The Final Ultimatum

"I don't want to make a move here, Mr. Geligao Li."

Looking at Geligao Li's clenched fist, Li Lin calmly spoke.

"We're not enemies, and besides, your body hasn't fully recovered yet... I advise you to calm down."

Li Lin's words infuriated Geligao Li even more; it was clearly a sarcastic remark that he was incapable of fighting him. However, deep down, he also understood that Li Lin was telling the truth. After witnessing that unpredictable swordsmanship, Geligao Li lacked the confidence to fight Li Lin in his current state. But his manly pride prevented him from backing down.

However, to Geligao Li's surprise, Li Lin withdrew from the battlefield first.

"Alright, I think we should leave it at that. I believe Mr. Geligao Li has misunderstood something, and there will be time to explain things later."

"You..."

Li Lin's sudden withdrawal stunned Geligao Li, like a punch thrown in anger hitting thin air—it had no force whatsoever. He stood there dumbfounded, unsure how to proceed. The pastor was glaring at him angrily, clearly not intending to give him a way out. However, Li Lin's current attitude had softened his earlier provocation, and Geligao Li didn't want to cause any more trouble, especially since Li Lin was indeed right. After all, they hadn't completely broken off relations yet, so why make things so tense?

Geligao Li was even a little confused as to why he had been so angry just now; it was not like him at all.

"Back to our previous topic..."

Li Lin clearly wasn't going to continue "playing" any longer. He had just amplified Geligao Li's emotions using a mental spell, turning even the slightest anger into a raging inferno. Geligao Li, who had been harboring doubts, hadn't noticed the intensity of his emotional fluctuations. Now, Li Lin had withdrawn the spell. Having regained his composure, Geligao Li naturally wouldn't be as out of control as before. However, the female priest had observed these actions, and in the current situation, she was naturally angry at Geligao Li's lack of awareness of the bigger picture. Sometimes, human relationships only need a small additive to unleash irreversible changes and alterations.

"... I still agree with the pastor's opinion. After all, we've already come this far, and it wouldn't be good to leave empty-handed. However... Mr. Geligao Li's words aren't without merit. But I think plans are rigid, but people are flexible. We can observe the situation first and then make a decision based on how it changes. After all, nothing is certain. Perhaps that evil mage will suddenly be injured, or something unexpected will happen to him, and then we can naturally take the opportunity to kill him. Even if nothing happens to him, we can still seize the information and leave. Pastor, you shouldn't be too fixated on eliminating evil. After all... even if he escapes, Her Highness the Saint will stop his plot once she obtains the plan."

"..."

Catherine's name was indeed effective. Hearing Li Lin's words, the female priest's expression changed several times before she finally nodded helplessly. Geligao Li, after much deliberation, also had to agree that Li Lin's suggestion was the best course of action. In fact, from his own perspective, as the most powerful mercenary in the Northlands, coming here and returning empty-handed was truly a loss of face. His initial suggestion to leave was merely out of concern for the female priest's safety. But after this commotion, he no longer tried to dissuade her. Anyway, as Li Lin said, if things went wrong, they could simply knock the female priest unconscious and take her away; why make things so tense now?

To the female priest, Li Lin's words struck a nerve. Deeply educated in the Temple, she naturally wasn't worried about the threat of death; after all, for believers like them, death was merely a ritual of returning to their deity. However, Li Lin subtly reminded her not to assume she could accomplish everything herself. If she insisted on destroying evil, it would be tantamount to disregarding Catherine's abilities and refusing to believe the saintess could stop the evil's plan and eradicate its evil beings (though she indeed lacked the power). After that ceremony, the female priest deeply believed Catherine was an angel, a representative of God, and she dared not entertain such blasphemous thoughts. Therefore, she was no longer so insistent on destroying evil herself.

Ultimately, the three decided to enter the cave to search for clues about the evil sorcerer. If they had the chance, they would eliminate him completely; if not, they would leave immediately, ensuring that at least one of them returned to Catherine and brought her the clues.

Night fell again.

Geligao Li stared blankly at the fire, unsure of what to say. In truth, after Li Lin's efforts to ease the tension, their relationship had become less awkward. Geligao Li had wanted to approach the pastor several times, wanting to reiterate his angry "confession," but he didn't know how to begin. The pastor had coldly rejected him before, but both of them were angry then, and words spoken then couldn't be taken as gospel...

