Kalimo heard this and smiled, saying, "Since you called me Grandfather, as your grandfather, it is only natural that I should do something for you, my girl. Enough said now, girl; if you continue, you will be looking down on Grandpa Kalimo."

Rou Xue quickly shook her head upon hearing this, saying, "Of course not, Grandfather left me so early, so in my heart, I have always treated Grandpa Kalimo like my own grandfather. Rou Xue has always respected you deeply."

Kalimo chuckled at her words, saying, "That’s good then. Well, we’ve been traveling all day; let’s get some proper rest first and prepare, just in case we are required to head to the headquarters of the Church of Light later."

Hearing Kalimo’s words, Rou Xue quickly nodded in agreement, falling silent. She began to sit quietly beside Mo Han, gently wiping the grime from his face. Kalimo watched this, shaking his head slightly, but he did not interfere. He merely left the room with a few Saint Dragon Clan guards to rest in the adjacent room.

Meanwhile, the moment Shui Ling’er and Guang Huo stepped out of the inn’s main door, Guang Huo dismissed the surrounding church personnel and couldn’t help but speak, "Ling’er girl, have you truly thought this through? If you put forth this condition to His Holiness the Pope, I fear he may not agree. This ‘Seven-Colored Feather’ is the foundational treasure of our Church of Light. His Holiness intends to use it as a final safeguard should the (Underworld Race) invade. I fear His Holiness will not agree to your demand easily. And even if he does, I suspect the several Grand Elders will make things difficult. I am friends with young brother Mo Han, so naturally, I won't object, but the other Grand Elders—that’s another story. I doubt they will consent."

Hearing Guang Huo’s words, Shui Ling’er smiled faintly at him and said, "I know that His Holiness the Pope and those Elders may not agree to my request. But no matter the cost, Ling’er must save Brother Mo Han’s life, even if it means trading my own life for his. I am willing."

Guang Huo sighed helplessly upon hearing this, "Alas, girl, do you truly think it is worth it? You must think clearly."

Shui Ling’er’s eyes showed a flicker of determination. She spoke, "I have thought it through very clearly, so Grandpa Guang Huo, you do not need to worry for me. Ling’er dares not hide anything from you, Grandpa: I have already promised to marry Brother Mo Han. Thus, he is essentially Ling’er’s husband. Now that Brother Mo Han has encountered such trouble, Ling’er naturally cannot stand idly by. I hope Grandpa Guang Huo can understand Ling’er’s intentions."

Guang Huo immediately exclaimed in surprise, "What? When did you marry young brother Mo Han? How have I not heard anything about this? This is too reckless!"

Shui Ling’er’s face flushed with a hint of blissful smile as she replied, "We are not married yet, but Brother Mo Han has already promised to marry Ling’er, and Ling’er has also accepted Brother Mo Han’s request. So, Ling’er trusts that Brother Mo Han will not go back on his word."

Hearing Shui Ling’er’s answer, Guang Huo spoke helplessly, "You are still so impulsive, this is far too much like child's play. You know perfectly well that the Saintess of the Church of Light is forbidden from marrying. Young brother Mo Han might not know this, so his actions are understandable, but you know this situation clearly—why are you still playing along with young brother Mo Han’s games? If His Holiness and the others find out, you know the consequences."

Shui Ling’er quickly shook her head, urgently saying, "Grandpa Guang Huo, I am not treating this lightly. I have considered my promise to marry Brother Mo Han for a long time and have thought it through completely. This is the first time Ling’er has ever liked someone this much in her life. When I am not with Brother Mo Han, I find myself thinking of him constantly and cannot bear to leave his side. Ling’er feels that just staying near Brother Mo Han, quietly watching him, even if we do nothing, is enough to make her content. Therefore, Ling’er has absolutely no regrets about her decision."

"As for His Holiness, Ling’er has long planned for it. I originally intended to leave the Church of Light after the invasion of the ended, casting aside my status as Saintess, just to stay quietly by Brother Mo Han’s side as his wife. I believe this will be the happiest thing in my life."

Guang Huo said, torn between laughter and tears, "You’ve even planned that far ahead. It seems you’ve had this set in your mind for a long time. Since it’s settled, any further persuasion from me will likely be ignored. I can only offer my blessings then."

Hearing Guang Huo’s response, Shui Ling’er couldn’t help but express her gratitude, "Grandpa Guang Huo, please rest assured, I will exercise good judgment. Alright, we can discuss this later. My most urgent task now is to persuade His Holiness the Pope and the Grand Elders. Only then can we manage to heal Brother Mo Han in time; otherwise, if more time drags on, I fear it will be detrimental to Brother Mo Han’s health."

