Chapter 86: Saori Journeys to Northern Europe to Pray

Extreme weather was sweeping across the globe, the frozen lands of the north were melting, and an apocalyptic flood was imminent.

Within the Sanctuary, Feng Zhe, who had only recently secured his position as Pope, gazed with worry at the rain falling from the sky. At that moment, a letter arrived from Freyja of the Asgardian Palace in Northern Europe, pleading for the Sanctuary's immediate intervention. If the permafrost in the far north melted, the entire world would be plunged into disaster, as the great flood would engulf everything.

Upon receiving the news, Feng Zhe immediately convened a high-level council. In addition to the Goddess and the Gold Saints, the five Bronze Saints were invited to attend as well.

When Feng Zhe saw Seiya, he noticed that after the battles through the Twelve Temples, Seiya's strength had grown rapidly, making him a leader among his peers, and giving him an air of confidence.

The Pope's Palace, now restored, had a crimson carpet leading straight to the entrance. Two chairs stood on either side, occupied by Pope Feng Zhe and Lady Saori, the Goddess.

Below them, two rows were arranged: on the left sat Mu of Aries, Deathmask of Cancer, Milo of Scorpio, and Camus of Aquarius; on the right were Aldebaran of Taurus, Shaka of Virgo, Aiolia of Leo, Shura of Capricorn, and Aphrodite of Pisces.

There were nine Gold Saints in total, along with the five Bronze Saints who had awakened the Seventh Sense, and Pope Feng Zhe himself. The Sanctuary's elite force thus numbered fifteen.

Saori, seeing the assembly of such talent and strength, couldn't help but smile, as if for the first time acknowledging Feng Zhe's capability.

Feng Zhe cleared his throat and addressed the gathering: "The Asgardian Palace has called for our aid. For the peace and stability of the earth, the Sanctuary cannot refuse this responsibility."

Seiya immediately interrupted, saying, "The God Warriors of the Asgardian Palace are no match for us. Send us, and the task will be done."

The other Bronze Saints echoed his enthusiasm, even Shun of Andromeda voiced his agreement.

It was clear that Lady Saori wanted the five Bronze Saints to gain more experience, so she said, "Hilda of the Asgardian Palace is an acquaintance of mine. I will go to observe the situation myself, with Seiya and the others as my guards."

"As for the Gold Saints, with the Holy War approaching, you must remain to defend the Sanctuary."

Feng Zhe, however, shook his head. "Although we have always cooperated with the Asgardian Palace, this matter is far from simple. I suspect the Sea Emperor is involved, so I wish to send additional support."

At the mention of the Sea Emperor, Lady Saori's expression darkened, as if she agreed with Feng Zhe's suspicions.

"Still, the Sanctuary cannot be left undefended without the Gold Saints," she said.

Understanding Saori's concern, Feng Zhe continued, "In addition to Lady Saori and the five Bronze Saints, Camus of Aquarius, Milo of Scorpio, and Shura of Capricorn will accompany you to the North."

"Yes!" the three Gold Saints replied, stepping forward to accept their mission.

Before they departed, Feng Zhe gave special instructions to Camus, ordering him to be on guard against the Sea Emperor.

...

The next day, after Lady Saori's departure, Feng Zhe received a secret letter.

The letter came from Aster, leader of the Ghost Saints, reporting that the Sea Emperor had sent someone to Andromeda Island, likely targeting the throne of King Albeone. He asked the Sanctuary to send someone to investigate.

"Summon Shaina of Ophiuchus, Misty of Lizard, and Jamian of Crow!"

There were many Silver Saints in the Sanctuary now, and as the second tier of warriors, it was most suitable to send them to investigate.

Soon, the three Silver Saints arrived at the Pope's Palace. Feng Zhe explained the situation on Andromeda Island, then ordered them to look into it.

Just as he was about to issue the order, Argol of Perseus stormed in, full of indignation.

He burst through the door and demanded, "Why am I not being sent, Your Holiness? Is it because of our past grievances?"

"How dare you! How can you be so disrespectful to His Holiness?" Misty of Lizard, always grateful for Feng Zhe's past kindness, was especially pleased to see him restored as Pope.

Argol, however, was unafraid of Misty. The two immediately released their cosmos, and it seemed a fight was about to break out.

"Enough!" Feng Zhe said sternly, halting the pointless contest.

He stepped down from the Pope's throne, his powerful cosmos exerting tremendous pressure, causing sweat to break out on Argol's face.

Feng Zhe struck Argol in the chest with a single punch, sending him flying into the wall.

"Your Holiness!" Even Misty was shocked, never expecting the Pope to act so suddenly.

"That punch repays you for nearly killing me in the past. From now on, our grudge is settled."

"Your Holiness..." Argol was not seriously injured, but to hear such words from Feng Zhe left him deeply shaken.

Feng Zhe looked at the stunned Argol and said, "Now, I have a special task for you, one that concerns the outcome of the Holy War."

"Just give the order, Your Holiness!"

Feng Zhe whispered a few words to Argol via spiritual transmission. Argol was instantly shocked, exclaiming, "Garon!"

Feng Zhe nodded. "If you can find him, you will have rendered great service, and I will go in person when the time comes!"

"Yes, Your Holiness!"

With that, the four Silver Saints went off to carry out their missions, while Feng Zhe withdrew into the depths of the Pope's Palace.

...

"How comfortable! No wonder my two predecessors enjoyed bathing so much!"

Feng Zhe had set aside his papal robes and was soaking in the hot spring, one hand holding a wine glass, the other a bunch of grapes, utterly at ease.

"You certainly know how to enjoy yourself!"

A magnetic voice echoed, and the surrounding environment instantly distorted.

Feng Zhe immediately grew alert, his cosmos blazing to life. This cosmos was immensely powerful, on a completely different level from the Gold Saints.

Feng Zhe cried out in alarm, "The Eighth Sense!"

When he finally saw who it was, he relaxed a little.

"Master, you nearly gave me a heart attack!"

The visitor was none other than Saga of Gemini, who had journeyed to the Underworld.

Clad in his Gemini Surplice, Saga stood before Feng Zhe, imposing and direct.

Feng Zhe couldn't help but joke, "Master, why not join me in the bath? It's most enjoyable!"

With a glance from Saga and a single "Bang," the entire pool shattered into pieces.

Feng Zhe jumped in fright, hastily donning his Altar Cloth, just in time to avoid being seen.

He said ruefully, "Master, you're still as formidable as ever!"

"I need your help. Come with me to the Underworld!" Saga declared.

At this, Feng Zhe shook his head vigorously. "No, no, I haven't lived enough yet. I'm not ready for an early death!"

Feng Zhe had not attained the Eighth Sense; if he entered the Underworld in the flesh, it would be suicide.

Saga smiled, "Don't you know how to use Corpse Qi? Here, take this empty shell!"

"The Heavenly Crying Star, Balendaine?!"

Once again, he saw Balendaine, the Heavenly Crying Star. The last time had been in Lady Saori's timeline, now again in the current one.

"Just send your soul into it," Saga said, as if it were a trivial matter.

Feng Zhe asked, "Master, what exactly do you want me to do?"