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Only after experiencing it firsthand did he understand the gap between being comparable to the Saint Domain and being a true Saint Domain expert. A true Saint Domain expert was simply too powerful. Even though his attacks could now rival the Saint Domain and had completely surpassed the peak of a Level Nine Warrior, he could not even withstand Haintings's casual slap and had been seriously injured. That was only because a Dragonblood Warrior possessed formidable defense. Any other Level Nine Warrior would likely have been slapped to death outright.

"Linley, you might not die," Delin Cowart said as he flew out of the Panlong Ring.

Ever since Delin Cowart had cultivated the secret manual Wharton had obtained, his comprehension of the Profound Mysteries of Earth Element had grown increasingly profound. He felt that, given a few more decades, he might become a God Level expert. In his heart, he did not want anything to happen to Linley.

Although he had been prepared to die ever since deciding to seek revenge, Linley was still unwilling to accept such an outcome. The Bright Church had yet to be destroyed. He was unwilling to die like this, but he knew he would never have another chance.

"I lost. Hahaha, I lost."

"Linley, you might not die," Delin Cowart repeated.

"Hm?" Linley looked at Delin Cowart in confusion.

At the same time Linley was thrown into prison, seven or eight high-ranking members of the Bright Church, including Haintings, were gathered in the papal hall to discuss how to deal with Linley. Although they did not know why Linley had suddenly turned against them and even killed Clyde, they still did not wish to lose such a genius.

Haintings sent Gilmor, who had met Linley the most, to persuade him and use the opportunity to probe for information. However, Wharton had previously told Linley that his mother's death was connected to the Bright Church. Since Clyde had refused to say anything even until his death, Linley knew Wharton was most likely right. He had accepted what Wharton told him and decisively rejected Gilmor.

During his conversation with Linley, Gilmor could sense Linley's hatred for the Bright Church. Knowing the chance of Linley submitting was negligible, he could only give up.

"Your Holiness!" Gilmor entered the Bright Cathedral and bowed to Haintings.

"Mm."

Gilmor then told Haintings the result. Haintings was not surprised, as though he had expected it.

At that moment, Kaiser, Clyde's Level Nine Warrior guard, entered the cathedral.

"Your Holiness." Kaiser bowed respectfully.

"Kaiser, why do you think Linley killed Clyde? You were always by Clyde's side. Did you ever discover any enmity between them?" Haintings asked as he looked at Kaiser.

Compared to Clyde, Linley would be far more beneficial to the Holy Alliance. Unless absolutely necessary, Haintings still did not intend to execute Linley. The talent Linley had displayed was simply terrifying. He could already foresee that if Linley joined the Bright Church, Linley would become another Saint Domain expert of the Bright Church in a few years. By then, the Bright Church's strength would rise to an entirely new level.

Kaiser's heart skipped a beat as he immediately realized what Haintings intended.

The Pope intends to protect Linley?

"Your Holiness, I am not entirely sure either. However, from the conversation between Linley and His Majesty, it seemed to have something to do with Linley's mother. I do not know anything else. His Majesty valued Linley greatly and would even reward him with items every few days," Kaiser said respectfully.

"Mm." Haintings frowned slightly, knowing he would get no useful information from Kaiser.

"Very well, you may leave."

"Yes."

With that, Kaiser respectfully withdrew from the hall.

"Guards."

At that moment, Haintings called toward the outside of the hall, and two cardinals in red immediately entered respectfully.

"Go investigate Linley. Most importantly, investigate how his mother died. The more detailed, the better," Haintings ordered.

A few hours later, all of Linley's information was laid before Haintings, including every detail of how Clyde had sacrificed Linley's mother to the Bright Church. Only then did Haintings realize the severity of the situation. Linley had clearly learned of his mother's fate and come for revenge. Although they still did not know how much Linley knew, they understood that the possibility of Linley submitting to the Church was practically nonexistent. Even if he agreed, they would not dare take that risk. In the end, they summoned the other Church higher-ups and decided to use Divine Favor Descent to continue enslaving Linley, turning him completely into a puppet.

In the end, Haintings still decided to make Linley accept the divine pet. This way, the Bright Church might gain another Saint Domain expert while losing one enemy.