Midnight Conditioning

Upon returning to the monastery, Allen continued his cultivation as if nothing had happened. During the day, he secluded himself in his chambers for quiet meditation. At night, he either used his connection to the Soul Summoning Banner to stealthily return to the Lich Castle to monitor the latest developments in the territory's war, or he would silently sneak up to the monastery's crystal tower to quietly observe the area around the Sacred Pearl.

The Sacred Pearl, which symbolizes both the authority of the monastery and the Divine Court, is the source of power for many of the monastery's strongest individuals. It is the most precious treasure in every monastery. On the surface, it appears unremarkable, but it is surrounded by strict vigilance, and there are several hidden presences that even Allen felt a strong sense of threat from, causing him to be cautious and refrain from making any rash movements. To ensure a successful strike, he chose to remain in hiding within the monastery, patiently waiting for the right opportunity.

With the precision of an iron pen, Allen drew a straight vertical line on the hard staff, etching deep into the wood; then, with a swift turn of his wrist, a sharp arc followed.

Focused, Allen's movements were like a flowing stream—sometimes slow and forceful, sometimes quick as the wind. The black magic pen left behind enigmatic runes on the staff. Pure divine energy seeped through the tip of the pen and into the staff's core, refining its inherent death energy.

This staff, once belonging to Ovisis, was an evil artifact brimming with potent magic. It greatly amplified dark spells such as weakening, slowing, and cursing. In the hands of a necromancer, it could unleash incredible power. However, for a holy white-robed priest, the overwhelming death aura made it unsuitable. Allen's task was to refine it, maintaining its original potency while purifying its death energy and overlaying it with a magic array that could channel divine power.

The coexistence of death and life was nearly inconceivable for both necromancers and the clergy of the Divine Court. Yet for Allen, the Lich King, it was far from difficult. Gradually, the once deathly staff transformed, its sinister black aura fading into a shimmering silver light, emanating sacred waves of energy.

"The Divine Court's holy magic truly is impressive," Allen thought as he admired his handiwork. The staff, now vastly different, was a testament to his growing understanding of divine energy. After a brief rest, he swiftly made his way to the Hall of the Holy Maiden, adorned with angelic carvings. Cloaked in his solemn, sacred priest's robe, he passed through without hindrance.

"Aleluia, aleluia..."

Before even approaching, the hall resounded with pure, angelic hymns. Led by Ophelia, the white-robed priestess, the nuns began their daily dispersal. The wide, radiant hall, with its angelic statues and nuns dressed in white, resembled a paradise on earth. The devout nuns, each one looking as pure and delicate as a blooming flower, sang hymns with fervor. At the back of the line, holding a Bible, Nun Theresa stood out even more. Her flowing robe could not conceal her graceful figure or the fair, radiant skin beneath.

"Aleluia, aleluia..." Allen feigned devotion, positioning himself behind Nun Theresa. As the nuns were engrossed in their praises, he whispered softly into Theresa's ear, "Theresa, tonight, meet me in the Black Forest outside the town. I'll explain to you Chapter 11, Verse 87 of the Holy Bible—the fall of the Seraphim. Don't forget!"

The monastery held many secluded and tranquil spots, but for complete secrecy, a meeting in the Black Forest outside the town would be far more reliable. As the soul imprint Allen had left in Theresa's mind had yet to be noticed, he decided to take advantage of the situation and quietly teach this pure and seductive nun a lesson.

"Yes, my lord."

Feeling the heat near her neck, Theresa instinctively tensed, her face flushing bright red. A midnight meeting in the dark woods with a young man, even if he was a priest, felt wrong. She instinctively prepared to refuse, but a wave from deep within her soul made it impossible to resist Allen's command.

"Theresa, to become a pure saint, you must first withstand the temptation of corruption. This is your mission."

Staring at the conflicted Theresa, who could not resist his influence, Allen couldn't help but smile deviously, his gaze lingering on her pale, alluring neck. Just as he was about to provoke her further, he suddenly felt an unusual gaze upon him and immediately put on a pious expression. His face radiated sanctity, making him appear as holy as possible. The elder Akashi, patrolling the area, nodded approvingly at the sight.

After the usual mass, the nuns dispersed, leaving only Ophelia, who was tidying up the scriptures, and Allen, the imposter priest.

