Storm of Gods

Chapter 110 Filtering
Zhao Xun was in a very good mood, and the nobles around him were also very happy, trying to get close to him. With such a successful four-nation tournament, the Zhao family was secure. Even if Matthew was promoted to archbishop, he couldn't touch them. The future of Tianjing would still be a situation of two powerful forces standing side by side.

Looking at those people who lowered their heads when they spoke, and the elegant ladies who fawned over him, Zhao Xun felt an unparalleled sense of pleasure from the bottom of his heart. He could never get enough of this kind of life. He had already selected several young women. After finishing today's business, he would go to their homes to relax. In front of their husbands, if he was lucky, he could even train a few new successors. After all, Zhao Qing's usefulness was limited to today.

Matthew's face was expressionless as he sensed the atmosphere of the arena. The effect was excellent, and this batch would be just as good. The Night Patrol team also headed to their designated location, but various problems would arise along the way, and they wouldn't be able to return in time.

Although Matthew could give direct orders, there was likely a papal spy in Tianjing, and there would certainly be a thorough investigation afterward. It had to be done flawlessly, and without evidence, no one could do anything to him.

The match began, and as usual, both sides were introduced. Every time a name was called, the entire audience stood up and cheered. Some crazy women even started tearing off their clothes to show off their sexiness. The occasion where men fought with their lives became a day of indulgence, giving commoners and nobles a channel for venting their emotions.

Compared to the Ironbloods' composure, the Black Roses were somewhat nervous.

"I'll go first in the first battle!" Luo Xue suddenly said.

Zhao Qing frowned. "I remember our tactic yesterday was for me to lead the vanguard?"

"We'll have to adapt to the situation. The other side will most likely field Kaz," Luo Xue said calmly. She was still the captain.

"Luo Xue, aren't you going to seriously reconsider?" Zhao Qing said with a half-smile.

“I’ve thought about it very carefully,” Luo Xue said.

Zhao Qing nodded. "It's not impossible for President Luo Xue to change the plan we've discussed, but you're the captain now, so you have to shoulder the responsibility of a captain. What will we do if we lose such a crucial vanguard battle?"

Luo Xue was already in a bind, her eyes resolute, "You will get what you want."

"Haha, good, that's great! I look forward to President Luo Xue's victory!" Zhao Qing stared at Luo Xue, not caring whether she would back out, because it was useless. Once she lost, she wouldn't be able to back down even if she wanted to.

Fei Ruolin and the others were also watching her. The competition between her and Zhao Qing for the presidency had reached a fever pitch in the crucial final. Zhao Qing was using a cunning strategy, as only someone with both strength and leadership skills could become the captain.

Luo Xue made her appearance, but she guessed wrong. The opponent was the vice-captain of Rastan, not Kaz. The bad news was that she had miscalculated, but the good news was that she had won this round. If Tianjing won, even if Zhao Qing was more outstanding, it wouldn't be so easy for him to take down the president of Black Rose.

The two entered the arena. Luo Xue used a sword, while Rastan used a scimitar. The Luo family rose to prominence during Luther's era and enjoyed great prestige in Tianjing. The audience immediately responded with enthusiastic cheers. Luo Xue quickly calmed down and decided to focus on winning the match first.

Rastan looked at Luo Xue with a half-smile, licked his scimitar, and said, "Remember to yell if it hurts later."

Luo Xue stared coldly at her opponent, channeling her spiritual energy into her sword, which emitted a sharp light.

whoosh...

With a series of rapid, high-frequency steps, the two attacked almost simultaneously. Rastan used a double scimitar, his swordsmanship was frenzied and ruthless, a reckless fighting style. Luo Xue, on the other hand, had a solid foundation and possessed the traditional characteristics of the Li Long. Facing the opponent's frenzied attacks, she fought steadily and methodically, dismantling the attacks step by step, first wearing down the opponent's offensive momentum before counterattacking and taking them down.

