The cold wind blows.
Withered leaves and snow powder flying.
Ye Qingxuan stood blankly at the door, listening to the loud noises and a series of broken sounds coming from far away in the restaurant. Several dim ether fluctuations just appeared, and were destroyed by a storm-like wild fluctuation.
Until finally, the wall shattered, and in the flying smoke, someone looked up to the sky, laughed, and rushed out.
"What are you still doing?"
The masked Bai Xi was holding a large bag of freshly baked goods. On his eyes outside the mask, two little eyebrows were flying excitedly: "Let's go! Let's go! Run away!"
As she said that, amid the gradual and piercing whistle, she grabbed his hand, pulled the staggering Ye Qingxuan and started to run away.
"That's the guy!"
"There he is!"
"Don't let them go!"
Amidst the sharp whistles of the patrol police approaching quickly, Ye Qingxuan was pulled by Bai Xi and ran on the streets of the Holy City.
At that moment, Ye Qingxuan was in a daze.
It was like suddenly going back to a long, long time ago.
In the same strange city, they ran wildly.
This time, it was Bai Xi who held his hand.
…
…
It wasn't until two days in the afternoon that they got rid of the pursuers behind them.
The two people collapsed on a bench in the street, gasping for air. They couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief when they heard the sound of the chase disappearing.
"Ah, I'm getting cold."
Bai Xi opened the paper bag, took out the lunch box, and shook it helplessly: "A lot of soup also leaked."
"It's okay, it's stolen goods anyway, let's eat together." Ye Qingxuan rubbed his hands and felt hungry: "The steak is yours, the smoked fish is mine, and the soup is yours too."
"Why 50/50?" Bai Xi held the paper bag and looked at him sideways: "I am the one who does the work, and I am the one who takes the lead in running away. You are just a lookout. It would be nice to give you a piece of cold bread."
Even though she said that, she reluctantly put the still warm sandwich into his hand.
At first glance, he broke into the kitchen and forced the chef to cook it freshly.
The sauce is not spread right.
Ye Qingxuan held the sandwich, smiled, and stuffed it into his mouth.
Then he turned his head and took a breath of air.
—Why are there so many pickles! ! !
Facts have proved that it is not a good idea to anger the chef. Most of what Bai Xi grabbed were all kinds of dark dishes with weird tastes.
“Ah, this bread is so spicy!!!”
Bai Xi's mouth was swollen and tears filled her eyes. Then when she saw Ye Qingxuan, who was so sour that his face turned green, he couldn't help laughing, and all the bread crumbs in his mouth spurted out and fell into Ye Qingxuan's soup.
Ye Qingxuan sighed, blew off the crumbs, and took a few sips to finally wash away the sour taste in his mouth.
"Next time, just be patient and wait for me to go back and get the money."
Ye Qingxuan looked up to the sky and sighed.
In the distance, there was a faint soft melody coming.
In the snow that had stopped, and in the crumbling church, there was a faint noise.
The girl in white gauze got off the rented carriage, held her sweetheart's hand, and walked into the church to the cheerful melody that was a little off-key.
A wedding.
The rare smiles of those guests seemed to be one of the few bright colors in the city.
There are still people alive, living in this cold world, suffering from this, but there is still a smile in their arms.
At the end of the long street, in a dilapidated church, the two parties held a simple wedding.
While the priests were busy following the orders of the Order, they still invited a young apprentice from the Order to witness the wedding.
It seemed that the inexperienced young people were wearing religious robes, holding the temple in their hands, and presided over the wedding in a hurry, causing a lot of trouble. Fortunately, the wedding still went on.
There was not enough wine, the bread supply was not very open, and there was no sumptuous feast. Several old workers who could play musical instruments were temporarily recruited to form an orchestra to play the wedding march.
Although simple, everything is presentable.
"Louis, you...are you willing to marry her, according to..."