"Mr. Geligao Li."

Just then, the female priest's voice appeared in his ear, Geligao Li subconsciously raised his head to look at the face that he was already very familiar with.

"You should rest. Although I have cast a divine spell on you again, your wounds won't heal if you don't get enough rest. Don't worry, I've cast a divine spell to shield us from detection. No one will find us here."

"Ah... okay, I understand."

Geligao Li opened his mouth, but found he didn't know what to say. He could only sigh, then lay back down and closed his eyes.

I hope my intuition is wrong.

Listening to the indistinct conversation between Li Lin and the female pastor, Geligao Li forcibly suppressed the unease deep in his heart and fell into a deep sleep.

"I'm so glad you're on my side, Miss Pastor."

Meanwhile, Li Lin was still busy brainwashing the female priest. He didn't need another slave. Although the priest was cute, Li Lin wasn't a lecherous maniac. He'd slept with at least eight or ten thousand women (which was normal considering the lifespan of Arcane Mage). Besides, Li Lin had moved past his obsession with virginity. Angela did have a strong virginity complex, but that was due to another physiological need. Moreover, Catherine's skills were improving, so there was no need for another slave to warm his bed. Besides, wasn't humiliating a saint more satisfying than humiliating a priest?

Although Catherine had hinted that she hoped Li Lin could also seduce the female priest, Li Lin wouldn't heed her suggestion. He understood perfectly what this saintly lady was thinking; she had already been violated and was currently lost in the aftermath. Therefore, she naturally couldn't tolerate anyone displaying a pure and innocent side in front of her. For Catherine at this moment, she even wished that all women in the world would suffer the same treatment as her, only then could she achieve psychological balance. This female priest's unwavering faith in God, purity, loveliness, and virginity likely fueled Catherine's rage. She wanted to see with her own eyes whether the female priest would maintain her faith and dignity if she were to suffer the same fate as she had. Only when she abandoned everything, swaying her hips in supplication, would Catherine feel the greatest satisfaction.

However, Li Lin didn't want to confuse the master-servant relationship. He had no obligation to do as Catherine said. If she so wanted to taint this woman, let her do it herself later, instead of using Li Lin to achieve her own goals... Li Lin didn't like being used by women. He also wanted to show Catherine through his actions who the real master was.

Being smart and capable is not a flaw, but don't try to take advantage of your master.

This was precisely the message Li Lin was trying to convey to Catherine through the female pastor. He had already realized that the pastor now held Catherine in a fanatical reverence and devotion, so with just a push, he could make her completely irreversible. Moreover... this was also a necessary step in isolating Geligao Li.

"However, I also hope you understand that the Holy Maiden doesn't want you to go to your death. I once heard a proverb somewhere: 'Where there's life, there's hope.' If that evil is truly as powerful as you say, and you lack the strength to fight back, then going to your death would be incredibly foolish. The Holy Maiden didn't send you here to die."

"I understand what you mean, Mr. Li Lin."

The pastor nodded slightly, a hint of unease showing on her face.

"I understand why you're here... Lady Catherine sent you to protect me, didn't she...?"

Li Lin shrugged and didn't reply to the pastor's words; after all, it was already very clear in yesterday's letter.

"I'm just doing my duty. But you... Miss Pastor, please don't lose your way."

As he spoke, Li Lin glanced intentionally or unintentionally in Geligao Li's direction.

That's all I can say given my position. Well then, I hope you have sweet dreams.

"Mr. Li Lin, you should get more rest, after all, you were already..."

"Someone has to keep watch at night."

Li Lin raised his hand, stopping the pastor from speaking further.

"Moreover, I have a feeling that tonight will be very peaceful."

Because Angela had other things to do.

"Whoosh... whoosh..."

In the pitch-black, boundless gloom, Geligao Li vaguely heard a girl's soft, bell-like laughter. He instinctively opened his eyes, wanting to grab the weapon beside him, but he realized he wasn't in a cave, but rather in complete darkness. An impenetrable darkness, so deep he couldn't see his hand in front of his face. The girl's laughter was intermittent, its exact location impossible to pinpoint.

Who is it!

Geligao Li clenched his fists, warily surveying his surroundings, and whispered a demanding question. He had already sensed that something was wrong; he couldn't be in reality, this... might just be a dream.

