This forbidden technique is strictly prohibited by the Great Temples, and only Madara's Undead Wizard and some cultists dare to study it.

Thus, the instant Brand saw Anman, he confirmed that this guy was definitely an undercover agent. However, given his relationship with Andesa, he did not appear to be a Shepherd Tree Man. In fact, in Vorn, various cults are countless, with the Unity of All Things and Shepherd Tree Man being merely two of the larger forces.

Others, such as the Silver Sky Snake and the Sheep-headed Sect, also have terrifying legends all over.

But when Brand saw that dark ring on Anman's hand, he couldn't help but narrow his eyes. It seemed this guy had no intention of returning to the temple since his death, so naturally, he no longer needed to hide his identity—the ring was precisely the symbol of the Unity of All Things.

"It's really him, Priest Anman!" Faina whispered.

Brand nodded: "The Unity of All Things has really infiltrated the human world thoroughly."

Although they were close by, Anman didn't hear Brand and Faina's conversation. He just smiled at Mephisto: "Good eyesight, but that was just a past identity of mine."

"A dignified priest of the temple turns out to be a cultist; Cruz people have truly fallen," Mephisto glanced at Anman and said with some disdain.

"Count Mephisto, I don't agree with what you said. Priest Anman is just an exceptional example buried among them, and besides, Lord Priest is not even a Cruz person, how can you generalize?"

A voice suddenly echoed from the other side of the fog.

Hearing this voice, Brand couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Veronica, why was she here? However, what surprised him even more was the tone suggesting that this Female War God of the Cruz people was on the same side with Mephisto. How did they end up together?

He used to think that even if the sky fell apart, this Gray Sword Saint would never compromise with any Cruz people.

But before Veronica's words had finished, a green light flashed from the other end of the fog. As Anman was about to attack the immobilized Mephisto, the sound of wings flapping suddenly echoed through the fog, and then a flock of green birds burst through the fog, flapping their wings directly toward him.

Those birds seemed to be made of light, their deep blue and indigo colors so beautiful they could take one's breath away. But seeing these creatures, Anman couldn't help but change his expression dramatically. Beneath their beautiful appearance lurked danger, as any feather from their bodies was sharper than a real longsword.

Because they were formed by Veronica's Sword Qi.

"Sky Wall!" Faina couldn't help but exclaim when she saw these green birds: "It's Lord Veronica!"

Anman immediately retreated, and eight runes appeared in succession around him. Then a hexagonal light wall suddenly appeared to block the green birds. One by one, they collided with it, causing ripples that eventually faded away.

Brand recognized that the spell was one of the Flame Temple's strongest defensive divine arts, the Holy Shield. Originally, the spell's effect was to block all attacks, but Anman's use of it was clearly less effective. It appeared that after becoming undead, his affinity for such divine arts had decreased significantly.

Perhaps in a few days, Anman would completely lose these divine arts, but at least for now, he was barely a powerful priest.

Anman took a step back, watching cautiously as a lady emerged from the fog. However, Brand looked somewhat oddly at the longsword in Veronica's hand. If he wasn't mistaken, that sword should be the backup weapon of the Gray Sword Saint—the Rune Sword Gunnis.

Since when had their relationship grown so close that they could exchange backup weapons? Could it be that the Gray Sword Saint's hatred for the Cruz was actually a ruse, or had Veronica cast some kind of enchantment on him?

Looking at Veronica, Brand couldn't help but think mischievously. Although this Female War God of the Empire was over a hundred years old, she looked no more than thirty. She was still quite attractive to Mephisto.

Even though the Gray Sword Saint was somewhat younger, the age difference wasn't that large. The more he thought, the more possible it seemed. Could it be that this Gray Sword Saint and the Empire's Female War God had taken a liking to each other? Perhaps a simple smile could indeed resolve scores?

"Hey, Faina," he couldn't help asking, "how come they're together? Could it be that Lady Veronica used the legendary beauty trap on Mephisto?" 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"Don't talk nonsense, Lord Veronica would never do that!" Faina stared wide-eyed at the scene, sounding unsure.

But while Brand spoke recklessly, he was somewhat worried in his heart. His gaze roamed around, hoping Qian hadn't joined. Unfortunately, reality seemed disappointing, as he quickly saw the young girl behind Veronica.

"Oh, aren't you making things difficult for me, Lady Veronica," Brand couldn't help but sigh as he spotted Qian.

"Let's go meet up with Lord Veronica," Faina quietly suggested.

Brand immediately grabbed her arm: "Wait, let's see how things play out first."

"What else is there to see? Your little sweetheart is here. Are you really planning not to stay?" Faina glanced at him sideways.

"Hey, I say, aren't you a noble daughter? How can you speak so harshly," Brand couldn't help but cough: "And besides, are you foolish? We are in the dark and the enemies in the light. Do you really want to step out, giving them the chance to be prepared?"

Faina was taken aback, not expecting Brand to have this in mind. She blushed a little: "I'm not, it's just that I'm not as sneaky as you. Always thinking of sneak attacks, are you really a noble?"

"Backstabbing, poisoning, and assassination aren't these the specialties of the Cruz Nobles? In fact, what I'm doing aligns with your values, doesn't it?" Brand replied.

Faina was left speechless, turning to glare at him with gritted teeth. (To be continued. If you like this work, you're welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)