Ye Wen leaned on his arms, chin resting on his forearms, gazing at the two young figures in the distance. The girl named Aleisha stood frozen, her hand raised, watching as Nicholas gently unwrapped the bandage from her hand, only to meticulously rewrap it, slow thread by slow thread.

Yet, the furrow in the young man's brow betrayed the worry churning in his heart. Ye Wen felt that lingering nearby was becoming awkward. He glanced around, then deliberately kicked a nearby boulder with crushing force, eliciting a resounding boom. Such a sound would not only alert the two hopefuls destined to be Saints but even someone with poor hearing would notice the anomaly.

Indeed, Ye Wen watched as the massive stone dissolved into dust. Simultaneously, the two youths opposite him immediately snapped into defensive stances, facing him. But when their eyes registered Ye Wen, clad head-to-toe in gleaming golden armor, their faces displayed simultaneous shock and utter disbelief.

"My... Lord?"

"Ah!" Ye Wen had already donned his helmet, concealing his expression. The two before him couldn't see the sudden awkwardness settling upon his features. "You two... why aren't you resting?" It was a purely rhetorical question; their condition was painfully obvious. But Ye Wen, having suddenly appeared, found himself at a loss for words. After a clumsy attempt at masking his discomfort, he approached to examine Aleisha’s hand. "You need to stop this useless training immediately. Otherwise, within seven days at the most, both of your hands will be utterly ruined!" Aleisha bit her lip, clearly unwilling to yield but hesitant to argue. After all, the figure before her was not merely another candidate; he was one of the highest authorities in the Sanctuary, its ultimate martial power.

Setting aside everything else, the sheer imposing presence created by his exaggerated physique and magnificent armor was enough to keep them rooted in place, too intimidated to even move.

"What?" Ye Wen, oblivious to the awe he inspired, was still peering down at Aleisha’s fist. "You have already suffered six hairline fractures in your finger bones. Do you intend to continue?"

Seeing Aleisha remain silent, Ye Wen recognized the stubbornness in her defiant expression, knowing she wished to press on. "Someone like you can never become a Saint!" Aleisha still offered no reply, but Nicholas, beside her, grew anxious. "My Lord, can you heal the injuries on Aleisha's hands?"

"Nicholas!" Aleisha immediately cut him off. "How could the Taurus Gold Saint possibly have time for such a trivial matter..."

"I can," Ye Wen conceded. He was idle anyway; healing her wouldn't take much time. Although his amassed knowledge didn't specifically include treating severe trauma, a quick calculation suggested that stimulating the body’s metabolism might accelerate bone recovery.

However, the moment he began circulating his Zhenqi, focusing his intent on healing the girl’s injuries, a mass of blood-red Jingqi manifested around his hand.

"Hmm? This mass is..." Ye Wen held his hand suspended over Aleisha’s outstretched ones. His hands now seemed as large as winnowing fans; he could easily grasp both of her hands simultaneously. As the blood-red Jingqi poured out, the two youths witnessed a crimson radiance.

This light infused them both with a palpable sense of vitality. Aleisha, whose hands were nestled within the light mass, couldn't see the biological process occurring, but the comforting, tingling sensation, coupled with the miraculous sight of her shredded hands gradually knitting back together, confirmed the fact that her hands were being restored to health.

"This is..."

Aleisha stared at the phenomenon unfolding before her, which felt utterly divine. She knew this Lord was an emissary of the Goddess Athena, hailed as one of the most powerful beings beneath her. Yet, immense martial power didn't necessarily equate to this god-like ability. This power to restore the injured seemed more akin to a divine attribute itself.

"Could it be... that this Emissary is a god himself?" Aleisha was not the only one harboring this thought; Nicholas shared the same speculation. As the son of nobility, he possessed greater and more detailed knowledge of certain matters than Aleisha did.

For instance, Nicholas was acutely aware of the true nature of some of the twenty-four priests who once formed the highest ruling body of the Sanctuary. The deeds these individuals committed were profoundly mismatched with the sacred robes they wore. Consequently, Nicholas harbored little genuine reverence for the so-called gods.

Becoming one of the Saint candidates this time was merely a calculated move by his family, hoping Nicholas could establish himself within the Sanctuary, ideally rising to a high clerical position. This could, in turn, elevate their family’s status within their homeland. After all, the world ruled by the Olympian Pantheon was a realm where divine authority reigned supreme.

There was no expectation for Nicholas to achieve the highest echelons; even a moderately influential position within the Sanctuary would be a substantial boon for his family.

Therefore, Nicholas, who had essentially been forced to come to the Sanctuary, felt no affection for Athena, nor did he feel any warmer towards the so-called Sanctuary, an entity constructed through the squandering of resources under the guise of divinity.

