Otherworld Bone Dragon Operation Guide

Chapter 137 Political Deals
Under Su Ming's constant scrutiny, Zi Jin finally couldn't keep her composure.

"Su Ming, although I am indeed hesitant about some things, do you really need to keep staring at me like that?"

"Ah, sorry." Su Ming looked away. "But what is it that you need to think about for so long just by saying it?" he asked curiously.

“Because this solution can solve the problem, but it’s too difficult to implement.” Zijin sighed softly. “And there’s my own selfish motive involved… I’m wondering if there are other solutions that would avoid this extremely dangerous path.”

"Speak up first, and we'll judge together."

Zi Jin took out a small booklet and handed it to Su Ming, "This is what I found in the materials of the Truth Cult of the Calamity Bell."

Su Ming opened it; it contained a file about the Holy Mountain Divine Might Prison of the Temple of Light.

The Divine Prison is the prison of the Temple of Light, used to imprison criminals or heretics. The Holy Mountain Divine Prison is the largest of these prisons, located in the frigid lands at the northern end of the continent, and is considered the place where the gods purify the most wicked heretics.

Tucked inside the booklet was a piece of paper with a list of fifty-seven imprisoned necromancers.

Judging from the notes, these people did not commit any crimes other than being "necromancers". Therefore, they were simply imprisoned by the Temple of Light and sentenced to indefinite forced labor.

Then came some vague action plans, which vaguely suggested a prison break.

"Has the Bell of Calamity set its sights on this group of mages?"

"These necromancers aren't particularly strong in combat, but they are all highly skilled scholars. If they were recruited by someone with ulterior motives, especially if their resentment and bitterness at being wanted and imprisoned by the world were exploited, the effect they could have would be terrifying."

"You mean, the Bell of Calamity will continue to create things like zombie sea monsters?"

The forbidden realms of the undead are not limited to zombies, but also include plagues and ghosts. If these two were to reappear, it would inevitably lead to a catastrophe of immense suffering and destruction.

It's even possible that they might be some new tricks we've never seen before.

"Perhaps. But I don't care what the Bell of Calamity wants to do; that's a matter for the leaders of nations and major powers to worry about." Zi Jin took back the paper. "What I care about is that most of the people on the list are people I know. I'm thinking about whether it's possible to use this opportunity to rescue them. If it works, most of them will definitely be willing to join us and help us build the dimensional array."

Su Ming unfolded the world map.

The Holy Mountain Divine Prison is located in the center of the Northern Continent, surrounded by vast mountain ranges. If one departs from the Star Empire and traverses the Cold Mountain Kingdom, there are plains and plateaus to cross. Approaching from other directions, however, the journey is winding and lengthy.

Even if we pass through the Star Empire, the journey takes months. This is clearly not a place that can be easily raided!

"The journey is truly long. Are you sure we have a way to get there?"

“There’s no problem between you and me,” Violet said. “I seized several anti-magic cloaks from Yesia’s ship—the ones Yesia wore to suppress the undead’s energy.”

Su Ming recalled that Yesia had used her cloak to conceal her magical fluctuations and hide on the Five Fangs, which led to the later encounter.

“We can disguise ourselves as ordinary travelers and follow the caravan,” Violet continued. “Ordinary spellcasters won’t be able to detect us.”

"Then we'll have to abandon the Bone Fortress? And your Bone Dragon form too—the cloak can't cover it!"

"They need to be separated. If Elisa's form operates alone, her magic reserves will continue to decrease, and her strength will eventually drop to only 20%."

“It’s not as simple as losing 80%,” Su Ming denied. “If I go with you alone, it means abandoning all our existing equipment and supplies. Not only will we lose our current weapons and equipment and materials, but we also won’t be able to receive technical support from Earth during the journey.”

"That's why I considered using the Truth Cult of the Calamity Bell to pave the way and complete the rescue," the scholar said. "That way, we wouldn't have to directly confront the defensive forces of the Divine Prison."

“Okay, even if we take a step back and assume that the Holy Mountain Divine Might Prison was lax in its defenses, allowing the Calamity Bell to succeed, and that we successfully intercepted this group of people like the mantis stalking the cicada unaware of the oriole behind—then how do we get fifty-seven prisoners out of here?” He began to list the problems. “We only have a few Forbidden Law Cloaks. After rescuing this group of people, we will definitely be tracked down. After all, they are prisoners and have been forced to do labor. Their physical condition will definitely not be good.”

“Yes. Even if these people are in good condition, crossing thousands of kilometers of cold plateaus and snow-capped mountains is not an easy task,” Zijin added. “We cannot take them with us.”

"You know that, so?"

"That's why I hesitated for so long about whether or not to tell you about this," Zijin said, slightly annoyed.

"No, I'm asking to find out if you really want to save these friends?" Su Ming asked.

