Weapon seller in the world of magic

For a couple of seconds, everyone blankly stared at Mark as if they couldn't believe their eyes.

Shi Chong at the back frowned at his statement and suddenly transformed into the half-elf who was supposedly standing on the stage, "How did you know?"

Mark let out a smirk of victory without turning his head, "that is quite obvious. You both have almost identical souls. But, your soul seems stronger. I bet this avatar of yours is created by soul-splitting technique, although you somehow managed to separate your race too."

Mark's eyes were on Shi En who was near the altar and his eyes were reading the information written on the holographic screen floating before him.

Shi En

Rank: low-8-circle

Age: 3 weeks old

Species: Human

Attribute: Fire

Spirit Path: Summoner

Affiliation: Church of Nuwa, Western Yan

As Shi En went silent, the Supreme Pontiff of the church hollered in displeasure, "Can someone tell me what's really going on here? Shi En?" He looked at the guy standing beside him.

With everyone's attention on him, Shi En got up and spoke, "I apologize, Your Grace. I merely wanted to make sure that my race shouldn't become a problem for the church, as my fellow Cardinals keep pointing it out."

Shi En, on the podium, then opened his mouth, continuing his explanation, gaining the attention of the others, "So, we split up into two beings. Me, a complete human, and my other self is a complete elf. I will lead the church as an authoritative figure while my other self will protect the church from the shadows. That's why we have decided to gain trust from our believers."

*Clap* Clap* Clap*

Mark started clapping then, earning a frown from both versions of Shi En, with his comment, "Your intentions are good but it doesn't change the fact that you still tried to cheat your people in your church's most sacred ceremony."

It was then the old man opened his mouth, "No, Cardinal Shi En didn't cheat anyone here. In fact, it was admirable for him to think of the church's reputation first and the feelings of the believers."

A supporter of Shi En and a noble of the Qilin Empire, Wen Chao then said, "I agree with His Grace. I'm sure Lord Lu would also understand, considering the fact that he himself is a ruler of a country now. A leader must always make certain decisions for the welfare of his people. The fact that he is willing to sacrifice himself to lead the church itself shows how mature Cardinal Shi En is."

"Hmm…" "It seems like Lord Lu doesn't like Cardinal Shi En for some reason" "Of course, it goes without saying" "Lord Lu is against Leon Empire now and Cardinal Shi En is the grandson of Emperor Shi" "But then again, like he said, he isn't a patron of the church anyway. His opinion doesn't matter." "Yeah, why is he meddling in our affairs in the first place" "I wonder why His Grace invited him to the ceremony" "Shh… He will listen. If you offend him, it is over for you"

As whispers and murmurs flowed around, which didn't escape Mark's ears, the latter questioned the two cardinals in a serious tone, although his gaze fixed more on the pale boy, "In that case, I have to ask the candidates where their political allegiance will lie, after they become the Supreme Pontiff. I heard that the church interfered a lot during the past decade when the Western Yan was governed by Ji Clan."

"So, this is why he accepted the invitation?" Everyone including Prince Feng Wu and even the Supreme Pontiff wondered.

Yan Chao, the Cardinal of Dragon Empire's branch, spoke first, "I believe it should depend on the number of believers and the kind of support we get from the country. The Western Yan is the only region in the world where devotees of Goddess Nuwa crossed 50% of the population. More than a million people worship our Goddess. Hence, no matter what, we have to look after their well-being. We should help when we are in the position to help. Unlike the Ji Clan, the Royal Feng Clan treats the subjects as their own and has the most powerful backing in the world. They don't need our interference, Lord Lu."

Mark was satisfied with his answer and he nodded with a subtle smile. He moved his gaze to the pale boy, "what about you, Shi En?"

Shi En, the human avatar, looked back at Mark, meeting his eyes with his, and then answered in a voice filled with conviction, "In my governance, the church will not meddle in any affairs. We help those who come to the church and ask for it. We help the unfortunate who lost everything, giving them hope to live. We provide guidance to the lost souls so that they can find their way back into the path of righteousness. But, that's where our duty ends. "

Mark didn't buy it and further asked, "What if I were to destroy the Leon Empire? You still maintain this resolve of yours?"

Shi En was momentarily taken aback by his question. The one sitting behind in the second row wanted to answer but the avatar on the stage beat him to it by stating, "Absolutely."

"Well, I don't think your shadow agrees with you," commented Mark in response, almost instantly.

"Hmm?"

