Shikon City, Pope's Palace.
The magnificent domed building rose atop a hill. Its delicate glass dome shimmered in the sunlight, scattering rainbow-colored rays like a divine masterpiece.
Atop the dome, Haruto Akiyama sat cross-legged, eyes closed, dressed in a pristine white ensemble adorned with intricate golden embroidery and accessories, reminiscent of a formal suit. His long golden hair was perfectly combed and draped elegantly over his shoulders.
His body radiated a faint golden light from cultivating the Sacred Sun Flame, and his flawless features, bathed in the rainbow glow, made him seem like a deity among mortals.
Suddenly, a graceful figure approached from afar.
It was Spirit Falcon, wearing a tight black outfit, tall and shapely, with delicate and refined features, exuding an elegant aura. Behind her, a pair of fiery red spirit wings spread out majestically.
When she arrived beside Haruto, though this wasn't the first time they met, his transformed appearance still made her eyes widen in admiration. She bowed respectfully.
"Your Holiness, Pope, I've brought Bishop Tsukikawa as requested!"
Haruto slowly opened his eyes, exhaling, signaling the end of his Sacred Sun Flame cultivation. Standing atop the dome, he noticed Spirit Falcon's gaze drop, revealing a blush across her delicate features.
Haruto smiled slightly, satisfied. His new outfit seemed to have the desired effect. This little Spirit Falcon was visibly flustered!
This attire had been carefully chosen after Haruto wandered Shikon City for hours. He found the original outfit ridiculous. His former self, though handsome, insisted on wearing flashy golden armor with a large red cloak, topped with a pope's crown that hid half his face—utterly unflattering.
In the original's view, the outfit was necessary to assert papal authority. But Haruto knew that true authority wasn't in the clothes—it came from unrivaled power, confidence, and the ability to lead Shikon-den to greatness.
Though he had only just broken into the Celestial Spirit Master tier at level 92, and couldn't dominate everyone yet, style and charm could last a lifetime! After all, he had finally transmigrated into a handsome body—why not make the most of it?
After Spirit Falcon's report, a striking figure in a flowing crimson bishop's robe descended rapidly from the rooftops. The newcomer had long golden hair and delicate, slightly androgynous features with smoky eye makeup, almost rivaling Haruto in appearance.
It was the famous Bishop Tsukikawa. Though this was the future—currently, it was only February, year 2615, fifteen years before the birth of the original protagonist. At this time, Tsukikawa was only a capable Spirit Master in the Shikon-den, dressed in red robes as a respected bishop.
"Bishop Tsukikawa, greetings, Your Holiness!"
"I was summoned by Your Holiness, Spirit Falcon mentioned it. Is there something you need to instruct me on?"
Surprised to be summoned alone, Tsukikawa bowed respectfully, his nerves evident.
"Relax, Bishop Tsukikawa," Haruto said warmly. "I wished to ask about something. I heard your family has extensive knowledge of flora and herbs."
"Do you possess any records of rare and exotic herbs?"
As a transmigrated cultivator seeking power, Haruto knew he couldn't miss the Twin Flames Eye herb quest.
He knew roughly where the Twin Flames Eye was—Sunset Forest—but details about the rare herbs there eluded him. Only a few had appeared in the novels. Surely, there were more. That made Tsukikawa a perfect source of information—he remembered that the bishop had recognized the Red Heart Grass in the original story.
Rumor had it that Tsukikawa's family possessed a record of rare herbs and magical plants. Though its authenticity was uncertain, Haruto decided to inquire.
"Yes, Your Holiness," Tsukikawa replied respectfully. "The Tsukikawa family inherited a codex recording rare herbs. It details the highest-grade herbs, which correspond to the power level of our family's Kiritake Chrysanthemum Spirit."
"So it's called the Celestial Herb Codex," Haruto noted.
Surprised that Haruto asked, Tsukikawa replied politely, "If needed, Your Holiness, I can retrieve it immediately and present it to you!"
Though reluctant to part with the family heirloom, he realized all information could be copied. For the sake of progress, he gritted his teeth.
Haruto smiled. "No need to gift it. I only need to borrow it for a while."
Soon, Tsukikawa returned with the codex. Haruto accepted it and prepared to head to the Shikon Hall.
Shikon Hall, Angel Sanctuary. The vast, golden-bright hall housed statues of angels.
Master Chidoryu, wearing golden robes and a teal cloak, with long golden hair and a slightly aged yet handsome face, frowned slightly. He addressed Haruto.
"Haruto, why did you suddenly ask me to call Uncle Golden Croc, Uncle Azure Phoenix, and Uncle Lion here? What is it?"
"Haruto?"
Haruto twitched his mouth. "Father, could you stop calling me Haruto? Call me Akiyama, or Haruto-san!"
"What's wrong with Haruto?" Chidoryu frowned, taking a fatherly stance. "Your mother's spirit power was weak. I feared you might be born with flaws. That's why I named you Haruto Akiyama—prosperity and good fortune in the name!"
"You can call me whatever you like, Father!" Haruto said angrily but helplessly. For now, he had no choice but to endure. Once stronger, he would show him.
"By the way, Haruto," Chidoryu continued, "why did you summon all your uncles here?"
"Relax, Father. I have some good news to share with them!" Haruto smiled confidently.
(End of Chapter)