Travis, standing to the side, had evidently passed the investigation, but his expression wasn't looking good. Once a particular incident arose, the power of the Tribunal was tremendously terrifying, and with such a severe event happening, his days weren't going to be easy.

The first to be investigated was Li Xin.

Finnier quietly watched Li Xin, feeling even more amiable than the Metropolitan, without any of the Tribunal's harsh aura, not even a trace of bloodlust. "Your story 'The Grudges of Utopia Mountain' is very engaging. What made you decide to write it?"

Li Xin was taken aback, not expecting such an opening remark. "Lord Finnier, I'm flattered. I didn't expect you would like such a small story. On one hand, the Bird Society was in a predicament then, and on the other, I had a little personal interest in making some money."

Finnier nodded, "The story is very interesting. When will the new manuscript be out?"

"I submitted it yesterday. Under normal circumstances, it will be printed in this week's weekly edition, though the word count might be a bit low this time," Li Xin said truthfully.

Finnier sighed lightly, "They say the Earth Mother Goddess Court is full of talents. I think the Moon God's Court is even better at cultivating the new generation."

"Are you saying journalists who don't write books aren't good Night Patrols?" said Li Xin.

Finnier was momentarily stunned and then smiled, "I like interesting young people. Prince Achilles values you highly. Have you ever thought about staying in Hedan permanently?"

Li Xin thought about it and helplessly spread his hands, "I don't know. I personally really like the city of Hedan. It's a great city."

Finnier nodded warmly, "Don't overthink it. It's just a sincere invitation. Hedan welcomes talent from all countries. I heard from Travis that you have a strong insight into cases, which is quite embarrassing. I hope you can help more in the future. The Earth Temple will not let friends suffer."

"Even though my ability is limited, I will do my best, Lord Finnier," Li Xin said, looking at this powerful figure within the Tribunal.

"You're dismissed; let Simmons come in," Finnier said.

Li Xin got up and left. The moment he left the room, his eyebrows raised slightly. It seemed he had been living too comfortably recently. During the conversation with Finnier, there was a sticky sensation on his back. He really disliked this passive situation. However, in handling the Inner Demon case, his actions completely aligned with the Earth Temple's, with backing from Achilles. The chance of being targeted was extremely low, so he endured it. In the future, he should avoid such situations.

Upon reflection, Achilles might not be entirely reliable either.

"How was it?" Finnier suddenly murmured to himself in the room.

"It's unrelated to him, but what he said at the end was a lie." A vague form appeared in the air.

Finnier nodded. This was his judgment as well. Li Xin certainly had suspicions, but now he seemed very candid, and his affection for Hedan was genuine. He was a talent, unfortunately a Night Patrol. As a Secretary, he wouldn't judge subjectively, but the Soul Messenger could peer into one's soul; fears within the soul couldn't be hidden. The Church Court was quite concerned about the Hex Bird Society. Any slight movement would trigger an investigation, which included Li Xin's appearance. Of course, Finnier had no interest in novels, but a novel that drew widespread attention was another story. From its content, it seemed based on the Li Long United Kingdom.

He had already understood the related circumstances. This young man was very perceptive with investigations, able to quickly find Isaac's suspicious points from the notes with keen insight. In fact, the Church had also discovered them, but unfortunately, it was already too late. Isaac had achieved a certain objective using the Church's resources and then disappeared. The Church had been investigating ever since. This must be a plot against the Goddess, but their strength was underestimated.

Being one of Prince Achilles' people, the Church didn't want to stir up trouble as long as there were no issues, especially since it's no longer the Fifth Epoch.

Li Xin came out; Warner, Travis, and others breathed a sigh of relief. They feared something would happen to Li Xin. "Simmons, Lord Finnier wants to see you. Don't worry, Lord Finnier is very approachable," said Li Xin with a smile.

"Afraid? You're joking. I'm a man as bold as an eagle!"

