Master the Abyss, starting from an apprentice priest

Luo Xiu returned from the "Sea of ​​Spirituality" a little faster than Hubert expected.

"Well..." Hubert nodded, "I felt it."

Although he was calm on the surface, he was filled with a strong sense of amazement.

Luo Xiu Carlos in front of him - the spiritual surge emanating from him had indeed reached the level of a "fifth-level destiny" saint.

In just about four months, he was promoted from the "fourth-level destiny" to the "fifth-level destiny", once again achieving a leap in the extraordinary level... Even though Hubert had some psychological preparation for this, when he really witnessed the whole process of Luo Xiu's promotion, he couldn't help but think a lot in his heart.

Even Hubert himself, with the huge resources of the "Holy Court", it took him nearly eight years to be promoted from the fourth-level destiny to the fifth-level.

Even the "Glorious Saint" Franya above the "Holy Court" took her two years to be promoted from the fourth-level destiny to the "saint".

And this is the fastest known speed of "entering the holy" among all the existing clergy of the "Holy Court".

...When he thought of this, Hubert couldn't help but sigh from the bottom of his heart.

"So, Luo Xiu. What is your current occupation?" Hubert asked Luo Xiu, "Is it the 'Bishop of Judgment'? Or..."

At this time, Hubert's eyes were flashing with a certain light of expectation.

"I am already the 'Apostle of Divine Glory', Lord Hubert." Luo Xiu replied to Hubert.

——"Apostle of Divine Glory"!

Unlike the "Apostles" of the "Holy Abyss" who only have titles, the "Apostles of Divine Glory" are the true [Glorious] Pillar Gods - Apostles of "Casting Sun in a Moment".

From the perspective of the extraordinary level, the extraordinary occupations with the suffix "Apostle" have a more special and close connection with the Pillar Gods of their destiny without exception.

They often bear the will of their respective pillar gods of destiny and act as their agents in the world, and thus become more powerful and possess more extraordinary powers.

When Hubert heard Luo Xiu talk about his extraordinary profession at this time, Hubert's eyes flashed.

"You are already the 'Apostle of Divine Glory'? Oh... the sun is shining..."

Hubert said with piety, "There has not been a new 'Apostle of Divine Glory' in the entire Songyuan Diocese for a long, long time..."

"..."

Looking at the excitement on Hubert's face, Luo Xiu knew what he was thinking.

The appearance of the "Apostle of Divine Glory", a supernatural person with the upper profession of "Holy Glory Judge", has a more extraordinary meaning among the believers of [Glory].

That means - among the believers who believe in the way of [Glory], there is one more person who can "hear the oracle"!

Compared with the vague revelations that ordinary high-ranking clergy can hear, the "Apostle of Divine Glory" will be able to hear and convey clearer oracles to other believers!

This is transcendental, and the "Apostle of Divine Glory" will naturally become the best holder of the authority of [Glory].

The reason why Hubert was excited was also obvious - the entire Songyuan Diocese finally had a "Apostle of Divine Glory"! This will truly shroud the diocese in the glory of the moment, allowing all the clergy of the diocese to go further in the [Glory] destiny.

Hubert continued:

"When we learned that you were promoted to a "Holy Glory Judge" in the "Fourth Destiny", the bishops of the diocese were surprised, but they did not have more expectations."

"Although among the hundreds of "priests" promoted from the third destiny to the fourth, only one or two can become "Holy Glory Judges", and only one "Apostle of Divine Glory" can appear among ten "Holy Glory Judges"..."

"We have seen too many, too many "Holy Glory Judges" who are short-lived. Most of them did not live to be promoted to the "Fifth Destiny", and even if they could touch the threshold of "entering the saint", they would not be able to achieve success. Most of them became ‘Bishops of Judgement’ after being promoted to the ‘Fivefold Fate’ and ascending to the Holy Land. ”

“The Archbishop was once a ‘Holy Light Judge’. He ultimately failed to become a ‘Divine Light Apostle’, but he brought us back clear news that there is indeed another sacred profession above the ‘Holy Light Judge’.”

