More than a hundred thousand citizens of Berely had gathered in a tight ring around Victory Palace.
Night had fallen. They held white candles in their hands, like emissaries of the underworld guiding departed souls, standing silently in the streets and alleys. Everyone faced Victory Palace, facing the statue atop it that radiated dazzling divine light.
The palace guards on Victory Palace's walls gripped their weapons warily, loaded heavy crossbows resting at their feet. Fortunately, the citizens merely stood there quietly without making any excessive moves; otherwise, the guards truly would not have known how to handle this matter.
At first, when news spread that the Blood Qin Empire had invaded the Continental Bridge, all of Berely had plunged into a frenzy of chaos. Fortunately, Berely's Copper Hats and the palace's spies were highly dedicated. They swiftly quelled the disorder, while these citizens gathered around Victory Palace, quietly watching it and waiting for Holy Light I to appear and give them an official explanation.
Inside the Golden Hall, the light screen reflected the candlelit faces of the citizens standing silently in the streets and alleys. The atmosphere in the Golden Hall had frozen to the utmost extreme. No one spoke. No one made a sound.
The terrifying strength displayed by the Blood Qin Empire's army had left every court official of the Gallic Empire trembling in fear. None of them believed they had the power to withstand the Blood Qin Empire's assault. After a long, stiff silence, Huali finally stepped trembling from the ranks, his expression grave as he bowed deeply to Holy Light I.
"Your Majesty, this is no longer a problem our secular empire can resolve. It is time for the great figures of the Church to step forward!"
Lin Qi gave a soft cough from the side.