“We’re not really friends, just academic exchange partners.” Zijin rubbed her face. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t risk my life for something impossible and drag you down with me. It’s just that I really can’t think of any other way to get manpower—these scholars are rare finds that can be useful and can be of use to us.”

Su Ming noticed a problem: "Is it really that hard to find people to participate in the interdimensional teleportation array?"

“It’s extremely difficult to find people!” the scholar said, slightly agitated. “This is the most cutting-edge research project in academia, and those who can participate are extremely rare in the entire world! Less capable scholars are like idiots when it comes to this level of research; they are completely useless!”

"I understand." Su Ming reached out and gestured for her to calm down. "I understand you. This is indeed a difficult choice."

"There's no such thing as being in a dilemma," Zijin said irritably. "There's no possibility of moving forward, only helplessness."

Su Ming shook his head. "Crossing mountains and ice plains to reach the Divine Might Prison on Holy Mountain, and then taking a group of people away, isn't absolutely impossible." He already had a vague idea. "What's the level of defense for this Divine Might Prison?"

Zi Jin stared at Su Ming for a while, wanting to ask something, but ultimately didn't. Instead, she chose to answer the question, "That's the largest prison in the Temple of Light, with densely packed defensive formations. Bishops are everywhere, and whether there are a few archbishops or a group of them depends entirely on luck."

This level of power is impossible to directly confront, but Su Xiang thought of something.

“Didn’t Siwo say that the Temple of Light was in a terrible situation, that you’ve brought them a doctrinal crisis?” Su Ming said. “Why don’t we ask Qi Luo to find out the latest situation at the temple?”

Zijin thought for a moment and agreed, "That's right, this should be a point that can be used."

****
The next morning, the two asked Qiluo about the Temple of Light.

"Hmm, I was just following 'Phantom of the Temple' a few days ago!" Qi Luo said with great interest, a hint of excitement flashing in her eyes. "The Bard's Ballad has been updated to the point where the Pope's illegitimate daughter has entered the temple and is going against Elisa, Catherine, and others!"

"It's just a new character, why are you so excited?" Su Ming asked, puzzled.

Qi Luo smiled mysteriously, "There's a scene of three people playing in front of the Godfather, and the accompanying fan-made picture book is already out!"

“That’s not what we wanted to ask, and you don’t have to go into so much detail.” Violet covered her face and sighed.

"Gospel Father?" Su Ming asked immediately upon hearing an unfamiliar term.

“It is an alchemical statue with a spirit, capable of interpreting doctrines and spreading the gospel,” Violet, the former saintess, replied. “It is the symbol of the Church of Light. It was created and refined over hundreds of years since the founding of the church. It has always been regarded as a supreme sacred object by the Holy See, a sacred and inviolable symbol!”

"Oh?" Su Ming immediately became interested and turned to the unicorn, "Where can I buy this picture book?"

Violet gave him a hard knock on the head.

“It’s sold out; it’s out of print.” Qi Luo told Su Ming regretfully. “The news from the day before yesterday was that Catherine is about to marry Emperor Sharico Fabilio of the Star Empire, and now no one dares to sell her books anymore.” “How is that possible!” Zi Jin exclaimed in surprise, her voice rising abruptly. “How could they…!”

"There shouldn't be any problem with the two of them getting married, right?" Su Ming asked curiously. "Queen Chloe of King Shariko has been dead for many years, and he is the father of Catherine's illegitimate daughter, Iser, right?"

In a sense, this should be considered a successful outcome.

“No, no—never mind, there are things I can’t say about this.” Violet waved her hand. “Then Catherine should resign from her position as High Priestess of the Overwatch Council, which is good news. One less troublesome opponent.”

The Temple of Light has few taboos regarding marriage, but for its millennia-long history, it has strictly adhered to the principle of "religion not interfering in politics," meaning that the spouses of clergy members are not allowed to hold positions in any other political power. If a clergy member wishes to marry a political figure from another country, one of them must resign from their position.

As the Emperor of the Stars, it was impossible for Shariko to resign, so the only one who could resign was Catherine.

“She is indeed no longer the High Priestess, but has become the Deacon of Summer Island,” Kira said, predictably seeing the astonished expression on Violet’s face.

The Church of Light claims to control only the Glorious Holy City and remain detached from worldly affairs. However, in reality, it occupies a territory far exceeding that of ordinary nations under the guise of industry. The entire Salz region, where the Glorious Holy City is located, and many islands on the eastern coast of the Western Continent all fall within its "industry" domain.

The Church of Light is the most powerful force in the Western Continent besides the Star Empire.

Midsummer Island, with an area of ​​600 square kilometers, is located near the equator and 1000 kilometers from the coast of the Western Continent, making it an ideal supply point and springboard for the open ocean. The Star Empire has long coveted it and has clashed with the Temple of Light over it many times throughout history.

Appointing Catherine as the highest-ranking executive officer of Summer Island and marrying her to King Shariko was essentially a package deal with some disguise.