The young trainee priest stood on the stage, stumbling and reading the contents of the note in his arms: "Live with her according to the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, and become one with her in the presence of God. Love her, respect her, and protect her. He loves yourself just like you do. No matter... no matter... no matter... "
His voice grew quieter.
In front of everyone, in the cold weather, the trainee priest's forehead was sweating and he was murmuring in embarrassment.
Forgot the words.
This scene is so embarrassing.
But the more anxious you are, the less you can remember, and the more embarrassed you become...
Ye Qingxuan, who was watching from outside, could swear that this scene definitely ranked among the top ten embarrassing scenes he had seen in his life.
"Forget it, let me help you."
Ye Qingxuan sighed, opening and closing his lips silently, and a wisp of sound fell into the young priest's ears along the breeze. He was refreshed, as if he had been saved, and he shouted the last words ecstatically:
“—to be faithful to her in sickness and in health, rich or poor, till the day you depart from this world?”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
The groom nodded, "I do."
The wedding went on smoothly and the awkwardness was quickly forgotten.
The groom kisses the bride.
applause.
"so good."
Outside the door, Bai Xi looked at the two people hugging each other and clapped along.
In the silence, the sound of carriages and horses sounded from a distance.
Starting from the Papal Palace, gorgeous cars came out gracefully, accompanied by the sound of magnificent horns, and marched on the avenue of the Holy City.
Amidst the high-pitched trombone sound like the scorching sun, snow powder rose from the ground, was blown to the sky by the wind of the wheels, and fell one after another, scattering on the canopy and flags.
The fragrant incense rose from the copper furnace and spread in all directions, enveloping the entire world in the vaguely warm spring breeze.
Knights clad in black armed with knives and swords guarded both sides of the convoy, holding flags high and thrusting into the sky. The countless bright red flags were swirling in the white wind and snow, like burning flames.
The empty streets were paved with yellow silk, and countless servants were running in front, welcoming the luxurious motorcade, which extended all the way to the gate of the Holy City.
Guarded by countless sergeants, a long and winding convoy marched outside.
The sounds of thousands of people marching together were like thunder, shaking the huge city.
It's like an emperor going on tour.
Ye Qingxuan looked up blankly, only to see among the layers of guards, six handsome dragon horses with a height of more than three meters pulling a huge chariot forward slowly. Wherever they passed, everything bowed their heads, and everyone bowed their heads respectfully. Dare to look directly.
The white-haired musicians wore robes and rode on horses, following behind the chariots and carriages.
Huge ceremonial guards from the East appeared on the streets of the Holy City as never before.
The carriage that was supposed to be slowly heading out of the city was now stopped on the street, and countless people stood silently in the melting snow, as if waiting.
"Oriental?"
Ye Qingxuan frowned and stared at the flags hanging high on both sides of the carriage. The unfamiliar coat of arms didn't know why, but he instinctively felt a palpitation in his heart.
"I'm afraid we're in trouble again."
Ye Qingxuan shook his head and stretched out his hand to pull Bai Xi:
"Let's go."
But Bai Xi didn't move. She still stood there, staring at the newlyweds hugging each other in the church. After a long time, she suddenly raised her head: "Cousin, will you propose to me one day?"
"Um?"
Ye Qingxuan thought he heard wrongly, but Bai Xi looked at him silently, waiting for the answer, which made him suddenly panic.
"Uh, why suddenly..."
His lips murmured, but no sound came out.
I don't know what to say, I don't know if I should speak.
But when Bai Xi saw his embarrassed and stunned look, it seemed as if the prank had succeeded and he laughed happily. Smiling, he lowered his head.
She said, "Cousin, I have to leave."
"Um?"
Ye Qingxuan was stunned, "Where are you going?"
"It should be to the East. I haven't been there, so it should be very far away, right? I hate taking a boat, it makes me dizzy, and it's very annoying and troublesome when there are too many people. However, you don't need to worry about this."
