Chapter 80: Departure and Division

“What about the Sanctuary? How are our preparations and arrangements?” Yin Seventeen asked again.

Kamian shook his head and replied softly, “The specifics haven’t been announced yet.”

“But I saw that the Silver Saints of the Peacock, Orion, and King Cepheus have all been summoned and are waiting in the Sanctuary!”

“Even they were called back? It seems this crusade will be extraordinary indeed!” Yin Seventeen was astonished.

Peacock, Orion, and King Cepheus—these three Saints bore the title of Silver, but were universally recognized as the strongest among their rank in the Sanctuary, possessing the limits of Silver power and nearing the realm of the Gold Saints. It was even possible that they had already awakened the seventh sense.

Ordinarily, the Pope would never concentrate such top-tier power in one place. With their abilities, each could easily handle matters alone. Now, the three had gathered for the first time, waiting on standby—a clear indication of how dire the situation in North America had become.

This time, the Sanctuary was preparing to act decisively.

“What a pity! My injury won’t heal anytime soon. I won’t be able to take part in the North American crusade!” Kamian sighed in disappointment.

Seeing this, Yin Seventeen patted his shoulder and said meaningfully, “Don’t worry, there will be a time when you’re needed.”

“I hope so,” Kamian grimaced in pain as the gesture tugged at his wound, quickly brushing the hand off his shoulder.

“Well then, I won’t waste your time. I’m heading back to train!” Yin Seventeen stood up and walked toward the seaside.

He preferred to train by the sea.

“I’ll head back as well. Goodbye!” Ruolan rose in turn, bade farewell, and departed.

The days passed in waiting. The Pope had not yet issued the order to march. Yin Seventeen cut rocks into bricks and built a small stone house by the shore as his dwelling.

He was now a full-fledged Saint, no longer suited to living in the training camp.

A Saint who had ignited his cosmos was already immune to heat and cold, and didn’t need a house, but he felt that sleeping outside lacked a certain something.

So he built the stone house.

One day, as he was practicing carving by the sea, the voice of the Pope echoed down from the Sacred Mountain.

“In the name of the Goddess, I command the Gold Saints Taurus, Cancer, and Aquarius, as well as the Silver Saints Peacock, Orion, King Cepheus... assemble at the foot of the Sacred Mountain. Proceed to North America and vanquish the evil god!”

“To summon three Golds and three top Silvers at once—that’s quite the lineup!” Yin Seventeen clicked his tongue as he listened to the lengthy list.

Besides these six elite warriors, the Pope also called three more Silvers and nine Bronzes as support.

In total: three Golds, six Silvers, and nine Bronzes.

Currently, Aries, Gemini, Libra, and Sagittarius—the four Gold Saints—were not present, leaving only eight Golds in the Sanctuary.

The Pope was sending out three Golds, nearly half the power of the Twelve Temples.

Such a crusading force was truly impressive.

Yet, there was something else that complicated Yin Seventeen’s feelings.

His own name was prominently listed among those summoned.

He hesitated for a long moment, then sighed helplessly.

“So be it. Let’s go! Isn’t this the extraordinary life I once sought?”

He had chosen to become a Saint to step into the realm of the extraordinary, to escape an ordinary fate.

Not for faith, nor for justice—only for himself.

Battles were part of his transcendental journey as a Saint.

If he only sought to avoid danger and enjoy comfort, then what meaning would all his hard training have? How would he differ from those who lived mediocre lives?

With this thought, he swung his hand lightly toward the ground.

A silver blade of energy flew forth, instantly slicing all the “creations” he had carved during practice into two.

He was no sculptor, but he didn’t want his clumsy “artworks” falling into others’ hands—destroying them was best.

After checking to ensure nothing was left behind, he strode toward the Sacred Mountain.

When he arrived at the foot of the mountain, many Saints were already waiting.

The three Gold Saints stood at the forefront, clad in dazzling golden armor and drawing all eyes.

Camus radiated a white chill, his expression forbidding and unapproachable. Aldebaran was kindly conversing with the Silvers and Bronzes. The last, Deathmask, wore a mischievous grin, manipulating several white specters that darted through the crowd, causing endless annoyance, yet no one could do anything.

Especially the female Saints, whose faces had turned pale and grim.

If not for Deathmask’s overwhelming strength, they would have torn him apart by now.

Just then, a familiar voice called from behind Yin Seventeen.

“Hey, Lord Seventeen!”

Without turning, Yin Seventeen sensed the familiar cosmos and knew who it was.

It was Ruolan of Lepus, also summoned to join this campaign.

Meanwhile, seeing her arrive, Deathmask’s expression tightened and he quickly dispersed the ghosts.

That rabbit was terrified of such things; if she were frightened again, he’d suffer for days.

With the specters gone, the Saints finally relaxed.

Noticing the clear increase in Ruolan’s cosmos, Yin Seventeen glanced at her and remarked, “Looks like you haven’t wasted these days.”

Master Dohko had said that the rabbit’s talent was excellent, but her training lax.

In just over ten days, her strength had improved noticeably.

She must have worked hard.

Hearing the praise, Ruolan’s face lit up with pride.

“Of course!”

“If not for the Pope’s summons, I might have broken through to Silver by year’s end!”

“That’s not certain! Can you really keep up hard training until then?” Yin Seventeen teased, glancing playfully at her.

“Well...” At his words, Ruolan’s confidence collapsed.

Just ten days of intense training had nearly worn out her patience. To continue like that until the end of the year seemed unlikely.

On the other side, seeing everyone had assembled, Aldebaran raised his voice to address the crowd.

“Everyone, please listen!”

All turned toward him and quieted at once.

Aldebaran nodded in satisfaction and continued, “The Pope has appointed me as commander of this North American crusade.”

“I have decided to divide you into three groups, advancing from different directions toward the center of North America, eliminating all evil god forces along the way.”

“Deathmask, Camus, and I will remain in the center, monitoring the enemy’s movements and your progress, ready to support you at any time.”

“Now, I will assign your squads.”

Everyone perked up, eager not to miss their names.

“First group, led by Mayura of Peacock, with Yin Seventeen of Crater as deputy, joined by Ruolan of Lepus, Mei of Delphinus, and Fei of Piscis Austrinus. You will begin the purge from the northwest of North America.”

“Second group, led by...”