Meanwhile, inside Yi Zhisha's palace, candlelight flickered, and a faint, cool fragrance filled the air, a stark contrast to the warmth of Aurelia's cottage; the place exuded a chilling atmosphere.
Yi Zhisha sat regally on the magnificent throne, her fingertips lightly tapping the armrest. After listening to her subordinate's report, she raised an eyebrow and muttered to herself, " Chen Lang is here? Could it be that he also intends to interfere in the selection of the Goddess of Parthenon?"
Her words carried a hint of doubt, but a fleeting joy flashed in her eyes.
If Chen Lang really gets involved, it doesn't seem like a bad thing.
This at least proves that Aurelia's relationship with the Vatican is not connected, so there is no need to worry about whether Ye Xin Xia has any connection with the Vatican.
The Parthenon will not fall into the hands of the Vatican!
Indeed, Yi Zhisha's purpose in reviving is to prevent Ye Xin Xia from becoming Saintess.
Neither she nor Wen Tai could allow Parthenon to become a protector of the Papacy.
Originally, her competition with Ye Xin Xia was fierce, but Chen Lang's arrival undoubtedly disrupted her original plans, but it also gave her a chance to relax.
In today's magical world, Chen Lang holds absolute sway.
His strength is beyond doubt, so once he gets involved in the competition for Parthenon, whoever he supports will inevitably become the next Goddess.
Just as Yi Zhisha was in a good mood, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall. A Female Sage dressed in a wise robe rushed in, her face full of undisguised joy, her tone urgent and excited. " Saintess, great joy! Great joy!"
Seeing the Female Sage's delighted expression, Yi Zhisha's brows furrowed instantly, and a strange unease rose in her heart.
She knew her subordinates too well; the "great joy" they spoke of was often not the message she truly wanted...
Suppressing her unease, Yi Zhisha spoke indifferently, her tone devoid of any emotion. "What is it? Explain yourself."
The Female Sage was completely oblivious to Yi Zhisha's displeasure and continued cheerfully, "Reporting to the Saintess, we have just received news that Chen Lang has already left Parthenon Sacred Mountain with Miss Aurelia!"
Furthermore, according to information from Aurelia's supporters, Miss Aurelia has officially withdrawn from the competition for the position of Goddess, and has instructed her faction that whether they choose neutrality or side with others from now on is none of her concern!
"She gave up the competition for the Goddess title?!"
Yi Zhisha suddenly stood up, her voice rising abruptly, but there was no joy in her eyes, only coldness, and her face was completely expressionless, as if she had heard something that had nothing to do with her.
Clearly, this news was not a cause for celebration for her; rather, it was a sudden blow, something she definitely did not want to hear!
Aurelia just gave up?
This rendered all her initial expectations meaningless!
The Female Sage below, however, remained completely oblivious to Yi Zhisha's true emotions, assuming she was simply composed and reserved, unmoved by any major event. Her admiration for Yi Zhisha only grew stronger, and she quickly added, "Yes, Saintess, Aurelia's withdrawal from the competition leaves only you and Ye Xin Xia as candidates for the Goddess position. Your chances of winning have greatly increased!"
"I understand, you may leave." Yi Zhisha interrupted her, her tone still indifferent, even colder than before, the chill in her eyes almost overflowing.
The Female Sage was taken aback upon hearing this, and the joy on her face instantly froze. She had originally wanted to say a few more words to flatter Yi Zhisha, but looking at Yi Zhisha's indifferent, cold, and emotionless face, she swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue and dared not say any more. She quickly bowed and carefully withdrew.
As the Female Sage's figure completely disappeared outside the palace, the indifference on Yi Zhisha's face vanished instantly, replaced by a ferocious expression. Her hands gripped the armrests of the throne tightly, her knuckles white, her nails almost digging into the wood. Her eyes were filled with rage and confusion, and she growled hoarsely, "That bastard! What does Chen Lang mean?! Why did he take Aurelia away? Why did he make her give up the inheritance of the Goddess?!"
She doesn't understand, she really doesn't understand!
How could Aurelia, who had previously schemed and displayed her brilliance during the Goddess selection, fighting tooth and nail for the Goddess, give up so easily just because Chen Lang arrived?
That was the Parthenon Goddess, the highest authority, something countless people dreamed of. How could she just give it up?
Just because Chen Lang came, was she willing to submit to someone else and give up all her years of hard work?
Yi Zhisha gritted her teeth, her anger and resentment surging within her...
In stark contrast to the rage and ferocity of Yi Zhisha Palace, Ye Xin Xia's residence was now filled with laughter and joy. The previous solemnity and oppression had been swept away, and even the air was filled with ease and relief.
Upon learning that Aurelia had given up the competition for the position of Goddess and left Parthenon Sacred Mountain with Chen Lang, the solemnity on Norman and Hailong's faces instantly vanished, replaced by undisguised elation. The huge weight that had been pressing on their hearts was lifted, and the gloom of the past few days disappeared in an instant.
They exchanged a glance, both seeing the relief and excitement of surviving a disaster in each other's eyes, and even couldn't help but smile at each other. Just moments ago, they had been worried, racking their brains, trying to protect Ye Xin Xia's position while also being wary of Chen Lang's strength, fearing that Chen Lang would really go all out to support Aurelia. In that case, even if they did their best, it would be in vain, and it might even put Parthenon in danger.
To be honest, they weren't afraid of Chen Lang. As high-ranking members of the Parthenon Knight Hall, they had their own dignity and principles. If it was to protect Ye Xin Xia and the Parthenon, they would have no complaints even if it meant death.
But they knew better than anyone else that this kind of suicide was completely meaningless.
With Chen Lang's current strength, even if they risked everything, they couldn't shake him in the slightest. They would only sacrifice themselves in vain and implicate Ye Xin Xia and the entire Parthenon.
They were absolutely loyal to Ye Xin Xia, and firmly believed from beginning to end that Ye Xin Xia possessed the Parthenon Soul, was kind-hearted, benevolent and wise, and that she was the most qualified Goddess of the Parthenon, worthy of wielding the supreme authority of the Parthenon.
They had been racking their brains, trying to figure out how to unite the Five Continents Magic Association, how to mobilize all the power of the Knight Hall, how to win the competition for the Goddess for Ye Xin Xia, and how to deal with all the variables that Chen Lang might bring.
They had prepared for the worst, and were even prepared to fight Chen Lang at all costs.
But to their utter surprise, things took such a turn. The "biggest boss" they feared most, Aurelia, who had Chen Lang backing her up and seemed to have the upper hand, actually gave up the competition and left with Chen Lang.
This sudden news surprised and delighted them.
This kind of victory might not be what they wanted.
They originally wanted to use their own strength to help Ye Xin Xia win the position of Goddess fairly and squarely, proving Ye Xin Xia's strength and wisdom.
Undeniably, this is the best possible outcome right now, the most satisfying ending for everyone...