She murmured softly, looking at the long motorcade in the distance. Among the gorgeous ceremonial guards, someone was running towards Bai Xi. He lowered his head, holding a pure white fox fur in his hands, stepped forward, and stopped ten steps away. .
Respectful and respectful.
Ye Qingxuan looked at him silently for a long time, then looked at Bai Xi: "What's going on?"
"It is said that I am now the regent's daughter."
Bai Xi said, "They don't dare to look at me. They are all afraid that I will kill their heads. They are much more obedient than the servants in Yunlou City. They kneel down when I tell them to...kneel down."
The attendant knelt down in response, ignoring the mud and snow on the ground, but holding up the pure white fox fur without a trace of dust.
"Look, how great it is."
Bai Xi smiled: "You should have a good life if you go there, right? Cousin, you can rest assured..."
"no!"
Ye Qingxuan interrupted her.
But he didn't expect that his voice would be so loud and sharp, as if he was scared.
He didn't know what happened, why it suddenly became like this.
But when Bai Xi looked at him, he felt embarrassed, confused, and at a loss.
He has obviously done well enough, he has obviously saved the Holy City, he has obviously become a very strong person, and everything has obviously gotten better...
But he discovered that he was about to lose even Bai Xi.
"Why go to the East... I mean... the East is so far away... it's very troublesome and tiring. I can... uh, I won't drive you away. I mean, you can stay..."
He reached out hesitantly, but did not dare to touch her, for fear that she would disappear like a dream. Just looking at her, speaking incoherently, praying humbly:
"Bai Xi, please stay."
Would you like to stay
I can do anything.
I can smash the holy city to fucking pulp again.
I can pay any price.
"Stay, okay?"
He stood stiffly in front of the attendant, separating Bai Xi from the distant motorcade.
Just making the sound took all of his strength.
Teacher, Charles, Ye Lanzhou...
Do you even want to leave me now
In silence, Bai Xi looked at his face.
"Cousin, Hermes is dead... I haven't realized it until now." She said, "Just now I thought that if I went back too late, he would be nagging again. But he is already dead."
"But there is still me!"
Ye Qingxuan wanted to say something else, but Bai Xi shook his head, stretched out his hand, and pinched his face:
"If I stay here, that guy Yunlou Qingshu will definitely have other ideas. Then I will become a hindrance again, and I will definitely hate myself. Besides, my personality is troublesome. Seeing you ignore me I will be sad. If you don’t take me out to play, I will be bored. If you don’t care about me, I will be angry. If one day, I find that you don’t like me, I will definitely be sad.”
Ye Qingxuan was stunned.
Bai Xi moved forward, stretched out her hand, hugged him so hard, and buried her face in his arms, close to his heart, listening to the distant echoes from there.
She closed her eyes.
It was like going back to a long time ago, when they hugged for the first time in the dark.
This world is so cold, but when you find that person, it won't be cold anymore.
Even in a world without moon and light, if you hug him, you won't be afraid.
"Cousin, do you know? I have always thought you are an unparalleled hero."
Bai Xi whispered softly, "Every woman can only have one hero in her heart. When I meet you, I can no longer pretend to be someone else. I have lied to you so many times, will you hate me?"
"No." Ye Qingxuan shook his head: "Never."
"Then if one day, when I need you, will you still come to save me?"
"Will do."
Ye Qingxuan hugged her, but couldn't help crying, "Even if I'm about to die."
Bai Xi smiled and raised his hand to wipe away his tears.
Finally, he stood up on tiptoes and gently touched his forehead with his cool lips, raw and careful, as if he had exhausted all his courage.
"Then, goodbye."
She let go and stepped back with a smile, one step after another. He waved goodbye and smiled as he did when we first met him in previous years.
It was as if she was finally free from worries and she was free.
It was like walking out of the cage after passing through the darkness. After a long time, she spread her wings, flew past the memories of the past, and flew into the sky, flying to a world that Ye Qingxuan had never been to.
