Chapter 89: The Unlucky Nightwatcher

As the real-world preparations for selecting new Hermit Union license holders intensified, Duan Wenxuan temporarily set aside his earthly affairs and entered ‘Monster World.’

With upcoming pivotal events in both ‘The Tramps’ and ‘Monster World,’ Duan Wenxuan needed to make some strategic arrangements here; otherwise, any mishaps could prove troublesome.

In Monster World, Westphalia.

Upon returning to this realm, Duan Wenxuan noticed changes within the cityscape. Previously, although ordinary people were not fully aware of the connections between monsters and the Nightwatchers, there was always an underlying atmosphere permeating the city.

If one had to describe it, it felt akin to the influence of the ‘Night Church.’ After all, its branch resided in Westphalia, and despite having a pitifully small number of members, no true noble dared to underestimate it.

However, things were different now. Although major structures remained unchanged, numerous shops had noticeably reduced their religious decorations related to the Goddess of the Night. In their place, small statues depicting figures in white robes with saintly expressions began appearing.

This shift indicated that the faith across Westphalia was subtly transforming behind the scenes. The common folk might not grasp the specifics, but they have always been quick to follow prevailing trends, naturally adapting their preferences over time.

Duan Wenxuan confidently made his way to the Night Church’s branch.

The guards at the entrance recognized him well; he was a frequent honored guest of clergyman Nelson. Before Duan Wenxuan could speak, Nelson hastily emerged.

This middle-aged man always appeared astute and refined, despite harboring some fear for his own life beneath it all. Nevertheless, his capabilities were truly exceptional.

Although most nobles in Westphalia had secretly converted to the Universal Church under the Nightwatchers’ threats or temptations, openly praising saints remained taboo. Consequently, Nelson nodded respectfully yet understandingly towards Duan Wenxuan as before, “Please come inside.”

Upon entering, Duan Wenxuan immediately spotted Qiao Si. After their period of recovery, these Nightwatchers finally regained some semblance of normalcy, no longer appearing as disoriented as before.

Qiao Si, though accustomed to maintaining a stoic expression, looked considerably brighter now that he could sleep soundly and eat without anxiety. The sudden return to a regular life instilled in Qiao Si both admiration and apprehension towards Duan Wenxuan.

“I observed during my journey here, and I must say, your progress in Westphalia has been commendable. Have there been any disturbances lately?”

Nelson promptly reported everything honestly. It wasn’t that there were no disloyal nobles planning to inform Headquarters against them. However, with Duan Wenxuan possessing both the paper figurines and the Greedy Pot, their combined power was absolutely formidable. Not just these Nightwatchers, but even ordinary individuals found it virtually impossible to deceive Duan Wenxuan.

By lending out his paper figurines, Qiao Si collaborated with Nelson to closely monitor those intending to report them. Conveniently, they used ‘monster incidents’ to discreetly eliminate these individuals.

One should not expect any benevolence from these Nightwatchers; although they may have once been ordinary people, under the influence of mutants and unique items, they had all become short-lived lunatics.

“Understood. Additionally, I’m here primarily to discuss something with you,” said Duan Wenxuan.

Nelson adopted a attentive expression, ready to listen.

Duan Wenxuan pondered for a moment before slowly explaining, “The saint has issued a divine decree. He will select three hundred chosen ones from His realm to enter this world where no saint has yet descended. These three hundred chosen ones will spend a month in Westphalia as a test for both them and the region itself.

Those who pass will ascend the heavenly ladder, becoming divine servants, with nine selected from the mortal realm. As for Westphalia, it too shall receive divine blessings.”

Nelson instinctively glanced at Qiao Si, both seeing shock mirrored in each other’s eyes.

In truth, due to Duan Wenxuan’s mysterious comings and goings, they had long suspected that he might be capable of entering the true divine realm. However, suspicion was one thing; now, Duan Wenxuan unequivocally confirmed it—a divine realm exists, along with a nation controlled by the Universal Church… What did this imply?

Nelson dared not even begin to imagine.

They originally trusted the Night Church because genuine holy relics imbued with divinity were bestowed upon them. But if you asked Nelson whether he had ever seen the Goddess of the Night, his answer would undoubtedly be no.

While they should have believed in the divine beings, deep down, their faith wasn’t absolute. Yet now, with undeniable proof of a truly existing deity, Nelson and Qiao Si felt their hearts racing. Their initial reverence for Duan Wenxuan transformed, adding a newfound sense of devotion.

A True Divine Being—this was a genuine god.

“Should we prepare for their reception?” Qiao Si asked, considering they were visitors from a nation governed by a divine being. Even if just ordinary individuals, he instinctively sought guidance.

“No need,” Duan Wenxuan replied. “Treat them as regular travelers. We can even assign tasks for them to handle monster incidents outside the city. If they cannot stand out within a month, what merit do they have to ascend the Heavenly Stairs?”

Nelson nodded understandingly; divinities were both compassionate and indifferent. They mourned for all living creatures yet remained detached, witnessing the rise and fall of countless stars from their endless divine realms. To such beings, three hundred people hardly mattered.

Of course, while the divine might not care, Nelson did.

With anticipation, Nelson inquired, “Saint, may we send our own representatives to participate in the assessment?” Becoming a shaman was an extraordinary opportunity.

“There is no need for you to involve yourselves.” Duan Wenxuan glanced at Nelson, his serene and seemingly sacred eyes betraying no emotion. Internally, however, Duan Wenxuan’s lips twitched, thinking, What business do you have meddling?

Disappointed, Nelson nodded silently.

However, Nelson quickly brought up another matter to Duan Wenxuan - they had captured Windsor.

Windsor had come from the Adaha Continent, and previously, at regular intervals, the Night Church’s branch would consolidate all the mutants and peculiar objects obtained from handling monster incidents and send them to Headquarters. After all, these were dangerous items. In some cases, when stored together, their combined effects could be greater than the sum of their parts, posing quite a headache.

The branch didn’t wish to keep such things, often dispatching them hastily like warding off plague spirits.

This time, as the designated period arrived, Windsor traveled from the Adaha Continent. Given its proximity to Westphalia, she wanted to visit her friend Vena. However, there were no new mutants in Westphalia; any existing ones had already been handed over to Duan Wenxuan earlier.

Initially, Qiao Si intended to dismiss Windsor, coincidentally while Vena was absent due to Duan Wenxuan sending her to the real world. But eager to curry favor with his superiors, Qiao Si consulted with Nelson, and together they secretly detained Windsor.

“My lord.” Nelson swiftly presented the items confiscated from Windsor. There were three in total, indicating that the Adaha Continent had made a significant haul this time.