Cheers erupted all around. Playing on home turf, they were definitely in a better position in terms of momentum. But the Black Meteorites were not affected. The Li Dragonites were warlike and martial, but compared to the Black Meteorites, they were much more civilized and gentlemanly. The Black Meteorites had no idea what stage fright was. It seemed that the louder you cheered, the more excited they became.

Zhao Qing was also waiting. This was a trap he and Kaz had set. To be on the safe side, he even suggested that Kaz take action himself, but Kaz said there was no need. Although Zhao Qing was afraid that he would underestimate the enemy, that's how the Black Meteorite people are. They simply don't listen to other people's opinions. If you say anything more, they will turn on you. Zhao Qing also couldn't stand the shameless request for another Hextech airship.

Judging from their current exchange, this dual-wielder is indeed quite formidable; he has a chance.

Li Xin sat in the back, not paying much attention to the battlefield. Zhao Xun was still in the VIP section, but Matthew was nowhere to be seen.

Li Xin's pupils contracted slightly. Where had he gone at this moment?

With Matthew gone, Zhao Xun exuded an even more unique aura. He glanced at Lockhart, thinking that once this batch was dealt with, it would be time to teach that old bastard a lesson.

The situation in Dragon Capital was also changing. After Luther's death, these Hexfaction members did hold out for several decades, but they were already in decline. The old nobles were rising, and the Hundred Martial Arts Hall was already rivaling the Church of the Moon.

Eras of change are always good times; it's just that the roles of offense and defense have shifted.

Locknan was focused on Luo Xue in the arena. Judging from yesterday, the situation was very unfavorable for them. He was actually a little worried when the Archbishop decided to hold this four-nation tournament, but Luo Xue did have the upper hand in Black Rose, especially since she came from that place, which gave Locknan a lot of confidence.

But something's not right now.

boom……

Luo Xue was knocked away, and Rastan chased after her, laughing wildly. His two curved swords swung like whirlwinds, while Luo Xue defended with her longsword. Clang clang clang clang clang...

The incessant sounds of impact and the oppressive force of the terrifying power were overwhelming. The key was that Rastan, despite her frenzied attacks, showed no signs of exhaustion. If she continued to withstand this, she would be the one to run into trouble.

Suddenly, Luo Xue's pupils turned crimson red, and spiritual energy instantly enveloped her entire body—the Eye of Secrets—Crimson Pupil.

bass……

A single sword strike pierced through the array of curved blades, slicing Rastan's neck. Rastan, however, rolled backward to create distance, wiping the blood from his neck. "This girl is ruthless!" he thought, licking the blood. He instantly became excited. Luo Xue had already arrived. Her Crimson Eyes could comprehensively enhance spiritual energy, physical speed and strength, and even agility. Her Crimson Eyes were fully enhanced, and in an instant, she was in front of Rastan. Boom…

With a single sword strike, Rastan's twin blades clashed with a loud bang, and he instantly fell to one knee. Before he could react, Luo Xue kicked out, boom...

Rastan was sent flying with a thud. This time, the kick landed solidly. Blood began to seep from the corner of Rastan's mouth. He actually turned and ran away, causing the entire arena to erupt in cheers. Although he was only fighting a vice-captain, the most important thing in the vanguard battle was the momentum. Luo Xue had brought out the momentum that Tianjing wanted to see the most. In the minds of the Lilong people, the Black Meteorite people were crazy and brave. But now they were being chased and beaten by their Luo Xue. It was so satisfying!
The entire audience stood up and cheered, their energy exploding. Rastan was fast, but Luo Xue was even faster. At this moment, Luo Xue wanted to end the battle quickly to deal with any unforeseen circumstances, and she was also worried about complications arising from the fight; something felt off.

Just then, a sudden change occurred. Luo Xue tilted her head, and a curved blade instantly spun past. Her opponent's demeanor also changed. Rastan's lips curled into a sinister smile, and his eyes turned pale white.

The Eye of Secrets—Pale Pupils.