Guang Huo smiled and said, "Worrying about your husband already? Don’t fret; the ‘Seven-Colored Feather’ can even resurrect the dead. Brother Han will certainly be fine."

Shui Ling’er said, slightly shyly, "Although that is what they say, no one knows if it is truly effective because no one has ever used the Seven-Colored Feather. Therefore, no one understands the actual outcome, nor do we know if it might have any side effects on Brother Mo Han. That’s why I feel it’s better to hurry."

Guang Huo chuckled, "Alright, since you are so anxious, how about this: I will handle speaking with the other Elders. You just focus on getting His Holiness the Pope to agree. That should speed things up considerably, and you won’t have to worry about your husband’s safety."

Shui Ling’er’s eyes filled with gratitude, and just as she was about to speak, Guang Huo quickly waved a hand to stop her. "Don't thank me yet, hah. Besides, I hold some authority among us old fellows, so it’s better for me to step forward. At least the effect will be better than if you did it. Moreover, young brother Mo Han and I get along well; I certainly don't want him to just die—otherwise, my future life would lose a lot of its amusement."

Shui Ling’er knew Guang Huo’s temperament and that he truly disliked tedious matters, but she still insisted on bowing respectfully to him, saying gratefully, "Ling’er thanks Grandpa Guang Huo here first. If things are settled, please meet Ling’er at my residence. After Ling’er has discussed matters with His Holiness the Pope, I will join you there."

Guang Huo nodded in understanding and said, "It’s getting late; we need to hurry. How about this: we split up now. You know those few old stubborn ones aren't easy to locate; it’ll likely take considerable time. If I really can’t find them, I’ll just have to strike the Bell of the Holy Light. I refuse to believe those few old fossils won't show up then."

Guang Huo finished speaking, gave Shui Ling’er a hearty smile, and left first. (Note: The Bell of the Holy Light is used by the Church of Light to convene special ceremonies or when the Church faces a major crisis. Once the Bell of the Holy Light tolls, all high-ranking officials of the Church who hear its sound gather to discuss and resolve the matter.)

After Guang Huo left, Shui Ling’er dared not delay. She hurried towards the headquarters of the Church of Light, hoping to see the Pope of Light soon so that Mo Han could be saved sooner.

She arrived at the Holy Temple of Light, located at the very center of the headquarters. This was the hub of the Church of Light; the Pope of Light resided in the Papal Palace behind it. The security here was impenetrable—arguably stricter than the Imperial Palace of the Heavenly Dragon Empire, with countless visible and hidden sentries. However, owing to Shui Ling’er’s status, she faced no obstruction and smoothly reached the Pope of Light's residence—the Papal Palace.

The Judgment Knights guarding the entrance to the Papal Palace all saluted and greeted Shui Ling’er upon seeing her. However, only Shui Ling’er possessed this privilege; as the Saintess of Light, she had the right to enter the Holy Temple of Light at any time without needing special notification. Thus, upon seeing her, the Judgment Knights merely bowed in greeting before opening the doors to the Papal Palace, allowing Shui Ling’er to enter freely.

Shui Ling’er walked directly to the door of the Pope of Light's private chambers. Just as she was about to speak, a gentle voice came from within, asking, "Is that Your Grace the Saintess? What is it? Has something happened within the Church of Light that brings you here at this hour?"

Shui Ling’er immediately replied with utmost respect, "Your Holiness the Pope, Ling’er dares not deceive you. I am not here because of church matters today, but rather because I have a personal request I hope to receive your approval for."

Hearing Shui Ling’er’s response, the gentle voice fell silent for a long moment. Then, the faint sound of footsteps emerged, and soon a middle-aged man clad in a golden Papal robe slowly walked out. He had a square jaw and prominent eyes and brows, giving him an imposing air even without speaking. A palpable aura of authority emanated from him, creating a stifling sensation. However, the Pope of Light now spoke with a tone of intrigued curiosity, "Oh? Your Grace the Saintess has never sought me out for personal matters before; it doesn't suit your character. This matter must be significant. Please, tell me what it is, Your Grace. I hope I can be of assistance."

Hearing the Pope of Light’s words, Shui Ling’er took a deep breath, calmed her racing heart, and slowly began, "A very dear friend of Ling’er was ambushed by the Demonic Dragon Clan and is facing death. Only the ‘Seven-Colored Feather’ of our Church of Light can save his life; there is no other way. Therefore, Ling’er has no choice but to boldly request Your Holiness’s permission to use the ‘Seven-Colored Feather’ to save my friend’s life. Ling’er will be eternally grateful."

