A Private Meeting and Cooperation

"Now, everyone, let's move on to the next topic—"

The young man wearing a megaphone spread his hands helplessly towards the audience.

In this setting, which resembled more of an upscale social ball than an internal meeting, his slightly outrageous actions did not attract much attention.

"It was jointly nominated by multiple board members, concerning all matters related to the Main God Faith."

Unlike before, this topic clearly carried a completely different weight. Amidst the clamor and free exchange, the volume instantly dropped several orders of magnitude, and many people's eyes flickered slightly, yet their expressions remained unchanged, with smiles hidden behind their hands.

Those present here all appear to be elites, almost all dressed impeccably and behaving with grace. Among them are quite a few obvious foreigners, including handsome blond men and beautiful blue-eyed women, all exuding elegance.

"As everyone should know, ever since that Bishop Di from the Vatican City visited with a delegation last time, the country has secretly loosened some restrictions on this sensitive issue."

"It was at that time that a council member of our organization, located in Yanjing, took the opportunity to meet this remarkable international friend. Through friendly consultations, they confirmed his long-term plan to further promote the doctrine, travel to various countries around the world, address the current chaos, and establish a 'Main God Holy See'."

The "host," dressed in a tuxedo, spoke concisely, and many audience members below the stage showed expressions of understanding, clearly indicating that they had already received accurate information.

However, a few people showed signs of surprise or deep thought, especially after glancing around. When they noticed the calm reactions of others, the implication seemed even stranger.

"Given the relatively unique nature of the matter, differing opinions arose among multiple board members at the time. Consequently, there are currently numerous board members handling related matters, and the associated planning and actual investment across various regions are quite complex."

"The topic of this meeting is the need to coordinate relevant operational plans in order to avoid unnecessary 'conflicts' and waste of resources within our Huanjing Association."

There wasn't much prior indication, but on this particular "conflict," the host deliberately emphasized the wording, clearly implying something.

But almost no one reacts.

Just kidding, who wouldn't see that? It's less a conflict of plans and more a potential clash of interests.

On such sensitive issues, naturally no one wants to risk taking sides by expressing their opinions without authorization, thereby attracting unnecessary attention or even resentment.

"Now, let's have the board members with specific plans share their ideas and information with everyone."

Without any excessive formalities or intention to waste time, Chen spoke fluently and confidently on stage, focusing on the facts, while the guests around him whispered and murmured amongst themselves.

As its name suggests, the Huanjing Association has always maintained an open attitude, acknowledging both domestic and international backgrounds, and has consistently recruited individuals with diverse backgrounds.

They are successful people with a certain status and position, the likes of returned overseas students and their sons.

Even in less than a year, a complete "major transformation" took place, with rapid changes and developments in personnel and systems, transforming from a loose salon gathering that was just a hobby for the second generation into an organization with formal scale and purpose.

However, the "elitist" atmosphere of aligning with international standards has not faded much.

Those qualified to attend this internal meeting at the Daike Mansion are undoubtedly the backbone of the association and hold prominent positions. Naturally, their conversations are not about the mundane topics that ordinary people would be interested in.

"Young Master Wen, I just saw your assistant bring a briefcase to the backstage area. What, are you also interested in getting involved in this 'Main God Faith'?"

As if he had seen an acquaintance, Xia Guangjie, holding a wine glass in his hand, leisurely turned around and raised his glass to the tall man beside him in a toast.

The "Young Master Wen" who was being greeted also smiled and raised his glass, saying, "Young Master Xia, please stop teasing me. It's nothing much, just a small idea of following in someone else's footsteps."

After taking a sip of his drink, the well-dressed young man spoke with a sigh, his gaze subtly sweeping over the surrounding crowd of elegantly dressed men and women.

"Besides, look at all these people attending the meeting, how many of them don't have their own agendas?"

After a brief clinking of glasses, they exchanged a knowing glance and both burst into laughter.

Nobody's a fool.

The reasons behind the tireless efforts of that esteemed cardinal, who traveled extensively and even sacrificed some of his own interests to promote his "doctrine," can be traced back to: vague speculations and information already gleaned from official sources; and other miscellaneous yet equally significant factors.

All these factors combined are enough for these well-informed second-generation individuals to verify a certain ambiguous fact: there are likely some hidden secrets or interests involved in such seemingly illusory and absurd "patriarchal" affairs!

