Chapter 1263 - 569: Hidden Traitor in the Shadows

Chapter 1263: Chapter 569: Hidden Traitor in the Shadows

The Cardinal’s decision quickly spread throughout the Monastery, prompting discussions among the Cultivators. Some sighed with regret, while others expressed understanding.

Among the three factions of the Monastery, the Judgement Hall, Herbert’s ancestral home, had the Chief Judge himself supporting his proposal, but most others opposed it.

Most Judges are rational. Although they wish to support Herbert, they understand that blindly venturing deep into the mountains is akin to seeking death.

They generally feel that Herbert’s radical proposal is somewhat imprudent, feeling it’s still too idealistic and somewhat wishful thinking.

However, despite opposing the proposal, there is no personal objection to Herbert.

On the contrary, Herbert’s youthful courage and decisiveness have impressed more Judges.

Especially since Herbert is not a naive youth, and his words are not childish fantasies.

He truly possesses the qualifications to challenge the Divine.

He genuinely can do what he says!

If he says he will do it, he will definitely strive for this goal.

With ideals, conviction, and most importantly, capability.

A truly perfect Paladin.

Even Cultivators who didn’t agree with Herbert secretly admired him.

In the Knight Order, Herbert’s reputation is reaching its peak.

Lord Herbert!

Godslayer Your Excellency!

Caw!

We adore you!

The Paladins were nearly driven to a collective frenzy upon hearing that crazy proposal.

Ask yourself.

Which Paladin doesn’t wish to speak such words?

Which Paladin hasn’t dreamed of becoming the leader in ending fate in such major events?

Herbert made it happen.

He expressed the deepest desires hidden in the Paladins’ hearts and was willing to bear the toughest responsibilities.

Would they oppose Herbert’s proposal?

What a joke!

Not to mention opposing it, they wish they themselves were Herbert!

Some Paladins who had sparred with Herbert felt invigorated, training with more enthusiasm.

Especially those brothers who practiced kicking, their eyes were red, itching to join Herbert on the spot.

—Of course, it might also be due to getting kicked.

Question: Why do their eyes often brim with tears?

Answer: Because their brothers kicked them so accurately and fiercely, their tears couldn’t stop flowing.

Some of them stared at the Knight Commander with particularly resentful eyes, silently blaming him for rejecting Herbert’s proposal.

Even with the Knight Commander’s indifferent nature, being covertly glanced at by Knight Order members, he quietly sweated.

Inwardly, he couldn’t help but resent Herbert, annoyed at why he had to bear this burden.

Actually, playing the villain was no issue; with his naturally stoic demeanor, it posed no difficulty.

But why, why can that "fool" play the hero?

The Knight Commander felt extreme disdain for the Chief Judge taking the opportunity to win others’ favor!

Outside of the Cultivators’ view, within Ophidia’s secret chamber, the atmosphere was entirely different.

"So, is this the result you wanted?"

Ophidia tapped her fingers lightly on the tabletop with a blank expression, looking at a smiling Herbert with a slight frown.

"A proposal that was rejected, a performance... just as you wished."

Seeing her dissatisfied demeanor, Herbert didn’t hurry to explain. He gracefully saluted, his smile tinged with cunning, and gently winked at her.

"This is a necessary performance, thank you for your cooperation."

"Cooperation?"

Ophidia raised an eyebrow, looking more displeased, snorting:

"Hmph, don’t misunderstand."

"I agreed to nothing; rejecting you was merely based on a rational judgment that your proposal is too risky."

Look!

Such classic tsundere.

Indeed, a veteran from the previous version, her response is out of step with current trends.

Herbert mused internally, blinking and smiling, raising an eyebrow:

"Exactly this ’rational judgment’ that perfectly pairs with me, proves our tacit understanding, doesn’t it?"

You and I, connected at heart~

"You! You sly guy..."

The initially stiff Lord Ashen Bishop was made internally itchy by those words, wanting to refute but hesitating.

Indeed, it proves our understanding is excellent...

Internally conflicted, Ophidia’s lips twitched repeatedly but ultimately fell silent due to Herbert’s words.

Herbert had no intent of bullying a good woman so easily swayed. Smiling, he moved behind Ophidia.

!!!

Feeling the warm breath behind her, Ophidia instinctively widened her eyes, her spine straightening in nervousness.

You’re at it again!?

But just as embarrassed Ophidia was prepared to toss Herbert out in defiance, he uncharacteristically refrained from acting overly familiar.

Not only did he gently rest his hands on her slender shoulders, but his fingers merely grazed them.

Hmm?

Changed?

No, if you become a gentleman... what do I do!?!!

"Ophidia."

Herbert leaned down, whispered in confused Ophidia’s ear, "Thank you for trusting me."

"Without you, my plan wouldn’t have gone this smoothly."

"Thank you again."

Again...

Showing that serious side amidst levity.