you may leave!" Mars waved him off. "Francis, come, let your boss brief you on what caliber of individuals this White-Robed Archbishop can dispose of..."

As the two men conversed in low tones within the room, Ilan emerged, head lowered, and made his way to a secluded alley, a smile perpetually fixed on his face.

Suddenly, he shrugged. "Fifteen years? Heh, ten years will be ample to become the Minister of Rites. Fifteen years... In fifteen years, I shall be the Imperial Prime Minister!"

"Quite pleased with yourself, aren't we?" A figure materialized abruptly behind him. "You haven't grown so joyful as to forget your identity, have you? Number Five!"

Ilan's smile seemed indelible. "Of course not. I am Number Five of the 'Eminence Project,' tasked with becoming a figure of true power within the Lanning Empire, and to cooperate with the organization's plans!"

"Good then! Hah! But you're quite ruthless, biding your time for a decade within the Holy Church's theological seminary, only entering Lanning politics today! Had our superiors not trusted your capabilities, you would likely have been 'dealt with' long ago!"

"Trusting my abilities is never a mistake! I have a suggestion now, which I ask you to relay to our superiors!" Ilan smiled. "I have discovered at the Xino Duchy embassy that Francis's next destination is the McAllen Great Plains!"

"Our superiors are already aware of that. Is there anything that would truly pique their interest?"

"Then do our superiors know that Francis's teacher, Jamis, has altered his travel itinerary and intends to take his students to observe the Auerbach Battle God Assembly!?" The curve of his lips widened further. "Isn't that quite the coincidence? Lord Philip's 'Composite Aberrant Beasts' project is also slated to commence there..."