Chapter Seventy-Eight: Within the Twelve Palaces (Part One)

Yin Seventeen lowered his head and said, “At that time, Master Tiger Toma was telling us that war might soon break out in Sanctuary. Then the Crater Cloth revealed an image.”
“I suppose what it showed was the future.”
“So, what did you all see?” The Pope straightened in his seat, asking with utmost seriousness.
Yin Seventeen hesitated for a moment, then spoke slowly, “Golden armor stained with blood, corpses strewn across the fields… It seemed that one of the Gold Saints had fallen.”
“And… there was more…”
“What else?” The Pope’s frown deepened under his mask. The possibility of a Gold Saint’s death already left him in foul spirits; he did not wish to hear anything worse.
Yin Seventeen gathered his thoughts and continued, “There was also the light of the sun. In the river of fate reflected by the Crater Cloth, we saw an incredibly dazzling sunlight.”
“It was precisely because the sunlight was so blinding that we couldn’t make out any further details.”
“I imagine that sunlight must be a sign of something special.”
At these words, Ruo Lan beside him also remembered that blinding sunlight.
Back then, when the Crater Cloth reflected the images of the river of fate, everyone’s attention had been drawn to the chaotic battlefield, overlooking the sunlight that flooded the entire vision.
Upon closer reflection, it was truly the sunlight covering the whole battlefield that was the main character of that vision.
Yet because it was so unique, they had ignored it.
“The light of the sun?”
The Pope tapped the armrest lightly, gradually falling into deep thought.
According to information gathered by the Saints, an Outer God was causing havoc in North America, and on the continent of the Americas, this evil god had already developed considerable power, coming out into the open from the shadows.
Now, as he prepared to gather forces to purge the evil god’s influence, the scene foretold by the Crater Cloth seemed to align perfectly with such a coming war.
What was even more coincidental was that the evil god in North America styled himself as the God of Light.
In that case, the sunlight must refer to this self-proclaimed God of Light.
At this thought, he stopped tapping the armrest and waved the two before him away. “That’s enough. I understand. You may go now.”
“In a few days, Sanctuary will launch a large-scale purge against the evil god’s forces in North America.”
“Go and make your preparations. Be ready for orders at any time.”

“For further details, consult with the other Saints.”
“Yes!”
Yin Seventeen and the other saluted in unison and then respectfully withdrew.
In the Pope’s heart, the good-natured Saga spoke, “The Crater Cloth’s warning means this campaign against the evil god will be extremely dangerous. What do you think?”
Behind the mask, the malevolent Saga narrowed his eyes. “The evil god’s forces in North America have brazenly moved from the shadows into the open. That means they no longer fear discovery and are ready to attempt breaking the barriers of the world.”
“If we don’t stop them quickly, things will become much worse!”
“We have no choice. The campaign in North America must go on!”
Good Saga did not object and added, “Since the Crater Cloth has warned us and a Gold Saint may fall, I suggest increasing our forces, just in case.”
“Also, bring out the ‘Shield of Athena’ as well!”
“Impossible! I have no objection to increasing our forces, but I absolutely refuse to hand over the ‘Shield of Athena’!” The malevolent Saga flatly rejected the second proposal.
It was precisely because the ‘Shield of Athena’ was in his possession that some dared not openly oppose him.
If the shield were to leave his hands, his position would become dangerously precarious.
Especially with the one atop Five Elder Peak—he could never see through that person’s depths.
Without the divine artifact, he felt no sense of security.
Hearing this, good Saga grew angry, shouting in his heart, “Don’t forget! That artifact isn’t yours! It belongs to the goddess Athena!”
“Save your breath! No matter what you say, I won’t let them touch the ‘Shield of Athena’! Otherwise, don’t blame me for turning against you!” the malevolent Saga replied coldly.
“You—”
Seeing the conversation reach this point, good Saga could only retreat into silence, giving up the argument.
Sanctuary desperately needed stability; they could not afford inner turmoil.
If forced into a confrontation with the malevolent Saga, the consequences would be disastrous.
Good Saga faded away, and the malevolent Saga did not pursue the matter further. Next, as the Pope, he used his mind to transmit his voice throughout the Twelve Palaces.
“The Crater Cloth has just reported an omen: the Cloth’s reflection of the river of fate warns that there may be a Gold Saint’s fall in the coming North American campaign.”
“Therefore, I intend to send two more Gold Saints to reinforce the expedition!”

The situation outside was growing ever more dire, yet he still had not retrieved the ‘Victory Goddess’.
In such circumstances, he needed the Gold Saints to help him maintain Sanctuary’s dominion over the earth.
He did not wish to see any Gold Saints die, at least for now.
Originally, he had thought sending one Gold Saint would suffice, but for safety’s sake, he decided to send two more.
Three Gold Saints could form a battle formation, maximizing their collective power.
Upon hearing the Pope’s voice, the Gold Saints within the Twelve Palaces turned their heads, looking up toward the mountain’s summit.
In the House of Cancer, Deathmask was the first to lose patience. He immediately asked with his mind, “Your Holiness, which two of us do you intend to send to join the campaign in North America?”
He did not shy from the others, sending his voice throughout the Twelve Palaces as well.
From his throne, the Pope replied, “Originally, I intended Arudiba to lead the Saints in subjugating the evil god. Even with two more Gold Saints, Arudiba will remain in command.”
“So, as for which two to send, I’ll respect Arudiba’s wishes—Arudiba, you may choose for yourself.”
Though all twelve Gold Saints belonged to Sanctuary, there were degrees of closeness among them.
Especially those who knew he had usurped the Pope’s position—they were particularly at odds with him, such as Tiger Toma of Five Elder Peak, and Mu of Jamir.
The rest, though aware, had stayed in Sanctuary for the greater good, maintaining stability between Sanctuary and the earth.
Rather than forcing the issue, it was better to let Arudiba choose; after all, Arudiba was one of the few who did not know the truth, a passive neutral. Whoever Arudiba selected would find it difficult to refuse.
Upon hearing this, Deathmask exclaimed excitedly, “Arudiba, pick me, pick me! It’s been too long since I added a new mask to the House of Cancer. Take me to the Americas for some fun!”
“This…”
In the House of Taurus, Arudiba hesitated.
At the same time, hearing Deathmask’s flippant words, Aiolia in the House of Leo rebuked him sternly, “Deathmask, Arudiba is being sent to the Americas to subjugate an evil god, not to play around!”
“Show some seriousness and respect!”