“We all know that the ‘Divine Light Apostle’ is real, but we have never been able to accurately grasp the method to truly advance…”

“…”

That’s because I opened it… and I’m considered a second-round player… When listening to Hubert opening up and saying these things, Luo Xiu secretly complained in his heart.

Soon, as if realizing that he had said some unnecessary words due to excitement, Hubert stopped the topic, paused, and then said to Luo Xiu:

"Well, Luo Xiu. Your promotion to the 'Apostle of Divine Glory' is good news for the entire diocese."

"But you need to think about the future, Luo Xiu."

"You have become the 'Apostle of Divine Glory', which is very important to us. I hope you will go to the General Church and serve in the Bishops' Conference. We will dispatch new saints to the Red Maple City Church to take over all your duties here."

"You will become the successor of the Archbishop, and the General Church will also devote all its resources to you to train you to be promoted to the sixth or even seventh level of destiny. You can ask us for anything - whether it is property, holy objects or holy scrolls, as long as you can handle it at your current level, we will try our best to meet your needs."

"Of course, according to the rules of the Holy Court, this requires your consent."

After saying this, Hubert stopped talking and just looked at the young man opposite with eager eyes, waiting for his answer.

When listening to Hubert's words, even though Luo Xiu had a clear future plan for himself in Red Maple City, he couldn't help but be moved.

——Hubert promised him that all the resources of the entire diocese could be used at his will!

That was a very tempting proposal... At least Luo Xiu would no longer have to worry about money, extraordinary equipment, skills or skill scrolls, and even the materials for summoning angels and other "gods", the General Church could help him buy them all...

This would really save him a lot of trouble.

So, what's the price?

Luo Xiu knew that if he really joined the bishops of the General Church as a "divine apostle", he would get a lot of almost unlimited resources, but he would also be subject to extremely strict control-it was both protection and surveillance for him.

He will lose almost all his freedom, and everything will be completely under the command of the General Church, and it will be difficult for him to get out of it.

What the Archbishop and even the Bishops really value is not the person "Roxiu Carlos", but the value behind his "Godly Apostle" profession.

Therefore, it is foreseeable that the General Church will give him a great degree of freedom on the "material" level, but will also put spiritual shackles on him in this way.

Although the General Church will grant him "authority", it will not grant him real "power" - only in the long run, when Roxiu's strength truly exceeds that of the Archbishop and the "Archbishop of Judgment" of the "Sixfold Fate", can he regain real freedom and gain real voice in the diocese.

This takes time, and it takes a long time.

This goes against Roxiu's consistent principles.

"Forbearance" has never been his style.

Moreover, Luo Xiu deeply knew that the reason why he could become stronger so quickly was not because of the promotion speed accumulated by a large amount of resources...

The "Glorious Saint" of the Holy Court, who was gifted with extraordinary talents, took two years to be promoted to the Sainthood under the premise that a large amount of resources were tilted towards her.

If he left the battlefield and this "large experience pool", Luo Xiu did not think that he could make any real qualitative leap in his strength just by tilting his own resources.

More importantly, the players who were "adventers" were about to descend! His series of construction in Hongfeng City, including the layout of "Holy Abyss" and other players, had reached the most critical point and was about to be able to test the results.

If he chose to go to Songyuan City and choose to join the Bishops' Conference at this time, he would lose most of his early contacts with future players, and invisibly lose the most priceless "asset" in the entire Apocalypse World.

Thinking about this, Luo Xiu had analyzed the interests clearly.

But Luo Xiu did not intend to reject Hubert completely. After all, the tilt of resources in the diocese would be of great benefit to Luo Xiu anyway.

He then said to Hubert after a moment of silence:

"I can't leave, Lord Hubert."

"You know, Red Maple City is located in a key position, and now it is surrounded by powerful enemies. The high-ranking officials of the church are not suitable for temporary replacement."

"Besides, Lord Hubert. My path is "Judgment" - this battlefield is the most suitable destination for me. I can feel that it is because I am doing things that are in line with my own path that I can continue to improve and continuously receive His power."

