Beast Taming: Bloodline Golden Hand-Chapter 720 - 464: Deputy Sect Leader of the Divine Sect

"Ah?"

Lee Zhen was completely stunned. He had considered countless possibilities, but never imagined this answer:

"You have acquaintances in the Nanfen Ancient Country? Your network is that wide?"

"It's not what you think."

Lin Chen rubbed his temples, trying hard to process this shocking information.

In his mind, Xu Feng's image involuntarily surfaced.

The one who, back in the Celestial Realm City, took that Ancient Book from him and then vanished.

In fact, during the time since parting ways with Xu Feng, Lin Chen had occasionally thought of him.

He was curious whether Xu Feng, with that mysterious Ancient Book, could truly find the legendary ancient ruins; after all, Xu Feng had assuredly promised him half of the find.

But he was also aware that in the vast world, ancient matters are elusive and relying on a fragmented ancient text for discoveries has slim chances.

Yet Lin Chen couldn't dream that receiving news about Xu Feng again would happen under such circumstances!

He had become the Vice Sect Hierarch of the Ah Tuo Sect, the top cult in Nanfen Ancient Country?

And he stole treasures from the sect, now the entire country is madly hunting him down?!

This is more outrageous than a fairy tale!

Could it be that this guy was playing the fool to exploit others all along?

His identity as a tomb raider was just a disguise?

His true identity is as a Nanfen Ancient Country native?

Upon hearing Lin Chen's account, Lee Zhen was equally dumbfounded, taking a while before suggesting a possibility:

"Could it be...just a resemblance? After all, it's only a portrait, and no matter how accurate, errors can occur. In this vast world, it's not uncommon for people to look alike."

Initially, Lin Chen hoped it was this possibility.

After all, "tomb raider Xu Feng" and "Vice Sect Hierarch Brad," these identities were too vastly different to connect together.

However, when they found a tavern to sit down, inquiring about the discussions from nearby diners and local people, learning more about the "renegade Vice Sect Hierarch," Lin Chen's last sliver of hope was utterly shattered.

"I heard that Lord Brad isn't originally from our Nanfen, he joined the sect around four or five years ago!"

"I heard it too! With an astounding talent in deciphering ancient sacred texts, he unraveled several lost ancient scriptures within the sect, achieving great accomplishments, leading the former Pope to promote him exceptionally, all the way to the position of Vice Sect Hierarch!"

Wait a minute!

Four or five years ago!

This time point, like a bolt of lightning, exploded in Lin Chen's mind!

Isn't this just after Xu Feng took the Ancient Book and parted ways with him in the Celestial Realm City?!

All the clues perfectly linked together at this moment!

"Could it...really be him?" Lin Chen murmured, the shock in his heart beyond words.

"Are we going to find him?" Lee Zhen asked.

"Let's see the situation first."

Lin Chen ultimately restrained the impulsive urge to act immediately.

He's well aware, that someone like Xu Feng who has lived on the edge for years, his level of cunning and survival tactics, is certainly beyond normal expectations.

Without absolute certainty that it's Xu Feng, taking rash actions would only alert the enemy and wouldn't help Xu Feng.

...

In the following days, Lin Chen and Lee Zhen started investigating around the Holy City of Aman under the guise of understanding foreign customs.

They visited major taverns and tea houses, even spent a hefty sum purchasing numerous materials regarding the Ah Tuo Sect and the Eternal Sacred Mountain from various informants.

Soon enough, they had a rough understanding of the situation.

Eternal Sacred Mountain, located 300 kilometers due south outside Holy City Aman, the whole area is designated as an absolute forbidden zone by the Ah Tuo Sect, heavily guarded with many Information Spirit Beasts stationed around; ordinary people, let alone entering, would be killed on sight just for approaching.

This sacred mountain has only one open opportunity each month, which is on "Day of Pilgrimage."

At this time, the prohibition will lift partially, allowing the most devout believers to worship from a distance of ten kilometers from the sacred mountain, to bathe in divine grace.

"Ten kilometers...from that distance, you can't do anything," Lee Zhen shook his head.

However, just as they were concluding that this path was also inaccessible, an unexpected piece of news made Lin Chen's eyes widen.

"Did you hear? Next month in our Holy City is the Saint Heir's Day of Return! That prodigious talent is coming back!"

"Indeed! They say that the Saint Heir, in this year's national Beast Taming championship, swept all opponents victoriously and took the crown!"

"I heard that the Pope highly values him and has decided to advance the sacred mountain's consecration ceremony by a month, personally crowning him as the formal Saint Heir!"

At first, Lin Chen and Lee Zhen assumed this so-called "Saint Heir" was merely a member of the Pope's family, someone arranged internally.

But when they consulted a local elder, they received an unexpected answer.

"You all think like that, you're being too superficial!" That elder proudly combed his beard, "Our esteemed Pope, throughout his life, is fair and impartial, never endorsing nepotism!"

"In our sect, every ten years, we conduct nationwide selections from the younger generation, choosing the most talented, devout Spirit Beastmasters as candidates for Saint Heir."

"This newly selected Saint Heir rose step by step by sheer capability!"

"And at next month's ceremony, he shall receive the ultimate honor — entering the core area of the sacred mountain and, in front of the statue of the Ancestral Divine Bull, receive the Pope's personal consecration!"