Chapter 59
As Wen Jinfeng’s grip on Wen Xin’s arm relaxed, his hand quickly moved down to seize the youth’s wrist, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. Even though his usual icy demeanor was softened somewhat because Wen Xin was his brother, his intensity was unmistakable.
Before Wen Jinfeng’s piercing glare could fully manifest, Wen Xin’s fingers flicked, letting go of the fabric he had been gripping with an effortless ease—like a breeze. It didn’t seem like he released it because of Wen Jinfeng’s intimidating gaze.
In that instant, Wen Jinfeng’s mind, always calculating, was struck by a moment of genuine surprise.
Without the man’s steadying grip on him, Wen Xin, who was half out of balance, began to slide downward.
“Wen Xin!”
Fortunately, Xiao Qi, the little fox in humanoid form, was beside him and quickly held Wen Xin up, preventing him from collapsing headfirst.
Wen Jinfeng promptly recovered, supporting the young man’s arm once more. But Xiao Qi, displeased that Wen Xin nearly fell in the man’s care, flung his hand away. “Do you even know how to support someone?”
Wen Jinfeng, unusually, did not retort. He continued to focus on Wen Xin’s pale, weakened face, a question lingering in his throat.
Why, after finding the box’s location, did he let go at the last moment?
Wen Jinfeng knew he was the type who kept a tight grip on everything he desired. In the early days, when he was climbing up the ladder, people would mock him behind his back, saying he was blinded by ambition, treating power like animals, and losing all humanity.
When he overheard these remarks back then, he laughed and said, “Thank you for the compliment.”
Dictatorial? Overly competitive?
Wen Jinfeng could only sneer at such remarks. If he wasn’t this way, would he have survived to this day? Would he have risen above other ambitious figures to gain his current status?
Did they think power struggles were mere child’s play, where the defeated could simply throw a tantrum and demand a do-over?
Now, facing Wen Xin’s clear gaze, Wen Jinfeng’s lips moved slightly.
So…
Was his expression and gaze frightening when he had wrongly assumed Wen Xin wanted to snatch the box?
Wen Xin is his only remaining family, his brother.
…And in that instinctive action, how much of his ruthlessness and suspicion had Wen Xin glimpsed?
Wen Jinfeng had all of these questions, but he did not want to find the answers as they reeked of weakness. He had worn his mask for so long, hiding any form of weakness, he would never do anything to expose his softer, hesitant side.
After being pushed away, Wen Jinfeng took a few seconds to regain his composure. Rising, he stepped aside and said, reservedly, “Then, I’ll leave it to His Holiness.”
The little fox’s eyes widened as he looked at Wen Jinfeng, who had so brazenly handed Wen Xin over to him. Though Xiao Qi was more than happy to support Wen Xin all the way back and wished Wen Jinfeng would take his leave and stay far away, not competing for Wen Xin’s attention, he hadn’t expected the man to be so shameless.
Wen Xin barely had time to react before he noticed Xiao Qi’s eyes flashing with a faint red glint. His heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly grabbed the young fox’s hand.
“Wait, Your Holiness—”
“Calm down, don’t get angry, stay composed,” Wen Xin pleaded, awkwardly trying to comfort the little fox, only able to put weight on one foot.
But before he could fully calm the fox down, Wen Jinfeng’s mocking voice interrupted from the side.
“Look at him. I merely asked him for a small favor, and he’s already so unwilling.”
He turned to Wen Xin with mock sympathy. “My poor brother, I think you’d better come back with me soon, lest you stay here too long, only to be despised, bullied, and left crying every day.”
Wen Xin’s scalp tingled at the exaggerated words. “Can you speak normally?”
Xiao Qi, the little fox, who had never seen such a person who twisted facts so brazenly, was left speechless.
He immediately countered, “I would never let Wen Xin be bullied!”
“Oh, you might not bully him,” Wen Jinfeng said, pointing over his shoulder at the members of the Idealism Sect. “But what about them and the others hiding in the back?”
