[Chapter Thirteen] Lin Xiaoyang Travels to the Vatican
Lin Xiaoyang stepped onto the cobblestone streets of Rome. The sky was overcast, and in the distance, St. Peter’s Basilica of the Vatican rose majestically. The sculptures beneath its dome seemed to silently gaze upon the storm that was about to unfold. His hand slipped into the inner pocket of his trench coat, fingertips lightly brushing the handwritten letter from Princess Maria, and a trace of unease rose in his heart.
Outside the dormitory of the College of Cardinals, an old bronze lamp swayed in the breeze, casting mottled shadows. Lin Xiaoyang pushed the door open, and a strong aroma of incense wafted towards him. His gaze swept through the shadows, eventually resting upon Father John Chen in a deep-colored oak desk, dressed in a long black robe.
The priest had his back to him, flipping through a parchment-bound book, the candlelight flickering in his deep eyes behind his glasses.
“Mr. Lin,” Father John said without turning around, yet already knowing who had arrived. His voice was low and steady. “I have been waiting for you for some time.”
Lin Xiaoyang was slightly taken aback, then respectfully withdrew the letter from his inner pocket and handed it over: “This is a letter personally written by Princess Maria. Please review it.”
The priest took the envelope, his fingers breaking the seal wax. As the paper unfolded, the candlelight shimmered faintly on the ink. His eyes quickly scanned the contents, remaining silent for a long moment before letting out a long sigh.
“What must come will come sooner or later,” Father John said as he closed the letter, a trace of inscrutable light flickering in his eyes. “The dark world is about to be engulfed in blood and chaos.”
Lin Xiaoyang clasped his hands, his brow furrowing slightly: “Father, do you mean that the confrontation between Princess Maria and Duke Anderson is now unavoidable?”
“Exactly!” The priest’s voice suddenly became as firm as rock, his gaze sharp as a blade that seemed to pierce through history. “This will be a battle to the death. It is not about good or evil, only about victory or defeat!”
Lin Xiaoyang stared into the priest’s deep eyes, his tone tinged with caution: “So this war… we can only win; we cannot lose?”
The priest nodded resolutely: “If Princess Maria falls, Anderson will unite the dark world, and human society will face an unprecedented catastrophe.”
Lin Xiaoyang’s fists clenched slightly, knuckles whitening: “So, Father, you are willing to personally intervene to aid the princess?”
“Slaying demons and exorcising evil is my calling,” Father John said as he rose, his cloak billowing slightly, exuding an invisible majesty. “Even if the princess had not come to seek me, I could not have remained idle. Over these years, Anderson has been continuously expanding his power, and he has trained two major lieutenants—Jack the Ripper and Phantom Hand George. Their magical powers and methods of killing are enough to shake the entire dark world.”
Lin Xiaoyang raised an eyebrow: “It sounds as though you are quite familiar with Anderson’s camp?”
The priest smiled faintly, pushing up his gold-rimmed glasses: “Princess Maria has been providing me with intelligence, so we have been able to fully track the enemy’s movements. Moreover, we have discovered that the duke has a hidden ace up his sleeve—the Archmage Ruf.”
Lin Xiaoyang’s heart skipped a beat: “Archmage Ruf? His connection with the princess… seems to be more than casual?”
The priest’s smile deepened, laden with meaning: “You are perceptive, Mr. Lin. Indeed, this Archmage is both righteous and sinister, and his relationship with the princess is far from superficial.”
Lin Xiaoyang’s eyes flickered. After a moment of contemplation, he asked: “Then, where does the princess obtain her intelligence?”
The priest lightly folded his hands and spoke in a low voice: “That is the key. Within Anderson’s camp, there have long been spies arranged by the princess. Therefore, we are always able to gain the upper hand in information.”
“But,” Lin Xiaoyang narrowed his eyes, “wouldn’t Anderson try to plant spies within the princess’s forces in retaliation?”
“Of course he has tried,” the priest said, a glint of sharpness in his eyes, “but he has never succeeded.”
Lin Xiaoyang looked puzzled: “Why?”
“Because the princess possesses telepathy,” the priest said slowly, his tone imbued with profound reverence. “She can precisely perceive another’s thoughts; any plot or scheme is fully exposed before her.”
A sudden image flashed through Lin Xiaoyang’s mind: “No wonder… Huang Lihua can also read minds.”