Shui Ling’er finished stating her request in one breath. She expected the Pope of Light to object immediately, but instead, he neither objected nor agreed. He remained silent, his back to Shui Ling’er, which made her feel increasingly uneasy. The Pope’s reaction was completely unexpected; if he had refused, she wouldn't have been this nervous. But now, his silence after hearing her plea left her unable to fathom his thoughts or know what to do next.

After a long pause, the Pope of Light sighed deeply and spoke, "I believe the person you wish to save is that young man named Chen Mo Han? However, you must know that the ‘Seven-Colored Feather’ has always been the foundational treasure of our Church of Light. Successive Popes have not dared to use it recklessly, which is why it remains preserved to this day. As the Saintess of the Church of Light, you should also understand the importance of this Feather. It is not only our church’s treasure but also our final weapon against the King of the Underworld when the invades a year from now. Even if I were to agree to your request, I fear the several Grand Elders of the Church would not consent."

Shui Ling’er saw that the Pope seemed to understand some things and did not deny them. She nodded and said, "That is correct, Your Holiness is wise. Ling’er dares not hide anything. The reason Ling’er requests Your Holiness's permission is to save Brother Mo Han's life. Ling’er is aware of the significance of the ‘Seven-Colored Feather’ to our church, but for Ling’er, Brother Mo Han’s life surpasses my own. That is why Ling’er dared to make this request."

The Pope of Light looked deeply at Shui Ling’er and then said quietly, "Oh? Saintess, you know the importance of the ‘Seven-Colored Feather’ to our Church of Light, yet you still approach me with this request for the sake of this Chen Mo Han. It seems this Chen Mo Han holds a rather significant position in the Saintess's heart. I have never seen you so anxious for anyone before. Saintess, could it be that you have fallen for this Chen Mo Han? You must remember that as the Saintess of the Church of Light, you are forbidden from harboring personal affections. If the Elders of the Church were to learn of this, even I might not be able to protect you." As he finished the last sentence, the Pope of Light’s tone grew increasingly stern.

Hearing the Pope of Light’s words, Shui Ling’er felt no fear and spoke resolutely, "Your Holiness the Pope is correct; Ling’er has fallen for Brother Mo Han. I understand that as the Saintess, I should not develop feelings for other men, but this feeling is beyond Ling’er’s control. Ling’er tried to escape the torment of this emotion, forcing herself not to meet Brother Mo Han. But I discovered that these were all my own wishful thoughts. The less I saw him, the more I missed him; only Brother Mo Han’s image floated before Ling’er’s eyes. From that moment on, Ling’er understood that I could never truly leave Brother Mo Han."

Hearing Shui Ling’er’s confession, the Pope of Light’s voice turned cold as he asked, "Saintess, do you know what you are saying? If the people of the Church knew of this, what consequences would there be? Moreover, if the common folk learned that the Saintess they worship has fallen for a man, what terrible damage would that inflict upon the reputation of our Church of Light? Have you never considered these things?"

Shui Ling’er nodded in pain, "I know these things are what a Saintess should never experience, and I know the consequences if this matter were discovered. That is why Ling’er has always kept this hidden deep within her heart, daring not to tell anyone except Your Holiness. Therefore, whatever punishment Your Holiness imposes on me, Ling’er will willingly accept. I only implore Your Holiness, in light of Ling’er’s dedicated service to the Church over so many years, to save Brother Mo Han. Ling’er is willing to bear all consequences. Ling’er is prepared to relinquish her position as Saintess and accept any judgment Your Holiness deems fit."

Hearing Shui Ling’er’s words, the Pope of Light gave a cold snort and spoke with sudden intensity, "Are you bargaining with me? As the Saintess of Light, you are naturally obligated to dedicate yourself fully to our Church of Light. Do you not even understand that? To use this matter to negotiate with me—after all these years of diligent instruction, have you forgotten everything?"

Shui Ling’er quickly shook her head upon hearing the Pope of Light’s rebuke, saying, "Ling’er dares not bargain with Your Holiness. I am only begging Your Holiness to save Brother Mo Han. In my haste, I spoke out of turn and offended Your Holiness; please forgive me. Ling’er truly only wishes to save Brother Mo Han and would never dare to threaten Your Holiness."

Hearing Shui Ling’er’s reply, the Pope of Light spoke coldly, "What if I refuse? Will you truly leave the Church of Light then?"