Heartbreaker

"If you want me to say, that monk named Popolo is full of crazy words, no matter in terms of knowledge or self-cultivation, he is not worthy of being a senior monk of the church. God knows why Bishop Hayden let such a stupid black-robed monk manage us."

"You're right...and that monk is not from Mogol, and is not of the same blood as us."

"Has he surrendered to Twilight Empire?"

"Who knows? It is said that Bishop Hayden is so partial to this monk that it is outrageous. A few days ago, the Catholic students had a falling out with Bishop Hayden because of this. They could not tolerate some of Brother Popolo's remarks and decided that This person is a stubborn heretic who insists on driving him out of here..."

"what's the result?"

"Oh, but instead of paying attention to it, the bishop said coldly, 'In terms of knowledge and understanding, you can't even touch his heels now'... Oh God, you must know that his lord's students are all A first-class elite."

The evening bell rang in the twilight that was gradually engulfing the dusk. Several young monks in white robes stood chatting under the eaves, and when they mentioned a certain monk who had just joined the church, they all looked disdainful.

A young monk with reddish-brown hair and freckles said exaggeratedly, "One thing happened to me, you will be surprised if you tell me! A few days ago, the church bought supplies and reported the account to Bishop Hayden, but the other party took the initiative Proposed that monk Popolo's monk's clothes should be made of the best cloth! Oh, can you believe that this is coming from our bishop who cares about a copper coin?!"

Another monk lowered the volume nervously, "Don't be so loud, if the bishop hears you, you will be whipped."

The red-brown-haired monk spread his hands, "Bishop Hayden doesn't care what we say. He knows everything. He must know that we usually call him 'iron cock', 'stinger', 'embossed face'... But he never cared about it, either because he had a little love for the younger generation, or he just thought our jokes were barking dogs and didn't bother to pay attention to it."

The evening bell rang for the second time, and the monks in the monastery hurried into the study room with their books in their hands when they heard the bell.Among the busy footsteps, only one person's pacing was brisk and joyful.Popolo took a deep breath of the refreshing air, looked around at the familiar scene, and was filled with emotion.

He finally came back here. After wandering in the outside world for a long time, the tranquil atmosphere of the monastery and the step-by-step life are undoubtedly more reassuring.

While walking on the smooth and delicate marble floor, the black-robed monk took out the Bible from his arms, and performed the usual prayers and recitations under the evening bell.

On the "Book of Heaven", he recorded annotations in various colors with a water pen.The book was new and blank when he took it out of the monastery, and now it is filled with his insights from his travels around the world.Popolo recalled the days of wandering.He suffered, was injured, and almost died several times.But his great Lord has been protecting him in secret, lest he be aimless and wandering.Whenever he fell to the bottom, a warm hand would emerge from the darkness, encouraging him to muster up his faith and courage to continue exploring the unknown.

The world is dangerous and fascinating, the more mysterious and unpredictable, the more full of flowing charm.From the outside world, he has grasped the local conditions and customs that are not found in books, and his perception of all things is true and credible. Isn't this what he has been pursuing?

So, even though the monastery was such a safe shelter for him, Popolo knew very well that he couldn't stay here forever, this place of wisdom but rigid, solemn but cold, seemed to breathe with the great The beat of the majority.

The former monk Popolo left here without nostalgia, and the future will not be different.

Once Prince Lemon and Chichikov were successfully sent out of the church, his mission would be completed.He will continue to roam the world, open up infinite possibilities with his limited life, and continue his mysterious and noble career.

"Please come in."

An elegant and mellow voice sounded from behind the door. Popolo pushed the door open, saw the slender figure by the window, and bowed deeply, "Sorry, did you bother you at this hour, Bishop Hayden?"

The man standing by the window turned around, and the twilight reflected a film of light on the lenses of the gold-rimmed glasses.Douglas Hayden is nearly 30 years old this year, with a stern face, a high nose bridge, and light brown hair that has been carefully combed, revealing a smooth forehead.His tall and slender body was covered with a snow-white monk's robe, and a black agate necklace decorated with pearls and gold leaves hung around his neck.

He adjusted his glasses, and the reflection from the lenses dissipated, revealing a pair of deep and cold eyes.After seeing that it was Popolo, Douglas Hayden's cold cheeks slightly relaxed, and a faint smile even appeared on his lips.

"When it's just you and me, don't hold back, Popolo," said the young bishop. "Just call me Douglas."

Popolo, also unceremonious, said excitedly, "Yes, Douglas!"

The bishop invited him to the soft leather sofa, sat opposite the black-robed monk, skillfully filled two white porcelain cups with black tea, and then crossed his legs, waiting for the other to speak.The Archbishop of the Twilight Empire poured tea for him. Popolo didn't feel anything wrong, but nodded solemnly and said, "Douglas, I came to you today to ask you something."

Douglas's lenses were misted by the hot air, "Please tell me."

"About the dead Bishop Baldwin." Popolo said sadly, "I want to know more about him. Because he was my mentor, he was kind to me, and I didn't stay with him before he died. bedside, and as a student, I feel like I'm remiss of duty."