Wherever she passed, everyone bowed their heads in awe, knelt on the ground, and respectfully welcomed her arrival.
Step by step, she stepped onto the carriage.
Stay away from yourself.
quietly.
In the silence, the car moved forward again.
Ye Qingxuan stared silently as the convoy gradually went away until they disappeared from the end of sight.
Snow fell from the sky, flooding the silent city and covering the last traces left by Bai Xi.
He closed his eyes.
Turn around and leave.
…
…
The long convoy passed through the streets of the Holy City, exited the gate of the Holy City, and marched on the wilderness.
The sound of the sea can be heard in the distance.
In the silence, the old man in the car put down the book in his hand and sighed softly: "He didn't catch up. It seems that you guessed wrong. Are you really sure that he will come to you?"
"Yes, I will."
Bai Xi nodded firmly, as if stating the truth.
As if he had heard a joke, Bai Heng smiled slightly and said, "You are my daughter now. It may not be easy for him to take you away. At least, he must first have the confidence to be an enemy of the entire Cathay."
"I believe that one day, he will come to save me from your hands."
Bai Xi stared at the Holy City in the distance and said softly: "If Cathay stands in front of him, he will defeat Cathay. If you stand in front, I will help him kill you together."
"Are you thinking of killing your father now? She is truly the daughter of a rebellious minister and traitor."
Bai Heng laughed and stroked Bai Xi's long hair: "Hermes is indeed right, you are born like me. If such a day comes, I will behead my father with confidence. But can I use shock? Once it's your dowry, it depends on your ability."
Staring at the indifferent Bai Xi, he was filled with joy:
"After all, dying in the hands of your own daughter is not a injustice."
…
…
Late night, Papal Palace.
Under the dazzling lights, the low noise continued.
Secretaries with files in their arms were coming and going from the side door without noticing, and they were constantly placing documents from all over the world on the huge round table, waiting for processing in categories.
Behind the huge round table, the red-eyed cardinals were either immersed in annotating documents or arguing in low voices with their colleagues about the contents.
The ashtray was filled with cigarettes, and the acrid smoke hung in the air.
The warm breeze blew, but it was dull and suffocating.
And at the very back of the huge round table, the Red King, who should have gone to rest early, was still sitting in his seat. The tea in the water cup became cold and then changed, and then changed again and again.
In the long silence, it seemed that he was waiting for something.
Until the footsteps in the distance gradually began to sound, the main door of the hall trembled, making a deep sound, and opened from the outside in. The biting cold wind rushed in from outside the door, dispelling the suffocating heat and bringing those low-pitched arguments to an abrupt end.
From the outside of the Papal Palace to the inside, there were people walking all the way, passing through the layers of open doors, without any notification or any etiquette, and walked into the core with such arrogance.
Not willing to wait even for a second.
The cardinals raised their heads, looked at the uninvited guests, and frowned.
To this day, no one does not recognize the iconic white hair and the indifferent young man. But when they saw the ancient string of rose beads on his wrist, they couldn't help but be stunned.
No one knows what it means.
Under everyone's gaze, he walked to the front and bowed to the Red King.
The Red King raised his eyes and looked at him:
"Do you understand?"
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
Ye Qingxuan said: "I am leaving the Holy City tonight."
The Red King was silent for a long time and sighed softly: "I thought what the Holy City promised you is enough to satisfy you."
"too slow."
Ye Qingxuan shook his head, "I can't wait."
In the long silence, the Red King stared into the young man's eyes, but suddenly felt that maybe he had guessed wrong.
He originally thought that Ye Qingxuan would gain insights from it, but what he saw now was definitely not the case.
The fire in those dark eyes was clearly burning with determination and madness, like lava spreading in the wasteland, burning the earth's crust and steel, then rising into the sky to ignite the entire world...
The Red King lowered his eyes and stopped looking.
"Go ahead."
