2784 The Hunch Was Correct
Lin Mu first examined the shelves filled with docunts, searching for any information regarding the Inquisitors. He moved from one shelf to another, scanning the titles, but found nothing useful. Frustration simred beneath his calm exterior.
"Hmm… perhaps it's on those shelves?" Lin Mu mused, shifting his gaze toward a nearby desk.
Seated behind it was an old man clad in luxuriant robes, his fingers gliding across parchnt as he worked. A three-layered necklace, emblazoned with the symbol of the Supre God, rested against his chest. One look was enough to tell that this man held a high-ranking position within the order.
'Considering that necklace… he should be what they call a Bishop, right?' Lin Mu recalled seeing the design in one of the books he had read.
The Osteri Divine Order had a ranking system distinct from those of other worlds, structured more like a religious hierarchy. The ranks ascended from Deacon to Priest, Bishop, Archbishop, Cardinal, and finally, the Pope.
Most of the workers Lin Mu had observed within the building belonged to the Deacon rank. Even the clerk at the traveler's lodge had been a Deacon. However, there were a few Priests scattered throughout the hall, their presence marked by their slightly more ornate robes.
Lin Mu also wondered how these ranks correlated with their cultivation levels.
'Or do they even relate to cultivation at all?' he pondered. Without actively probing, it was difficult to tell.
So far, he had only sensed individuals at the Dao Embryo Realm, but beyond that? He wasn't sure if he could even detect the presence of soone in the Immortal Realm without revealing himself. Unlike lower realms, the Immortal Realm didn't necessarily manifest with visible physical changes—unless one actively used Qi.
'So this is where they are kept… The Inquisitors reside in the Inquisition Fortress.'
He quickly scanned for more details and found an address. Technically, the fortress was within the capital city, but it governed itself independently. Despite its na, it was less a fortress and more a sprawling city unto itself, spanning twenty kiloters in every direction.
Located on the outskirts of the capital, it was a place both feared and respected. The common folk and even mbers of the clergy dreaded it. The Inquisitors wielded independent authority, capable of investigating and punishing not just the people, but even high-ranking clergy mbers who violated the laws of the order.
'Looks like I know where to go next.' Lin Mu thought to himself, but he didn't leave just yet.
He ticulously combed through the docunts, absorbing every detail he could find. The Inquisitors were shrouded in secrecy, yet here, their nas, assignnts, and past operations were laid bare. So of the most notable cases involved high-profile arrests, including that of a corrupt Bishop.
'So even they have their sins,' Lin Mu noted grimly. 'No matter how righteous they claim to be.'
The Bishop in question had committed a litany of cris: corruption, extortion, murder, and worse. It was evident that he had operated in the shadows for years, with nurous lower-ranked clergy involved in his sches. When the scandal broke, it shook the entire order.
Though the incident had occurred in another city, its shockwaves had reached even the capital. To Lin Mu, it served as a reminder that, beneath the veneer of holiness, these people were as flawed as any other.
It was oddly comforting.
'Looks like my work here is done.' Lin Mu concluded, preparing to slip away.
But then—sothing caught his eye.
"Inquisitor Bernard?" Lin Mu read silently. 'Wait, isn't that the sa Inquisitor involved in the last Bishop scandal?'
Bernard had played a crucial role in the downfall of the corrupt Bishop. From what Lin Mu had gathered, Bernard was no ordinary investigator—he was high-ranking, possessing authority on par with a Bishop.
Curiosity sharpened Lin Mu's focus. He discreetly read more of the letter.
'Wait… wait, wait…' The further he read, the more alarm bells rang in his head.
The letter read:
"Inquisitor Bernard, I am writing to update you on the list of travelers who have arrived this month. I have been inford that there may be suspects among them, and I leave the matter in your capable hands."
Below, a long list of nas followed along with several more detailed instructions.
Lin Mu's pulse quickened as his eyes scanned the nas—and then his stomach dropped.
His na was on the list.
So were the nas of his companions.
His worst fears had just been confird and it was only getting worse from here.
With precise, controlled movents, he committed every detail of the letter to mory before swiftly retreating. As he moved away, he activated his communication talisman and sent a ssage to his companions.
23:13
'They're investigating us.' Lin Mu clenched his jaw, his mind racing through possible scenarios. If this letter reached Bernard, it could an a direct confrontation. Perhaps even an imdiate arrest.
He had two options: destroy the letter or follow its trail.
Lin Mu made his decision instantly.
'I can't let this letter reach Bernard without knowing more.'
With precise, controlled movents, he committed every detail of the letter to mory before swiftly retreating. As he moved away, he activated his communication talisman and sent a ssage to his companions.
"We have a problem. The clergy is investigating all recent travelers. Our nas are on the list. Be prepared for potential questioning—or worse."
The response was imdiate.
"They're coming after us?" Daoist Chu's voice crackled with anxiety.
Lin Mu didn't answer right away. Instead, he exhaled, steadying himself for the storm ahead.
Because now, he wasn't just a traveler in a foreign land.
He was a hunted man and so were his companion with no fault of their own. Their only sin?
Choosing to take the shorter route.
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