246 You Must Speak Carefully (2/2)

”Really?” the youth asked in reply. ”I quoted the preaching of Pope Bartholomew from two-hundred years ago. Do you think the Pope’s words are nonsense too?”

”You…” Coldness flashed past Kyle’s eyes. He quickly retorted, ”The Pope’s words are undoubtedly correct, however, each sentence has a specific context. They contain different meanings when in different context. Do not twist Bartholomew’s words to prove your heresy!”

Ye Qingxuan looked at him without expression. ”This sentence discusses the relationship between aether and the world. There is nothing nonsensical about it, nor had it been led astray. How can it be heresy? If you can really prove its existence, then would we have to close our eyes and pretend we don’t see it? Father, ‘prejudice causes one to fall.’ Hubris is one of the original sins!” His last words quoted the Church’s bible and undoubtedly were a slap to Father Kyle’s face.

”Silence!” Kyle roared. ”How dare you twist God’s thoughts—”

”Twist God’s thoughts?” Ye Qingxuan smirked. He raised his voice and pressed harder. ”I’d like to ask something. Who is truly heretic? Me or someone who falsely uses God’s name to fulfil his own wishes?

”God’s thoughts are above the truth. We are unable to look into the depths but should never stop trying! How dare you cover the believers’ eyes and fool them into abandoning the path of justice?” The youth’s hoarse voice covered Kyle’s roar. In the end, it was like metal grating. The harshness of his voice had an almost tangible strength. His eyes shone as he spoke the holy words and one could not meet his eyes.

”The holy theory says: the road to justice is surrounded by evils. Those who guide their companions through the darkness with love and kindness will be protected by God, for he is the true guardian. For those who dare to hurt and kill my people, I will exact revenge upon them! When the fire of my vengeance falls from the sky, you all will know that I am the king of all, I am the king of kings!”

The youth spoke with a low voice and followed Kyle closely. His voice was serious yet awe-inspiring, forcing Kyle to stumble back. Ye Qingxuan seemed to be the true representative of God while Kyle was the heretic he had tied to the stake.

Kyle had seen that high and mighty coldness on old monks—they had spent their entire life immersed in God’s teachings and became agents of God after they reached middle age. There seemed to be fire in their eyes when they gazed upon mundanes as if they would judge all sins.

”Silence!” Kyle’s face was deathly pale and he panted for breath. ”How dare you dispute the holy theory with me? I am the agent of god. You are a mundane! You must not speak of God in vain, you must—”

”Enough, Kyle. Stop making a fool of yourself,” came a wizened voice from behind the curtain. The heavy voice was like a giant rock and resounded soundly.

All fell silent.

The voice caused Kyle to stiffen. He looked back in confusion and looked at the silhouette of the old man behind the curtain. He said with a trembling voice, ”Father Mephistopheles, I only wanted to—”

”Kyle, that child understands the messages of God more deeply than you,” the old man said lightly. ”Let us stop here today. Believers of God should not participate in matters of fame and glory.”

This was not some mighty scolding but it was more terrifying than anything else. Kyle’s face became sheet-white. He understood that Mephistopheles might have already known that he made a deal with others and was using Mephistopheles’s name to do something. Perhaps he was not upset but Kyle’s role as a personal secretary had probably come to an end.

Kyle opened and closed his mouth multiple times but could only stutter something. Finally, he looked down and stumbled back behind the curtain, almost falling.

Ingmar had sunk into a daze. In panic, he looked from Ye Qingxuan to the Church’s curtain. Watching Kyle leave, he reached out to grab Kyle’s shirt but was shaken away. Seeing Kyle’s deathly pallor, he felt chills all over.

”How—how is this possible…” For a moment, he finally realized that he might lose.

-

After order was reinstated, the wizened voice behind the Church’s curtain asked, ”Young man, why did you come here?” His question was targeted at the youth.

Ye Qingxuan thought for a moment before answering, ”To prove the truth.”

”Oh? But the truth is self-evident.”

”Being self-evident takes time and I can’t wait.” The youth looked down. Voice heavy, he said, ”I came here so my teacher’s efforts won’t be snatched away. I also came so the translation method won’t be seen as unorthodoxy and will have its own place in the academic world.

”In my opinion, if justice really exists in this world, it should be shown. If not, I’ll personally prove it.”

There was a long silence.

It ended with a sigh. ”Your ideas are a bit stubborn but it’s rare to have such thoughts,” Mephistopheles said. ”May the council bring me the report? I would like to see the ideas of this Professor Abraham.”