The priest smiled: “That skill was personally taught by the princess. Huang Lihua was originally Anderson’s court painter, but later he was swayed by Wilson and became our informant within the enemy camp.”
Lin Xiaoyang pondered for a moment, then said quietly: “But why did the princess declare that I would play a decisive role at the critical moment?”
The priest’s eyes darkened suddenly, a hint of mystery in his voice: “Because your identity is special.”
“My identity?” Lin Xiaoyang’s heart skipped a beat.
“What Anderson fears most is your past life—David Fili, Chief of Guards,” the priest revealed the astonishing truth slowly. “In previous centuries, Anderson was defeated several times under David’s command. Now that you have awakened, you have become a variable in this battle.”
Lin Xiaoyang drew in a sharp breath, his heart surging like a tide: “Father, it seems you know my past very well…”
“Fortunately, I am your ally,” the priest said with a light laugh, “otherwise, you would already be trapped in an abyss with no return.”
Lin Xiaoyang pressed his lips together and remained silent.
The priest walked slowly to the desk, extending a hand, his fingertips trembling slightly as an invisible force surged forth. The quill on the desk suddenly floated into the air, swiftly writing the three Chinese characters “Essence, Qi, Spirit” on the paper, before gently settling back onto the desk.
Lin Xiaoyang’s eyes widened in astonishment: “This… this is telekinesis?”
The priest withdrew his hand and smiled, nodding: “Your body contains powerful true energy. Once you learn to utilize it, this ability will be nothing more than basic skill for you.”
Lin Xiaoyang remained half-doubtful. The priest gently patted his shoulder: “You still have time to practice on the way back. I will guide you from the side. But now, there is no time to delay. I must pack my things, take the magical instruments, and accompany you to Lake Lucerne.”
Having spoken, the priest turned, his cloak sweeping across the candlelight like a streak of black flowing light under the night sky, disappearing into the depths of the room.
46
The train roared as it sped along, the European fields outside the window rushing backward in the twilight, while the warm yellow light of the carriage illuminated the faces of Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang. The soft seats swayed slightly, and the aroma of coffee drifted from a neighboring passenger’s hand, mingling with the rhythm of the wheels rolling over the tracks, creating a serene atmosphere for the journey.
Father John Chen took out a brown ceramic cup and gently placed it upside down on the small table in front of him, something pressing against its bottom. His fingers tapped lightly on the rim, producing a faint “tap tap” sound, then his gaze turned deeply toward Lin Xiaoyang.
“Xiaoyang, close your eyes, take a deep breath,” his tone low and steady, as if guiding some mysterious door to slowly open. “Slow your heartbeat, regulate your breathing, then open your eyes and focus on this ceramic cup—concentrate, sense its interior, and tell me what you see.”
Lin Xiaoyang swallowed and furrowed his brow slightly. He inhaled deeply, closed his eyes for a few seconds, and when he opened them again, his gaze was firmly locked on the ceramic cup.
Time seemed to stretch; the conversation in the carriage, the slight vibrations on the luggage racks, all gradually blurred. His sight seemed to penetrate the thickness of the ceramic cup, and the world beneath it slowly emerged.
“I…” his pupils contracted, his voice tinged with surprise and excitement, “I see it! There is a ring set with a gemstone, and also a cross-shaped brooch!”
Father John Chen nodded, a hint of satisfied smile curling at his lips. “Very good. Now, look closely—tell me the color of the gemstone and the texture of the brooch.”
Lin Xiaoyang held his breath, concentrating further, murmuring, “The gemstone is green, probably an emerald… the brooch is silver-white, seems to be made of silver.”
“Very good.” Father John Chen smiled gently and patted his shoulder. “For you, this is just that easy.”
Lin Xiaoyang’s heartbeat slowly returned to normal, though excitement was still mingled with some doubt. He looked up at Father John Chen, frowning. “But even if I have this ability, can it really help me deal with Anderson’s group? Just being able to see through things—can that help me win?”
Father John Chen looked at him intently, a certain intriguing light flickering in his eyes. He spoke softly: “Do not underestimate yourself. Clairvoyance is only your first key—it opens doors, but not just this one.”
The train jolted slightly. Father John Chen put away the ceramic cup and its contents, leaned back in his seat, and closed his eyes, as if the journey were merely a brief rest for him.
