章 18: Chapter 17 Let me be your guide
編集者: Exodus Tales
The angel shining with Holy Light slowly disappeared behind Fang Zheng. Only then did the Old Archbishop and Shi Dong let out a sigh of relief. They were both devout believers of the Sanctuary. Naturally, they understood the exalted status an angel held there. Although this angel's power might not be as formidable as Shi Dong's, her mere presence exerted a pressure on everyone. Not to mention, this Grand Knight, though seemingly carefree, was also a devout follower. Even if he could defeat her, would he dare to make a move against her?
This was, of course, impossible.
At the same time, the way they looked at Fang Zheng changed considerably.
"Holy Spirit Protection..."
The Old Archbishop clenched his hands tightly, staring intently at Fang Zheng. Though he had guessed that this young man had a significant background, he hadn't expected him to have Holy Spirit Protection!
"This kid's got some skill."
Shi Dong crossed his arms with a satisfied expression and nodded at Fang Zheng. It wasn't often he encountered someone who could put him at a disadvantage. Although it seemed like Fang Zheng had resorted to a clever trick, a real battlefield did not adhere to the rules of fair competition. So, instead of feeling displeased by Fang Zheng's counterattack, Shi Dong found the young man genuinely interesting.
"Phew..."
Sheathing his sword, Fang Zheng was drenched in sweat. His final counterattack was truly a stroke of luck. Had he not been able to unleash Divine Storm at that moment, he doubted he could have forced Shi Dong to retreat.
However, the biggest takeaway from this battle was recognizing the significant gap between himself and the mighty warriors of the Main World. Initially, Fang Zheng believed that his A-grade proficiency in Royal Cross Swordsmanship would allow him to at least hold his own. But reality was harsh; he had barely survived the first exchange. If Shi Dong hadn't been unfamiliar with his swordsmanship, it would have been doubtful if Fang Zheng could have managed even a lucky victory. And since Shi Dong had conceded due to his broken weapon, Fang Zheng couldn't help but wonder what the outcome would have been otherwise.
Indeed, the gap was still too vast.
Shaking his head to dismiss his dismay, Fang Zheng looked towards Shi Dong and asked.
"Sir Shi Dong, have I passed the examination?"
"Ha ha ha, of course, you amusing little fellow."
Hearing Fang Zheng's question, Shi Dong laughed heartily, showing no trace of frustration from being defeated.
"You already passed the examination. I haven't seen someone as interesting as you in a long time... By the way, what's your name?"
"My name is Fang Zheng."
"Fang Zheng? I didn't expect both you and your name to be equally interesting. Such a peculiar name is quite rare."
Upon hearing Fang Zheng's response, Shi Dong chuckled. After a moment of thought, he looked at Fang Zheng again and said.
"So, Fang Zheng, how about letting me be your guide?"
"...Guide?"
Fang Zheng was visibly surprised by this unexpected invitation, but Shi Dong nodded seriously.
"Yes, well... To be honest, from our battle just now, I discovered that although you have some combat experience, your foundation is shaky. And while the swordsmanship you command is powerful, you can't wield it flexibly. In my view, this is a huge waste. Such pure Holy Power, if not properly utilized, is truly squandered. How about it? I think my proposal is fairly good. After all, I'm not one of those old relics who will nag you everyday about doctrines. You just need to learn to fight beside me, alright? Simple, isn't it?"
Indeed, very formidable.
Listening to Shi Dong, Fang Zheng's expression changed. He knew better than anyone his own circumstances. Despite having learned some self-defense techniques, they were merely for protection and held little practical value. After arriving in this world, Fang Zheng had been thrust into combat situations, essentially teaching himself from scratch.
Although Fang Zheng had read martial hero novels where powerful swordmasters could judge an opponent's skill level after a single exchange, experiencing it firsthand was completely different.
On this continent, a guide was akin to a mentor, having one was a matter of great honor.
So, should he accept this proposal?
The answer was almost certainly yes.
"Then I shall trouble you, Sir Shi Dong."
To Fang Zheng, receiving guidance from a powerful knight in this world was a golden opportunity.
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing Fang Zheng's response, Shi Dong widened his eyes and eyed him with dissatisfaction, prompting Fang Zheng to quickly correct himself.
"...Mentor."
"Good, ha ha ha, not bad, not bad. Finally, I have a student too. Now let's see what that Vara fellow has to say!"
Hearing Fang Zheng's response, Shi Dong burst into laughter. Meanwhile, the Old Archbishop rolled his eyes. He seemed to want to say something but remained silent, giving Fang Zheng a sympathetic look.
...Wait, why look at me this way? Did I do something wrong?
As Fang Zheng puzzled over the Old Archbishop's gaze, Shi Dong strode toward the door.
"Alright, kid! Make sure to prepare. Starting tomorrow, I'm giving you special training!"
"Special training?"
Baffled by Shi Dong's words, Fang Zheng paused, not comprehending what he meant.
"That's right, clean your neck and get ready. You're in for a tough time ahead!"
"Understood."
Honestly, the notion of undergoing special training immediately upon joining the Sanctuary was surprising. However, Fang Zheng, already used to the military's rapid pace in his world, quickly accepted Shi Dong's directive, despite his initial shock. Seeing Fang Zheng's response, Shi Dong merely waved and turned away.
The Old Archbishop's expression shifted several times before he sighed and quickly followed after Shi Dong.
"Shi Dong! Shi Dong!"
"Hmm? What is it, old man?"
Hearing the Old Archbishop's call, Shi Dong turned to face the elderly man.
"Are you really planning to take that young man along?"
"Of course, didn't I say so? Now that he's my student, he must act alongside me. Besides, you saw for yourself, the kid isn't just some pretentious noble dandy. His swordsmanship is quite good. In my opinion, he's at the level of an Intermediate Knight. He just needs more practical experience. If I train him properly, he'll perform even better."
"But even so..."
The Old Archbishop clearly disagreed with Shi Dong's rather whimsical idea.
"Are you really going through with this? You know that young man exhibited Holy Spirit Protection..."
"That's exactly why I need to train him, old man."
At this, Shi Dong's usually frivolous smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
"Fortunately, it was only us in the training ground. If those cultists knew we had an apprentice knight with Holy Spirit Protection, what do you think they would do?"
"This..."
The Old Archbishop's face changed at Shi Dong's question.
"Have you forgotten the catastrophe of the Dark Fallen Moon, when nearly the entire Holy Spirit Order was wiped out? Since then, we've lost that entire faction. Though many of those chaos cultists were later killed, it was a near-fatal blow to the Holy Church."
"..."
This time, the old man didn't immediately respond. He remained silent, then sighed deeply.
"Of course, I'll never forget... That was a terrifying time..."
"So now, Holy Spirit Knights are nearly extinct. Even their legacies have dissipated..."
At this, Shi Dong paused in thought.
"I think he might be able to reestablish the Holy Spirit legacy."
"After hearing all this, do you really think I'll agree to him becoming your student?"
The Old Archbishop raised an eyebrow, glaring at Shi Dong, who merely shrugged nonchalantly.
"Admittedly, my methods can be harsh at times, but you have to admit, they work, don't they? He's still too weak. If he can't protect himself, how will he grow?"
Hearing Shi Dong's words, the Old Archbishop hesitated momentarily, then sighed deeply.
"Alright... I agree. I won't report this to the Central Bishopric for now and ensure we're the only ones who know. Is that acceptable?"
"Thank you, old man."
This time, Shi Dong's face lit up with a smile.
"Trust me, this is the right decision."
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