Chapter 370: The Purification Ritual
Zheng Yixian entered the cathedral.
Despite the chaos outside, Yuan Kongye remained focused, conducting the final stages of the Gift Ceremony with serene composure.
This particular group consisted of newly recruited followers, most of whom had joined after witnessing Yuan Kongye’s so-called miracles. Their faith had deepened quickly, and they now viewed the Snow God as their ultimate salvation.
As the ceremony neared its end, only a few young boys remained. Guided by their parents, they approached the altar.
These boys had been with the cult for only a week but were already among its most devout, ready to sacrifice their lives for the Snow God.
Yuan Kongye gazed at them with a gentle expression, though a fleeting struggle of inner turmoil crossed her face.
She quickly masked it, burying the conflict deep within her dark pupils.
“Come, my children,” Yuan Kongye called softly, beckoning them forward.
“Trust the Holy Maiden,” one father said gently. “Everything she does is for your own good.”
“You need this purification to become true followers of the Snow God,” another added.
Trusting their parents, the boys hesitantly stepped toward the altar.
Yuan Kongye instructed one of them to lie down on the stone slab. She placed her right hand gently on his forehead.
The boy instantly felt his strength drain away; his limbs became unresponsive, as though they no longer belonged to him.
“Don’t be afraid, child. An evil spirit resides within you. I will cleanse it,” Yuan Kongye said with a serene smile.
Her hand moved deftly, producing a sharp dagger.
The boy’s eyes widened in terror, his pupils contracting as his body froze in fear. He couldn’t even scream.
The other boys stood frozen in horror, unable to comprehend the true nature of this exorcism.
“It will be over soon,” Yuan Kongye reassured him. “I shall purify your impurity myself.”
Without hesitation, she brought the blade down swiftly.
Blood splattered. The boy lost consciousness immediately, his eyes dull and unfocused.
Yuan Kongye placed her glowing hand over his wound, and a soft, holy light emanated from her palm, sealing the injury.
“From now on, you will never become a corrupted demon.”
“The purification is complete.”
The boy’s parents approached, bowing deeply to Yuan Kongye.
“Thank you, Holy Maiden, for cleansing him. He will no longer be tempted by evil.”
“Now he will be a more obedient and good child, won’t he?” the boy’s mother asked hopefully, recalling years of frustration over her son’s unruly behavior.
Yuan Kongye nodded reassuringly. “From now on, he will be a kind and well-behaved child.”
Tears of relief filled the parents’ eyes. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude and carried their unconscious son away.
Meanwhile, the remaining boys were paralyzed with fear, some collapsing to the floor.
“Purification… means cutting that off? No! I don’t want it!”
“I don’t want to be a eunuch!” another wailed.
They tried to flee, but towering figures blocked their path. Their parents stood firm, expressions stern yet strangely comforting.
“You must understand, child. We’re doing this for your own good.”
“You’ve been so disobedient because a demon resides in your heart. Once the Holy Maiden purifies you, you’ll be a good boy.”
“Stop resisting and accept this gift!”
Despite their parents’ encouragement, the boys saw only terrifying faces, like demons themselves.
Behind them, Yuan Kongye’s soft, chilling voice called out:
One by one, the boys underwent the ritual. Their parents, grateful and reverent, thanked Yuan Kongye before taking them home.
Zheng Yixian observed everything from a distance, his expression unreadable.
When the ceremony concluded, the congregation sang praises before gradually dispersing, leaving the cathedral nearly empty.
Only Yuan Kongye and Zheng Yixian remained.
Yuan Kongye approached Zheng Yixian, her gaze falling on his concealed arm. She gently pulled back his cloak, revealing the charred and wounded limb.
“How did it get this bad?” she asked softly, placing her hand over the injury. A warm glow radiated from her palm as she began to heal him.
Zheng Yixian allowed her to stabilize his condition but stopped her midway.
“You’ve already used your powers too many times today. Treat me tomorrow,” he said.
Yuan Kongye smiled faintly, her expression as cold and serene as snow.
“Yangsheng Base’s Xiao Honglian and Chaoyu Base’s Wei Dinghai,” Zheng Yixian replied. “They teamed up against us.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Yuan Kongye’s eyes. “Both bases attacked together?”
Zheng Yixian explained the events leading to the battle, including the mysterious faction they suspected.
After listening, Yuan Kongye’s expression turned thoughtful.
“So, aside from the Followers of the Snow God and West Hill Base, there’s another powerful force in Tianhai City?”
“Could their rise have played a role in West Hill Base’s downfall?”
Zheng Yixian nodded. “This mysterious faction is connected to a man named Zhang Yi. We once received intelligence mentioning him.”
“Considering his ability to contend with West Hill Base for so long, it’s clear he’s no ordinary Superhuman.”
“If not for him, what else could have led to West Hill Base’s destruction?”
Yuan Kongye murmured thoughtfully, “Yet, all evidence points to the missile from Jiangnan District.”
“True,” Zheng Yixian agreed, “but Zhang Yi remains a key figure. His strength and resources shouldn’t be underestimated.”
He added, “The rumors of his vast stockpile of supplies might actually be true.”
A spark of intrigue lit Yuan Kongye’s dark eyes.
“If that’s the case, we should keep a closer watch on him.”
Zheng Yixian stepped forward. “Should we send an envoy to probe him?”