Chapter 90: The Statue of the Twelve-Winged White Goddess - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

**Chapter 90: The Statue of the Twelve-Winged White Goddess** The woman's figure was tall and imposing, with naturally curly red-brown hair cascading down past her shoulders. Her bare legs were full and rounded, undeniably eye-catching. Her long hair, slightly curled, was neatly tied at her chest with a ribbon. At this moment, Anna was respectfully bending her body, daring not to lift her head to meet Master Luo Xiu's gaze. Even with just a brief glimpse as she stepped out, she couldn't help but marvel inwardly. Truly deserving of his status, Luo Xiu commanded admiration with just his face, even without the priestly halo and status he carried. "Lead me there," Luo Xiu said softly, casually shifting his gaze away. The maidservant's posture revealed a little too much, offering an unobstructed view of her chest. Fortunately, having lived with Luo Congan for so long in his previous life, Luo Xiu had developed significant patience and resistance to such temptations. Anna acknowledged his command and led the way ahead. Luo Xiu followed behind, passing through a long corridor, overlooking a vast garden vibrant with the fragrance of flowers swayed by the breeze. His residence did not resemble a monastery for clergy to rest but rather an independent manor typical of a high noble in the Middle Ages. Technically, a priest should reside within the church under their jurisdiction, where offices and rooms for clergy members were readily available. But not for Luo Xiu. This indirectly reflects just how inflated the power of the church has become within the Maya Empire today. Even the local priests have privileges comparable to those of high nobles or even the royal family. As they exited the manor, a carriage, arranged by Anna, awaited at the gates. The carriage was luxuriously decorated, and the road beneath it exuded a strong medieval fantasy style. The journey was silent. The Livia Church, located in the southern outer district, wasn't far from Luo Xiu's manor. About ten minutes later, the carriage slowly stopped in front of a grand church. Outside the church, a crowd thronged tightly, leaving no gaps at the gates, with people craning their necks inside. Their expressions were fervent with excitement, gesturing wildly, and chanting words. "Burn them, burn them!" "No doubt about it, it's the Blood Rose Demon Hunter Squad! Isn't this their second time capturing a witch?" "Exactly, and this time they caught two at once!" As the crowd noticed the arrival of the carriage, they erupted excitedly, their enthusiasm growing even stronger. "It's Father Luo Xiu's carriage!" "Hahaha, I can't wait to see the priest preside over the execution ceremony!" These chants reached a peak as Luo Xiu lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage. He was the pride of the outer district, one of the most outstanding talents the church had ever produced. At just twenty-five, he was a Grand Mage, the youngest priest in the church. With unparalleled talent and extraordinary charm, countless citizens of the empire regarded him as a deity and the idol of their lifetime pursuits. To witness such a figure in person, how could the crowd not be excited? Perhaps there would be no one like him to come after, and surely, there was no precedent before. According to what was known, today was supposedly this young priest's first time presiding over a ceremony. Everyone present to witness, would they not be part of history? Under countless hopeful gazes, Luo Xiu smiled warmly and serenely entered the church. Once inside, the noise dropped significantly, as if an enchantment of silence had fallen over the space. Walking down the marble-tiled aisle, Luo Xiu felt alert. Reflecting on the fervor outside, he was somewhat taken aback by the animosity towards witches. Clearly, the image of witches as ominous and disastrous was deeply ingrained in the minds of the citizens of the Maya Empire. The enmity between them had been ongoing for centuries, leading to a never-ending state of hostility. If he intended to nurture and raise a witch, the obstacles and dangers he would face were imaginable. Taking a deep breath, Luo Xiu confidently stepped into the central hall of the church. Typically used for prayers and offering wishes, the hall was currently closed to unrelated personnel due to special circumstances. At the forefront of the hall stood a towering statue of a goddess, extending twelve pristine wings behind her, her countenance gracious and beautiful, her form elegant. Beneath the statue was an open square space, filled with people. There were both men and women—approximately seven or eight individuals—dressed in attire that differed from ordinary folk. Among them were swordsmen clad in armor and magicians wielding staffs. The assembly formed a circle, their expressions often filled with joy and satisfaction, occasionally pointing at the circle's center. This was the renowned Blood Rose Demon Hunting Squadron. The team leader was named Luo Su, a man of imposing size, with broad shoulders and a giant sword strapped to his back. He bore a fierce countenance, his eyes narrowing occasionally with a sharp glint. He was the first to notice the white-robed priest's late arrival and immediately restrained the hostility in his posture, respectfully approaching. "Master Luo Xiu." Approaching the pure white robe symbolizing supreme power, Luo Su got down on one knee, offering his respects. Simultaneously, memories related to this squad leader surfaced in Luo Xiu's mind. He then displayed a gentle smile. "Luo Su, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise." Though he knew he would eventually stand against demon hunters, now was far from the time to break relations. Appropriate friendliness was the superior strategy. As expected, upon hearing Luo Xiu's words, Luo Su's eyes flickered with a hint of gratitude, as he softly responded and stepped aside. According to church custom, no matter one’s position within the demon hunters' association, one must kneel and kiss the priest's shoe in reverence. However, it was evident that Luo Xiu did not insist, preserving a modicum of dignity for Luo Su in front of his teammates. A mere detail, but these small gestures can often be the most touching. For instance, at this moment, gratitude began to seep into Luo Su's thoughts. He mused, the stories of Father Luo Xiu were indeed not exaggerated. It was said that despite his young age and high status, this priest remained gentle and approachable, free of the arrogance typical of prominent figures, attracting admiration from noble circles. "Master Luo Xiu, please." While thinking this, Luo Su gestured to lead Luo Xiu. Luo Xiu nodded and together, they moved towards the empty square under the goddess statue. Other Blood Rose members hurriedly stepped aside. They were exempt from the courtesy. Of course, not due to any special status but because they were unworthy. If everyone were to kneel and kiss the priest's shoe, Luo Xiu might as well have stationed himself at a gate to await each person's turn to honor him. As the crowd dispersed, Luo Xiu finally laid eyes on this world's heroine. Two petite figures lay on the ground, bound by anti-magic chains. (End of Chapter)