He possessed manipulation abilities. Just as Luo Xue dodged, the second scimitar spun and attacked. Luo Xue immediately took to the air, while the scimitar behind her spun back. At the same time, Rastan also charged forward, forming a three-pronged attack.

Luo Xue deflected the curved blade in front of her with a single sword strike, but due to the influence of Rastan on her front, she couldn't dodge the one behind her. Knowing she couldn't hesitate, Luo Xue steeled her heart and used her left hand to block the curved blade behind her. Although she was protected by psionic energy, it still tore open a wound and slashed her ribs. A sharp pain struck as her leg was grabbed by Rastan. Rastan, of course, knew the power of the Scarlet Eye and used all his strength from the start.

boom……

Luo Xue was knocked to the ground. Then Rastan kicked Luo Xue's head with all his might. The outcome was decided in a split second. If Luo Xue was even a little slow to react, she would not only lose the match but also her life. At this moment, Luo Xue did not retreat or even show any fear. She thrust her sword into her opponent's heart with all her might.

Rastan hadn't expected his opponent to be so ruthless, unlike a noble lady from the Lilong people. He could only slightly deflect his body; he might not be able to kill her, but she could definitely take his life. This slight deflection slowed his movements, but he still managed to kick Luo Xue hard, and at the same time, Luo Xue's sword pierced his opponent.

Luo Xue felt a buzzing in her head, and blood instantly flowed from her ears. Her hand loosened, while Rastan, who had been stabbed in the chest, felt his body explode. His psionic energy exploded in his body, but he did not hesitate. The pain did not affect his movements. He pressed down and smashed his body down toward Luo Xue's head.

boom……

Luo Xue hadn't recovered from her dizziness when she completely passed out.

Rastan dared not draw his sword; it would cause him to bleed terribly. He also dared not move.

The entire Justice Arena was silent. No one expected it to turn out like this. Their captain, Luo Xue, whom they had placed so much hope in, had only fought the opposing vice-captain to such a state, one unconscious and the other standing. How could this be considered?
Although unwilling, they could only declare the Ironblood Order a victory, but since Verastan was lying down, at least a draw could be declared.

The entire arena was immediately filled with discussion. It wasn't what they expected. Both sides' medical personnel had already gone up, and Fei Ruolin had also led her people to rush up.

Zhao Qing sneered. He was satisfied, extremely satisfied. The money was well spent!
Now it's his turn to step in. From the audience's perspective, it should be a 2-2 tie, with him winning the crucial final game. However, the core of this four-nation tournament is not victory, but replacing Luo Xue and establishing his own absolute prestige. The best and safest outcome would be a comparison, which would also prevent any unforeseen complications.

Zhao Qing walked into the arena of justice and suddenly roared, "Iron-blooded Kaz, do you dare to fight me!"

Choosing an opponent is also a tactic, but this is Tianjing's home ground, an invitational tournament. Zhao Qing took the initiative to step onto the field, fully demonstrating his heroic spirit and immediately capturing the attention of the disappointed audience. He was incredibly handsome and stylish.

"Iron-blooded Kars, do you dare to fight me!"

Zhao Qing continued to roar, and everyone's eyes were focused on the Iron Blood lineup. For some reason, a strong sense of anticipation and impulse welled up in their hearts. What is this? This is a hero, a hero who can turn the tide!

Kars pursed his lips. Damn it, the agreement was to call out three times. What the hell? He hadn't thought it necessary at first, but now he could only say, "They really know how to play the game!" "Iron-blooded Kars, do you dare to fight me!"

Zhao Qing's third roar brought the atmosphere to its peak. Each pause gave everyone a psychological buffer and transition, and with Kaz standing up, the third roar took off.

Looking at the powerful willpower that had been gathered, Zhao Xun felt a pang of reluctance, but thinking that the nutrients used as materials would be plentiful, he felt a sense of anticipation.

Luo Xue is not in mortal danger; her injuries are mainly external. Although Rastan won, the spiritual energy from that sword strike penetrated deep into her body, so her injuries may be slightly more serious. Of course, if it were a life-or-death battle, Luo Xue would already be dead.

