Yan Xing, having left the Lord's Mansion, was still unaware of the events transpiring in Storm City. He rode his beloved steed, Fei Ying, to the outside of the Temple, gazing upon the grand, arch-shaped structure.

The Temple in Nuta City was one of the few places unaffected by the rioting.

The Temple's clergy and the Temple Knights who served directly under it were fully armed, confronting the City Defense Force that surrounded the place.

In contrast to the City Defense Force, which had been fighting for two days, the Temple's troops were well-equipped and rested, ready for the challenge.

The Guild's Mercenaries arrived at Yan Xing's command.

The City Defense Force also received Count Theodore's orders. They handed over the task of surrounding the Temple to the Guild's Mercenaries and retreated to the second line.

Yan Xing, riding Fei Ying, approached the foot of the Temple's high steps, where a squadron of Temple Knights blocked his path.

"The Temple is a place for serving the gods," one declared. "Without an invitation, no one is permitted entry."

Following behind Yan Xing, Eddie, leading a troop of mercenaries mounted on Chocobos, also pushed forward. They aimed their double-barreled shotguns at the Temple Knights, as if ready to open fire upon Yan Xing's command.

These Temple Knights had all participated in the attack on the Lord's Mansion. They were aware that these firearms possessed far greater power than goblin guns.

The Temple Knights immediately fortified themselves with magic shields and drew their swords, ready to fight.

However, their composure faltered when they saw what the Guild's Mercenaries rolled out next.

Firearms might still be resisted with magic shields, but the cannons were an absolute nightmare for those Temple Knights who had participated in the attack on the Lord's Mansion.

Once more, that nightmare approached them.

A row of cannons was rolled to the front, their muzzles aimed at the Temple Knights and the Temple behind them.

Another row of cannons was pushed forward from the darkness behind.

Then another row.

And another.

Considering the residences that had been flattened by these weapons, it was questionable how many volleys even the sturdy Temple could withstand.

"Knight Yan Xing..." A Temple Knight finally spoke, his stance less rigid. "The High Priest has retired to rest. If you have any business, please wait until daybreak for the High Priest to decide whether or not to meet with you."

Yan Xing said expressionlessly, "With all this commotion outside, I don't believe Grand Priest Lancelot can sleep.

Besides, I have no intention of disturbing the High Priest.

Just hand over the ones who owe me money, and I will immediately take my men and go, letting you all sleep in peace."

The Temple Knights understood Yan Xing's intention.

But Grand Priest Lancelot had said that before the situation in Storm City was clear, they must protect the men of the Farsight Mercenary Corps.

"I'm sorry, Knight Yan Xing," the Temple Knight continued. "I don't know who you are referring to, but secular disputes are not the Temple's concern.

Whoever owes you money, you may go to Count Theodore.

I believe that with your relationship with the City Lord, he will surely ensure you are very satisfied."

Seeing the Temple so deftly pass the buck to Count Theodore, Yan Xing chuckled coldly. "Wrongs have their perpetrators; debts have their debtors. Hand over the Farsight Mercenary Corps to me, and I'll take them with me to the Lord's Mansion to settle the debt they owe me."

The Temple Knight outright refused. "Indeed, some members of the Farsight Mercenary Corps are inside the Temple. They are devout believers, currently praying to the gods in the sanctuary.

Prayer must not be interrupted, or it would be blasphemy against the gods.

If you wish to take the Farsight mercenaries, please wait until they have finished their prayers."

By invoking the gods, the Temple Knight made it clear they were unwilling to hand over the Farsight mercenaries.

Yan Xing lit a cigarette for himself.

At that moment, a roaring sound came from not too far away, and a cannonball shot toward a building near the Temple, striking it.

The Temple Knight was astonished; he hadn't expected Yan Xing to actually dare to attack the Temple, even though that shot hadn't hit the sanctuary itself.

"Knight Yan Xing, are you prepared to make an enemy of the Temple? Can you bear the consequences?"

In response to the Temple Knight's threat, Yan Xing exhaled a puff of smoke and said, "Don't be nervous. The Eternal Merchant Guild's Mercenaries received orders from Count Theodore, requesting us to assist the City Defense Force in quelling the urban unrest.

Since it is war, it's inevitable there will be some accidental injuries.

Count Theodore has stated that the Lord's Mansion will fund the reconstruction of any buildings damaged while quashing this rebellion.

If your Temple is destroyed in the process, the City Lord will surely build you a better one."

The Temple Knight retorted, his voice and expression stern, "There are no rebels near the Temple! If you dare to attack the Temple again, it will be a declaration of war against the Temple!"

"Declaration of war?" Yan Xing flicked his cigarette ash. "Do you have the authority to declare war?

Can you bear the consequences if you declare war on me?

Young man, don't speak beyond the scope of your authority. You and your men may end up dying for your bravado, and it would be a meaningless death."

The Temple Knight knew he had overstepped.

Yan Xing was not Count Theodore.

He represented Thunderous Swamp.

If he actually initiated an attack on the Temple, given the Temple's weak influence in the Wildwind Highlands, they would indeed have no way to retaliate.

If he used the pretext of quelling rebellion to destroy the Nuta City Temple, the Temple would have no means to punish him. This would inevitably be a severe blow to its authority.

Moreover, Yan Xing had deployed troops to support Rose Court, and Lady Karol frequently stayed at his special envoy's residence. With the Silvermane Principality acting as a buffer, even the Gryphon Heart Empire would be powerless to restore the Temple's dignity should it be challenged.

The Temple Knight realized the matter was not something he was qualified to handle.

He said to Yan Xing, "Please wait a moment..."

That Temple Knight sent someone into the sanctuary to report what was happening to the High Priest.

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