"These charlatans are shameless!" Zi Jin rarely cursed loudly.

The communication tower lit up; it was a contact request from the Dwarf Merchant Guild. Qi Luo reported on Beanqi's situation and received an urgent intelligence report.

"Oh, this is also about this. The Star Empire officially announced that it recognizes the Temple of Light as a holy religion and announced a series of support and cooperation measures." Qi Luo read out the shocking news.

"Both sides are really willing to invest!" came Bei Anqi's voice. The three turned around and saw the mechanic girl in a nightgown slowly walking in, holding onto the hatch.

"You're awake." Su Ming looked her over and found that she seemed to be in good condition. "Would you like something to eat? I made some porridge."

"Thank you for your help." Bei Anqi walked to the table and sat down, her forehead still slightly sweaty. Qi Luo handed her a handkerchief.

Su Ming asked the white skeleton to bring over a bowl of porridge.

"How are you feeling?" Qi Luo asked her.

"It's better than I expected." Bei Anqi picked up a spoon and began to drink the porridge, which contained finely shredded dried scallops and was very sweet.

"Sister, what are the plans for the next step?" Beianqi asked while eating.

“Let’s go to Earthworm Island tonight to pick up the goods, and then take the White Triangle to Brown Gold Island to buy coal. We’ll disembark there,” Kira replied. “I’ve already notified a small cargo ship to pick us up.”

Beian nodded.

"Sister, is the news confirmed? The Temple of Light gifted Summer Island to the Star Empire?" she asked again.

“It’s certain, the whole world is in an uproar right now,” Qiluo replied.

The Temple of Light completely abandoned all pretense of decency, relinquishing de facto control of Summer Island in exchange for the Star Empire's assistance. Politicians have no bottom line.

“Actually, I’ve been thinking about how the Temple of Light will resolve this doctrinal crisis.” Beanie picked up her bowl and finished her porridge. “But I didn’t expect them to be so decisive.” She handed the empty bowl to the skeleton. “Could I have another bowl? Sister Elisa, Su Ming, you two are really amazing. The Temple of Light’s decision to have the whole world issue a warrant for your arrest was their biggest mistake!”

“You were involved too!” Su Ming said. “The White Triangle performed exceptionally well in the naval battle, extinguishing their hopes of a simple solution.”

"My portion is hardly even icing on the cake," said Angie Beilke, taking back the refilled bowl and continuing to drink her porridge.

Zi Jin had calmed down. She took the intelligence report from Qi Luo's hand and read it carefully. "The Temple of Light is now using the Star Empire's momentum to suppress internal strife, promote the revised doctrine, and erase what has already happened—a conventional approach that will most likely allow them to weather this crisis. Now, they just need to wait for the hype to die down and for history to rewrite this process."

"The weapon of public opinion is in their hands, and the right to write history is also in their hands. This is not surprising," Su Ming said.

“Once the Temple of Light has dealt with this, they’ll be coming after the White Triangle.” Beanie finished another bowl of porridge. “We should stay away from the Western Ocean for a while.”

She suddenly started rubbing her temples, clearly her head was starting to hurt, and the damage to her mental energy was beginning to take effect.

"Why don't you go back to your room and rest?" Su Ming suggested.

Beianqi didn't try to hold back and got up to go to her room.

"I'll heal you." Qiluo took short strides and ran behind her, suddenly transforming back into her true form. The unicorn head passed between the girl's legs, lifted Beianqi up, and then with a flick of its neck, the girl was thrown onto her back.

Beianqi screamed, grabbing the unicorn's neck with one hand and pressing down on her torn nightgown with the other, trying to cover her exposed thighs. "Sister! I'm all grown up now, don't act like you did when you were little!"

The two sisters playfully walked away.

Su Ming coughed a few times, pretending to be looking at the intelligence in his hand.

Violet glanced at him. "You're holding it upside down."

Su Ming remained calm and composed. "I didn't hold it upside down."

Zijin rolled her eyes at him.

"I lost control of my emotions just now." Zi Jin sighed and returned to the previous topic, "I thought there might be an opportunity regarding the Temple of Light."

Su Ming's activity and outstanding performance during this period gave her a chance to turn her life around and even saw hope in realizing her ideas. But she didn't expect that these politicians were just engaging in a transaction of interests, and everything had to start all over again.

"You really do want to destroy the Church of Light!"

"How could I hold back when I saw this scene?" Zijin honestly admitted, "I was underestimating things and taking things for granted."

The resources and tolerance of a large, established organization cannot be easily disposed of.

To use a game analogy, the enemy's health bar was unusually thick. Su Ming had no interest in slowly whittling down their health; he was thinking about new strategies and tactics.

"It's a bit of a pity," he sighed as well. "We work so hard, and King Charlotte gets all the benefits."

“Not entirely,” Violet said leisurely. “Charlico is quite the smooth talker!”

(End of this chapter)