His words flowed smoothly, each word dripping with sarcasm, vividly recalling how he once single-handedly rattled the entire regulatory council of City A.
“The mighty Pope, alone in enemy territory, with none of his followers stepping up beside him. So, are they all blind, deaf, or just lacking common sense?”
He gave a smirk. “With such unqualified followers, they wouldn’t even qualify for the city’s formal militia. Are you sure they wouldn’t pretend to obey on the surface, while secretly defying you, treating you, their dear Pope, with mock reverence, all the while bullying my frail, helpless brother?”
Wen Xin: “…”
Xiao Qi: “…”
When Xiao Qi hurried over, the Idealism Sect members hadn’t yet recovered from the aftershock of the recent events. By the time they did, Xiao Qi was already standing between Wen Xin and Wen Jinfeng.
The Idealism Sect members, unlike Xiao Qi, couldn’t pass through enemy lines with such ease and, lacking instructions, remained where they were.
Although Wen Jinfeng wasn’t using a loudspeaker, Cardinal Shi could see him gesturing toward the rear. Though he couldn’t hear the conversation, he saw the fox’s reaction.
There was an odd sense of déjà vu in that scene.
Armed troops surrounded the young man, the dark barrels of their guns raised slightly, reflecting a cold gleam. The harsh lights cast shadows on the boy’s face as if an invisible abyss was closing in around him. He huddled close to Wen Xin, glancing around in confusion.
Cardinal Shi was jolted by his imagination.
How could he think so disrespectfully of His Holiness?
Yet, before Cardinal Shi could shake off these thoughts, he was reminded of a phrase he often recalled.
“Could it be possible? Why use the word ‘possible’?”
“It’s impossible not to be tired, supporting a utopia for tens of thousands on one’s strength alone!”
These words rang in his ears, like the resounding bell from the church tower, reverberating in the elder’s mind.
Resolute, Cardinal Shi took a deep breath and began walking toward Wen Xin and Xiao Qi, with two other cardinals following.
They exchanged glances, knowing that despite the dangers, they had no choice but to accompany the elder.
Behind them stood twelve black-robed bishops. As they saw their leaders advance, they too followed.
Further back, the Vow members, though unable to see what was happening at the front, knew one thing: follow the orders and the group—this was the safest course.
So, as soon as Wen Jinfeng finished his sarcastic speech, Wen Xin and Xiao Qi saw the Idealism Sect followers approaching en masse.
Cardinal Shi was the first to reach them.
He bowed respectfully and inquired, “Your Holiness, I noticed you glanced in our direction. Have you reached an agreement with our honored guests?”
Caught off guard, Xiao Qi hadn’t expected them to approach so suddenly.
Just as Wen Jinfeng had pointed out, he knew how fragile humans were, so he was accustomed to standing at the forefront in times of danger.
Though those behind him seldom moved forward, he hadn’t thought much of it.
But before Xiao Qi could feel any sense of disappointment, Cardinal Shi and the others arrived.
Noticing Cardinal Shi looking at him, Wen Xin met the elder’s gaze, and Cardinal Shi quickly gave him a discreet wink before resuming a solemn expression.
Wen Xin couldn’t help but smile slightly.
Seeing Xiao Qi’s silence, Wen Xin patted his shoulder. The fox quickly snapped out of his daze. “Let’s discuss this later. Wen Xin’s ankle is injured. Please fetch a doctor and bring the car over.”
Turning, Wen Xin checked Wen Jinfeng’s reaction.
Wen Jinfeng remained calm, tidying his attire with a smile as if nothing had happened. But Wen Xin was almost certain he had seen the man’s mouth twitch.
Clearly, Wen Jinfeng had not anticipated that those he viewed as barely competent would suddenly take the initiative.
Noticing Wen Xin’s curious gaze, Wen Jinfeng smirked and tapped his head. “What are you looking at, kid?”
Wen Xin gave a faint smile. “Nothing, just realizing you’re not quite as I remembered.”
