Chapter 144 (2/2)

“What do you need me for?” Claire said indifferently and also descended. She could not treat Leng Lingyun the same as before after what she had seen at the Temple today.

“Claire…” Leng Lingyun turned to look at Claire, his gaze distant.

“I am very grateful for your yell that awakened me, helping me control of myself. I am truly not the match of the pope. I sincerely thank you for saving me once again.” Claire’s voice was emotionless and cold.

When Leng Lingyun heard her words, he felt as if his heart had been sliced.

“Do not think I am mocking you, it’s true,” Claire added indifferently when she saw Leng Lingyun’s expression.

Leng Lingyun bit his lip. “I let Shack and the girl go. I told them to get as far away as possible and not to let me catch them again, that if I caught them again, perhaps I would not be alone. Then I would not be able to let them go,” Leng Lingyun forced out with difficulty.

Claire froze. In Leng Lingyun’s violet eyes, she saw confliction and pain.

“Everyone has someone they treasure the most. For me, that is Xuanxuan. For her, I am willing to have blood on my hands and descend into hell. But I wish that Xuanxuan will be pure forever.” Leng Lingyun’s voice trembled slightly, his eyes full of anguish.

Claire’s eyes flashed with realization. “When you found the knight and girl, was the Divine Princess the one who attacked?”

Leng Lingyun fell silent. Slowly, he unclenched a fist, frowning. “I had no way of saving them. I could not give up Xuanxuan for them…”

Claire fell silent, understanding instantly. Leng Xuanxuan required medicine supplied by the Temple to survive. Leng Lingyun’s every action was to help Xuanxuan live more comfortably. He knew the Temple was fraudulent, but kept his mouth shut for Xuanxuan, striving his best to assist her disability.

“Your life sure is exhausting.” Claire sighed, sorrow in her heart.

Every individual had someone they treasured the most and for this person, they could do things others would find hard to understand.

“Claire, in truth, you are already aware of the hypocrisy of the Temple. But I do not wish for you to fight the Temple and be harmed.” Leng Lingyun finally revealed the purpose of his visit.

“I know, I am not the pope’s match. The pope’s strength is unfathomable.” Claire frowned, thinking. “His strength is far above Master’s. Even with Master’s recent breakthrough, he is not the pope’s match.”

The pope’s strength is not something easily read.” Leng Lingyun sighed. “And there are so many archbishops and cardinals. I do not wish for you to face them.” His underlying meaning was, I do not wish for you to get hurt.

“Thank you for your concern. I will not be as rash as I was today again.” Claire’s tone was now genuinely sincere.

However, Leng Lingyun understood the true meaning of her words. Not being as rash meant she had other plans.

“Claire, remember, the pope’s strength is unfathomable,” Leng Lingyun warned again, worried.

“I understand. Thank you.” Claire nodded.

“Also, the struggle between the princes is becoming more intense. At the end, the Temple of Light will definitely choose a side,” Leng Lingyun said in a low voice, “And the Hill clan will also choose a side. If both support the same prince, there would be nothing to be worried about, but if not, your position would be very special.”

Claire fell silent, pondering. Duke Gordan had ordered Jean to support the second prince secretly, but her second brother Eric supported the crown prince publically and Duke Gordan did not show any disapproval. What did this mean?

Seeing Claire deep in thought, Leng Lingyun couldn’t help but ask, “Has the Hill clan already chosen a side?”

Claire shook her head. “I do not know.” She sat down on a nearby stone and patted on the spot next to her. “Sit down, I have something to ask you.”

Leng Lingyun paused for a moment but still sat down.

“What kind of person do you think my grandfather, Duke Gordan, is?” Claire asked seriously. “I want to listen to an objective viewpoint.”

Seeing Claire’s solemn expression, Leng Lingyun understood Claire was serious. After some thinking, he responded sincerely. “He is no simple individual. Someone who is able to maintain the Hill clan’s status for so long and even able to have the emperor fear them is no ordinary person.” Leng Lingyun paused, then added with hesitation, “This individual is extraordinarily cunning.”

Claire switched to another topic. “Has the Temple not chosen a prince yet either? In other words, the pope is waiting to see which prince has a better chance?”

“I believe so.” Leng Lingyun nodded.

Claire frowned, switching back. “Grandfather must be waiting also. His position is not definite.”

“But I have heard the captain of the Griffin Squad, Eric, your second brother, is very close to the crown prince whereas rumors say you are close to the second prince.” This was the reason why no one could tell which prince the Hill clan was supporting.