Lin Xiaoyang gazed at the darkness rushing past the window, his mind surging with thoughts. He shook his head, gave a wry smile, and then pulled a martial arts comic, Taiji, from his backpack, trying to pass time with the sense of justice and revenge in its illustrations. Yet, the earlier vision could not be dismissed—the secret beneath that ceramic cup, and Father John Chen’s words, planted a seed in his heart, like some kind of prophecy.
The snow-capped mountains outside glimmered with a cold brilliance, as if foretelling the storm ahead.
As dusk descended, the train stopped at a small station, and several passengers entered the carriage. A fashionably dressed young couple sat down in the seats diagonally opposite Xiaoyang. The young man had a scarf wrapped around his face. Xiaoyang looked at him for several seconds, and then clearly saw that there were two marks on his cheeks like wounds. Xiaoyang looked more carefully, and was startled. He cursed inwardly, “What kind of monster is this man? There is actually a pair of gills on his cheeks? That is really frightening...”
Lin Xiaoyang turned his gaze toward the girl. Beneath her pair of glamorous eyes, the part hidden by a black silk scarf revealed two pairs of sharp canine fangs and an extremely ferocious lower half of the face.
Lin Xiaoyang thought to himself, “This woman is wearing a human-skin mask. She must be a vampire. These two are obviously not good people...”
The sleeping Father Chen John quietly stretched out his hand and grasped the pulse point on Lin Xiaoyang’s wrist. Xiaoyang clearly heard Father Chen’s voice transmitted through the pulse of the heart: “You have already discovered that this man and woman are not good people. Do not alert the enemy yet. Later, we will follow them when they get off the train.”
Lin Xiaoyang replied through heart-voice, “All right, Father.” Lin Xiaoyang pretended that nothing had happened and continued flipping through his martial arts comic book, yet he heard the man lean close to the woman’s ear and whisper.
Keith said, “Rona, did you notice? That priest and that young man sitting in the seat diagonally in front of us.”
Rona said, “I noticed them, Keith. That priest is surrounded by a masculine killing aura. He seems to be a highly capable expert. However, the one I am more worried about is actually the young man sitting beside the priest who was looking at us just now.”
Keith asked, “What did you notice about that young man, Rona?”
Rona said, “The magnetic field around that young man is actually radiating far-infrared rays with a penetrating force like gamma rays, and I cannot see any flaw in him at all.”
Keith said, “Your cultivation is higher than mine. I only instinctively sensed that the young man possesses very strong electromagnetic waves.”
Rona said, “If the other side has already discovered our identities, I am afraid they will not let us off easily. We must be more cautious in tonight’s operation. I do not want to provoke these two mysterious experts whose origins are unknown.”
Keith said, “In all these years that you and I have joined forces on missions, I have never seen you as nervous as you are now. Even if the other side really are hostile experts, if we join forces, they may not necessarily gain the advantage.”
Rona warned, “Do not be too confident. Experts are everywhere in this world. There is no need for us to confront them head-on. When acting outside, it is always better to be cautious.”
Lin Xiaoyang listened to the conversation between the man and the woman, and immediately conveyed the general meaning of it to Chen John through heart-pulse transmission.
Chen John said, “This man and woman have become wary of us. Let us relax first, close our eyes, and rest, so that their vigilance will ease.”
“All right, Father.” Lin Xiaoyang put down his comic book and closed his eyes to rest. Immediately afterward, he again heard the man and woman whispering to each other.
Rona said, “When the train arrives at Milan Station later, we will get off separately through the front and rear doors, and then meet outside the fountain in front of Milan Cathedral.”
Keith asked, “Is it really necessary for you to be this cautious? This does not seem like your usual style of doing things.”
Rona said in a firmer tone, “Listen to me. You will not go wrong.”
Lin Xiaoyang immediately transmitted the content of the two people’s conversation to Chen John once more.
Chen John replied through heart-voice, “Then we shall let them do the work for us and go directly to wait for them in front of Milan Cathedral.”
Lin Xiaoyang replied, “All right, Father.”
47
The train slowly entered Milan Station, the friction of metal wheels against rails producing a sharp, piercing sound, especially jarring in the quiet of the night. The dim platform lights illuminated a few scattered passengers, some hurrying along, some dragging their luggage wearily.
Inside the carriage, the man and woman rose as expected. The man walked toward the rear door, while the woman chose the front. She moved gracefully, draped in a deep red long coat, her steps so light that they made almost no sound.