Whenever there is such an occasion, as long as "Casting Sun in a Moment" is brought out, it is always very useful... Luo Xiu silently complained.

It was visibly disappointed when Hubert heard that Luo Xiu refused the invitation.

He wanted to say something to change Luo Xiu's mind, but then he heard Luo Xiu continue:

"But I also know the importance of a 'divine apostle' to the general church. I think the general church can send a priest or a secret envoy. I will hold the ceremony of receiving the oracle on schedule, and the oracle I received will be sent back by the priest or the secret envoy."

"..."

Hubert's mouth, which had just opened slightly, closed again.

Hubert could feel Luo Xiu's determination to stay in the Red Maple City Church. But he did give a compromise plan, giving Huber to ease the pressure.

Although this was not the answer Huber wanted to hear, and he could foresee that the archbishop would not be too satisfied with it, since the "divine apostle" Luo Xiu Carlos himself was unwilling, according to the rules of the Holy See, Huber had to fully respect his wishes.

For a clergyman who has reached the "sainthood", he can no longer be assigned at will as he did before the fourfold destiny. Hubert has enjoyed the "freedom and relaxation" given by this commandment for a long time, but this is the first time he feels that it has the same trouble.

"...Okay. I will go back and report to the archbishop and ask him to send a priest over." Hubert agreed to Luo Xiu's proposal.

After thinking for a while, he added: "My invitation will also work in the future. If you change your mind, the General Church will reserve a seat for you in the Bishops' Conference at any time."

Huh... Luo Xiu breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Hubert does not force him to join the Bishops' Conference, everything will be fine.

As for how to get along with the "priest" who will be sent by the General Church, that is a matter for later.

"Okay." Luo Xiu nodded sincerely.

"Then, let's leave it at that for now, Luo Xiu."

Hubert sighed and said, "But, after the situation in Red Maple City stabilizes a little, you still need to go to Songyuan City to meet the Archbishop and the bishops of the Bishops' Conference. This is the original process of promotion to the Holy Court, and no clergyman can violate it."

Hubert's voice was a little low, and Luo Xiu heard his somewhat dissatisfied tone, but he could only pretend not to hear it.

"I understand." Luo Xiu nodded and said, "I promise you, Lord Hubert. After Red Maple City stabilizes a little, I will go to Songyuan City to meet the Archbishop and the bishops."

... I'm afraid it will take a long time. Luo Xiu thought to himself.

Now there are only a dozen days left before the "Adventers" come. Even if the troubles of "Executor" Koros and "Hidden Elder" Baberon can be solved before then, after the group of chaotic players appear, Maple City will still be in chaos for a while.

But there is no need to explain this to Hubert - the real owner of the "Adventers" is the "Apocalypse Ring", which is a secret unknown to no one in Fanol Continent until the end of the Judgment War.

...

Afterwards, Luo Xiu talked to Hubert about other things.

For example, after Luo Xiu is promoted to "Five-fold Fate", his position in the Holy Court will also be promoted to "Bishop", and the corresponding authority and holy salary will be improved step by step.

Although Luo Xiu rejected Hubert's invitation to join the Bishops' Council, Luo Xiu can still apply for the necessary funds, holy treasures, props and equipment or materials from the General Church with the identity of "Bishop of the Red Maple City Church", but the degree of material tilt will not be as great as joining the Bishops' Council.

As for Luo Xiu's stipend, it will also be increased from 500 gold coins per week to 1,000 gold coins per week.

After agreeing on these, Hubert prepared to leave.

Because the threats from "Executioner" Koros, "Hidden Elder" Baberon and "Bishop of the Dead" Passaro were still there, Hubert was not ready to leave for Songyuan City immediately.

However, the "High Priest Residence" of the church was still being rebuilt, and Hubert also had a temporary residence in a hotel near the church, so he did not stay in the church, but went directly back to the hotel where he was staying.

After discussing with Hubert, Luo Xiu's promotion to the "Five-fold Destiny" and his becoming a "Saint", they decided not to disclose it to anyone for the time being, but to keep it as a secret known only to Luo Xiu and Hubert, until Koros, Baberon or Passaro had new plans for the church to catch them off guard.

