Heidens flew in from the west, his white robes fluttering, his golden crown reflecting the sunlight. Dozens of Radiant Church knights followed him, their armor silver-white and their cloaks snowy white, arranged in two columns like a flock of migrating white birds. The stranger at the very front wore a gray hemp robe. The old man was so thin it was alarming. All the skin on his body seemed folded over itself, and his hands looked like chicken claws, nothing but bones and a layer of skin.
The leader of the ascetics, Luoye. One of the Radiant Church's strongest fighters, a Saint-level Peak.
Heidens stopped thirty zhang from Loa, a smile on his face. It was a gentle smile, like a statue in a church, merciful, forgiving, offering salvation to all. He looked at Loa and spoke.
"Long time no see, Mr. Loa."
Loa glanced at him without speaking.
Heidens did not mind. His gaze shifted away from Loa and swept over the Dark Church's people opposite him. Affleck, Klemerson, O'Casey, and the Hellfire Phoenix wreathed in black flames. His brow furrowed slightly, then relaxed as he looked back at Loa.
"It seems you've run into some difficulties, Mr. Loa."
Loa still said nothing.
Heidens flew a little farther forward, drawing closer to Loa. He lowered his voice until only Loa could hear him.
"Mr. Loa, the Dark Church has numbers on its side. Dealing with them alone might prove rather inconvenient for you. The Radiant Church is willing to lend you a hand and resolve these troubles." He paused. "In exchange, could the Radiant Church have exclusive preaching rights in the Chaotic Territory? In addition, we can help you establish a new empire-an empire with you as its king. The entire Chaotic Territory, all forty-eight duchies, would belong to