As the saying goes, wealth can stir people's hearts.

Even if they don't know the specific truth, being able to sense the trend in advance and make a few investments before others is not a big deal for these wealthy and well-connected upper-class people.

In just a few moments of conversation, the two tacitly lowered their voices, casually exchanging conditions and even information from private channels.

He seemed quite cheerful and friendly.

"But there are still some things involved that can't be explained in a short time. How about we go have a few drinks later?"

He only gave a wink.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the seemingly aimless conversation between the two, having already ascertained the "value" each held in their hands, the timing was right. The Young Master Wen, then readily invited Xia Guangjie to a private meeting after the meeting to discuss the details of their collaboration.

It seems a bit rash.

But despite their mutual understanding, when faced with the other party's offer of cooperation, and considering the potential benefits and even the powerful factions behind it, the second young master of the Xia family was somewhat hesitant.

--In fact, their proactive "investment," and even their willingness to fuel the flames, is not exactly a secret to many people.

After all, regardless of the seemingly detached sphere of light, its influence has become increasingly profound and widespread.

The fact that various countries have been openly and covertly suppressing yet relentlessly eradicating this kind of "belief" for a long time, and that their increasingly ambiguous attitudes in many details, is enough for discerning people to glean a lot from it.

For ordinary people, these distant issues can be easily ignored.

But for the elite ruling class who stand higher, see further, and think more, there is such a towering existence that is difficult to understand and cannot be predicted, yet it hangs quietly and clearly overhead, like a "judgment day" that may fall at any time, silently looking down on the world.

Who could help but feel fear? Or perhaps they would simply bury their head in the sand, like an ostrich burying its head in the sand, pretending not to see?

Impossible!

As some researchers have said, "Existence itself is meaning. He probably asks something of us, whether that request is big or small, even if it's simply for amusement, there must be a reason for it."

But what is most painful is that, on the one hand, its existence cannot be ignored, and on the other hand, many matters need to be taken into account.

On the other hand, they had no way to clearly communicate with this seemingly indifferent Great Light Ball and understand its true intentions.

In the end, only through these indirect and probing actions can they find some answers through the many new changes they have implemented.

In contrast, the issue of "faith" in the Main God, which may seem unassuming, reveals subtle clues within this reality that suggest it may be proactive. These are an anomalies that researchers cannot ignore!

Countless people sang and danced, wept with joy, and shed tears for this tiny clue that had finally been captured!

This is precisely why some forms of "laissez-faire" have quietly emerged.

These young masters may not be able to see through the underlying relationships, but it doesn't matter; their advisors will naturally offer them advice.

Even if they can't grasp the main point—at least in terms of pursuing profit, these people aren't much different from hyenas that have seen blood.

During the conversation, perhaps sensing Xia Guangjie's hesitation, the Young Master Wen raised an eyebrow, said nothing more, and casually gave a few instructions to a secretary-like person next to him.

After the topic was put aside, at his request, Xia Guangjie was invited into a private reception room inside the mansion.

Before long, a white priest with a thick beard was also found from the side and followed the secretary into the luxurious room decorated with silver ornaments and filled with incense.

Let me introduce you.

He quickly stepped forward, took the hand of the not-so-young priest, and Young Master Wen introduced him.

"This is Father Silas Burke, a devout, trustworthy, and ambitious priest who has traveled across the ocean and thousands of miles to meet us in order to spread the Gospel of the Lord."

"Oh, right, I almost forgot to mention, he's not only a legitimate clergyman in real life, but also a Second Tier senior Pastor, a 'Pastor' professional enhanced by the Main God."

"I have already been baptized by him, and I also study the classics and teachings with this venerable elder. Turning his head, from an angle where the priest could only see the back of his head, Young Master Wen also gave Xia Guangjie a wink."

Come.

"Who knows, maybe in the future, this good-for-nothing like me will even have a chance to get a position in the 'Holy See'?"

It was clear, at least on the surface, that this Young Master Wen, held the old priest in high regard.

After a brief introduction, Father Silas raised his hand and made the sign of the cross, performing a practiced and standard salute. "Hello, Mr. Xia, may the Lord's light protect you."

Xia Guangjie's eyes flickered at this.