Shi En (elf) was taken aback as gazes fell upon him, at once. He stayed silent, not intending to lie.

After a brief silence, Mark continued, "Look, I don't care if you want to take sides or stay neutral. But, if war arises between Genesis Federation and the Leon Empire and I hear anyone related to your church helping out the enemy, even if it is your patrons or believers, either the church should abandon them or face the consequences. Consider it a friendly advice or a threat. This is all I want to convey in person to the one who will take charge of the church. With that said, hoping that the next Supreme Pontiff will maintain that resolve of neutrality, I vote for Shi En."

Mark's words were sharp and overbearing but none dared to say anything against his face and simply accepted his judgment.

In order to repair the spoiled atmosphere, the Supreme Pontiff went on handing over the golden staff in his hand to Shi En, "I announce Cardinal Shi En as my successor and the new torchbearer to all the believers of Nuwa in this world."

The golden staff of immortality glowed as Shi En was enveloped in light for a couple of seconds before a white cape appeared over his robes and a long hat with the symbol of a serpent on his head.

It was followed by the appearance of a serpentine woman made of light particles who gave a bow to the boy, speaking to only him. "I greet the new apostle of Mother Goddess. Milady sent her blessings and your holy mission, just like your predecessors. Unless you die, you are forbidden to give up this holy mission or pass your position to someone else. The staff of immortality is bonded to your sound and will forever protect you from any harm. Very soon, when the water star, fire star, wood star, earth star, and metal star align themselves in a straight line, the Heavenly Kunlun mountain will be descending to the mortal realm, right into this world at a place that shares a similar name. However, it cannot be accessed until one finds the key and unlocks its entrance for the first time.

During the time of descent, the heavenly key will also descend to this world. However, it could fall anywhere from regions ruled by spirit beasts to even the depths of seas. And whoever claims this key will have the greatest chance to become the master of the Heavenly Kunlun mountain. Your holy mission is to find this key and become the master. The Heavenly Key brings a lot of changes in its surroundings. That will be your clue.

I have to remind you that other gods and goddesses will inform their apostles of the same. Hence, you have to be ready for it. Now, accept a portion of my power to raise your strength instantly, which will help you in facing for what's about to come."

The entire message was strictly heard by Shi En alone, and to an extent, the elven counterpart of Shi En also became aware of it due to their telepathic and soul connection. For the others, all they heard was a strange being talking in an extremely unfamiliar language.

Little did Shi En or the messenger know that Mark had his artificial intelligence Ark automatically recorded the entire message and simultaneously translated it to him.

Mark managed to keep his poker face, acting as if he didn't care what was happening.

Inwardly, he decided his next course of action.

Once the message is over, the heavenly messenger disappeared.
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However, Shi En started floating in mid-air, enveloped by the divine energy of Nuwa.

His ether particles were steadily rising, leaving the spectators in awe.

"Look, His Grace is going through a breakthrough." "I wonder if he will become a demigod" "I don't think so. Since he is not his whole, the most he could become is a Supreme being, the peak stage of the 9-circle realm." "Yeah, you are right. However, I wonder what powers he would be receiving from the Mother Goddess" "I heard His Holiness (past supreme pontiff) has received the gift of Xalar venom, the most poisonous venom known for the man."

Having nothing else to do at the moment, Mark started focusing on the murmurings of the audience, entertaining himself to pass the time.

It was at this moment one of the deacons, the attendees of the former Supreme Pontiff who are standing not far away from Shi En, suddenly charged forward at the target.

"Wha…"

Before anyone could even make a move, the supposed deacon reached a vulnerable Shi En in an instant and attempted to stab in in the chest.

Just as the black, corruptive, energy dagger about to stab in the heart, the deacon was frozen on the spot.

In the meantime, Mark was seen having his hand stretched forward. As he tightened his fist and motioned it above, the hooded deacon raised high above the floor.

Those with high cultivation bases could see that the deacon was suppressed by some kind of attribute energy on all sides, effectively controlling the target's movements.

At the same time, they also observed that there was absolutely no sort of resistance from the captured target anymore.

Using his spatial control, Mark brought the target closer to him, feeling a bit familiar of the exposed partial face.

The hood fell down eventually, revealing the face of one of the most beautiful woman a man in this world ever laid his eyes on.

Mark got up with a shocked expression on his face, "Alina?"

"Argh…" Shi En, on the podium, also screamed at the same time with some kind of needle struck his neck before he flopped to the ground.

*Thud*