The Road to the North 014: Journeying North

  On this side, Du Fan's goosebumps had already fallen to the ground, and on that side, Joshua finally finished introducing the remaining few people. However, those people were just representatives of the fifty Saint Temple Knights who followed Du Fan and others to the Divine Palace, and there was nothing noteworthy about them.

  If one had to say so, the main force that entered the Divine Palace this time would naturally be Alfred, Tasia and Nicholas.

  As for Du Fan, in terms of his superficial strength, he can't even compare to an ordinary Holy Temple Knight. He was only allowed to follow because the Sacred Church made a decision to prevent him from hiding something in certain matters. In short, Du Fan is not even worth mentioning as a person.

  But he doesn't mind, when they arrive at that place, everyone will know who the real cannon fodder is. Anyway, now that these guys are in front, even if something dangerous happens and things don't go well for him, he should still be able to run away.

  After the people below had finished introducing themselves, Anthony looked at Du Fan for a few more eyes and said: "If this matter is true, no matter whether it succeeds or not in the end, I promise you that as long as you can come back alive, the glory of the Light God will be even brighter on your body. If things are false, then Du Fan, I think those few people behind you have the right to give you divine punishment."

  The meaning of this sentence is that as long as the matter of the temple and what Du Fan said are not much different, then the benefits will not be less for him. However, if there is any difference, then sorry, Du Fan, you don't have to come back.

  Du Fan naturally understood what he meant, but in his heart, he was 90% sure that this matter was true, so he didn't worry and just smiled: "So, Lord Anthony, when are you planning to let us set off?"

  Anthony pondered for a moment, then said: "Rather than choosing a day, it's better to force the issue. I think you're all ready now. If there's nothing else, you can set off immediately. As for Bruce, I'll find a way to stall him for a few days so that you can reach your destination quickly. However, we don't have much information, and when you arrive at the temple, you must be extremely cautious. Don't seek to achieve anything, just avoid making mistakes. Do you all understand what I mean?"

  "Understood!" Several people bowed and said in unison.

  "Well then, go ahead," Anthony waved his hand, "This time, Joshua will take the lead and Dufan will assist. Whatever you need to do, discuss it among yourselves."

  Du Fan furrowed his brow and couldn't help but glance at Joshua. With this guy following him, even if he really managed to get something good in the end, he probably wouldn't be able to hide it from his eyes.

  Du Fan's mind turned and he suddenly smiled: "Lord Anthony, your meaning is that this time Lord Joshua will also go together?"

  "This is natural," Anthony nodded, "This old bone of mine can't keep up with you guys, but Joshua's strength is exceptional. If it weren't for the encounter with the Saint-level monster, he could have at least kept you safe and sound on this journey."

  Du Fan slightly shook his head and said: "Lord Anthony, I think it's not suitable."

  "What's wrong?" Anthony frowned.

  Du Fan thought to himself, of course, if this guy is here, then it's not suitable for me, a young master, to take advantage of the situation!

  However, Du Fan said seriously: "Lord Anthony, according to the information we received, that divine palace, with Joshua's strength, is impossible to enter. In other words, even if Joshua followed all the way, he would be of no use at a critical moment. Moreover, if Joshua is not in the imperial capital, there will be rumors and speculations, but with Bruce's brain, he will definitely suspect the reason for Joshua's disappearance. We are just insignificant small roles, disappearing for a few days without anyone noticing, but if Joshua disappears, I'm afraid Lord Anthony's idea of delaying Bruce will fall through. Whether it is gain or loss, please think carefully, Lord Anthony."

  Anthony gazed at Du Fan, looking at the holy and unmatched smile on his face, and after a long time, he sighed and said: "You're right, maybe I was too impatient. Logically speaking, with you guys going, it's enough, even if Joshua follows, it won't be of any use. Alright then, this time it'll be up to the four of you to take charge. When encountering situations, discuss and decide before acting. As for us who can't go, we can only cheer you on from behind."

  Du Fan sneered inwardly, a rough old man, an iceberg beauty, and a divine technique master, how could he have the right to speak in front of them? Anthony's words were just nice to hear, but Du Fan didn't mind, he nodded slightly and agreed.

  Anthony, seeing their expressions, seemed extremely pleased, possibly because he was too concerned about the success or failure of this trip. For a long time, Anthony, who had not blessed his followers, stood on the holy altar and sprinkled the holy water, which was worth several thousand gold coins per bottle in the imperial capital circle, on the heads of the people below without asking for money.

