Withered Wood Monastery, Hall of Ten Thousand Lives.

Estella loved coming to the Monastery, as it was the complete opposite of the Royal Palace. Perhaps she inherently had an adventurous streak, as most royal family members did not enjoy coming here. For example, her cousin thought it was eerie and dull, and the nuns seemed neurotic. Who knew what might emerge at night?

Estella hoped something would indeed emerge.

The Hall of Ten Thousand Lives was a peculiar structure, deep within the Withered Wood Monastery. It was carved out from the mountain, with the door flanked by two giant skeletal figures, an intimidating sight in keeping with the style of the Monastery.

Inside the Hall, the ceiling was incredibly high, about thirty meters, adorned with carvings of the twelve constellations. It was unclear if diamonds or something else were embedded in them, as they sparkled brightly. The walls resembled coffins, and occasionally emitted a howling sound, which the nuns said was the wind rushing through the mountains.

The Hall of Ten Thousand Lives was dedicated to the Supreme God, but unlike other deities, the Supreme God had no idol, only a symbol resembling a slightly opened eye.

Estella knelt on a cushion and began her meditation. All beings were subjects of the Supreme God, and this didn't conflict with her devotion to the Earth Mother Goddess. Estella simply prayed to the Earth Mother Goddess, as was the custom in all five Holy Lands. This was a hallmark of the Sixth Era—it was said that in the Fifth Era, things were different.

Gradually, the surroundings dimmed, and Estella merged with the environment, the light around her also fading away.

Faraway in the Celestial Capital.

A light drizzle was falling; the Celestial City had an unusually rainy season this year. With the death of the Grand High Priest, Luo Jin, a powerful deterrent to dark forces, the new Grand High Priest was unfamiliar with the place. The new Captain was a woman, rumored to be "that one" of Luo Jin's, with various reports bringing once-hidden Powers into the open. Everyone seemed bolder, yet the Celestial City remained calm as always, with emerging cases being swiftly resolved, even more efficiently than before.

The reason was naturally the new Captain of the Night Patrol, Kathy. Previously, whenever Luo Jin was present, Kathy accompanied him on all the Night Patrol activities. There were even matters Luo Jin didn't know about, which Kathy would discretely leave on his desk after handling all details. When it came to mobilizing relationships with other forces, Kathy excelled far beyond Luo Jin.

Holding a delicate floral umbrella, Kathy, stylishly dressed with a sweet yet chilly demeanor, was as cold as ice. She made herself bait, leading to inevitable success, never encountering a Fallen who could resist the temptation—whether Abyssal Fallen or Spiritual Ability Fallen. A girl with a graceful figure and pure disposition, she attracted monsters that could smell her purity, making her the ideal prey for any hunter. Even an ordinary person would feel a bit impulsive at the sight of her, not to mention those already seeking prey, who would simply lose their minds.

On the ground lay a Spiritual Ability Fallen, who hunted young single women at night and was extremely cunning and cautious. He wasn't careless, but upon seeing Kathy's face, just one look made him impulsively determined to take her down, fearing a lifetime of regret if he missed the chance.

So he ended up in a dozen pieces on the ground, with no time for regrets. By the time the Night Patrol team surrounded him, the battle was over. Initially, they strongly opposed such risky bait tactics, but soon realized Kathy's power was beyond imagination, and her ruthlessness, too. If interrogation wasn't required, Kathy wouldn't allow them time to regret.

Carlo came over, draping a black overcoat over Kathy's shoulders. Kathy coolly glanced at the puddle on the ground, "Clean it up."

"What about City Hall?"

"No need to bother, just say we resolved it," Kathy replied indifferently. This guy was a noble's heir; handing him to City Hall would be futile.

Carlo nodded and gestured to the Night Patrol, who immediately began clearing the scene, erasing traces, and documenting the case.

"Once finished, head off early and rest," Kathy waved her hand, vanishing down the street under her umbrella.

Carlo and the others watched Kathy's silhouette, seeing a faint image of Luo Jin. Luo Jin liked this phrase too.

The rain poured harder, yet Kathy didn't head home; instead, she wore her attire and went to Lin Fei's house. On rainy days, she preferred coming here.

Kathy knocked on the door, and Lin Fei, who had been observing from the window due to the rain, had not slept. She sat alone at the window, gazing outside for a long time.

Xueyin was already asleep as Lin Fei opened the door, and they exchanged smiles.

"Not asleep?"

"Do I look like I've been sleeping?" Lin Fei laughed, taking out a bottle of red wine and a glass specifically for Kathy from the cupboard.

Kathy put down her umbrella and took off her coat. Lin Fei looked at her outfit, "Did you carry out another mission?"

"A viscount's son learned some secret arts and started seeking thrills, going out at night to hunt and toy with women. I dealt with it easily," Kathy said. Gradually, her icy demeanor began to relax. She used to think Luo Jin was a bit ruthless, but now that she faced it herself, she felt Old Luo wasn't harsh enough.

