When the term "Divine Relic" was mentioned, a gleam flashed in Luo Jin's eyes, but he didn't seem overly surprised. He simply watched Li Xin, who met his gaze openly; everyone has secrets.
Luo Jin pondered for a moment, "Can you talk about it?"
Li Xin realized that Luo Jin didn't need to say it this way. Without any connection by blood or interest, if there wasn't some affinity, Luo Jin's status didn't require him to bother.
Li Xin briefly explained how he was inexplicably kidnapped to a gigantic castle, the location of which was unknown, and how the Divine Relic was implanted by the castle's inhabitants. Later, taking advantage of the guards' negligence, he escaped, but was injured, and fainted in the sewer. Afterward, Aunt Fei rescued him, and they've been living together.
What followed was as recorded by the Night Patrol. As Li Xin was about to narrate his Divine Relic experience, Luo Jin waved his hand, "No need to tell me about that. It's your fortune, a destiny already decided. It's the rule among the Night Patrol and the Secret World; you must guard your secret even from family. Sometimes knowing too much brings danger."
This is something Li Xin has always done; Aunt Fei seems vaguely aware but never inquires.
Luo Jin speculated some time ago, not because he sensed the Divine Relic, but by analyzing Li Xin's combat traits and the Night Patrol's investigation, and characteristics during Night Patrol training.
Without accumulation, one cannot possess such strong comprehensive combat skills from thin air. Awakening around age ten is not uncommon, but his forest hunting scenario and the scars visible during his first meeting with the Night Patrol were questionable.
For someone who can calmly kill a Licker, how would hunting cause disarray? From Luo Jin's expertise, the likelihood of negating the Divine Relic's side effects was high; this primitive approach was not Li Xin's original idea.
Divine Relics weren't unfamiliar to the Night Patrol. As a team leader, Luo Jin was a significant figure in the Moon God's Court, not a secret. Such items are rare finds.
Once chosen and fully integrated by a Divine Relic, they become inseparable. Li Xin's survival indicates his Divine Relic is relatively gentle, akin to the benevolent gods.
"Uncle Luo, what exactly is that ghost place, and what are those creatures resembling the undead?" Li Xin asked, seizing the rare opportunity.
The castle, the mysterious domain...
He, too, was a senior member of the Night Patrol, but not a noble; he lacked accumulated mysterious knowledge. His role in the Church was frontline combat, not knowledge-oriented; he had speculations but no certainty.
"That mysterious castle, I can investigate it upon returning to the Church Court. On the Dao Yuan Continent, many Secret Organizations exist, aside from major Church Courts, there are Holy Lands like Withered Wood Monastery, Pinnacle Pool, Holy Hall, etc." Luo Jin pondered, though based on Li Xin's description, the place didn't seem like a Holy Land.
"Holy Land sounds illustrious, doesn't it?"
Luo Jin nodded, "Places called Holy Lands are where the Supreme God's utmost will has descended, originating before the new century, holding esteemed status. Every kingdom or Church must show them the utmost respect."
The Supreme God's utmost will?
"These matters are very distant from us, they're Church affairs. Those creatures might use deceptive tools, but regardless, you've departed and adapted to the Divine Relic; there's no need for excessive worry," Luo Jin said, "In the Li Long Kingdom, even the strongest organization remains secretive, unable to directly oppose the nation. If not necessary, avoid the Holy Land lightly; though tracking probability is minimal there, as you mentioned, this organization is unusual, caution is still advisable."
Luo Jin opined that Li Xin was likely used as a transitional vessel for their Divine Relic, a blessing in disguise. Luo Jin, though unafraid, knew that at his age, caution is paramount, "You managed to balance so far; I presume they believe you're dead, as long as you don't expose yourself."
Li Xin nodded, spreading his hands with a helpless smile, "My Divine Relic's previous bearers were all killed, and rather smoothly too; occasionally, it's quite unsettling."
Seeing Li Xin speak amusingly, Luo Jin chuckled, "You're indeed lucky. Though I haven't dealt with Divine Relics of this level, I know certain basics, like the three laws of Divine Relics."
Li Xin's eyes widened, looking curious, "Uncle Luo, guide me, I'm a novice." He seemed to notice Luo Jin's confusion, "It means a naïve beginner."
