Published: February 12, 2025
The Holy Maiden sat in a chair, watching the sun gradually descend, painting the distant horizon a brilliant red.
This kind of scenery could never be seen in the Blue Secret Realm.
There, if you looked up, all you would see was a uniform, gloomy gray, filled with despair and oppression.
Although West Asia was not exactly a good place, compared to the Blue Secret Realm, it felt like paradise.
Sometimes, the Holy Maiden could not understand why so many of her subjects were dissatisfied with such a life.
Perhaps this is what people on this planet mean when they say that greed is endless.
"Your Highness, have you thought it over?"
The Holy Maiden felt no surprise at Zheng Xi and Duo Yan's unannounced arrival.
She turned around, a smile on her face, but her words were as sharp as knives, stabbing at these two new giants who had already resolved to undermine her authority.
"You know I will agree, and that is your despicable nature."
"You dare not make this matter public, and you have certainly thought it through, wanting me to bear all the responsibility, using the last trust my subjects have in me to achieve your goals."
"Afterward, my sacrifice will earn you control over the Sanctuary, while I will become a worthless pawn, living like a walking corpse, maintaining the relationship with the Holy City until I become expendable."
Zheng Xi and Duo Yan fell silent, their heads slightly lowered.
What the Holy Maiden said was all true.
"Your Highness, sometimes, sacrifice is necessary; the difference lies in when and what kind of sacrifice is more worthwhile."
At this moment, Zheng Xi was no longer frivolous; his expression was incredibly serious.
"If one day, I need to sacrifice myself, I will do so without hesitation." Duo Yan placed a hand on her chest and bowed, "Now is the time for you to sacrifice."
The Holy Maiden nodded and stood up.
"Perhaps you are right, perhaps this decision is best for the Sanctuary, but you still overlook one thing."
Zheng Xi and Duo Yan exchanged glances, both puzzled by the Holy Maiden's words.
"Here, or in our original location, the foundation for cooperation is that both parties stand on a similar level. Do you think that we can make the Holy City collaborate sincerely now? You force me, disrespect me, and even humiliate me, thinking that I will consider the Sanctuary and not care about you. But there is one thing you both have neglected."
The Holy Maiden unfastened her cloak, revealing a white... Robe of Faith!
"My existence is still the most powerful in the entire Temple of Dawn!"
Her pale right hand grasped at the air, and a crescent-shaped halberd appeared in her palm.
"Staff of Glory!"
At the same time, a beautifully crafted crown flashed above the Holy Maiden's head.
"Crown of Breaking Illusions!"
Both new giants took two steps back in unison.
The Dawn Divine Armory!
They thought bitterly.
Once the Holy Maiden was no longer the Holy Maiden of the Temple of Dawn, the first thing that needed to be handed over was the Dawn Divine Armory.
Now, with the Holy Maiden putting on this show, the meaning was clearer than ever.
She did not choose to sacrifice herself for the Sanctuary as Zheng Xi and Duo Yan had anticipated; instead, she chose a path they never expected.
Fight to the end!
"Come on, let’s settle this between us today!"
"You've gone mad! Do you know what our conflict means?" Zheng Xi did not expect the Holy Maiden to be so resolute and actually ready to fight!
"I know, it means that our respective supporters will engage in a deadly battle, and a civil war will erupt in the Temple of Dawn. The loser will die, and the victor will be exiled."
"But so what!"
At this point, both sides knew there was no room for discussion.
Zheng Xi and Duo Yan slowly retreated, not to escape, but to position themselves for a life-and-death showdown with the Holy Maiden!
"Your Highness! Captain!"
Chilian and one of Zheng Xi's subordinates rushed into the room almost simultaneously.
Seeing the tense situation, they both spoke the same message.