When Luo Jin heard the mention of a Divine Relic, a flicker of light flashed in his eyes, but he didn’t seem too surprised. He simply fixed his gaze on Li Xin. Li Xin met his eyes openly — everyone had their secrets.
After a moment of contemplation, Luo Jin said, “Can you tell me about it?”
Li Xin knew that Luo Jin didn’t need to ask. They weren’t related, and if not for some affinity, someone of Luo Jin’s status wouldn’t have even bothered.
Li Xin briefly recounted how he was inexplicably kidnapped and taken to a massive, unknown castle. The Divine Relic was implanted in him by people inside that castle. He later escaped when the guards were momentarily distracted, but he was injured and ended up collapsing in a sewer, where Aunt Fei found him and took him in. They’d been living together ever since.
Everything after that was as recorded in the Night Watchmen’s files.
Just as Li Xin was about to mention the specifics of his Divine Relic, Luo Jin waved a hand. “No need to tell me that. That is your destiny. What kind of fate is already predetermined. This is a rule among Night Watchmen and in the hidden world. Your secret is yours to keep, even from your family. Sometimes, letting them know too much can actually bring them harm.”
That was something Li Xin had always adhered to. Aunt Fei’s knowledge and insight suggested she vaguely knew something, but she never asked.
Luo Jin had only started to suspect something recently. It wasn’t because he could sense the Divine Relic, but because he had pieced together the clues based on Li Xin’s combat style, the Night Watchmen’s investigation, and his performance during training.
Without prior experience, it was impossible for someone to have such comprehensive combat skills. Awakening at ten years old wasn’t unheard of, but the way Li Xin went hunting in the forest and the injuries he had when he first came to the Night Watchmen base didn’t add up.
A person capable of calmly killing a Licker wouldn’t get so battered just from hunting. With Luo Jin’s experience, the probability of the Divine Relic’s side effects was extremely high. After all, this method of purging side effects through harsh environments wasn’t something Li Xin had invented.
For the Night Watchmen, Divine Relics weren’t unfamiliar. As the Captain and a prominent figure within the Moon Goddess Church, Luo Jin himself had encountered them before. But such things were rare and couldn’t be sought after — only chanced upon.
Once someone was chosen by a Divine Relic and managed to host it, it couldn’t be removed. The fact that Li Xin was still alive indicated that his Divine Relic was relatively “gentle” — one from the faction of the True Gods.
“Uncle Luo, that eerie place — what exactly was it? And those skeletal, undying creatures — what were they?” Li Xin asked. This was a rare opportunity to get answers.
A castle… a mysterious domain…
Though Luo Jin held a high position in the Night Watchmen, he wasn’t a noble. He didn’t have access to accumulated secret knowledge. His responsibilities in the Church were combat-oriented, not academic. While he had some guesses, he wasn’t certain.
“That mysterious castle… When I return to the Church, I can look into it. On the Daoyuan Continent, there are many secret organizations. Besides the major Churches, there are the Sacred Grounds — like the Withered Wood Monastery, Peak Pool, and the Holy Sanctuary.”
Luo Jin pondered for a moment, but based on what Li Xin described, that place didn’t sound like a Sacred Ground.
“Sacred Grounds… They sound formidable,” Li Xin remarked.
Luo Jin nodded. “Any place that is labeled as a Sacred Ground has been touched by the Supreme God’s Divine Will. They originated before the New Era and hold an exalted status. No matter which kingdom or church it is, they must show respect to such places.”
The Supreme God’s Divine Will…
“These things are far removed from us. They are matters between Churches. Those monsters you mentioned could have been using some ghostly apparatus. But whatever they were, you escaped, and you’ve adapted to your Divine Relic. There’s no need to worry too much,” Luo Jin said.
“In the Lilon Unified Kingdom, no matter how powerful a hidden organization is, it can’t directly confront the state. As for the Sacred Grounds, if it’s not absolutely necessary, don’t go there lightly. While the chances of being tracked there are minimal, based on what you said, this organization isn’t ordinary. Stay cautious.”
Luo Jin suspected that Li Xin was used as a transitional vessel for a Divine Relic by some secret organization and had somehow survived the process. A blessing in disguise.
But Luo Jin wasn’t afraid. At his age, he knew the value of caution. “You’re quite impressive, managing to balance it for this long. My guess is they probably think you’re already dead — as long as you don’t expose yourself.”
Li Xin nodded and spread his hands, forcing a helpless smile. “My Divine Relic’s previous hosts all died, and they died quickly. Sometimes it makes me a bit anxious.”
Luo Jin chuckled at Li Xin’s sarcastic tone. “You’re lucky, kid. While I haven’t dealt with a Divine Relic of that level, I do know the Three Laws of Divine Relics.”
Li Xin’s eyes widened with curiosity. “Uncle Luo, teach me, teach me! I’m a complete noob here.” Seeing Luo Jin’s puzzled look, he added, “It means a total beginner.”
“The Three Fundamental Laws of Divine Relics:
“As for the specifics, you’ll learn them over time. Divine Relics can indeed provide immense power and support, but maintaining a sense of reverence during the process is crucial.”
Li Xin fully grasped the value of having legs. “How can I enhance the Fate Stars of my Divine Relic?”
Luo Jin glanced at Li Xin but didn’t probe further. “Generally, you have two options: alchemical potions or the Sacred Grounds. The characteristics of the Divine Relic determine the type of potion, and the recipes are mostly held by the Church. Potions are expensive and only work on well-documented Divine Relics.
The Sacred Grounds, however, are universal. But they’re dangerous and unpredictable. It depends on your luck and ability. And not all Divine Relics can be upgraded. Given your current situation, the alchemical route is out. The Sacred Grounds are your only option, but I suggest you hold off for now.”
Li Xin’s face reddened slightly. He knew Luo Jin genuinely had his best interests at heart. “Uncle Luo, thank you for the Red Moon Medallion. It really helped mitigate the side effects.”
Luo Jin smiled faintly. “No need to thank me. If you were a cultist, wearing the Moon Goddess Medallion would be a death sentence. Li Xin, remember — in our line of work, you can never be too cautious.
Also, the power stored in that medallion is limited. Don’t become too reliant on it, and it won’t help you advance your Fate Stars.”
Li Xin forced a wry smile. “Uncle Luo, don’t try to turn your good intentions into a lecture.”
Luo Jin couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re a clever kid, but you have too much time on your hands and too many bad ideas. Looks like I really need to find you something to do.”
Li Xin knew Luo Jin was referring to Casey. That chatty auntie had too little self-control and had already sold him out. There was no point in continuing the conversation. “Anything is fine. Otherwise, I’d feel guilty taking this paycheck.”
“There is something. Listen carefully and think it over. The task is risky and requires finesse. It’s not about brute strength,” Luo Jin said. “The Order Academy in Tianjing is facing a serious problem. Faith is dwindling rapidly. The First Archbishop suspects that a cult might have infiltrated it.”
“A cult? Are they that bold now?” Li Xin was genuinely surprised. The Church, the Order Academy, the Night Watchmen — all of them operated under divine protection. Or… was the Moon Goddess losing power?
Luo Jin nodded. “You’ll keep your position as a Night Watchman, but your files will be sealed. You’ll infiltrate the Order Academy under a new identity. If you do well, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded. This case is big.”
“Oh, and Uncle Luo, Aunt Fei said you should come over for dinner sometime. She’s a great cook,” Li Xin finally remembered the main reason he came today.
Luo Jin hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.