Douglas held the porcelain plate, his tone was calm and gentle, each syllable was precisely stuck in its proper position, "What do you want to know about him?"

"The cause of his death." Popolo said, "As far as I know, my teacher is in good health. He was in his 50s and could lift two buckets full of water without breathing, and his voice was louder than that of a young man... Such a person, in such a short period of time, said he died of an incurable disease ... I can't accept it."

"Disease can consume a person's life more than you can imagine." Douglas said quietly, "Don't say it is a few years, even a few days, a healthy person may also die suddenly due to a fever due to infection of some kind of bacteria. Human beings think that they Omnipotent, in fact, a bacterium that is invisible to the naked eye can knock them down. People are very fragile, and we temper our body and mind, but in the end it is nothing more than making ourselves stronger in the face of disasters... Although the result As far as the situation is concerned, there is not much difference, once a disaster strikes, the current human beings are absolutely unable to resist."

Popolo asked in amazement, "You mean Mr. Baldwin died of germs?"

"I didn't say that." Douglas took a sip of black tea slowly, "I just said that your inference in the last sentence is not valid."

Popolo said, "Then can you tell me the specific cause of death?"

Douglas was silent for a while, staring at the monk in front of him with deep eyes, "Sorry, this is confidential, I can't tell you."

Popolo showed obvious disappointment on his face, and asked eagerly, "Then before my teacher died, uh... did he say anything? For example, some proverbs, or repentance and exhortations, and..."

"He misses you very much." The porcelain cups and saucers were put back on the table, Douglas wiped the corners of his lips with a soft handkerchief, and wrapped his knuckle fingers in snow-white gloves.He said, "He mentioned you, Popolo. He said you would always be his proud student."

Popolo was shocked, and tears almost came out of his eyes. He covered his face and choked with sobs, "My teacher can think of me...for such a disobedient student... Lord, thank you for your gift..."

Bishop Douglas stared at the expression of the black-robed monk, and certain emotions in his eyes gradually froze.He clasped his hands, put them on his crossed legs, and said softly, "I can ask you... You have been away from the monastery for so many years and have no contact with Bishop Baldwin. Why do you suddenly care about him so much?"

"Suddenly?" Popolo scratched his hair and said embarrassingly, "ah, I'm ashamed to say it. In fact, for a while, I didn't think of my teacher...but that was temporary. Mr. Baldwin is a learned man, Many of his ideas are deeply reflected in the world, like a transparent mirror. Wherever he goes, his wise words can be clearly reflected in my mind...so I think of him. Some people are forever It will not be forgotten."

"I see." Douglas nodded and murmured in a low voice, "It seems...the last time I didn't do it thoroughly enough..."

Popolo asked, "What's the matter, Douglas?"

"It's nothing." The young bishop raised his head, and as soon as his eyes met the black-robed monk, Popolu couldn't help shivering.

"What about me?" Douglas said, "You've been wandering around the world, but have you ever thought of me?"

"You, Douglas?" Popolo was startled, and immediately laughed, "What are you talking about? We just met, Bishop Hayden!"

"Yes." The young bishop smiled lightly, "We just met. Just kidding, don't mind."

Popolo said solemnly, "In the days to come, I will never forget you, and I will always remember you in my heart, Douglas!"

Douglas frowned slightly, "In the days to come? Do you want to leave the church, Popolo?"

"Yes. In fact, I had this kind of plan in the morning." Popolo said, "I will leave after sorting out Mr. Baldwin's manuscript, and go to a wider world!" The black-robed monk said more and more excitedly, "Douglas , do you know? The experience of wandering abroad made me understand many things. Many books do not exist, or have, but they are not presented in rigid characters, but clear and changing knowledge like flowing water. They are all-encompassing, and more importantly, they are also Waiting between heaven and earth for us to dig out their secrets!"

Douglas quietly looked at the black-robed monk who was beaming with joy, without interrupting the other party's passionate emotions, but his eyes became more and more deep and unpredictable.He didn't say a word the whole time, and only smiled when Popolo finished the conversation, "I understand your pursuit, Popolo..."

"There will be no one in the world who understands where you belong better than me," he said.

The door was closed, and the sound of brisk footsteps disappeared in the corridor.

And the young bishop in the room, with his hands behind his back, stared straight at the cold black tea, and his eyes shifted from the calm cup of noodles to the bell next to him.He stretched out his hand to press the copper button, and after a while, five monks in white robes walked in outside the door and saluted him respectfully.

And Douglas Hayden immediately shed the gentle and calm outer skin just now.He was sitting at the table, leaning on his chin with his hands, the atmosphere around him plummeted to a coldness.

The monks who were called into the room immediately held their breath nervously.

"Belloc, did you give the letter I gave you to those two people?"

A monk replied, "My lord, the letter has arrived. The old Chichikov has agreed to attend the dinner."

Douglas said, "Strengthen the church's defenses and never allow the two of them to take the opportunity to escape."

"Yes."

"Also." The young bishop narrowed his eyes, "That monk named Popolu..."

He whispered the matter to the white-robed monk in front of him, everyone was stunned, and some of them were worried.

One asked hesitantly, "Why are you doing this, Bishop?"

