Pioneer Lord: I Have Conquering System

The Barbarians went into Gonda City to enjoy themselves, Si Kai included. The rowdy room instantly fell quiet, leaving only a few Rabbit People girls, Heather, Leiden, as well as Fu Jin and Masha.

Even that old fellow Sam, who was old but young at heart, claimed he saw some other Shamans in a tavern and was going to trade notes with them.

In reality, Levi saw the old codger staring at an old prostitute’s perky rear for the longest time, unable to look away.

However, he just turned a blind eye to such things. Satisfying one’s carnal needs was only natural, as long as they didn’t go overboard.

"Leiden, aren’t you going to check out Gonda?" Levi asked, sprawling in his chair while enjoying a massage from the Rabbit People girls.

The earlier fight hadn’t even been a proper warm-up; instead, it just left him feeling restless all over.

The Giant Goblin seemed completely uninterested in the splendors of Gonda City, still lost in his book.

’To be honest, if the Lord had even a fifth of his diligence, he might actually be able to string together a few lines of poetry for the ages.’

"No matter how many times I see Gonda, it will never be mine." Leiden smiled. "But the knowledge in these books, once I’ve read it, is mine to keep."

"Profound!" The Lord gave him a thumbs-up, filled with newfound respect.

’If the Barbarians of High Cliff Castle had that kind of mindset, they’d probably all be scholars with knowledge as vast as the ocean.’

The few who hadn’t gone out ate lunch at the Holy Light Church, served by the Nuns. It was a simple and light meal of bread, milk, and a side of some unknown green vegetable.

But after being so used to rich, heavy meals, the light food was surprisingly good.

"Levi, how was the food?" Fatir appeared out of nowhere, once again wearing her Bishop’s Robe. She looked even more divine and distinguished than before.

"It was fine, though the milk could have used a little sugar." Levi looked at her curiously. "Are the Saintesses of the Holy Light Church always this busy?"

"These are the consequences of my long trip south," Fatir said with perfect calm. "Because I was too willful and tossed my duties to the Pope, now that I’m back, His Holiness has also left, using the excuse that he’s visiting an old friend."

But no matter how calm she appeared, the frustration in her voice was impossible to hide.

"The burden falls on the able, after all." The Lord had to pinch his thigh hard to keep from bursting out laughing.

Masha and Fu Jin both sized up Fatir with curiosity.

In truth, because of the incident where Fulina had tried to involve the Holy Light Church, the relationship between the two Churches—which had always kept to themselves—was now somewhat strained.

But this strained relationship only existed among their higher-ups.

"You must be the Priests from the Ice and Snow Church, Miss Masha and Master Fu Jin. I often hear Levi mention you. My sincerest apologies for not greeting you properly earlier; I was tied up with official matters."

Fatir looked at the two of them. Her words were meant as a simple pleasantry, but she had unwittingly given the Lord a perfect assist.

The two exchanged greetings, and Masha, her face full of curiosity, asked, "Is that so? How does Lord Levi speak of us?"

Although it was a bit impolite to bring up such a topic right in front of Levi, Masha was desperate to know the answer.

The two women then started chatting animatedly off to the side, with Levi as the main topic.

No one else could get a word in, so the Lord had no choice but to drag Fu Jin into a game of cards. Throughout the game, the old man kept giving him a strange look, one that was both complex and relieved, almost as if he had taken a liking to him.

Thankfully, this ordeal ended quickly. Fatir extricated herself from a very satisfied-looking Masha and turned to the Lord. "Levi, come with me. After such a long delay, I imagine you’re getting anxious."

"I’m fine, I’m fine." Even though he was inwardly dying to get the complete Holy Word Treasure Manual, Levi just waved his hand nonchalantly to save face.

"Everyone, if you wish to wash away the dust and fatigue from our month-long journey, the Radiant Nuns can show you to the bathhouse. Levi and I will take our leave first." After she spoke, Fatir rose and headed toward the Saint Light Church.

Levi followed at her heels as they meandered through the grounds of the Holy Light Church.

"Levi, do you know why I never told you about the final training methods for the Holy Word Treasure Manual?"

Fatir walked ahead, and Levi followed, staring thoughtfully at the patterned floor. The truth was, the corridor was so narrow that if he didn’t fix his gaze on the floor, he’d risk looking like a lecher.

"Because you still cling to your stodgy, old traditions," Levi replied without a second thought.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t considered asking the Holy Knights, but if even Fatir wouldn’t tell him, what chance did he have with Knights who strictly abided by the creed of the Holy Light?

"Quite the opposite. If we were truly that hidebound, we would never have released the first part of the Holy Word Treasure Manual for commoners to practice."

"In fact, we’re now breaking with tradition, committed to abandoning outdated tenets to adapt to the new era. Otherwise, we’ll eventually be swept away by the tides of history." Fatir led Levi straight past the magnificent Saint Light Church, taking a small path that wound around to the back. The path was lined with golden leaf trees, giving it a very sacred appearance.

"Oh? And how are you breaking with tradition?" The Lord was genuinely a bit interested now.

Speaking of breaking with tradition, Levi could certainly see a hint of it in Fatir herself.

After all, a Saintess this down-to-earth was truly a one-of-a-kind figure throughout history.

After all, what other Holy Light Saintess would spend her days trying to wheedle him, the Lord of High Cliff Castle, with such clumsy tactics, even stooping to use her own beauty as bait?