He had initially believed the supposed Emissary was just another fabrication used by those old fools to deceive people. But everything currently unfolding seemed to be screaming that his previous assumptions were entirely mistaken.

The red light persisted for about ten minutes before Ye Wen retracted his Jingqi. He observed Aleisha’s hands—now perfectly restored, pale and delicate as those of a sheltered noblewoman—and felt quite satisfied with the healing effect he had just wrought. Aleisha, however, stared at her hands, which scarcely seemed her own, in utter astonishment.

"Almost forgot, within the Huantian Baojian there is the Xue Qiong Cang layer of energy. Doesn't the life-affirming Xue Qiong Cang make it the perfect choice for healing injuries?" But upon reflection, from the initial Zixia Shen Gong, to the advanced Xiantian Ziqi, and now the Huantian Baojian, all possessed capabilities for healing. Had he become too diligent in his role as a 'nanny'?

While he was contemplating his martial arts legacies, Nicholas suddenly uttered a question that startled everyone present: "Great Lord Taurus, might we be permitted to witness the true strength of a genuine Gold Saint?"

"Oh?" Ye Wen was surprised by the young man's audacity. Despite witnessing power far beyond the grasp of ordinary men, he could still speak to Ye Wen calmly, even making a request. Such courage alone earned Ye Wen's appreciation. "Which aspect do you wish to see?" Nicholas narrowed his eyes, then took a deep breath, seemingly steeling his resolve before speaking, "It is said that Taurus symbolizes sheer power. Then, please allow us to witness the magnitude of your strength, my Lord!" Ye Wen didn't mind the tone of the young man's address. He took two strides and arrived before the massive boulder Aleisha had been using for training. The stone, which had appeared colossal next to Aleisha, seemed less exaggerated next to Ye Wen, though still significantly larger than himself.

Placing a palm upon the boulder, Ye Wen adopted a profound posture and stated, "Becoming a Saint is not achieved merely by pushing the physical body to its limit. One must also master another power... a power bestowed by the gods upon humanity. Only by mastering this power can the Saints stand a chance against Pluto's armies!"

"Is it the Cosmo?" Nicholas indeed knew more than Aleisha. While Aleisha quietly listened to Ye Wen’s words, contemplating what such a force might entail, Nicholas had already spoken the answer.

Having long sensed something different about the young Nicholas, Ye Wen nodded. The massive helmet with its great golden horns moved almost imperceptibly. Had the two not focused all their attention on Ye Wen, they might have missed the gesture entirely. "It is the Cosmo... It seems your background is extraordinary!"

Ye Wen even wondered if this young man named Nicholas might be a prince of some nation—was he aware of too much? Or had the rulers of these kingdoms grown so corrupt that matters meant to be kept secret were now common knowledge?

Nicholas offered no reply, merely watching Ye Wen, seemingly anticipating his next demonstration. Ye Wen didn't wait for an answer. After delivering his statement, he turned to face the boulder directly, raising both palms toward the massive stone mass.

"I will not explain in detail right now what the power of Cosmo is; you will have time to learn it slowly in the future! For now, I will merely show you the might of the Cosmo..." As Ye Wen spoke, the Gold Cloth, already conspicuous in the darkness of the night, suddenly blazed brighter. Golden vapors began to emanate from his entire body, growing increasingly intense as time passed. After a few minutes, Ye Wen appeared almost entirely consumed by a pillar of golden flame. The fiercely burning Cosmo illuminated the entire area as brightly as daylight.

The moment Ye Wen’s Cosmo ignited, Aleisha and Nicholas involuntarily staggered backward. The sheer force of the burst and the blinding light were almost too much for them to bear. Yet, even so, the youths did not avert their gaze, instead fixing their eyes intently upon the figure of the giant standing unwavering amidst the golden radiance.

Employing this simulated Cosmo once more, Ye Wen’s mind raced, contemplating which technique would best showcase the power of Taurus.

His signature Sword Qi? Absolutely not!

The Six Paths of Reincarnation technique was also unsuitable for a demonstration; that move was designed to kill, and its subtlety would be lost on ordinary observers.

If the goal was raw power display, the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms would undoubtedly be the most fitting. However, Ye Wen had intended that technique to be the signature move of Libra. To use it himself now felt like encroaching upon his own disciple’s territory.

After all, the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms were too distinct; their use would be instantly recognizable. After cycling through his options, Ye Wen realized with vexation that he lacked a suitable move. He was forced to consider techniques he could summon but had never used before, searching for something appropriate. Ye Wen’s prolonged period of accumulating Cosmo was actually spent searching for the right move; with his cultivation level, he shouldn't need such an exertion.