However, such a vivid dream raises a significant problem in some respects.

"A strong man... what are you worried about?"

A girl's voice emerged from the darkness, filled with absolute arrogance and mockery.

"Who are you?"

"You're a very strong warrior, so why were you so overwhelmed? That female priest was your comrade, wasn't she? Don't you think she seemed a little too close to someone?"

Shut up! This is none of your business!

"I can sense your hesitation, sir. What are you worried about? To be honest, isn't there even a trace of jealousy in your heart? That man Li Lin is smarter than you, more handsome than you, and more considerate of women than you. Isn't that what you're worried about? Your companion is getting closer and closer to that man than to you; she's leaving your side. That sense of distance... isn't that the Root of your unease?"

"Evil demon!"

Clenching his fists, Geligao Li continued to glare angrily at the darkness before him, as if it were the very source of the sound.

"Your sweet talk won't sway me! I know her very well; she's my comrade-in-arms, someone I've risked my life for! I know her perfectly well! She would never do such a thing!"

A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea; do you truly understand her? Do you truly understand the woman beside you?

As the girl asked with a soft laugh, the surrounding scenery suddenly changed. The darkness receded, and the scene returned to the cave where they had been. There, Geligao Li saw himself sleeping, and two people passionately kissing beside him.

"Mr. Li... Mr. Li Lin, please don't do this. What if Geligao Li wakes up..."

"So what? You like me, don't you? So why are you worried about him finding out?"

"..."

Watching Li Lin gently stroke the female priest's thigh and begin to remove her outer robe, Geligao Li clenched his fists in anger, trembling with rage, but unable to do anything. After all, it was just a dream, and all Geligao Li could do was close his eyes. However, the female priest's panting and the sound of her clothes being removed still clearly reached his ears. He tried to cover his ears, but found that his body was completely out of his control.

"What women like are men who can protect them and be considerate of them. What good is spending a lot of time together? Do you really think that's useful? Aren't you tired of being together every day? Heh heh heh... I know very well what you're thinking. Just like that girl, right?"

"You bastard! Get out here!! This is just an illusion, you won't use me, you won't fool me!!"

"And what about this one?"

Hearing this, Geligao Li finally couldn't hold back any longer and opened his eyes. But the scene before him changed again. This time, he wasn't in a cave, but on a verdant grassland. A pretty young girl was panting and moaning beneath a strange man. She impatiently swayed her hips, urging the man to thrust more violently. Geligao Li's eyes were red with anger as he stared at this scene. This was a scene he never wanted to recall, but at this moment, the secret deep within his heart was violently torn open and laid bare before him.

At that moment, the girl's voice appeared in his ears with perfect clarity.

"How about it? Seeing the woman you once cherished do this, do you really think this is still the same woman you know? You grew up together, didn't you? But in the end? She abandoned you and eloped with a priest who was passing by... What a pitiful and lamentable fate. You loved her so much, protected her from any harm, and were willing to do anything to win her favor. But what was the final result? She left you to follow a priest? By day she serves God, but by night, what does she serve? Do you think she thinks of you then? The boy who once swore to her that he would make her happy for the rest of his life..."

"Shut up!! You devil!! Shut up!! Shut up! Shut up!!"

Geligao Li roared angrily, and with his shout, the scene vanished once more, and darkness returned to him.

"Think about this carefully. Is the divine truly right? Have you received any benefit from it? It stole your hope before, and now? What about now? Do you really want that priestess to return to the Temple and live that cruel and boring life?"

"..."

Geligao Li did not answer; he simply stood there, silent.

Perhaps, he simply couldn't answer.

"Think about it carefully, brave wartime... is that really what you want?"

"What I... hope for..."

Muttering to himself, Geligao Li opened his eyes, his gaze filled with confusion and bewilderment. He didn't know what to believe, nor what to do. Those memories, buried deep within him, never spoken to anyone, were etched in his mind. It was because of that incident that he left his family and became a wandering mercenary. And in the following decade, he devoted himself to rigorous training, achieving his current reputation. He didn't want to recall what he had witnessed that time, a scene that shattered his heart.

But now, he has to recall that scene again.

"What I truly desire in my heart..."

Geligao Li lowered his head.

What I truly desire in my heart is...