“Let’s go,” Father John Chen said softly, then rose and patted Lin Xiaoyang on the shoulder.
Lin Xiaoyang nodded, adjusted his coat, and followed Father John Chen, the two walking toward the front door as if nothing were amiss, maintaining just the right distance—neither hurried nor slow, like ordinary travelers.
After the woman stepped off, her pace paused slightly, as if sensing something, she glanced back, her eyes sweeping past the priest and Lin Xiaoyang, then she subtly quickened her steps and disappeared into the flow of passengers on the platform.
The air on the platform was tinged with the smell of rust and machine oil, mixed with the cool night air.
Lin Xiaoyang frowned, lowering his voice: “Father, when I got close to that female vampire just now, I smelled a strange odor…”
“Hm?” Father John Chen’s eyes flickered slightly. “What kind of smell?”
“Rotting corpse,” Lin Xiaoyang’s throat moved as he spoke, a trace of discomfort on his brow. “That pungent, nauseating stench, like… like a long-sealed corpse, mixed with a damp, moldy smell.”
Father John Chen stopped walking, turned to him, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. “That’s right, Xiaoyang, this shows your superpower has already begun to manifest.”
“Ordinary people would probably only smell her perfume, right?” Lin Xiaoyang sniffed, still feeling the odor linger.
“Exactly, that stench cannot be completely masked by perfume. Your senses have surpassed the boundaries of ordinary humans; you can detect her inherent decay.”
The streetlights ahead flickered on and off, casting long shadows on the cobblestone road, swaying like phantoms.
“They intentionally split up, trying to take a longer route,” Father John Chen chuckled softly, hands in his coat pockets, his tone calm. “No need to rush; we’ll stroll past the cathedral slowly, giving them time to arrange their positions.”
Lin Xiaoyang glanced at the priest, hesitated, then said: “Father, there’s one more strange thing… the Latin they spoke, I could understand it, and every sentence was clear to me.”
“Oh?” Father John Chen raised an eyebrow, tilting his head to observe him. “But you never studied Latin, right?”
“Not at all,” Lin Xiaoyang smiled wryly. “Yet I not only understood what they said, but I could accurately translate it in my mind… it feels inexplicably eerie.”
“That’s simple,” Father John Chen said lightly, his gaze deepening in the night. “It means your past life learned Latin, and now, your past-life memories are gradually awakening.”
Lin Xiaoyang froze, throat moving as if to object, but he felt he could not deny it. He lowered his head, scratched the back of his neck, and awkwardly changed the subject: “By the way, on the train, I was reading a comic, right? Suddenly I felt… this comic gave me a lot of inspiration.”
“Oh?” Father John Chen’s interest was piqued, a slight smile curling his lips. “What kind of comic?”
“A martial arts one,” Lin Xiaoyang raised the comic. On the cover, a hero wore a long robe, sword drawn, exuding lethal intent. “It has some martial arts techniques and cultivation methods… Although just a comic, some concepts feel oddly similar to what we’re experiencing.”
Father John Chen chuckled softly, as if recalling something, his tone tinged with nostalgia: “Eastern martial arts novels… back when I was studying at the seminary, I secretly read a few. But martial arts comics… those hadn’t even appeared yet.”
Under the night sky, the cathedral’s bells tolled deeply, echoing throughout Milan, like a summons from ancient times.
49
The night hung low, and the fountain in front of Milan Cathedral shimmered with silvery water under the lights. The crowd in the square gradually dispersed, leaving only solitary pigeons pacing on the cobblestones. Lorna walked briskly, her figure blending into the darkness, her long dress swaying gently in the breeze, eyes tinged with a hint of anxiety. From another direction, Keith emerged from the shadows, alertly scanning around. Only after confirming that no one was following did he approach her.
“Lorna,” Keith whispered, “The priest and that boy didn’t follow us, right?”
Lorna panted slightly, as if she had just shaken off something ominous. She patted her chest and exhaled in relief: “No, they took another path. I thought we were being watched; my heart was beating so fast.”
Keith curved his lips into a teasing smile: “See? You always scare yourself.”
“Anyway, we must remain cautious,” Lorna said, crossing her arms, tilting her head slightly, her eyes still wary.
However, in the shadows around the corner, Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang quietly observed the scene. The night wind swept past the priest’s long robe, bringing a heavy sense of oppression. His gaze, like a hawk’s, locked firmly onto the two specters.
