Storm of Gods

Chapter 100 Father and Son Game
Because Luo Jin had given him a stern warning not to be idle all day and to take all the work and study arrangements of the Order Academy seriously, especially the Black Rose activities, Li Xin rarely attended training on time.

He arrived, but Captain Simmons from the Holy Zeal Academy was absent due to other matters, and Vice Captain Lancer led the team. Vice Captain Zhao Qing from the Black Rose side was also absent.

However, without them, the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed. With Zhao Qing gone, Ma Long and the others felt much freer. The morning's training schedule was packed, but with less formality, everyone chatted more freely. As for Shengze, the captain had already made arrangements yesterday, so they didn't need to exert their full strength. They would receive additional compensation. With a tourist's mindset and excellent hospitality from the Tianjing Academy, the atmosphere was harmonious.

In the afternoon, perhaps because his master was not around, Hao Ye, who had been feeling rather uneasy, also took leave. Without Hao Ye, the atmosphere at Black Rose became even better.

Li Xin also disappeared after Hao Ye asked for leave. Fortunately, Luo Xue was already used to this situation. Although it was a bit strange, she couldn't just leave the people of Shengze alone. She inquired about Simmons' situation, but the people of Shengze kept their mouths shut, so Luo Xue didn't ask any more questions.

At this moment, Zhao Qing, dressed in plain clothes, quietly arrived at the confessional of the Luna Church. He took off his hat, gently knocked on the wall, and the wooden panel opened, letting in dim light through the lattice.

“Father, I am guilty,” Zhao Qing said softly.

“All men are sinners. Tell me, and God will forgive you,” the priest said gently.

“My dearest relative has done something he shouldn’t have. He has blasphemed the gods and tarnished the family’s honor. I’m confused. What should I do?” Zhao Qing said heavily.

“Child, you must bravely speak your mind. God will bless you and give you salvation,” the priest said.

Zhao Qing took a deep breath, his eyes gradually hardening. Dragging this out was dangerous, and he had come after careful consideration. "I am a child of the Moon Goddess. I want to be redeemed. May I confess to you in person?"

“My child, the moment you mustered the courage to step into this place, God began to bless you.” The priest stood up, opened the door, and Zhao Qing looked up to see Archbishop Matthew.

He thought about it for a long time and decided to take this step, a step that would determine his fate.

Silently following behind Archbishop Matthew, we soon arrived at a secluded room in the church. The warm lighting around us gave us a sense of security and comfort.

"There's no one else here. What do you want to confess?" Matthew asked, his face showing no excitement or anticipation.

Zhao Qing also knew that this archbishop, who had the greatest influence in Tianjing, was no ordinary person, and he knew that he only had one chance and could not show off.

Zhao Qing knelt respectfully on the ground and kissed the archbishop's shoes. "Your Excellency Archbishop, I have inadvertently discovered that my father has fallen into the abyss. He is infested with abyssal worms, which he has suppressed in some way. I also know that he has been trafficking people from the underground city, and these people have been sacrificed to the demons of the abyss. My soul is tormented every day. For the sake of God and the honor of my family, I have mustered up the courage to come and see you. Please guide me. I am his child, but I am also a child of God. Making this decision is very painful for me."

Zhao Qing lowered his head, his voice slightly heavy and trembling, as if he had used up all his strength.

Matthew's eyes darkened slightly, but his voice remained calm and gentle. "My child, this is not your fault, but you must know that no one can slander an earl and a member of the upper house without evidence."

Zhao Qing paused for a moment, then raised his head, his eyes shining brightly. He knew the Archbishop was tempted, because the Archbishop's greatest enemy was Zhao Xun. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. If Zhao Qing wanted to bring down Zhao Xun, he couldn't do it on his own. He had to rely on someone who could be Zhao Xun's equal, and that was the Archbishop.

“I have evidence. I have intelligence about his human trafficking activities and know the locations. As long as I send out the night patrols, we can catch him red-handed. Moreover, I believe you definitely have a way to expose the Fallen One of the Abyss. I just hope you won't blame the entire family. Considering the great sacrifices the Zhao family has made for Tianjing, please give me a chance to atone. I will follow your guidance.” With that, Zhao Qing prostrated himself on the ground without hesitation. Matthew did not respond immediately, but simply watched Zhao Qing quietly.

