CHAPTER 325: CHAPTER 325: BISHOP SAKURA

This is a city within a city.

The edge of the city is built with steel alloy frames, supplemented by various strange trees that transform air, supporting the basic structure of this giant city.

As for the ground.

After the transformation by the Church of the God of Steam and Mechanics, the whole city is a war fortress.

The people who can live in Steam City are absolutely the most devout fanatics of the Church.

These people.

When clothed, they might be amiable, no different from regular people.

But once they remove their clothes.

Each one might become as fierce as a Spartan, shouting slogans like "For the God" and "Truth shall prevail," rushing at you desperately.

Not to mention.

The countless hidden weapons scattered in the shadows all over the city.

"Stay close to me."

Yi Xian, draped in a black robe embroidered with the sacred insignia of the God of Steam and Mechanics, swiftly led the two through the entrance and onto the street.

The city was bustling.

The most striking aspect is that almost all tools are magic energy machinery and steam engines.

Trains, patrolling tin robots, tracks on the ground, and even residential buildings.

Almost everything bore the shadow of mechanics.

Heating ducts and steam pipes were intricately arranged along the street walls.

The layered buildings made everything appear extremely magical.

The street was lively.

The marketplace, factories, living areas, all were present.

Small yet complete.

Yi Xian wrapped herself in her robe, passing through the bustling street and the crowd, reaching the holy land for all followers of the God of Steam and Mechanics— the Eternal Church.

This is the church situated on the mountain top that Baiyu saw earlier.

The two stood at the foot of the mountain.

In front of them were hundreds of meters of metallic stairs leading up to the doors of the Eternal Church.

Yi Xian took a deep breath.

The two began ascending the stairs, step by step.

However.

After only a dozen steps, Baiyu felt something amiss.

There was a slight stabbing pain in his brain, clearly due to walking on these cold steel stairs.

"These are the stairs of suffering, said to be inspired by a famous saying: If you wish to see the divine, you must endure suffering.

I’m not sure why they have so many strange rules.

However.

These stairs are good for tempering and enhancing spiritual power, and the first climb has the greatest effect."

Yi Xian whispered in his ear.

Things that temper spiritual power are rare, each one is extremely precious.

After all, the Empire has not yet developed a formal, safe, and complete cultivation method for spiritual power, which is mysterious and connected to individual will.

Baiyu focused, stepping forward with care.

As he progressed, the stabbing sensation in his mind became more pronounced.

However, the recovery ability of the Ice Skin Jade Bone Skill was very strong, so the pain would pass almost instantly.

This allowed Baiyu to barely keep up with Yi Xian’s pace on the stairs.

This somewhat surprised Yi Xian.

After finishing the climb.

A long avenue stood before them.

"Miss Yi, Lord Sakura is already waiting for you in the side hall of the church."

The church staff, dressed in black sacred robes, clearly recognized Yi Xian. As soon as they arrived, he came over and said.

"Yes, I’m heading over now."

Yi Xian led Baiyu into the church, whose main hall was as broad as a plaza.

There were not many people inside.

Only a sparse dozen people sat praying.

The donation box was placed at the entrance.

Yi Xian put in a stack of money before heading to the side hall.

This area was quite small.

There were only a few dozen seats in total.

A young girl in a black sacred robe sat quietly on a chair, carefully reading the "Mechanical Teachings" in her hand.

The difference was.

The girl’s robe was also embroidered with golden and white patterns, making it look more noble and imposing.

"You’re here?"

The girl didn’t lift her head, her voice soft and sticky, like a neighbor’s girl enjoying her reading.

Yet.

According to Baiyu’s understanding, such a robe could only be worn by those above the level of a bishop.

And at the headquarters of the Eternal Church.

The bishops here had far more power and status than those in other branches, even one of the Three Holy Swords, August Cavendish, likely couldn’t match her status.

"How are you going to check today, Bishop Sakura?"

Yi Xian’s tone had a hint of impatience, and her expression wasn’t good.

"To see if your Black Moon Mark has deteriorated.

Recently, there was a Simulation Realm incident with Black Moon in Linjiang City.

Although it was staged by those heretics from the Abyssal Ascetic Association, it could exacerbate your condition.

After all, a lot of Black Moon’s power was leaked back then.

And there are many fugitives from Hades Prison, although most were culled by the Legendary Ship, some have escaped.

Who knows if they’re infected with the Black Moon Mark?"

The girl’s voice was eerily soft.

Yet hidden within was a sharpness and a sense of danger.

Yi Xian frowned: "Are you suggesting I would hunt those infected fugitives to elevate my Black Moon level? You’re overthinking it; I’m not that idle."

"Who knows."

The girl smiled faintly, her beautiful eyes glistening like autumn water.

Then...

Baiyu realized she was blind.

The dark gave her black eyes, but she couldn’t see anything.

"Hmm, you’ve maintained well. Seems like you’ve been obedient lately, so I won’t have to worry.

By the way.

Regarding the Black Moon Cult, I’ll be more lenient; after all, they’re not bad people.

If we can remove the mark from them, that would be best.

The church recently acquired a new sealing object, which might have an effect on them. I’m planning to give it a try..."

Yi Xian’s gaze turned cold: "What do you intend to do? The Black Moon Cult is not on the Empire’s wanted list and has never violated any prohibitions. If anyone does, I clean up the house myself..."

"Yes, but heretics are heretics."

The girl shook her head, her tone firm: "Even if they don’t make mistakes now, what about the future? It’s only logical to eliminate some troubles. Preventive measures, after all, this is Zenith City."

Yi Xian clenched her fists, "You..."

"Alright, that’s that. The person beside you, is this your new student, Baiyu?"

The girl tilted her head.

Though blind, Baiyu felt as if her gaze could pierce through to his soul.

"I’ve heard of you."

The girl’s expression showed a hint of change, "August, the executive director, specifically mentioned you to me. He remembers very few people.

I’m quite interested in your affairs."

"Bishop Sakura, you’re going too far. This is my student." Yi Xian grabbed the girl’s hand reaching towards Baiyu.

The goal of bringing Baiyu here was achieved. She also got the answers she sought in her heart.

She couldn’t let Sakura, this perverse woman, get near Baiyu...