Above The Sky
Chapter 1016 - 1016 110 Twin Pontiffs 6000

1016: Chapter 110 Twin Pontiffs (6000) 1016: Chapter 110 Twin Pontiffs (6000) The spring breeze of March already carries a noticeable warmth in the South Ridge, but in the Northern Territory, March winds still belong to winter.

The frost-laden chill, enough to freeze flowing water, spreads with the icy winds.

North of the Dawnglow Mountain Range, the land remains shrouded in silver and white.

Among the towering pine forests, there is no trace of human activity—even the most seasoned Hunters would not venture into the mountains for game at this time.

Yet, in such a moment of stillness, a massive cart made its way across the plain flanked by two mountains, guarded by the Knight Order.

Its destination was the Holy Mountain.

Pulled by a towering Frosthair Bear, it rolled through the silent Whitewood Forest, startling a flock of Frostwind Butterflies—common in the Northeastern regions—which fluttered away, leaving behind faint whispers of their fluttering wings.

To the east of Steep Ridge Fortress and west of Yanjiang, deep within the mountains further north of the Empire’s northernmost Great Grave Stronghold Cluster, lies what the common folk respectfully call the Holy Mountain.

Many believers, filled with hope, refer to that land as a place bathed in eternal light—a sanctuary free from troubles and sorrows.

There, all residents are devoid of hatred and envy.

People are said to live in mutual love and collaboration.

Despite the harsh cold, the land is bountiful, so no one ever worries about sustenance.

It is a place people long for, a place people desire deeply.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain is the most beautiful aspiration of a lifetime for these worshippers.

During the Era of Ennea, when the alliance between the Huai Guang Church and the Empire was at its peak, countless devotees, clad in white and carrying lamps, streamed northward from the South like rivers converging upon this sacred land.

—When they eventually reached the Holy Mountain, did those people feel disappointment?

The Radiant Nun sat within the carriage, the Dragon Maiden tightly gripping her staff.

This nun, known for her prudence in all matters—so much so that she could be called steady—gazed at the white expanse outside the window.

A fleeting thought, tinged with melancholy, crossed her mind.

It was precisely because she was a native, born in one of the villages surrounding the Holy Mountain, that she felt concern for the hearts of those pilgrims.

Radiant Nun understood well that the “Holy Ground” she had lived in since childhood was, at its core, not as wondrous as the outside world depicted.

Or rather, the image of the Holy Ground that exists in the minds of most people is wholly different from the reality of the Holy Mountain.

Yes, the Holy Mountain is indeed a beautiful place.

There, there are no kings, no officials, no mayors, no village chiefs—not even anyone who has the “natural right” to manage others.

There, everyone lives freely, sustains themselves through the work of their hands, and when in need, exchanges goods with others—or even skips the need for barter—giving freely to those in want.

People instinctively help each other, and there is no concept of private ownership.

Everyone fulfills their role and coexists, forming a community that is complex yet simple.

Each person contributes to this community, living in harmony without the need for leaders or guidance.

No one resolves conflicts through power or violence.

Instead, they use wisdom to address the roots of disputes.

Clerics of Huai Guang walk these lands, yet they have never sought to rule over anything.

This is a land without laws, but it has an innate “consensus.” It has no rulers, yet everyone instinctively respects the Deity.

This is the Huai Guang Sanctuary.

Radiant Nun was born here.

Her ancestors were once refugees of the Azure Sky Royal Court.

In truth, nearly all of the residents of the Huai Guang Sanctuary had at some point abandoned everything to escape from war-torn lands, arriving here one after another and renouncing everything worldly.

According to the elders of her village, in the aftermath of a civil war within the Azure Sky Royal Court, a chieftain of the Solemnmoon Khanate once crossed what was then the desolate Frostwind Wilderness to reach the Holy Mountain, seeking to “reclaim” refugees who had fled his tribe.

[These people are my property, my slaves.]

He had just emerged victorious over a formidable enemy, commanding tens of thousands of elite cavalry.

Even the Sertar Empire’s border guard retreated to their fortresses, unwilling to test his might.

He believed himself to be acting within his rightful authority, thinking even the Huai Guang Church would not obstruct him from retrieving what he claimed as his own.

But the answer the chieftain received was nothing more than a brief question.

[Who are you?]

He was asked this, and his expression became filled with shock and incredulity.

He assumed his renown had not reached the Sanctuary, so he restrained his anger and stated his origins, status, and titles.

He was The Pursuer, the leader of the Tashu Tribe of Solemnmoon Khanate, one of the eighteen sons of the Great Khan, the ruler over the Youchuan Tribe, Crystal Tribe, and Wind Lizard Tribe, and the undeniable master of the refugees who had fled in fear from their homeland!

[No.]

The Sacred Inquisitor who received him shook their head and denied: [You are merely Angqin Tasu.

Beyond the Holy Mountain, your name may carry weight.

But here, on this mountain, you are just yourself—and nothing more than the name you bear.]

[Angqin Tasu, what authority do you have to govern people who do not wish to be governed by you?]

[Angqin Tasu, what power allows you to demand the return of people who refuse to live under your rule?]

[Angqin Tasu, Huai Guang treats all equally.

You will need to present your reasoning.]

[Whatever logic you use, we will abide by the same logic.]

Upon hearing this, the chieftain, stunned and bewildered, did not merely feel astonishment but also anger and ridicule.

He was the son of the Great Khan, a chieftain of a prominent tribe.

He was a Fourth Energy Level Sublimator and the commander of an unrivaled cavalry force.

By what right could he not govern these rebellious defectors?

These refugees, who had refused to pay their tributes and even fled the grasslands because of the war, were the most shameful examples in the Khanate’s eyes.

If they were allowed to live freely, who could say whether other lowly commoners in his domain might not look to them as an example and, in turn, abandon their tribes?