Simmons patted his chest, feeling a clear conscience and unafraid of any investigation, mainly due to his confusion about what was happening.

The investigation of Simmons and Celestia didn't take much time either. None of the three had any issues and even felt Lord Finnier's investigation seemed somewhat... perfunctory.

Finnier and the Tribunal members still had other work to continue and didn't have time to deal with them anymore.

"Father, who on earth is Number Two, such that even the Church's experts couldn't pin him down?" Celestia curiously asked.

Warner, the Metropolitan, did not respond but looked at Li Xin, "What's your take on this matter?"

Li Xin was stunned. What was his take? He didn't want to take it. He wanted to go home and write stories, write stories well, earn a little money, and have fun. This kind of power struggle between two strong parties—what was he supposed to meddle in, especially with ghostly things creeping up the back?

"I can't understand it. It feels like this level of competition is not something we can partake in," Li Xin said with a wry smile. "I'm really sorry for not being much help. By the way, how are things with Didia?"

Celestia explained the strategies they discussed. Warner and Travis exchanged glances; it was indeed a good method, though somewhat dangerous for Didia. Confronting the Hidden Power wasn't about personal ability to fight but required cleverness.

"We still don't know for now. Didia told us not to contact him actively. He'll have a Messenger contact us if there's news," Simmons said.

Two people causing a ruckus in the Church, then privately meeting — this was clearly odd. Didia was genuinely invested in this case.

"Captain Travis, I'd like to go back and keep reviewing the dossiers to see if there's anything to aid Didia," said Li Xin.

Travis looked at the Metropolitan, who nodded. It was always disgraceful to have such incidents happen at his Great Cathedral. He surely needed to keep an eye on the following events.

Before they left for the Funeral Man Base, Travis took one carriage, while Li Xin, Simmons, and Celestia shared another.

"Brother Li, what's really going on? Did you find anything?" Simmons asked.

Li Xin leaned against the carriage, "It seems Number Two's experiment is nearing success, and he urgently needs Isaac's notes; otherwise, he wouldn't be taking such risks."

Simmons and Celestia exchanged glances, "You could deduce that?"

"Guessing, and I might be wrong," Li Xin replied.

"Then why didn't you tell the Father when he asked just now?" Celestia questioned.

"Because Isaac's notes were intentionally let go by the Church," Li Xin shrugged, damn, he wanted nothing more to do with this business—a bunch of old silver coins not to mention various imperceptible Hidden Powers, "The Church must have already been tracking those notes."

Simmons and Celestia realized that the Church intended to wipe them all out at once, and simultaneously see who was Number Two's accomplice.

"How did you figure that out?" Simmons, confident in his brains despite lacking in strength, felt lately even his brain wasn't sufficient.

"Guessing," Li Xin smiled, "The matter with Number Two— the Church has its own considerations. Let's not meddle blindly; ruining the Church's plan would be more troublesome. We should think more about how to find Number One."

Compared to the Dark Cuisine Association, the Earth Mother Goddess Court's main focus certainly was on Number Two. As for why such thoughts arose, the Metropolitan and Finnier were just too composed. Either the notes were fake, or it was part of their plan. The notes seemed real, so the latter was more likely.

And even if guessed wrong, what business is it of his? It's Number One that should be dealt with.

"Should we remind Didia to be careful?" Celestia suddenly suggested.

"Huh?" Simmons stared at Celestia, wondering why she jumped to this.

"We overlooked one thing; Number One is a force even Number Two fears. We are still letting Didia take the risk, which could be harmful to him," Celestia said with a bitter smile.

The expression of Li Xin and Simmons also subtly changed, because involving the Dark Cuisine Association wasn't felt to be threatening; they always considered it to be the perpetrator, while they were on the side of Justice. Yet, Number One was more formidable than Number Two, and Number Two was already this intense. What about Number One?

"Shall we find him?"

"No, let's send a Messenger," Simmons said, "Didia should already be targeted. Let Captain Travis handle it. We're too conspicuous."

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