As he searched, one technique finally surfaced, bringing a flicker of joy to his heart. He tensed his legs slightly, widening his stance.

The flat ground was instantly carved into two shallow trenches by his feet. The hard stone surface yielded beneath his feet as if it were soft tofu, offering virtually no resistance.

Then, his palms, held level before him, violently struck out. From the mouth of the giant standing there erupted a thunderous roar. In that instant, both Nicholas and Aleisha perceived, within the golden aura, the image of an enraged bull—a pattern woven from points of light like stars, flashing so quickly that they both suspected they had imagined it.

When they recovered their senses, they were met by a gale-force wind that nearly knocked them off their feet. After barely enduring the blast, the area where Ye Wen had stood remained shrouded in dust. Even so, the two could still make out the golden-glowing giant.

As the dust began to settle, Aleisha and Nicholas stared at the terrifying scene before them, mouths agape, unable to utter a sound for a long time.

The colossal boulder that had stood before Ye Wen was gone. In its place was a ravine, perhaps as wide as a man and of indeterminate length. Though not deep, its seemingly endless length terrified them. Even more astonishing, moments later, water began to flow from the distance, filling the entire trench.

Aleisha and Nicholas exchanged glances. They recalled that the nearest water source was at least a hundred meters away. Had the attack from the Taurus Gold Saint reached that far?

Ye Wen, oblivious to their thoughts, merely watched the small river he had created and muttered to himself, "This Great Vajra Palm, I haven't truly mastered it. Even a forced attempt yields only this much power! Furthermore, the energy scattered instead of condensing, losing most of its impact beyond fifty meters..." Of course, this assessment was based on his Immortal-level standards. Such terrifying palm force, if directed at ordinary people, could instantly wipe out an entire army, even at this substandard execution. But Ye Wen saw no need to clash with human armies.

Nicholas swallowed hard, thinking inwardly: Such formidable power—surely only a god could possess it. Could someone like him, an ordinary person, truly master it?

Stunned, Nicholas didn't even notice Ye Wen turning and walking toward him. Only when he realized he was engulfed in a massive shadow did he look up at Ye Wen, who towered over him, stronger and larger. "My Lord..."

This utterance of "My Lord" sounded different from before, though the words were the same. Ye Wen perceived a profound shift. Earlier, when Nicholas addressed him, there was respect, but little else. Now, beneath the deference, there was admiration... and submission?

"It seems the people here are willing to surrender willingly to the strong. Have I somehow generated an overwhelming aura of dominance?"

Looking at the bowing, respectful Nicholas, Ye Wen had no intention of starting a game of recruiting followers. He was in the Sanctuary to train Saints, and Nicholas here was an exceptionally suitable candidate. "You, too, desire this power, don't you?"

"Yes, My Lord!" Nicholas admitted his deepest desire without hesitation. After witnessing such power, who could possibly deny such an aspiration?

"You possess the aptitude for it!" Ye Wen was impressed by the fact that Nicholas had briefly manifested his Cosmo moments earlier. To accomplish his mission in the shortest possible time, seeking out uniquely talented individuals was essential. He was certainly not going to let this one, who practically presented himself, slip away.

As for the other, Aleisha: "Frankly, your body is too frail; it is entirely unsuitable for becoming a Saint!" Ye Wen’s words plunged Aleisha into despair. The young girl stood pale-faced, clenching her fists and biting her teeth, trembling where she stood. She seemed about to speak but ultimately couldn't utter a word.

The power Ye Wen displayed might be minor to an Immortal or a god, but to a mortal, it was the stuff of dreams. Ye Wen's current imposing physique further highlighted Aleisha's physical shortcomings.

"However, nothing is absolutely certain. Perhaps I misjudged. An opportunity now lies before you; it depends on whether you are willing to seize it!" He always admired young people with strong perseverance. Even if their talent wasn't top-tier, as long as they were diligent and willing to endure hardship, they would eventually carve out their own path. Thus, he wouldn't crush her spirit entirely.

Aleisha showed a look of surprise when she heard the latter part of Ye Wen's statement, which made Ye Wen himself feel slightly awkward. "Was that overdone?" he thought, but he said aloud, "Go back now, pack your things, and wait for me at the Sanctuary gate tomorrow morning!"

"Yes, My Lord!" The two youths, filled with burning curiosity, exchanged glances but concluded it couldn't be a bad thing.

Fortunately, Ye Wen made no effort to conceal his intentions, casually adding, "You two will accompany me on a journey for a period of time! During this time, I will teach you how to become outstanding Saints. Whether you succeed will depend entirely on yourselves!"

This single statement instantly sent a wave of intense excitement through the two young people!