Unlike those half-baked scoundrels, these "professionals" who are related to Pastor and clergy in both reality and the enhancement system, especially judging from the introduction and the vague sense of threat they exude, are no less than Second Tier figures like themselves. In the current situation, they are undoubtedly extremely rare and key talents.

This Wen Cunyuan Young Master Wen, is clearly a way of revealing its value and enticing the reader to take the bait.

Sure enough, during the conversation that followed, the old priest, whose beard was quite white and who was thin but still very energetic, spoke and acted with a calm demeanor, quoting scriptures and fully demonstrating the professional qualities he usually possessed in preaching and teaching.

Perhaps due to the enhanced effects, the other person's friendly and warm temperament evoked a natural, instinctive reaction that made people feel favorably towards them.

Especially after the discussions, confirming that Mr. Xia was not entirely ignorant of the doctrines, a genuine sense of relief appeared on his gaunt face. The old priest even took out a simple handwritten copy from his robe and offered it to him.

He took a look.

It wouldn't have mattered if he hadn't looked, but once he did, Xia Guangjie's expression changed slightly.

The manuscript itself is not important; what matters is the scribbles, revisions, and even large sections of rejection and rewriting on it. As for the content, it is a "doctrine" that is far from complete and can only be described as having just begun!

After stumbling and struggling, Xia Guangjie finally deciphered the text. His expression turned strange, and he didn't dare to be negligent. He carefully handed the "draft," which was obviously written by the person in front of him, back to the priest.

However, seeing his reaction, Father Silas suddenly laughed, a genuine joy in his eyes.

"To be able to understand this, Mr. Xia, you are indeed a thoughtful person."

There was no rush to answer the other person's question.

Amidst a flurry of uncertain emotions, Xia Guangjie pondered for a long time before turning to Wen Cunyuan, who remained silent with a smile, Wen Cunyuan asked, "Now you're getting involved in this—are you trying to compete with that Bishop Di? Or is it the idea of the council member behind you?"

"How could that be? Leaving aside his travels around the world," the tide is turning. He has the natural advantage of the Vatican City's influence, and he himself is incredibly wealthy. How could someone like me possibly try to take advantage of him?"

The Young Master Wen shrugged, his self-deprecating words spoken with remarkable candor, clearly demonstrating a high degree of self-awareness. "But many hands make light work."

"The flames are high, and besides, from what I've seen of the earlier details, that Bishop Di Wanxin, after all, couldn't subdue all the heroes of the world alone. When he was in contact with the country, he already showed some signs of softening his stance."

"In the end, I'm afraid the only way for him to succeed is through 'incorporation'."

Hearing this, Xia Guangjie felt a chill run down his spine. Unlike his own awkward position as a half-illegitimate child, the Young Master Wen across from him clearly had a wider range of information channels. He even knew the exact tone of the "real person's" official contact with the domestic authorities.

"Murder and arson followed by amnesty—your roundabout approach is certainly worth trying."

"You do not say."

Even the smile on the other person's face grew increasingly composed. "Anyway, the emperor is far away, and in the end, even if they really succeed in this 'Holy See' affair, and that guy surnamed Di gets that position, so what?"

"No one has that many hands, and naturally, he can't manage everything. In the end, it will mostly follow the old model of 'each dividing up its own parish,' with everyone acting independently."

Having said that, the Young Master Wen stopped talking, only staring meaningfully at the guest in front of him.

Xia Guangjie stared at the other person for a moment, then swallowed back the words that were about to come out of his mouth.

Clearly, unlike others who tend to make tentative investments seeking returns or simply trying it out, this Young Master Wen, or rather the forces behind him, with their excellent connections, likely aimed to "get a stake" from the very beginning!

Not to mention, if it really does become a model of "the Apostolic Nuncio above all others, with bishops managing their dioceses," the room for maneuver is enormous!

Theoretically speaking, even if it's a gradual replacement of doctrines, a subtle substitution, it's not impossible if done well.

In that case, the initial investment from the other party will definitely not be small-scale.

After pondering for a long time, Young Master Xia reached for the wine bottle on the table, opened it, and personally filled several stemmed crystal glasses. He then gestured to Young Master Wen in front of him.

The meaning is self-evident.

As everyone raised their glasses, the clinking sounds were delightful. Young Master Wen also raised his glass to congratulate him, his tone revealing undisguised arrogance.

"A wise choice—welcome to join our shared cause!"