National Guardian's Gone and We're Done

He exuded an inscrutable aura, like a silent iceberg—calm on the surface, but with raging currents hidden beneath.

Lucifer paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. Then, he spread his hands, palms up, in a gesture of utmost sincerity, showing Chu He he meant no harm.

"Perhaps you still harbor some resentment toward our Dark Holy See. After all, some... unpleasant things happened before in the Great Xia Empire."

His tone carried a faint hint of apology. "But I want to say that we actually share the same goal."

Lucifer gave a wry smile, a complex expression on his face. "Although we’ve had our conflicts and misunderstandings, you could say we only got to know each other through fighting. I hope that from now on, we can join forces and face the coming crisis together."

Chu He’s eyes were filled with doubt. He narrowed them slightly, studying the Lucifer before him like a cheetah sizing up its prey.

His mind raced as he wondered, ’What is this person from the Dark Holy See really up to?’

’They’ve always acted in secrecy. Is this sudden offer of cooperation hiding a deeper conspiracy?’

Lucifer keenly sensed Chu He’s suspicion.

He knew that earning Chu He’s trust would be no easy task, so he decided to stop beating around the bush and be direct.

"Once, I too rebelled against the authority of the Celestial Palace."

A flicker of reminiscence crossed Lucifer’s eyes, a memory of a past both painful and unforgettable. "Unfortunately, I failed."

"And because of that, I ended up with a fate similar to that of Amaterasu."

"However, Amaterasu willingly became their slave. I, on the other hand, simply couldn’t stand the way the Celestial Palace does things."

As he spoke, a look of disgust appeared on Lucifer’s face, as if he’d just swallowed a fly. "They are utterly hypocritical, their mouths full of lies. Their ugly true colors are enough to make me sick."

Chu He listened in silence, a flicker of interest in Lucifer’s words kindling within him.

He nodded slightly, gesturing for Lucifer to continue.

At that moment, even the sea breeze seemed to quiet down, and the sound of the waves subsided.

"The Bright Holy See has been trying everything they can to open a passage between the Mortal World and the Celestial Palace."

Lucifer’s expression grew solemn. "They’ve already opened a few cracks in that passage."

"Through them, they can obtain the most primal and powerful force, a gift from the Deities."

"I’m sure you’ve witnessed it before."

Upon hearing this, Chu He’s mind instantly pictured the powerful, Eighteen-winged Angel, its body radiating a golden brilliance.

His gaze sharpened and his pupils constricted slightly. He marveled to himself, ’No wonder that Eighteen-winged Angel was so powerful.’

’So that’s where its power came from.’

Seeing Chu He’s expression, Lucifer knew he had hit a nerve. "And that is not the strongest power the Bright Holy See currently possesses."

"Perhaps they simply didn’t take you seriously."

"Or perhaps they never imagined your plan would be completed so smoothly."

"You should know, what you accomplished was no less difficult than opening a passage between the Mortal World and the Celestial Palace."

Chu He frowned slightly, thinking to himself, ’So the Bright Holy See has even greater power hidden away. This is not good news.’

He looked up and asked, "You said we have the same goal. What is it? And why cooperate with me?"

Lucifer smiled faintly. "Our goal is to stop the Bright Holy See from fully opening that passage."

"Once they succeed and obtain the full extent of the Divine Power, the entire world will fall under their control. When that happens, the Mortal World will never know peace again."

"As for why I’m seeking your cooperation, it’s because I know of your strength and determination."

"When it comes to opposing the Bright Holy See, you are my ideal partner."

Chu He fell into deep thought, his brow furrowed and his expression grave and earnest.

He knew in his heart that what Lucifer said wasn’t mere fearmongering.

He had long been aware of the Bright Holy See’s ambitions.

If they were truly allowed to succeed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

But he also knew that cooperating with the Dark Holy See was just as risky.

The Dark Holy See had always been treacherous; who could guarantee they wouldn’t stab him in the back?

"I need time to consider."

Chu He said slowly, "Cooperating with the Dark Holy See is no small matter."

Lucifer nodded. "I understand. It’s only natural for you to have reservations. But time is short. The Bright Holy See’s activities are growing more frequent, and we don’t have much time to waste. I hope you can make a decision soon."

Just then, Xiao Yu couldn’t help but ask, "If we do cooperate with the Dark Holy See, what exactly would we do?"

"Currently, we have some leads on the Bright Holy See’s activities."

"They are searching for certain special items, which are directly related to opening the passage."

"We can start there and sabotage their plan."

Lucifer narrowed his eyes slightly.

Nanting Snow also spoke up. "But how can we be sure you’re telling the truth? What if this is just another one of the Dark Holy See’s conspiracies?"

Lucifer gave another wry smile, this one tinged with helplessness. "I know it’s difficult for you to trust me, but this time, I am sincere in my hope to cooperate."

"The Dark Holy See’s methods may differ from yours, but on this matter, our interests are aligned."

"I can provide you with some intelligence as a show of good faith."

Hearing Lucifer’s proposal, Chu He’s resolve wavered slightly, but he remained on high alert. His gaze was like a torch as he stared intently at Lucifer and threw out a single question: "Such as?"