Lu Ze found several messy manuscripts on Old Neil's bedroom table. Tucked within them was a note containing the honorific name of the Hidden Sage:
"The embodiment of spirit and numbers,
The source of all knowledge,
The Hidden Sage above the wilderness."
To prevent anything bad from happening, he only silently read it in Loenese in his mind. A spiritual prompt from the Secrets Supplicant told him that this honorific name should be genuine.
The messy manuscripts recorded some bizarre rituals, including a secret ritual to pray to the Hidden Sage for knowledge, and one ritual that was highlighted:
"Life Alchemy."
"Materials required include: 100 ml of spring water from the Elven Spring (Golden Spring Water from Sonia Island), 50 grams of starlight crystal, half a pound of gold, 5 grams of phlogiston, 30 grams of hematite, and a large amount of fresh human blood."
Fresh human blood...
Lu Ze's heart tightened. As he continued to read, he found that Old Neil had written a note after this line: "Can consider drawing my own, accumulating it bit by bit, and preserving it with ritual magic."
Thankfully, he hadn't gone mad enough to sacrifice others.
Lu Ze thought to himself, gathered the manuscripts, and prepared to take them down for everyone to see.
Just as he picked up the note with the Hidden Sage's name written on it, he suddenly hesitated, then placed it in front of him and read it carefully.
—After this period of study, Lu Ze had already discovered that one of the Secrets Supplicant's abilities was to quickly memorize various rituals. As long as he read them carefully once, the relevant procedures and incantations would be deeply imprinted in his mind, easily recalled when needed. So, with this reading, Lu Ze could be said to have memorized the Hidden Sage's honorific name, as well as some rituals related to him.
Why record the honorific name of this evil god? Lu Ze himself couldn't say. He just felt that it might come in handy someday.
It would be best if it never had to be used, though.
He held the manuscripts and walked down the stairs step by step, returning to the living room.
— — — —
The next afternoon.
"Hah—"
Lu Ze let out a big yawn, his eyes a little moist.
Although he had caught up on some sleep in the morning, he still felt a bit tired, appearing quite listless within the circle of his colleagues.
At this moment, the lounge was packed, with everyone present except Leonard, who was on duty at Charnes Gate downstairs, and Luo Yao, who was guarding the armory. They all knew about Old Neil's situation. Since the Captain and Ms. Dai Li were accompanying the High-Ranking Cleric, and Luo Yao also had something to do, everyone had to come to him to find out what happened.
Lu Ze could only yawn as he recounted the events, omitting the parts that were inconvenient for others to know. When everyone finished hearing the full story, they all sighed.
Rosanne's eyes were dim. After a long pause, she spoke softly:
"The Captain said that Old Neil once had a deeply beloved lover when he was young. Just as they were about to get engaged, that lady unfortunately fell seriously ill and eventually passed away. He was extremely saddened by this, almost to the point of collapse."
It seemed that the Life Alchemy ritual was prepared for this. Everything Old Neil did was to resurrect his beloved.
Lu Ze understood.
He subconsciously rubbed his fingers. The wound he had cut with the knife yesterday had already healed, his skin intact, as if it had never been injured.
"How sympathetic."
Cohen Lee White exclaimed. He was a bit short, but very spirited. After hearing Old Neil's story, he seemed to empathize greatly. Lu Ze recalled that Cohen Lee also had a fiancée he was about to marry, so it was no wonder he felt a connection with Old Neil.
"The passing of loved ones is always sorrowful."
Xiga Te'ang, who worked as an Author, said in an infectious tone, "I've decided to leave work early today and spend more time with my family."
Well said. Lu Ze couldn't help but nod. After hearing Old Neil's experience, he truly wanted to go home early to see Cecilia, chat with her, and have dinner together. He noticed that Klein next to him was also deep in thought, clearly thinking of his own family as well.
"Will Old Neil be alright?"
Just then, Frey suddenly spoke, asking the question everyone was reluctant to discuss.
Everyone fell silent for a moment, then collectively turned their gaze to Lu Ze.
How would I know?
Lu Ze grimaced, "To be honest, I'm not sure either. But if Old Neil didn't harm anyone, at least his life can be saved, right?"
As if to confirm his words, the door to the lounge opened from the outside, and Dunn Smith strode in.
"Captain!"
"Hello, Captain."
"Captain, how is Old Neil?"
Everyone stood up to greet Dunn, simultaneously asking with concern.
Dunn's face showed fatigue. He scanned everyone, forcing a smile. "Old Neil passed Creste's review and doesn't have to go to the Tribunal. However, as punishment, he will be taken to a church in Backlund to work. From now on, his days can only be spent in repentance to the Goddess, and he is not allowed to leave."
Everyone sighed again, half out of relief that Old Neil's life was saved, and half out of regret that he still inevitably faced consequences.
"Then isn't Old Neil still essentially imprisoned?"
Rosanne said unwillingly.
"To avoid losing control and to keep his life is already very good."
Dunn said calmly, then turned his gaze to Lu Ze, "Lu Ze, come with me."
"Yes, Captain."
Although he didn't know why Dunn called him, Lu Ze quickly stood up and jogged out of the lounge, following Dunn into his office.
"Old Neil is very grateful for everything you did to save him. As a token of his appreciation, he has given you the house he owns in Tingen City."
Upon entering the office, before even sitting down, Dunn gave him a shocking piece of news.
"Huh?"
Lu Ze said, bewildered.
Dunn continued, "Houses in the suburbs are relatively cheaper, but because it's a larger detached house with a garden, its total value exceeds 900 pounds. He has fully entrusted me with it. Once the transfer deed is signed in a few days, the house will be yours."
"Wait a minute, Captain, is this appropriate?!"
Lu Ze couldn't help but interrupt, "A house worth 900 pounds, and Old Neil just gave it away?!"
His weekly salary was 6 pounds, which was already very high, but if he wanted to buy this house, he would have to work for 150 weeks, or about two to three years, without eating, drinking, or lodging, just to save enough money. What's more, he also had a sister to support, plus daily expenses, so buying a house was originally a distant dream.
Who would have thought that overnight, a house would fall from the sky and soon belong to him?
"It would be inappropriate if you didn't accept it."
Dunn said calmly, "Old Neil can only spend his future days in the church in Backlund. Houses and even money are useless to him now. You saved his life and prevented him from losing control, saving him from the tragic fate of not being able to return to the Goddess's embrace even after death—this is invaluable salvation. If you don't accept, he won't have peace in his future days either."
Under Dunn's unquestionable tone and Old Neil's sincere gratitude, Lu Ze finally accepted this unexpected gift. Even at this moment, he was still dizzy, filled with a sense of unreality.
"One more thing, Creste has already left."
At this point, Dunn brought up another topic, "Actually, he originally came looking for you."
The Hidden Sage's honorific name references another fanfiction—Pilgrimage in the Wilderness.
patreon.com/Itsdragonking for more chapters