Who is this?
"I don't recognize him. He doesn't seem to be the Holy Son Yilai Zhe."
"Nonsense, Holy Son Yilai is so easy to recognize, of course I know him."
The believers began to whisper among themselves, speculating about the identities of the two men.
The two holy sons and daughters also looked at the suddenly appearing competitor with surprise, not understanding what was going on.
Elder Sid instantly remembered the letter he had forgotten about. He clearly hadn't expected the two people who sent it to be so bold as to actually show up at the scene.
His gaze locked onto the two of them: "You have to pay the price for disrupting the scene without cause."
"No, no, no, we didn't mean to interrupt you. Didn't you hear what we said? We should also be one of the candidates. We should have explained it to the elders and the selection committee and to you privately. But the selection time was too tight. We rushed here and only just arrived in Gilga City. We can only take the liberty of explaining here at the selection ceremony."
Phil Gray looked genuinely apologetic.
Disrupting someone else's papal selection ceremony and claiming to be a candidate was considered a provocation, which was not unreasonable. However, they had no other choice; participating in the selection of the Sons of God was the most peaceful way to become a deceased pope.
Otherwise, it will be even more difficult for them to complete the Proverbs once a new pope ascends to the throne.
At that point, let alone ending the Church of the Dead's differences between those advocating war and those advocating peace, and withdrawing from the war with the Dawn, it might directly trigger a war for the papacy, and even bring trouble to their own destiny.
“Yes, we also sent several letters to you and the elders. I'm sure you all received them. We were just worried about the time, so we asked you to postpone it a little. However, it's really hard to explain everything in just a few words. We understand that you don't believe us. Now we just want to explain our reasons for becoming Holy Sons and candidates for Pope in front of the elders. Please give us a chance.” Eli smiled as he glanced at several familiar faces.
He remembered clearly who had tried him and burned him at the stake back then, but now, standing before them, they didn't recognize him.
When my grandfather left his position as an elder, several other elders followed suit. Of course, some were not present and were replaced by unfamiliar faces.
So many years have passed, and even the Church of the Dead, which reveres death and stillness, has long since changed beyond recognition.
"What a joke! Do you think just anyone can be a candidate for Pope? Who gave you the courage?" the elder roared.
The aura of God's descent swept through the entire church, creating an invisible pressure.
It had been a long time since they had seen the Grand Elder so angry. The believers held their breath and dared not make a sound. They just silently looked at the two heroes, not understanding how they dared to do it. Everyone had a dream of becoming Pope, but this was the first time they had seen someone so directly ask to participate in the selection.
In the history of the Church of the Dead, no, I doubt there has ever been such a situation in the history of any other church.
“Of course, it was the great God of Death who gave us courage. We both received the divine prophecy, which requires us to become the Pope of the Church of the Dead.” Phil Gray smiled. “Since it is the will of the God, we certainly cannot disobey it. So even at the risk of offending you, the Elder Council, and all the Holy Sons, we must carry out the will of the God.”
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone was stunned.
Those who were allowed to enter and watch were all distinguished individuals with a profound understanding of the proverbs.
In this world where faith is paramount, no one dares to joke about the will of the gods, much less conceal or deceive about matters related to the gods.
Therefore, they couldn't possibly be lying. Could it be that the god of death really sent down such a prophecy?
Elder Sid narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Is what you're saying true? Did the gods send you such a prophecy?"
"Yes, how dare we use the gods as an excuse? I can swear to the god of death."
Perhaps Phil Gray often used the name of fate to say things that were true or false in the past, but this time it's for real.
Eli also solemnly swore an oath to the gods.
"How strange! This is the first time I've ever heard of a deity issuing such a prophecy," the Third Elder couldn't help but say.
“In the history of the Church of the Dead, God has never interfered with the selection of our Pope, let alone bestowed such a prophecy upon two ordinary followers at the same time,” the archbishop said thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the two young men, his sharp eyes trying to see through their thoughts.
Upon hearing such a proverb, the three candidates on the field felt a pang of unease, as they, as legitimate sons of God, had never received such a proverb.
What kind of luck did these two people have?
"What do you think is special about you, and why do you deserve the favor of the gods?" Sid could sense that the two people in front of him were both divinely inspired beings, and neither of them were more than 45 years old, barely reaching the threshold of becoming a holy son.
But how can someone be qualified for the position of pope without training within the church system?
What exactly did the gods see in them?
Or have the two become so bold as to falsely claim divine will?
Phil Gray's gaze remained calm, unfazed by the scrutiny of the crowd. Although he was merely a favored follower of the God of Death, he was a divine revelation of destiny! Furthermore, his divine power could be converted into other forms, thus giving people the illusion of a divine revelation-level favored follower of death.
Aside from lacking the skill that grants death, it's otherwise no different from a Divine Revelation-level follower.
But even if they see through it, it doesn't matter. By waving the banner of the God of Death, can't we ask them for an exception?
In this world, as long as there is a guarantee in the name of God, any problem can be solved.
“What do you think?” Eli rolled up his right sleeve, revealing his arm, on which was painted a black lotus flower.
As his divine power was poured in, the lotus slowly bloomed, exuding the purest aura of death.
That's the aura of a god!
Those present stared in disbelief at what they saw. They were all knowledgeable followers and recognized at a glance that it was a mark belonging to the gods.
Phil Gray turned his head, equally surprised. He remembered that the mark on Eli's arm had been burned off.
Now his arms are fair and smooth, without any burn marks, and the black lotus flowers are lifelike.
“It has reappeared in its entirety since I became a Deathbringer again. As for the scars, do you think they would cause any trouble for a former Lifebringer?” Eli blinked and whispered to him.
Indeed, Phil Gray had also wondered how a life-giver could have indelible burn marks on their body.
If severed limbs can regenerate, can't a small scar be removed?
Eli could have removed them at any time, but he chose to remember the past as proof of his courage and sacrifice, and as a way to express his longing for his sister.
Now, he has personally healed those wounds, not only because there is hope of seeing his sister again, but also because he will try to change the past.
The desperate boy has returned and stands proudly before them as before.
Those present were still in shock and naturally didn't notice what they were saying next.
"Is that a divine mark?" The Third Elder rubbed his eyes, making sure he wasn't seeing things.
He looked at the Grand Elder as if seeking confirmation, but the Grand Elder's face showed no less shock than his.
To be honest, ever since he learned that the Grand Elder was a ghost, he had never seen this ghost display such a rich array of emotions.
Sid ignored the Third Elder, his eyes fixed on the divine mark, then he looked up and met the gaze of the unfamiliar young man who owned the mark.
Those emerald green eyes were so familiar, as if I had returned to many years ago, when those innocent and stubborn eyes looked at him with the same mocking expression.
...
"Save her, Elder! Haven't you always been the one who loves us the most? I don't want to lose her!"
The undead's strong arms swept the little boy up in one scoop. "My little holy child, you should be happy for your sister. The God of Death wants to see her sooner."
"No, the gods can see her, but I can't. Please, Elder," the little boy cried, clinging to the spirit's broad shoulders.
"Don't be so selfish, Eli. We should gladly accept the blessings of the gods. Go pick out a small coffin that she likes."
"don't want!"
“Hey, how did your grandfather teach you, Lucy? Take him to his grandfather! Let him supervise his grandson to copy the Death Codex a few more times.”
"Yes, Father."
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