Li Xin watched as Zhao Xun got up and walked inside. Where was he going at this time?

He felt he was about to grasp the key point. He vaguely sensed that the Four Nations Tournament was related to whether Zhao Xun could become a councilor, so that he could oppose the Archbishop. However, if the two of them were on the same side, the Archbishop would definitely support Zhao Xun to become a councilor and would not hold him back at all. This reason was something they gave to the entire Tianjing, or even something they put on for their superiors, in order to cover up their true purpose.

The real purpose of the Four Nations Tournament was not the position of a member of parliament, but to obtain these wishes.

There was no news from Casey's side, which meant things weren't going well. The human will that had gathered in the air had disappeared again, indicating that most of it wasn't absorbed by the people on the battlefield.

Who took it away?

Worms are creatures of the abyss. It is very difficult for creatures of the abyss to enter the present world; certain conditions must be required. The path of the knight requires glory, and glory is a kind of will. He has already seen it. Simply put, it should be a kind of "human will" generated by the pure will of the masses.

As Mr. Cancer said, different paths have different needs. Matthew is not a knight, but a preacher, so he must have used the power of will for his own purposes.

Is there any connection between willpower and worms?
I sensed the direction in which the power of will disappeared.

Li Xin's eyes lit up instantly; Matthew's stronghold was right in the arena!
. . .

Deep within the arena, in a vast basement, the runes in each jar were illuminated, and the figures inside the jars displayed expressions of pain and contortion. Their bodies would occasionally bulge out with huge, writhing lumps, and their blood vessels would bulge. A barrier was set up around them, preventing any sound from reaching the outside. Meanwhile, Ma Xiu was releasing spiritual energy, guiding the worms to descend. The continuous aggregation of willpower was an important medium for attracting the worms.

Some of the jars are nearing completion, with worms emerging from their bodies. However, they are not yet stable, remaining in a semi-transparent, shimmering state. They need to consume flesh and blood to remain in the real world.

Matthew was brimming with astonishing psychic energy, maintaining everything. The door to the secret chamber opened, and Zhao Xun walked in. Looking at the sacrifice, a bright smile appeared on his face. If this batch could achieve a success rate of 50% to 60%, it would be quite perfect.

"What's going on outside?" Matthew asked, observing the condition of the jar.

“Everything is going smoothly, we have it all under control,” Zhao Xun laughed. “We’ve completely outmaneuvered everyone.”

"Keep an eye on things, everything's fine here," Matthew said calmly.

Zhao Xun sometimes admired Matthew. He really didn't know how he could hold back. Watching the little cutie wriggling and devouring flesh and blood, he was filled with joy. They were all little darlings. The big darling inside him also seemed very excited. He had been holding back his thirst for food lately and couldn't wait to devour it.

The continuous flow of willpower was absorbed into the formation, maintaining the worm's form. Suddenly, the willpower became very weak.

Matthew's pupils contracted, and his expression became somewhat grave. "Go up and take a look; it seems there's a problem."

Zhao Xun's expression was also not good. What kind of problem could arise at this time?
When Zhao Xun reappeared in the arena, his pupils dilated instantly; his former joy had vanished, and the entire arena was filled with a sense of frustration and despair…

???

Inside the Arena of Justice, the hero Zhao Qing is being trampled under Kaz's feet, his body covered in wounds.

Zhao Qing struggled to his feet, only to be trampled down by Kaz again. With his face covered in blood, Zhao Qing roared with all his might, "Kaz, what are you doing? We had a deal!"

Kaz laughed, picked at his ear, and blew the grime toward Zhao Qing. "I'd like to too, but you're just too useless. You haven't even awakened the Eye of Insight yet. I don't think our deal is valid."

"You're talking nonsense. You'll never leave Tianjing like this."

"Oh dear, threatening me again! I hate being threatened the most!" Kaz laughed and stomped down, breaking Zhao Qing's sternum amidst gasps from the crowd.

