Versatile Mage: Lord of Space

Stepping back into Greece and onto the Acropolis in Athens, Lin Lan led Mo Fan straight toward the Parthenon.

The slight delay in the season has made the true blooming of flowers a little late. These past few days, the flowers on the sacred mountain have been in full bloom, a riot of colors, a view that unfolds like a painting, a beauty that seems otherworldly.

Petals and willow catkins drifted into the Acropolis of Athens on the wind, gently caressing the tall buildings and streets, and the whole city was enveloped in a rich fragrance.

"Lin Lan, Mo Fan!" a voice rang out from the side.

Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw Pang Lai, Han Ji, and Zhu Meng standing there, seemingly having been waiting for a long time.

Zhu Meng, still sporting a full beard, stepped forward with a serious expression. He looked at Lin Lan and Mo Fan, whose gazes were resolute, and asked in a deep voice, "Have you thought it through?"

“There’s no need to consider that,” Mo Fan replied.

"I've thought it through. We can't help you," Han Ji said solemnly.

If the two were to encounter a life-or-death crisis, the three of them would do their utmost to help them. Tang Zhong would also definitely come, and even higher-ranking figures would come to their aid. With their combined strength, most difficulties in the world could be easily overcome.

But this time, they were powerless. The authority of the Holy Tribunal could not be easily challenged by mages from any country. If these people, representing the Chinese court, the Magic Association, and the councilors, were to interfere with the Holy Tribunal, it would surely unleash an even greater catastrophe.

"It's alright, we have help," Lin Lan said, waving her hand.

“It was back in the ancient capital…” Han Ji remembered something.

Lin Lan nodded upon hearing this.

“That puts us at ease,” Pang Lai said.

"Did Xi Yu throw down a white pebble?" Zhu Meng asked again.

"I don't know yet," Pang Lai replied in a deep voice.

……

Inside the Parthenon Hall of Judgment.

A round table, thirteen chairs—this completely enclosed, heavily guarded conference room contained nothing else.

Thirteen judges from different countries sat upright in their chairs, with thick stacks of statements and evidence piled up in front of them.

Yesterday, they held a trial in person at the Temple of Saintess, listening to Ye Xinxia's testimony and hearing the angry accusations of the Great Sage Merola. The Temple Mother, who had always supported Xinxia, ​​didn't utter a single word in her defense during the trial—after all, she had witnessed Xinxia murder Saint Pannica and had also witnessed Xinxia's blood mingling with the Salang Bloodstone.

The in-person hearing has concluded, and a closed-door meeting is now in session. The thirteen judges will deliver their final verdict on this case. Once the results of the inquisition are revealed, if there are more white stones than black stones, it means the Holy Tribunal has determined that Salam's accusations have flaws and cannot fully prove that Xinxia is Salam. Xinxia will then be handed over to the Chinese Tribunal for prosecution. If there are more black stones than white stones, the charge will be established, and Xinxia will be treated as Salam, with the Holy Tribunal personally carrying out the punishment.

"It's obvious she's innocent. How could Salang be a girl in her early twenties? Besides, judging from all the information about her, she's just an excellent magic student. As for the Salang Bloodstone, I think there might be some possibility in this world that allows the blood of others to fuse with this special bloodstone," said the old mage Reina from St. Paul's Cathedral.

“Rainer, I think you’re getting softer with age. The evidence is so conclusive, why bother with further explanations? My stone will not be changed. The Bloodstone, like the Stone of Sin, never lies, and it cannot be impersonated. She is Salon. Age proves nothing. As far as I know, the newly appointed Cardinal Leng Jue of the Black Vatican is a highly intelligent young man. We have also concluded that the theft at the New York Temple was committed by this Cardinal!” Judge Dulan, who came from the Parthenon, retorted. Throughout the closed-door meeting, there were few voices of contention. The vast majority of judges clearly considered the Bloodstone the most powerful evidence. If even the Bloodstone could not identify the Black Vatican, then wouldn't their Holy Inquisition's Stone of Sin become absurd?
Each judge, upon assuming office, drips their blood onto the Bloodstone, leaving their mark. All Bloodstones are kept by the priests, who only retrieve the corresponding Sin Stone during closed-door meetings to cast a vote for guilt or innocence. They firmly believe that the Sin Stones cannot be forged and are completely bound to each judge's identity; therefore, they also believe that the Black Church's Bloodstones best prove their high-ranking status.

As for why the girl lacked any trace of Salang, the reasons have been explained, and the existence of the Forgetfulness Worm has been confirmed. Now, all that remains is for the girl to confess that she is Salang, but the existence of the Forgetfulness Worm prevents her from even knowing she possesses Salang's memories and personality; such a confession would be meaningless. Moreover, what criminal would easily confess to their crimes?
Finally, the doors to the closed-door meeting were pushed open by two Holy Arbiters. Holy Arbiters held a transcendent position, responsible for carrying out judgments and executions. Once a crime was proven, they even possessed the power to execute on the spot. Each Holy Arbiter was a high-ranking individual, which was what made them truly terrifying!

Old Bao waited outside. As a previous generation of priest, he held a high position but was still not authorized to enter the closed-door meeting, and could only wait for the outcome outside. However, he could still use his influence to learn in advance about the direction of the holy judgment from the conversation of the thirteen judges.

“I did my best, old friend.” Reina sighed softly and patted Old Man Bao on the shoulder.

Song Qiming looked at the other judges and received the same response. He understood that the charges against him had probably been established.

"A rare guest indeed. If I remember correctly, you haven't been involved in the affairs of the Holy Tribunal for at least ten years, have you?" Grand Judge Durank said with a smile when he saw Song Qiming.

"I have nothing more to say to you. Your fate will be the same as Eisendel's." Old Bao said coldly, then turned and left without another word.

Durank's face darkened as he stared intently at Old Man Bao's retreating figure.

……

Following the mountain path upwards, Lin Lan and Mo Fan passed through the Faith Hall, bypassed the Judgment Hall, and soon arrived at the Star River Mountain Path leading to Goddess Peak.

Old Bao was already waiting there.

"How is it?" Han Ji immediately stepped forward and asked.

If the Court of Judgment renders a fair judgment, the matter can still be resolved and prevented from escalating beyond control. Han Ji still hopes that things will not reach a dead end.

Old Bao shook his head: "The results should be announced before dark."

“If you really want to see Xinxia, ​​the only way is to break through the mountain. I really didn’t expect that so many geniuses and outstanding talents could appear in your Bo City. You must be careful,” Pang Lai said.

Nodding, the two stepped onto the Star River Mountain Path. This path was only open to those with permission.

"Your Excellency, this is the Star River Mountain Path. Entering this gate without permission will result in certain death." A judge mage solemnly warned from the arched stone gate.

Back then, when Pang Lai ventured into the mountains, he knew the difficulty and gave up; but today, Mo Fan's determination is even stronger than his, and he vows not to give up until he sees Xin Xia.

Mo Fan did this, and Lin Lan even chose to act for her friend, which transcends love and friendship...

After a long time.

"Two intruders on Xinghe Mountain Road!!"

"Two intruders on Xinghe Mountain Road!!"

"Two intruders on Xinghe Mountain Road!!"

The resounding proclamation echoed throughout the sacred mountain, and the solemn ancient bell tolled with a heavy tone, unheard of for countless years, sounding particularly oppressive. (End of Chapter)