The current Kathy is very different from before, perhaps she hasn't even noticed it herself. Her temperament is constantly changing. Kathy not only accepted the original embryo but also adapted to it beyond imagination. The original embryo was nurtured with soul and spiritual ability, carrying Luo Jin's strong will and belief. Kathy absorbed hidden powers with exceptional ease. Deep down, through constant interaction, Kathy has actually become a qualified Night Patrol. Under Luo Jin's supervision, her foundation was very solid. Kathy always says she's quite skilled, and it's not boasting; she really is good. Of course, this is entirely different from her current power.

The original embryo from Luo Jin brought her incredible hidden abilities. Perhaps from the start, Luo Jin never intended to hand the original embryo over to the Church.

Luo Jin's death undoubtedly pushed Kathy to mature. She remains decisive and calm in handling mysterious incidents, reflecting Luo Jin's style. Unlike Luo Jin, she is more adept at mobilizing resources and power.

Constantly resolving hidden incidents and upholding Luo Jin's Night Patrol principles can alleviate Kathy's pain.

"Well done!" Lin Fei smiled slightly. She, too, was a woman who had experienced great turmoil, even more difficult than Kathy. Once they emerged, both their minds became incredibly firm. "This is a telegram sent by Qi Badao."

After Li Xin left, Lin Fei maintained the same lifestyle: acting as a shopping agent, overseeing Lin Xueyin's studies, and occasionally painting in her spare time—a skill she learned when she was still a young lady. On rainy days, she would daydream.

Her figure slightly slender, her waist even slimmer, but her aura became even more enchanting. At first glance, men found it hard to resist that kind of abstinent mature charm, which also brought her a lot of trouble. The issues from above were solved by Kathy, while those below were handled by Qi Badao.

Brother Dao is now quite influential. With Kathy's support, he has become a big shot in the Underground City, dealing with both the black and white worlds. This is where Kathy differs from Luo Jin. She believes that mastering power allows better maintenance of what one wishes to protect.

Kathy opened the telegram. Anything sent by Qi Badao here must be related to Li Xin. After reading it, she clicked her tongue in wonder. This method can indeed ensure great confidentiality and convenience. Choose a book, and later, just send numbers. With Li Xin's ability, he could settle anywhere. Hedan is a good place.

"He's settled down already. This kid's innate survival skills are maxed out." Kathy and Lin Fei clinked their glasses. "Have you ever thought about going to Hedan? It's quite nice there and suits you well."

Lin Fei twirled the wine in her glass. "I've gotten used to the rain in Celestial City. The sun in Hedan is too strong."

"You're afraid of being a burden to him, aren't you?" Kathy said, sipping the wine in her glass; otherwise, she would drink it too quickly.

Lin Fei smiled, the rain outside intensified. "I and Xueyin are here. If one day he's tired and wants to come back, the home will always be here."

"That's good, too. If you also leave, I'd be too bored. Recently, cases have been decreasing. Even with hidden powers, you're so timid. It seems I'm quite suited to being the leader of the Night Patrol."

The image Kathy rapidly built has already surpassed Luo Jin. Even the newly appointed Archbishop found it hard to order her around. After all, Kathy holds multiple identities, and her family is deeply rooted in Celestial City. Outsiders must maintain good relations with her.

Lin Fei chuckled lightly, "Hasn't the family been urging you?"

The two of them are quite different. Lin Fei herself is the family, and as Kathy's influence grows, especially managing the Night Patrol so effortlessly, it's surpassed the family's expectations. The higher-ups in Celestial City and even Dragon Capital didn't have high hopes for her. Letting her take over was just a temporary measure, believing this young lady would quit in just a few days.

To everyone's astonishment, Kathy was extremely competent. Within the Night Patrol, everyone obeyed her commands. Orders were followed, and there was unity throughout. She had become a power center in Celestial City and, since taking office, eliminated two Inhalers, further boosting her reputation in the dark world. Rumor had it she mastered some special power and received the Moon God's favor, having deadly effectiveness against the Fallen and the hidden, even reaching the Moon God's Court in Dragon Capital.

Perhaps due to the original embryo, the hidden powers also made the already distinguished and beautiful Kathy even more captivating, attracting many suitors. Her beauty had already reached Dragon Capital, with many nobles inquiring about her through their families.

"So I avoid going back whenever I can." Kathy is different from Lin Fei; she's from a prominent family, a traditional aristocrat. Her parents and relatives are deeply interconnected. It's not simply a matter of doing as she pleases. In the face of family ties, force doesn't solve things, and reasoning doesn't work. Staying single for Luo Jin is a reason that won't get family approval. For now, she can only take it one day at a time.

"Are you doing okay?" Lin Fei looked at the thoughtful, disguise-free Kathy, likely reminded of Luo Jin again.

Kathy smiled, "There's no wound in the world that won't heal; it just aches a bit when it rains."

Lightning illuminated the pitch-black night...

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