"There is no reason." Douglas said coldly, "Just do what I say. If you have any objections, you can withdraw. After all, there are people who want to be my students."

The rest of the people were silent for a while, and nodded sparsely in response.Douglas turned his head and glanced at the wall clock, got up and took out the black satin cloak in the closet, and said coldly, "If there is no problem, go get ready." He turned his eyes and said threateningly, "If anyone makes a mistake ...I'll cure anyone's 'problem', understand?"

The monks in white robes seemed to recall some bad memories, they nodded tremblingly, and hurriedly ran out of the room, closing the door tightly.

Douglas was left alone in the dark room.

In the dark, the young bishop methodically tidied up the black wooden table, sorted out the files and files, and put every fragmentary item back in its place.The furnishings on the table returned to order and tidiness, which was refreshing. Douglas walked to the sofa, faced the untouched cup of black tea, silently for a moment, and picked it up——

[You don't remember me, Vash.That damned old Baldwin can bring you back, but you've forgotten me. 】

With a snap, the plate accidentally fell to pieces on the ground.With trembling shoulders, Douglas stretched out his hand to the shattered tiles in a trance.He sneered secretly in the darkness, as if he was laughing at himself.

The palm of the hand was quickly cut by the sharp edge, and there was a dense pain.But he didn't seem to feel it, and he held the porcelain tightly until the blood dripped from his pale fingers and dripped onto the deep black carpet.

"There will be no one in the world who understands where you belong better than me..." he said silently, his tone gradually changed from coldness to frenzy of gnashing his teeth.

"Because I understand... so I have the right to decide your destination more than anyone else."

****

"This place is built like a maze."

Chichikov sighed after me.The old man's current situation is very unusual. In the past, he was the calmest person and could always make decisions that were most beneficial to him.

Today is a little more impatient and anxious.

He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot, but I was calm. Seeing his delirious appearance, I even gloated a little. "Don't worry, old man, I am very familiar with Santa Maria Cathedral. I often came here to worship when I was a child."

A few chatting monks came towards us, we turned to the corner, and waited until the chuckling sound went away before we started sneaking.Chichikov followed behind me, stopping from time to time to play tricks, and said to me, "We still have to go down."

I frowned and said, "Are you sure? This is already the bottom floor, and it's underground if you go down."

"My other eye won't lie to me." Pointing to his gray-blue eye, he said, "It tells me that its other half is deeper in this church."

"Okay, I'll just believe for the time being that your damn sense works." I walked in front of Chichikov, groping forward, and thinking about his strange eyes secretly.One can only see the "past" and the other can only see the "future"... If I get them, even if I kill this sinister old man, I can still get the information I want.

I fumbled for the obsidian around my neck, and the dagger I took out of the goose's stomach.My undead are there, as are my weapons.If the old man and I really fight, I'm sure enough to kill him and crush his little bugs by the way.

We sneaked into a remote hut, the door was unlocked, and the surroundings were silent, only a huge statue of a god was placed in the center, and under the statue was a large low cabinet, which firmly supported the base of the statue, looking smooth and bright.

Chichikov's eyelids twitched, "According to the movement of the other eye, it's right under here."

I frowned and stared at the carpet, and said, "What can we do? Dig a hole in the ground?"

Chichikov and I squatted on the ground together, relatively silent.Just as we were thinking hard, the crisp impact of metal products suddenly hit our eardrums across a wall.Chichikov and I looked at each other, moved silently, walked to the next room, squatted down, and looked through the keyhole——

"Give me the scissors!"

"Do you need gauze over there? I see a lot of blood."

"It's okay, I can stop it. This cultivator's brain has been remodeled once. Be careful, don't damage the organization..."

It seems that there are two worlds inside and outside the door.Chichikov and I leaned together at the keyhole, staring at the scene before us in astonishment.

Several monks in white robes wrapped their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs, only showing a pair of cold eyes, staring at the sleeping man on the stage—no, it should be said "object" is more appropriate.There is no emotion in the eyes of these people, only numbness and calmness of course.They are holding sharp instruments with cold light, some are a pair of small iron tongs, some are a thin knife, and some are holding iron objects.The metal container reflected the cold and hard texture, and it was filled with blood-stained cotton.

And Popolo lay under their outstretched knives, his skull cut open to reveal the soft interior.Those people held a bottle of fuchsia reagent in their hands, unscrewed it, and stroked the top of the brain with a scalpel, as if looking for a port to pour it down.

"..."

My eyes widened in surprise.Although I don't know the ins and outs of the matter, my intuition tells me that Popolo was coerced, and it was definitely not his intention to have his brain dissected.

Anger burned into my chest, I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists, staring at the white-robed monks inside, my palms were sweating coldly.I pressed my hand on the doorknob, stroked the obsidian, and was about to call Luo out...

"I saw!"

At this moment, an unquestionable force came from my shoulders, pulling me up and away from the gate!Chichikov's eyes shone brightly, as if he hadn't seen Popolo being dissected, and he said eagerly, "I saw it. In that room just now... the low cabinet inside was hollow, and there were bolts attached to the hole beside it. A rope, along which you can climb underground!"

"My eyes are hidden there!"