"The basic three laws of Divine Relics:
1. Divine Relics cannot be compatible;
2. The Divine Relics you gain are preordained.
3. You can never own a Divine Relic, you're merely holding it for the next bearer.
"Specifically, you'll slowly experience them over time. Divine Relics indeed offer significant enhancement and support, but be cautious while increasing your strength."
Li Xin fully appreciated the benefit of having legs, "How can one enhance the Life Star of the Divine Relic?"
Luo Jin glanced at Li Xin without delving deeply, "Typically, Magic Potions and Holy Lands define the capability characteristics generated by a Divine Relic, then produce Magic Potions. The formula is primarily held by the Church; the key feature of Magic Potions is their high cost, and they're for mastered Divine Relics. The Holy Land is universal but risky and unpredictable; it depends on your luck and ability. Also, not all Divine Relics can advance; considering your current situation, the path of Magic Potions is cut off, the Holy Land is the only option, but I recommend a delay."
Li Xin's face turned a little red, aware that Luo Jin sincerely considered his situation, "Uncle Luo, I must thank you for the Red Moon Medal, helping mitigate side effects."
Luo Jin smiled slightly, "No need to thank me excessively. If you were part of a cult, wearing the Moon God Medal would be perilous. Remember, in our line of work, caution is never excessive. Additionally, the medal's stored power is limited; dependence is inadvisable, and doesn't aid enhancement."
Li Xin grinned wryly, "Uncle Luo, don't force your goodwill into education."
Even if the function existed, determining if Li Xin was part of a cult wouldn't require wasting a Moon God Medal. The Night Patrol's domain is under the Moon God's protection; what cultist would approach the Moon God's base—this is akin to courting death.
Moreover, there are merely twelve Moon God Medals, awarded only for great contributions.
Regardless, Li Xin remains clear-headed.
Luo Jin also couldn't help but laugh, "You do have some wit, but you spend your days coming up with lousy ideas. Seems I really need to find you something to do."
Li Xin knew Luo Jin was referring to Kathy; his whimsical aunt betrayed him, but this matter didn't need a response; pretending not to understand elders' actions suffices, "Anything's fine, otherwise I feel uneasy receiving this salary."
"There's something you should hear first; think it over before judging. This mission carries certain risks and requires some agility, not just brute force," Luo Jin said, unconcerned about Li Xin's skills, "The Canon Law School in Celestial Capital encountered problems, with severe faith loss. The Chief Bishop suspects possible cult infiltration."
"Huh? Are cults this brazen now?" Li Xin was genuinely surprised; the Church, Canon Law School, Night Patrol are blessed with divine protection, ...could the Moon God be weakening?
"Though the Canon Law School is a Church investment, the Church cannot interfere with its specific curriculum direction. Furthermore, the agreement with Governor Luthor includes religious freedom, meaning one can freely choose which deity to worship or opt not to," Luo Jin explained, "But cult infiltration was indeed unexpected; for now, it's only serious suspicion without concrete evidence."
"Uncle Luo, you're open, and the enemy is hidden; plus the nobles likely believe you're vying for power and might trip you up. You need a good assistant," Li Xin suggested, "Someone who can infiltrate the enemy ranks."
Luo Jin looked at Li Xin and shook his head helplessly; actually, he knew from the start that Li Xin was likely the best candidate but hesitated all along, "Don't get too excited; the opponent isn't an average organization, involvement is exceptionally dangerous."
"Some things simply have to be done," Li Xin smiled slightly, "You said my luck is good."
Luo Jin remained silent for a while, "Alright, we'll partner up. Mess things up a bit; maintain your Night Patrol position, I can seal the file. I'll issue a gag order to others. You'll enter the Canon Law School under a new identity; tell me any requirements, don't hesitate, it's all part of the job."
Li Xin contemplated seriously, "Can I draw two salaries?"
Luo Jin looked at this little money-grubber and couldn't help but laugh, "Sure, if you complete the task well, I'll request commendation for you; this is a big deal."
"By the way, Uncle Luo, Aunt Fei said if you have the time, come home for dinner; she cooks exceptionally well." Li Xin finally recalled today's theme.
Luo Jin hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.