However, Kaz was very dissatisfied. He spat on the ground and thought, "Damn it, what a piece of trash! No honor whatsoever, just pure waste."

From the very beginning, the Black Meteorites never intended to lose. They were just putting on an act, but when faced with interests, the Black Meteorites never made a choice; they wanted both!
All of them!

Trailing 0-2, key players Zhao Qing and Luo Xue suffered a crushing defeat and were utterly thrashed like monkeys, turning the atmosphere at the stadium into a graveyard.

Zhao Xun's face was also ashen. He had calculated everything and forgotten about the Black Meteor Man's reneging on his promise, but now it was too late.

As Zhao Qing was carried past on a stretcher, Zhao Xun suppressed his murderous intent and gestured for him to stop, coldly saying, "You go help the others, I'll take care of it."

The men dared not disobey the Earl and quickly bowed their heads, saying, "Yes, sir."

After everyone left, Zhao Xun dragged Zhao Qing by one leg and turned into the shadows, heading towards the secret passage.

Zhao Qing's failure means that this plan has come to an end. It's a pity, as it will greatly reduce the success rate. But now is not the time to settle scores with the Black Meteorite.

Zhao Qing felt fear. He knew all too well what kind of monster his father was. Just as he was about to beg for mercy, he was punched in the mouth, knocking out all his teeth and causing his mouth to collapse. At this moment, Zhao Xun's face was devoid of any emotion.

When Zhao Xun dragged Zhao Qing into the secret room, some of the worms had already died, and only a few that were nearly finished were barely holding on. Matthew's face remained expressionless.

"Damn it, it's all this little piece of trash's fault. The Black Meteor Man actually went back on his word. If we lose, will we still have enough?" Zhao Xun stomped on his foot again.

“There’s probably only one-tenth left,” Matthew said casually.

Zhao Qing woke up. The tearing pain had numbed him, but the fear before him was real... Archbishop Matthew? ???

“You little beast, you’re surprised, aren’t you?” Zhao Xun laughed. “To die under the Archbishop’s watchful eye is a blessing. Haven’t you always wanted to know how to absorb spiritual energy without mutating? I’ll tell you now.”

At this moment, Zhao Xun's smile had become a demon in Zhao Qing's eyes. He realized what was happening, his whole body trembled, and he begged for mercy while tears, snot, and blood flowed down his face.

The church has a secret method to process worms and then implant them into the human body. As long as the carrier does not consume human flesh and blood, does not absorb human spiritual energy, and restrains its desire for depravity, it will not mutate. This is a form of spiritual practice.

So Chris's chirping was useless.

But this kind of forbearance is extremely cruel. Matthew might be able to do it, but Zhao Xun certainly couldn't.

They discovered another shortcut.

He carried Zhao Qing to a fully formed worm. The worm sensed the fresh flesh and intense spiritual energy and immediately broke away from its original offering, lunging directly at Zhao Qing.

Unable to utter a sound, Zhao Qing's terrified eyes watched as the worm burst through his chest and began to devour him. Its vigorous life force and abundant, high-quality spiritual energy allowed the worm to grow visibly larger and plumper. Before long, Zhao Qing became still, his body shriveled, his spiritual energy and blood completely drained.

At this moment, Zhao Xun was already impatient, his face showing a monstrous greed. A black worm appeared on his chest, opened its huge mouth and swallowed the plump worm in one gulp. In an instant, Zhao Xun's face showed an unprecedented sense of satisfaction. Sure enough, it was the worms cultivated by the Awakened that provided the most nourishment.

This is why Zhao Xun remained unmoved by Chris's cries. Directly consuming human blood and spiritual energy would quickly transform someone into a monster, but adding an extra step introduces a lot of variables. It's simply a genius idea.

The inventor was Archbishop Matthew.

They call this process "filtering".

Matthew calmly watched the patricide and son murder, then glanced into the shadows, his expression finally changing. "You've come."

(End of this chapter)