  Du Fan and the others only felt that after splashing this holy water on their bodies, they seemed to have gained strength all over, and one by one, with high morale, they guaranteed in front of the statue of the God of Light that no matter how difficult it was, they would strive to complete the task.

  Then this group of people, with the excuse that they had discovered some unusual movements of the demon tribe in the northern part of the empire, mounted their snow-white steeds and left the church in a hurry.

  Du Fan's face was hidden under the hood of his monk's robe, sitting on horseback, although a bit uncomfortable, but felt an unprecedented sense of ease, except for the surprise of leaving the imperial capital for the first time, more indeed is the expectation for this trip.

  What is waiting for me in that divine palace?

  In the midst of obscurity, there seems to be some power guiding, and on this early spring afternoon, the gears of history seem to have turned forward a few more turns.

  Warm sunshine spilled over the lush green earth, on a mountain path in the northern province of Cort, a team of knights dressed in bright attire slowly moved forward, among them was a rather luxurious carriage.

  Occasional travelers and adventurers who passed by would generally stand on the side of the road, praying respectfully. At this time, a young man wearing a white cassock would walk out of the team and come forward to bless them.

  This group of people was naturally Du Fan and his party who left the Imperial Capital three days ago, and that young man who had been praying for blessings all along was naturally Du Fan.

  Although they are now traveling at a slow speed, this is also an unavoidable thing.

  Others were fine, but Sister Tasia and Saint Nicholas seemed to have never left their homes before. After three days of non-stop running day and night, they were almost fainting from exhaustion.

  Alfred, who had temporarily obtained the right to govern the team, was also helpless and could only find a horse-drawn carriage in a nearby church for the two dignitaries to rest. On that day, under such circumstances, the speed of the team's advance was greatly limited.

  Alfred stood frowning by the carriage, and it wasn't until Dufan had finished blessing another merchant that he waved his hand, indicating for the group to continue on.

  Before long, Du Fan rode up on his horse, although he didn't have much experience traveling far from home. However, the Green family was a martial arts family, and Du Fan had learned how to ride horses and fight since he was young. So at this moment, he looked extremely comfortable on horseback, with an air that even Alfred, a traditional knight, couldn't help but nod in approval.

  Looking at Du Fan's calm face, Alfred sighed and said: "Du Fan, it's not that I want to say you, but as a believer, praying for blessings is nothing. However, our current speed is already slow, and adding the fact that we are praying for people along the way, our speed will be even slower. At this rate, when can we finally reach our destination?"

  Dufan smiled and said: "Alfred, the Knight Commander, we can't rush because of those two behind us. Our only option is to drag it out."

  "What's that?" Alfred frowned, "What does 'Dufan' mean, why not speak clearly?"

  Du Fan nodded and said, "Let's put it this way, our ostensible goal for this trip is to investigate the unusual movements of the Northern Demon Clan. That old guy Bruce must know about it, and I'm sure he has his eyes on us to see what we're really up to. After all, we're getting closer and closer to the location of the Divine Palace. With Bruce having ulterior motives, it's only natural that he'd be worried. In this situation, since we can't speed up our journey, the only solution is to put his mind at ease."

  "Relieved?" Alfred shook his head in confusion.

  Du Fan said: "Nature is broad-minded, don't look at me just praying for others, but after I pray, I keep asking people passing by about the movements of the demon tribe. This situation will eventually reach Bruce's ears, and he will naturally think that our goal might indeed be the demon tribe. In this way, we may be able to gain a little more time. Even if we're lucky, in order to avoid conflict with the Holy See, Bruce will temporarily give up his actions during our search for the demon tribe, which would be the best result for us."

  "Ah, if it is so, of course it would be best," said Alfred joyfully. "But what if he doesn't think so?"

  Du Fan said: "Even if he doesn't think so, the news of our slow journey will naturally reach Lord Anthony's ears. If he knows our situation, maybe he'll help us stall for a while. But all this is uncertain, and only heaven knows how things will turn out. What I'm doing now is just doing my part as a human. Let's hope those two lords recover soon! With just the two of us, we wouldn't dare enter the temple even if we arrived."

  As they spoke, Du Fan and Alfred exchanged a glance, both of them smiling wryly.