"Ophelia, you were absolutely beautiful during the mass," Allen said as he approached her, presenting the staff he had just crafted. "I apologize for damaging your staff. Please accept this as compensation."

"Hm? What's this staff?"

Women enjoy compliments, especially a beautiful one. Unlike the shy and nervous Theresa, Ophelia was far more mature and gracious. After giving Allen a quick look, she was instantly drawn to the staff in his hands.

"This is a staff I found many years ago while wandering the wastelands. Its magical power is decent, though it looks a bit outdated and unattractive," Allen said with a smile as he handed her the gleaming staff.

"No, the older the staff, the more powerful it becomes. I like it. Thank you, Allen!" Ophelia examined the staff, feeling the divine energy radiating from it, clearly impressed. Compared to the damaged staff she had been using, this new one was far superior. After a pause, she continued, "Allen, be cautious of Ulbato. He's seeking revenge. Don't go out for a few days. In the near future, our Angelic Warband is preparing to go to a mysterious place. Would you like to join us?"

"Oh? Where?" Allen's eyes brightened.

"The Ghost Market," Ophelia lowered her voice and continued, "According to some reports from missionaries and the Knights of the Faith, there's been a strange and dangerous aura emanating from the depths of the Sunset Wasteland recently, and several vicious wandering hunters have appeared near the settlement. We need to visit the Ghost Market to gather information and buy rare treasures and materials."

Ophelia's face grew serious. Unlike regular monster hunters, the wandering hunters in the wasteland were a persistent nightmare for the settlements. Many of them were wanted criminals from places like Bright Peak or Inferno City, wandering the dangerous wastelands, causing havoc. Wherever they went, they laid waste to undefended settlements, and even smaller castles were reduced to ruins.

"Alright, no problem!" Allen agreed eagerly.

The Angelic Warband, one of the most renowned hunting groups in the Divine Court, held a great deal of prestige. Joining such a group meant formal recognition from both the Divine Court and the monastery. Traveling with such a powerful team would provide him with more resources and opportunities to encounter greater warriors—far more beneficial than simply staying in the monastery to meditate.

The magic gathered in the Hall of the Holy Maiden was incredibly dense, allowing for a fruitful day of cultivation. As night fell, Allen quietly departed once again, with the shy Nun Theresa following him at a distance.

"My lord, my lord… The opportunity has arrived. Allen has finally left the monastery and the settlement!" In a resplendent mansion, a triangular-faced man hurried in to report to Ulbato, who lay in bed, nursing his injuries.

"Mario, are you sure?" Ulbato growled, his eyes blazing with malice. His face, once handsome, was now horribly swollen, resembling that of a disfigured monster.

"I saw him myself, my lord," Mario replied, bowing deeply. "I immediately sent people to follow Allen and rushed back to report. I'm certain he hasn't gone far yet."

"Hahahaha, good. Mario, issue the command. Deploy the family's elite warriors immediately. This time, I'll make sure Allen suffers. No, I'll make him wish he were dead!" Ulbato laughed maniacally, painfully rising from his bed to give his orders.

Having returned from the Hall of Souls, Ulbato had been consumed with thoughts of exacting revenge on Allen. If Allen remained hidden within the heavily guarded monastery, he had no way of getting to him. But now that Allen had dared to leave the monastery, it was the perfect opportunity for revenge.

The Morgan family was one of the most powerful forces in Uhai Town, and their Black Eagle Warriors were renowned. Under Mario's prompt action, a fearsome group of knights soon assembled in front of Ulbato. With a single command, they surged out of the town like a storm, heading towards the Black Forest on the vast wasteland.

The Black Forest was the closest woodland to the settlement. Though small, it was filled with towering trees and was peaceful and secluded. To avoid alarming their target, Ulbato's group slowed their pace, spreading out to encircle the entire area.

"Allen, you're dead now!" Ulbato's face twisted with excitement as he led the charge, planning to capture the unprepared Allen alive and slowly torment him. But as they entered the dark woods, before they could even spot Allen, they began hearing faint sounds.

"Ah... My lord, please..."

"Theresa, the Bible says, without experiencing the temptation of corruption

, there is no way to enter paradise." Allen's voice echoed eerily in the forest.