Watching the golden holy light envelop Lyn and Xing Luo, Norton felt a chilling clarity after despair. He gave them a wry smile.

"You two are in cahoots!"

The moment that divine magic fell, he knew his hoped-for comeback was utterly hopeless.

That light would purge all evil traces from Lyn’s body.

"What cahoots? I don’t understand a word. Are you still slandering me, Knight Norton?" Lyn shook his head. He gently touched the tiny cut on his neck—perfectly healed from the earlier hostage-taking—and spoke with genuine sincerity:

"Thank you, Lady Divine Snow Sakura, for your healing. I apologize for my past misunderstandings about the Church. Unreasonable people there are rare."

"Since Lady Divine Snow Sakura is so sincere, I’ll show my goodwill too. I accept the Eyes of Judgment’s scrutiny."

"May Truth protect you."

Divine Snow Sakura nodded. Other clerics arrived beside her.

At her signal, they took a drop of blood from Lyn and Xing Luo. Right before them, they used the blood for testing. Naturally, no Abyssal traces remained.

"Knight Norton. I told you—I’m innocent."

Lyn looked at Norton with feigned regret. "You wouldn’t believe me. Now you’re in this mess. Who can you blame but yourself?"

Norton ignored him. He just lowered his head, his gaze lifeless like a corpse’s.

Divine Snow Sakura shot Lyn a fierce glare. He always got benefits then acted innocent. That annoying personality made her want to mount him—no, beat him up.

"Take this man away. Guard him well. I’ll interrogate him later for possible accomplices. I’ll give Young Master Lyn proper justice."

After the procedure, Lyn was free. Divine Snow Sakura ordered her people to remove Norton and handle other area issues. She’d escort Lyn out as final compensation.

Once they were gone, Divine Snow Sakura dropped her aloof aura. Arms crossed, she glared coldly at Xing Luo. "Explain yourself. Is this the ‘big thing’ you told me about?"

Hearing her haughty tone, Xing Luo instinctively tensed. "Master?"

It was a pre-attack query.

But Lyn quickly grabbed Xing Luo’s small hand. Sensing her hostility, he rushed to explain: "She’s my childhood friend. Don’t mind her sour face or harsh words—she means no real harm."

Divine Snow Sakura was annoyingly punchable. Only her beauty and strength saved her. Otherwise, Lyn would’ve pinned her down and beaten her since they were kids.

"What kind of introduction is that?"

Divine Snow Sakura glared at him. Then she forced a smile at Xing Luo, extending a fair, slender hand. "Hello, I’m Divine Snow Sakura. I’m this guy’s temporary guardian, I suppose."

"I’m Xing Luo." After a pause, Xing Luo shook her hand.

"Xing Luo? A lovely name. And you’re impressive." Divine Snow Sakura studied Xing Luo’s innocent face, recalling her earlier murderous aura. She almost thought she’d imagined it.

Shrugging it off, she turned to Lyn. "You still haven’t answered. How is she tied to the Abyss?"

Earlier, Lyn had begged her help. He claimed he needed an Abyssal Follower’s power for an ancient summoning ritual—a breakthrough he’d sought for years.

He’d pestered her endlessly. She couldn’t refuse. Knowing she couldn’t stop him, she’d reluctantly agreed, ready to clean up his mess. She feared he’d summon something Abyss-related.

But seeing Xing Luo, she’d sensed zero Abyssal power. That’s why she dared let both undergo the Eyes of Judgment.

"Haven’t I said? I only needed a summoning material held by an Abyssal Follower. I got close to him for that. Now he’s used up—it’s over." Lyn spoke dead serious, hiding his earlier plan to summon a demon warlord.

"Don’t worry I’ll stray into darkness. I know the Abyss’s danger. I’d never join them. I choose to bask forever in Truth and Light’s radiance."

"Fine. I’ll trust you this once. Next time you attempt something this risky, discuss it with me first. Don’t wait until you’re in trouble to beg for help." Divine Snow Sakura gazed deeply at Lyn, earnest.

"Mm-hmm."

Lyn responded perfunctorily. Seeing her expression darken, he changed the subject. "By the way, I signaled you ages ago. Why so late? If you’d delayed more, I might’ve torn that judge apart barehanded."

Divine Snow Sakura glared, even more annoyed. "Did you think the Church’s Demon-Slaying Decree was fake?"