This comment, filled with a trace of bitterness, seemed poignant. After all, what type of siblings go years without seeing each other?
Wen Jinfeng paused and sneered, “Oh really? Did being away finally make you miss me? How heartwarming.”
Wen Xin’s smile froze as he glanced at the face so similar to his own, feeling that brotherly camaraderie was indeed a fantasy.
Wen Jinfeng recalled friends from his school days—brothers who could exchange barbed words without offense, then walk off together for ice pops. To him, sparring was just bonding.
Expectantly, he awaited Wen Xin’s retort.
But instead of responding, Wen Xin turned, resting his arm affectionately on Xiao Qi’s shoulder.
Affectionately?
Wen Jinfeng: “…???”
Wen Xin didn’t mean to put on a show. His ankle truly hurt. Hugging the fox, he asked, “Your Holiness, may I lean on you for a moment?”
Hearing the slight hiss of pain, Xiao Qi’s heart ached. Light flickered at his fingertips as he touched Wen Xin’s brow. “Shall I carry you back?”
He had wanted to rush Wen Xin to a hospital from the start. After all, no car could match the speed of an S-class mutant.
But Wen Xin sensed this intent and quickly stopped him. Without Xiao Qi, having Wen Jinfeng alone with both groups might lead to trouble.
The cool touch on his brow soothed Wen Xin, easing the pain and bringing color back to his pale face.
He smiled, reassuring Xiao Qi said. “I checked; it’s just a soft tissue sprain. Nothing serious.”
Before he finished, he saw Wen Jinfeng turn on his heel and leave, only to return moments later with a medical kit retrieved from an armored vehicle.
Military units on missions carried emergency supplies, and field bandaging during combat was common.
Xiao Qi had hoped for a medic, but none came. Li Yongming and others approached, waiting nearby.
Wen Jinfeng’s skilled handling of the medical kit surprised Wen Xin and Xiao Qi.
“You’re going to do it?” Xiao Qi asked doubtfully. “Can you? Don’t make his injury worse.”
Wen Xin reflexively raised his leg, not out of mistrust but because of the current setting. So many eyes were on them—from the Idealsim Sect members to City A’s forces and City B’s residents on the wall.
Wen Jinfeng, a leader, suddenly kneeling to treat an injury could lead to rumors.
But he took control, gripping Wen Xin’s leg and securing it in place.
He shot back at Xiao Qi, “Your Holiness, it’s basic courtesy to stay silent on topics outside your expertise.”
To Wen Xin, he added, “What are you flinching for? Scared?”
These words were unexpectedly gentle, leaving Wen Xin stunned as he noticed an unspoken sorrow in his brother’s eyes.
Wen Jinfeng seemed unaware of this, his lips moving as if saying, “Delicate.”
He methodically examined the injury before applying a spray from the kit and wrapping it securely with a bandage. The firm binding eased the swelling pain in Wen Xin’s ankle.
“Apply an ice pack later,” Wen Jinfeng instructed, putting away the supplies.
Wen Xin looked at him, a soft smile in his eyes. “Why are you staring? Is there something on my face?” Wen Jinfeng asked.
“No,” Wen Xin replied, eyes curving, “just surprised my brother cares so much. It makes me happy.”
The tone was sarcastic.
Wen Jinfeng: “…”
He looked as if struck by lightning. “Where did you learn to talk like this?”
Wen Xin’s innocent response caught him off guard. “Didn’t you say you were happy I finally thought of you?”
Realizing he’d set himself up, Wen Jinfeng fell silent.
Everyone assumed Wen Xin was clapping back, but Xiao Qi, feeling Wen Xin’s true amusement, glanced at him and saw the genuine grin on his lips.
Meanwhile, atop the church tower, two Realism Sect members awaited conflict that never came.
When the anticipated clash remained absent, one moved forward, only to freeze at their superior’s dark glare.
Frustrated, the black-clad man muttered as he watched the orderly crowd part for an armored car.
“Damn,” he cursed.