Zhao Qing knew that his actions seemed sudden and impulsive, and that the archbishop would definitely be suspicious, even thinking it was a trap. "Your Excellency, you don't need to doubt my sincerity and determination. My mother died at his hands, and many others have died at his hands. I am doing this to avenge my mother. My mother often said that I should stand on the side of light, never fall into darkness, and never give up."

Zhao Xun's personality and hobbies were no secret among the upper echelons of Tianjing. He appeared respectable in public, but in private, his aristocratic tastes were doubled. Even Zhao Qing's mother was taken by force and died not long after giving birth to Zhao Qing.

Zhao Qing has always lived in the shadows. In one respect, he is similar to Zhao Xun: he will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He has been waiting and went to Longjing to avoid being seen and to accumulate strength to find a way. Because killing Zhao Xun is not the goal. He wants to avoid leaving any future troubles and not affect his family. At first, he wanted to wait for Zhao Xun to go crazy because of the Abyss Worm. But later he found that he could control the other party and even became healthier and stronger. There was no sign of him dying young.

He couldn't just wait like that. He had come up with this plan back in Longjing, provided that Matthew had the power to back it up. Now, with Mondlil's downfall and Matthew's promotion, everything was in place, not to mention that mad dog, Luo Jin.

He believed that no matter how much Matthew doubted, he wouldn't let this opportunity slip by. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and he had nothing to lose. Zhao Qing, who looked up again, finally heard sincerity from Matthew's mouth.

“What do you want?” Matthew asked.

"Your Excellency Archbishop, as I just said, I hope you will not let the Zhao family fall because of one person's mistake. I wish to inherit the title of Earl," Zhao Qing said. Normally, without merit, the title would be downgraded, meaning he would become a viscount. This was all caused by that damned Luther. Of course, with merit and someone intervening, the downgrade could be avoided, especially after Luther's death, which was essentially a deal.
"From now on, I have only the priest, and your will is everything to me."

Once he inherits the Zhao family's mantle and pledges allegiance to Matthew, the Archbishop will become the most authoritative person in Tianjing. This is Zhao Qing's confidence; nothing else matters, only interests are the bargaining chips in negotiations.

Matthew gently stroked Zhao Qing's head. "God has accepted your repentance and recognized your courage. Now you must pretend that nothing happened, protect yourself, and quietly wait for the right opportunity. I believe you are a smart child."

“My respected and merciful father, I will follow your arrangements in everything.” Zhao Qing’s voice was full of respect and sincerity, and also tinged with excitement.

He has taken another big step closer to getting rid of Zhao Xun. Although he now has an archbishop above him, it is a completely different concept. The archbishop needs him to inherit the power of the Zhao family and become a supporter of the church. At the same time, he also needs him to check the Luo family and Granfield. Once the balance is lost, the problem will reappear. He can see this clearly, and the archbishop cannot be unaware of it. Therefore, from any perspective, this move of his is a checkmate against Zhao Xun.

Not long after, a satisfied Zhao Qing quietly emerged from the back door of the church, adjusted his hat, and cautiously left after observing his surroundings.

There's no turning back now that the arrow has been released; the most important step has already been taken, and by now, Hao Ye should be dead.

While giving Hao Ye his orders, he also timed it so that someone would deliver a note to Li Xin. When Li Xin returned and saw the horrific scene, it would be impossible not to kill Hao Ye. If both sides were to suffer heavy losses, that would be fine too. Moreover, even if Hao Ye notified Zhao Qing, it would be alright, because there was absolutely no fault in killing Li Xin.

At that moment, in the church's confessional chamber, the lights flickered, and a figure slowly emerged from the shadows, his face grim, his eyes filled with mockery and murderous intent. "I should have shot him against the wall back then."

Matthew looked at Zhao Xun and said, "This kid is a bit like you. He's quite thoughtful and his timing is good. He's using both the profit and emotional appeals. I'm even a little tempted."

The archbishop adjusted the wick of the candle to steady the flame.

(Bosses, this is the fourth update, 12,000 words. Please support me with a monthly ticket, thank you!)
(End of this chapter)