Chapter 470: Volume 10: Thunderous Movements and Winds Rising, - 5: Testing the Waters
"Xerob, the Great Dark Envoy, it seems you have forgotten something. I once mentioned that the Caucasus falls under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Nicosia, and any violations against kingdom laws and prohibitions will not be permitted. While the Great Mysterium Sect may openly preach in the Southern Continent, this is still Nicosia territory, where it remains prohibited. I can only apologize. As for the reasonability and legitimacy of the teachings of the Great Mysterium Sect you speak of, I believe that requires proof through time and practice. Even as the Lord of this region, I am not familiar with your sect. How could I defy the kingdom’s prohibition to allow you to preach here?"
Komer subtly steered the conversation toward the purpose of today’s invitation.
"The matter is simple. Everything about the Great Mysterium Sect is open to the Dark Lord; there is no need to hide anything. Whatever the Dark Lord wishes to understand, Xerob can share without reservation. Moreover, Xerob hopes that if the Dark Lord has the time, you would allow Xerob the honor of accompanying you on a visit to the South to witness the true grace of our sect. The Church of Light claims to be the continent’s foremost sect by leveraging the foundations they built in the northern mortal societies. However, in the South, it is our soil that fosters the growth of the Great Mysterium Sect. I believe, once you understand the true essence and goals we strive for, you will comprehend the secrets behind our sect’s long-standing admiration and devout followership among different races of humans," he said.
Smiling slightly, the gaze of the Great Mysterium Devotee hidden in darkness suddenly brightened, even the thick air of insidiousness dissipating notably, becoming particularly captivating.
"Very well, I hope to see this for myself. I am not a narrow-minded religious zealot, but neither do I oppose the spread of religion. People have the freedom to believe, and naturally, faiths that can bring peace to the citizens’ spirits, encourage good and suppress evil, benefiting society, should of course receive understanding and support from secular authorities," Komer spoke with an undertone, yet to the savvy man in black, the implication was crystal clear.
"Dark Lord, if there is anything that you need our Great Mysterium Sect to do, please feel free to ask. What the Church of Light can do, our sect can also achieve. What they cannot do, we can manage as well. Too many prejudices have been misled by the Church of Light. It seems to them that the Church represents the exclusive choice for instituting righteousness and enlightening the populace, while our sect lurks in the shadows, a sinister assembly of ghosts. I am eager to ask those people, from what have they seen the sanctity of the Church of Light, and where have they witnessed the evils of our Great Mysterium Sect?" Xerob’s words remained measured and calm, as if chatting with an old friend by the fireside on a winter day.
"Mr. Envoy, the Church of Light’s reputation was built gradually, through their centuries of relentless efforts in promoting good and fighting evil ever since they drove back the Magical Beast invasion that nearly destroyed humanity. This accumulation of prestige cannot be achieved overnight. If the Great Mysterium Sect wishes to truly establish itself on the Continent, merely developing in the extraordinary regions of the South will not suffice. Only by facing challenges head-on, by letting the public witness your conduct and words, seeing what principles you uphold and disdain, and proving your sect’s beliefs through the actions of every devotee, rather than resorting to slander and vitriol, can you achieve your goal," Komer said with a light smile, suggesting amicably.
"Ah, the Dark Lord’s words are indeed sensible. However, what opportunities do you perceive now that could prove the principles of our Great Mysterium Sect?" Xerob inwardly chuckled; these feeble ploys were all too clumsy for someone like him. Clearly, Komer needed his help but was reluctant to entangle his requests with the favor he sought, thus circumventing with seemingly strained reasoning.