“The prey has appeared,” Father John Chen said in a low voice, his tone cold and decisive. “Xiaoyang, can you handle them?”
Lin Xiaoyang’s lips curved slightly upward, showing a hint of a daring, eager smile. “Learning as I go… I think I can manage.” He clenched his fingers, a subtle flow of energy coursing through his palms.
“Then let’s go.” Father John Chen stepped out of the shadows in long strides, his robe sweeping with the wind, exuding the solemn authority of a religious judge.
Lorna and Keith were about to turn away when suddenly a strong oppressive force hit them. Both spun around, seeing Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang advancing step by step, like death walking out of the night.
“The two demons of the spirit realm,” Father John Chen’s lips curled into a cold smile, his voice low and commanding, “You’re in a hurry, planning to harm innocents, aren’t you?”
“You… you…!” Lorna staggered back, her face turning pale instantly, her lips trembling, speech failing her.
Keith immediately reacted, suppressing his unease, standing in front of Lorna, staring at the priest with calm determination: “Father, we live in two different worlds, and normally, we should not interfere with each other. We have no intention of making enemies.”
“You are right,” Father John Chen’s gaze sharpened, “The living and the dead should not influence each other, but you have chosen to harm innocents. This is no longer a question of interference. As a member of the clergy, I cannot stand by and do nothing.”
Lorna forced herself to remain calm, raising her hands slightly in a pacifying gesture: “Father, we are acting under orders; we have no choice… why insist so harshly?”
“Under whose orders? That old serpent Anderson?” Father John Chen demanded sharply, his gaze like a blade, “One day, I will settle accounts with him. As for now, you have only two choices—either surrender, and I will destroy the dark magic that binds you and hand you over to Princess Maria, or fight, and we shall see who survives!”
A shiver ran through Lorna’s heart, and a dreadful whisper echoed in her mind. Her eyes widened in terror as she exclaimed: “You… you are the ‘Man Who Frightens Ghosts,’ Chen John?!”
Father John Chen sneered: “You are knowledgeable—but unfortunately, it is already too late.”
Keith sensed danger immediately and turned sharply to Lorna, whispering: “Lorna, it seems they have no intention of letting us go.”
“That’s right,” Father John Chen said coldly, his eyes piercing like they could see through souls: “As long as the demons exist, the world will never know peace.”
Keith clenched his jaw, fists tightening slightly: “Then there’s no need to hesitate. If we cannot coexist, let’s have a decisive battle!”
“Wait!” Lorna suddenly grabbed Keith’s wrist, pulling him back a step, a flash of struggle and hesitation in her eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions, her voice soft: “Father, we are not your adversaries, and we do not wish for needless sacrifices—perhaps we can negotiate?”
“Negotiate?” Father John Chen raised an eyebrow: “What kind of leverage do you have?”
Lorna spoke firmly: “Actually, I no longer want to be under Anderson’s control.”
“Lorna! Are you insane?!” Keith stared at her in disbelief, anger in his eyes: “Betraying the chief is a capital crime!”
Lorna turned to him, looking deep into his eyes, filled with pain and helplessness: “Keith, wake up. Anderson does not see us as humans; he only uses us to achieve his goals and then discards us. Has he ever cared about our lives?”
Keith’s face darkened with uncertainty, fists tightening and loosening, finally muttering under his breath: “Damn it…”
“You two, discuss among yourselves,” Father John Chen said, arms crossed, eyes sharp like an eagle: “I have all the time.”
Lin Xiaoyang said softly: “Father, we should give them a chance.”
Lorna smiled faintly at him, her tone gentle: “Thank you, young man.” She lifted her eyes to Father John Chen, speaking sincerely: “Father, we are willing to return to the Bat City to serve as your spies.”
“No need to trouble yourselves,” Father John Chen said coldly, smiling: “If you are truly sincere, then come with us to the Sky Castle and meet Princess Maria.”
Lorna hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: “Alright, I want to see the princess.”
“Lorna…” Keith looked at her, expression complicated.
“Come with me,” Lorna said, pleading: “If we stay here, we will just be sacrificed pawns, dying for nothing.”
Keith looked at her for a long moment, finally exhaling softly, unclenching his fists, and slowly nodding: “Alright, you win.”
“Then,” Father John Chen lifted the corner of his mouth: “Let’s go.”
The four of them left the fountain square together, the moonlight casting long shadows behind them.
