"Emily, this time you'll be leading the team to the Valley of the Undead."
In Themyscira, the sect leader Thalia personally handed the token to Emily.
Few knew that Emily, the third princess of the Phoenix Kingdom, also held another identity—as the direct disciple of the sect leader of Themyscira.
"Yes."
Emily paused for a moment before taking the token.
Thalia looked concerned. "What's been going on lately? You seem a bit distracted."
"It's nothing, Master. Just some trivial matters," Emily shook her head, pulling out a book titled "Uselessness of Spiritual Partners" and said earnestly, "I'm fully committed to understanding this book by Goddess Sylvia. I hope to grasp at least the basics someday."
"Ah, you truly are my most satisfactory disciple, always so insightful," Thalia was pleased, not noticing the hint of melancholy in Emily's expression.
Before that martial arts tournament, she had always listened intently to every teaching from her master.
Deeming "Uselessness of Spiritual Partners" a sacred text and setting Goddess Sylvia as a lofty and sacred goal, Emily had firmly believed that men were the most evil and untouchable beings in the world.
Only by remaining single could one truly attain enlightenment!
But then he appeared...
Emily had never imagined there could be such a man in the world, and since the martial arts tournament in Azure Sea City, her spiritual resolve had been wavering.
"Emily, there's something else I need to tell you."
After dismissing the other disciples, Thalia lowered her voice, "On this trip to the Valley of the Undead, Holy Maiden Aeliana has entrusted you with a task."
"Holy Maiden Aeliana!" Emily was startled.
The Holy Maiden was the most revered figure in the sacred lands.
Each sacred land was a powerful and mysterious entity with ancient heritage.
Although Holy Maiden Aeliana was slightly less renowned than Goddess Sylvia, she was still far beyond the reach of a mere disciple like Emily.
Even for Themyscira, she was an unattainable figure.
"What does the Holy Maiden want me to do?" Emily couldn't help but ask.
"She wants you to help find someone."
"Who?"
"This person is named Timothy, who seems to have recently become a novice disciple at Sky Sanctuary."
"Timothy!"
Hearing that name, Emily's pupils suddenly contracted, as if a deep-seated chord in her heart had been inadvertently struck.
"Do you know him?" Thalia asked.
"No... no," Emily quickly shook her head.
...
Sky Sanctuary,
Listening to the sounds of pitiful crying behind him, Timothy turned and walked away.
One thought dominated his mind: "Well played!"
He wondered what blessing had touched the hands of Saint Zephyra, choosing such a perfect moment to appear!
Alas, having missed two chances already, it seemed even the heavens didn't want his first kiss to disappear so quickly!
Returning to the arena, the disciples, led by Felix, were slightly shocked to see Timothy alive but quickly adopted a mocking tone.
"Can't believe you actually made it back alive."
"But, since the Supreme Goddess is always decisive and fair, even if she spared your life, I guess you and your elder no longer have the right to stay in Sky Sanctuary," Felix said, smirking.
Previously, Felix hadn't dared to confront Timothy directly, but now that he had alarmed the Supreme Goddess, Timothy's influence seemed to be waning.
No matter who stood behind him, there was no room for resistance.
It was time for Felix to regain the face he had just lost.
"Upholding justice and rooting out evil for Sky Sanctuary, Brother Felix truly is commendable!"
"From now on, we must follow Brother Felix and find a way to make him a deacon disciple!"
The flattery continued unabated.
Hearing the surrounding voices, Felix tilted his head back in utter satisfaction, reveling in the moment.
"Brother Felix, before I leave, may I do one more thing?" Timothy suddenly asked.
Already floating on cloud nine and basking in his victory, Felix grandly waved his hand, "Do whatever you want, you won't be here much longer anyway."
"Thanks, Brother." Timothy responded politely, and in a flash, he swung a fierce punch, landing squarely on Felix's pristine face.
"Thud."
The punch was powerful.
Felix's nose and face caved in under the impact, sending him flying across the space.
He crashed into the crowd, his nose shattered, his face throbbing with pain. Felix, with swollen eyes full of rage, exclaimed, "You dare to strike me when you're on your last legs!"
"Thump."
Timothy stepped forward, standing right in front of him.
He kicked out, hitting Felix's face again.
Felix's body flew back over 30 feet, blood and teeth scattering on the ground.
With intense pain coursing through his body, Felix struggled to his feet, half of his teeth knocked out.
"My parents never hit me, and you dare to hit me!"
Anger, fear, and apprehension mixed in his expression.
But he didn't dare confront Timothy directly, only glaring at him venomously.
Just then, a figure in white approached from a distance, her graceful silhouette seemingly carrying a cool aura.
Each step she took radiated an Emperor-level terrifying pressure.
Just one glance at her was enough to instill awe and deter anyone from looking directly.
"The Supreme Goddess has arrived!"
Felix, who had lost all face, suddenly felt overjoyed and emboldened.
Staggering to his feet, he pointed at Timothy with a ferocious look, "Timothy, the Supreme Goddess is here, and you still dare to be arrogant!"
"Today, I will expose your secret collusion in front of everyone."
In a moment, Felix puffed out his chest and snapped open his fan, his whole demeanor exuding a sense of righteous indignation, "Tell us, who exactly appointed you as an outer disciple deacon?"
"Today, the Supreme Goddess will surely act justly and expel him from Sky Sanctuary."
All eyes were on them, most filled with mockery, eager to see a spectacle.
Timothy spread his hands helplessly, "Are you sure you want me to say?"
"Hmph, of course, do you still want to hide it now?" Felix pressed on.
Today, he intended to completely disgrace Timothy, ensuring he could no longer stay in Sky Sanctuary!
Then, leading everyone to victory, he might very well become the next deacon disciple!
Timothy sighed, "Alright, I'll tell you."
"The one who appointed me as a deacon disciple is..."
"Goddess Sylvia."
"Huh?" Everyone was stunned for a moment.
"That's right, it was me." Sylvia's icy voice cut through the silence.