He waved his hand tiredly: "In thirty minutes, there will be a boat that will take you to wherever you want. Someone will be there to give you what you want. From then on, everything you do may only be God can protect you."
Ye Qingxuan smiled and said nothing more.
He bowed, then turned and left.
The door slams shut.
In the low noise of returning, the Red King closed his eyes sleepily, but for some reason, he suddenly remembered Gaius's favorite book of poems in the past.
Since then we as human beings have suffered and experienced hardships. To become cold and cold, to prove the stone nature of our flesh...
Maybe, this is human beings.
…
…
Late at night, outside the Holy City, at the silent dock.
Amidst the sound of the ocean tide, Ye Qingxuan waited silently, reading the notes left by Hermes.
The faint moonlight fell from the gap in the clouds, illuminating another vague figure. The phantom between reality and reality stood beside Ye Qingxuan, looking at the young man's appearance, he couldn't help but sigh.
"Every musician dreams of a canonization, a compensation that reaches the sky in one step. Do you really want to just say no?"
"What I want isn't here."
Ye Qingxuan stared at the silhouette of the steel city in the distance and slowly shook his head, "The Holy City can't give it to me."
"Little Ye Zi, you are finally on the right track."
Laura smiled: "That's how it should be! What do you want, just go and get it yourself? Why do you have to worry so much? Anyway, the world has been turned into such a horrible state by the Hundred-Eyed Man, no matter how bad it gets, It’s just hell.”
In the high-pitched whistle, the iron wheel is ready.
The sound of horse hooves in the distance gradually increased, and a messenger in white clothes came on horseback and stopped in front of Ye Qingxuan.
"Declared in the name of the Archbishop of the Holy City, the representative of the gods, the Supreme Pontiff, and the Red King."
The messenger half-knelt on the ground, and presented a red sacred belt with lapis lazuli patterns to Ye Qingxuan with both hands: "From now on, Ye Qingxuan will be canonized as the head of the Ministry of Doctrine of the Faith and the Grand Inquisitor, and will be ordered to rebuild the religious trial and inspect all countries. Titled 'Hand of God'. Give you the crown of righteousness. From now on, everything you say and do will be righteous. - This is God's will!"
"hand of God?"
Ye Qingxuan stared at the red holy belt for a long time, then laughed softly: "Very good, I like this title. Thank the Holy See for me."
As he spoke, he put the sacred belt on his shoulders, adhering to God's mission and possessing his own majesty.
The dark eyes were as cold as iron, making the messenger dare not look directly at him and lowered his head in awe.
"Then, let's first use God's will to create a better world, out of fire and iron."
He turned and left.
He never looked behind him again.
…
Under the silent moonlight, the whistle burst out sharply.
The iron wheel started moving slowly, setting off undercurrents and waves, and sailed into the distance.
In the dim light of the cabin, Ye Qingxuan stared at the huge and complicated design in the notebook, the last legacy of Hermes, the behemoth that spanned the entire material world and was named "The Ethernet".
At the end of the note, there is a photo tucked at the bottom of the page.
It was an image taken by Hermes at an unknown time. In the photo, Bai Xi was riding a cart and was being pulled by a running golden retriever dog. The dog jumped in and out of control, and galloped through the streets of Avalon.
It was clear that he was about to fall over, but he smiled as if he had gained the whole world.
"Wait for me, Bai Xi."
He stroked the smile in the photo and closed his eyes.
Soon, I will find you...
When the time comes, I will never let anyone I love leave me!
…
…
Since that night, notifications from the Central Temple were relayed to all directions.
The long-dead Inquisition rose again from the ashes.
The light of the stake will illuminate the whole world again.
The young man known as the "Hand of God" gave up his dreams and aspirations and embarked on the long journey home again.
And this world has been immersed in turmoil.
As Ludovic once said, a new era has begun.
It is not the golden age of mankind, nor is it the eternal darkness of the abyss. In fire and iron, a new prologue has been opened, and a new era is about to come.