…

After Hubert left, Luo Xiu returned to the Holy Office and began to deal with the pile of files that Mayev had left for him, thinking about what would happen next.

He had been promoted to the "saint" of the fifth-fold destiny of [Glorious], and there were many things waiting for him to do.

For example, he was going to carry out a new round of "skill creation" to create skills that matched the strength of his own "fifth-fold destiny" and expand and enrich his own skill combination.

In addition, he was also going to prepare for another important ceremony -

a new "god" summoning ceremony - the summoning ceremony of the "double-winged angel"!

Now Luo Xiu has the qualifications to summon and contract the "double-winged angel".

He was going to ask Mir if he had received a new "heart of the god". If not, he planned to apply directly to the parish to save this expenditure.

But that would require approval from layer by layer, which would take a longer time. However, Luo Xiu was not in a hurry.

In addition to the ways of Mir and the diocese, the "Antique Auction" held in the "Black Sword Mansion" in Songyuan City in March will be opened again. Luo Xiu also plans to let Intis, who is stationed in Songyuan City, participate in the auction to try his luck.

These are all plans based on the improvement of his own strength... As for the abnormal movements of the Dark Principality, "Executor" Koros, "Hidden Elder" Baberon and "Dead Bishop" Passaro, let's take it one step at a time.

Luo Xiu planned like this, so he focused on the current work first, and completed them until the evening.

After that, he followed his own plan, focusing on the development of the church while raising the necessary resources for himself, and at the same time being vigilant against the enemy's unusual movements.

Ten days passed in a flash.

...

The Ring of Apocalypse.

Above the entire "Apocalypse World", a section of the "ring" that had long been broken was hidden in the clouds.

——Boom!

The terrifying storm, which was enough to destroy a country and even tear apart a continent, was raging wildly around here.

The edges of the collapsed ruins were being peeled off and swallowed by the storm bit by bit, and finally turned into parts of the storm.

On the gradually collapsing fragments of the ruins, in the center of the eight stone pillars engraved with the sun, black flames, infinity, pupilless eyes, ancient dragons, snakes, swords and fire lotus totems.

It was a huge altar engraved with ancient and complex patterns, and it stood there for a long time.

Ten mercury-like figures were now surrounding the altar like sculptures.

Their faces were pure silver-white, without facial features, and without any physiological movements.

Suddenly, one of the silver figures trembled.

The facial features emerged from the flat face, and his metallic silver face gradually faded.

Strands of fiber-like muscles twitched, and beards sprouted from his chin, and his face became no different from that of a normal human.

It was an old man, and the "mercury" covering his body gradually formed gorgeous clothes, which were softly draped over his body.

The old man opened his eyes.

In his silver eyes, he looked around without emotion, and then looked at the ancient altar in front of him.

Then, he walked to the altar without hesitation.

——Buzz! The ancient altar suddenly made a violent buzzing sound.

On the altar, the huge and complex engraved patterns suddenly lit up with fine, scorching light.

The extremely surging spirituality that was enough to tear the sky apart surged out of the old man, and they roared and rushed towards the eight stone pillars guarding the surroundings, and also activated the totems on them.

From the altar to the stone pillars, from the stone pillars back to the altar, the surging spirituality like a tsunami began to circle and surge back and forth.

The figure of the old man at the center of the altar gradually disintegrated and dissipated, and finally completely turned into a part of the surging spirituality, as if he had never appeared there.

He had "sacrificed" to Apocalypse.

At the same time.

The storm outside the ruins stopped, revealing the boundless sky, as if nothing had ever happened.

The spirituality on the altar gradually stabilized, and they finally merged into one, quickly rushed into the sky, and finally fell to the center of the altar.

——Boom!!!

The altar was shattered. The place where the spiritual light surge fell fell into a bottomless huge pit emitting a strange light, with a hollow black hole in it, and no one knew what was buried.

It was not until a long, long time later that it had an accurate name.

——【Gate of Natural Disaster】.

…