Chapter 17: Purifying the Evil Saga

When the dust finally settled, Saga with the black hair narrowed his pupils, an expression of undisguised astonishment on his face. In front of him, Feng Zhe gripped a shield tightly in his hands—it was this very shield that had withstood the overwhelming force of the Galactic Explosion, a blast as grand as the birth of a galaxy itself.

The shield Feng Zhe wielded was none other than Athena’s Shield. After being baptized by divine blood, he could now fully wield its power. Of the two divine relics owned by the goddess Athena, apart from the Victory Goddess Nike, this shield was the other. It had originally belonged to Zeus, the king of the gods, before it was bestowed upon Athena as a symbol of her dominion over the mortal world.

Not only was this shield peerless in defense, but more importantly, it possessed the power to dispel all forms of evil.

Feng Zhe glanced up at the empty ceiling above. It was midday; sunlight streamed down in all its brilliance. He raised Athena’s Shield high, letting the dazzling sunlight strike its surface, making it shine as brightly as the sun itself.

Feng Zhe directed a beam of reflected sunlight onto Saga. Instantly, Saga felt a searing, burning pain. The intense discomfort forced him to leap away, hiding in the shadows, where he found some relief.

Feng Zhe, seeing its effect, immediately used the sunlight to target Saga once more. This time, Saga dodged with a sudden movement and donned the Gemini Gold Cloth.

Dimensional Space!

With the power of the Gold Cloth, he opened a gateway to another dimension, and the powerful suction began to draw Feng Zhe inexorably toward it.

Evil will ultimately be dispelled! Athena’s Shield!

Abandoning his defenses, Feng Zhe seized this final opportunity, and directed all the reflected sunlight straight onto Saga’s face.

Saga was overwhelmed by excruciating pain; blue hair, black hair, both flickered in and out as if in response. His twisted face seemed as enigmatic as the gateway to the other dimension itself.

The next moment, as Feng Zhe regained his senses, he found himself floating inside the other dimension.

Silence.

Utter silence.

Suspended in a weightless void, there was no time, no space, and sensation itself seemed to gradually dissolve.

“So this is death?”

Feng Zhe could sense nothing outside, and escape was impossible. Yet Athena’s Shield in his hand brought him solace.

The light still shone!

Athena’s Shield continued to radiate brilliance, and by following this light, he could find his way out!

At this moment, the Sacred Fire of the Altar Cloth reignited, and like a spacecraft, Feng Zhe shot out of the other dimension.

“What! You actually managed to escape?!”

Saga’s face contorted in disbelief. A Silver Saint emerging from the other dimension—this was enough to shatter all his understanding.

Sacrifice! Purification!

The Sacred Fire from the Altar Cloth once again appeared in Feng Zhe’s hands. Empowered by the glory of the Sacred Fire and the blessing of Athena’s Shield, he struck Saga’s face with a punch.

The purifying flames, coupled with the sunlight reflected from Athena’s Shield, instantly enveloped Saga’s entire body.

Aghhhh!

Saga screamed in agony and collapsed to the ground. A nameless black mist drifted from the top of his head, and his hair reverted to a pure, sky-like blue—so clean, so immaculate.

Feng Zhe gasped for breath, quietly watching Saga lying on the ground. He was truly afraid Saga might suddenly erupt again, so he remained alert and ready to defend himself.

About a quarter of an hour passed before Saga calmly stood up, gazed at the towering statue of Athena, and fell to his knees.

Then, rising to his feet, he spoke, “Alex, I will atone for my sins before the goddess with my life and beg for her forgiveness. Now, bring her back.”

Saga’s eyes were pure and tranquil, his blue hair flowing elegantly, underscoring his strength.

Had he really succeeded?

Feng Zhe could hardly believe his eyes, especially as he looked at the sincere Saga before him—it all felt like a dream.

“No, Master, you misunderstand me.”

Feng Zhe had worked so hard; his intent was never for Saga to die.

He continued, “Master, your strength is recognized by all in the Sanctuary. If you truly seek forgiveness, prove it through your actions.”

“My sins are too grave. I am not fit for this,” Saga replied, closing his eyes, unwilling to continue.

At that moment, many Gold Saints arrived at the Goddess’s Palace. Witnessing the scene, they were utterly astounded—especially Leo Aiolia, who exclaimed, “Gemini Saga?”

Saga had vanished after the incident ten years ago.

The remaining Gold Saints soon gathered: Taurus Aldebaran, Scorpio Milo, Cancer Deathmask, Capricorn Shura, Aquarius Camus, Pisces Aphrodite, and even Virgo Shaka had arrived. Only Aries Mu, Libra Dohko, and the deceased Sagittarius were absent.

As acting Pope, Feng Zhe spoke, “Gemini Saga was controlled by an evil consciousness and has been striving to resolve this matter for years. Now, rescued by Athena’s Shield, he returns to the Sanctuary.”

He raised Athena’s Shield as proof of his words.

Leo Aiolia, however, did not trust Saga at all, his gaze sharp and piercing.

Feng Zhe surveyed those present and announced, “Since most of the Gold Saints are gathered here, I wish to declare something important!”

All the Saints looked at Feng Zhe, unsure what he intended.

“Pope Shion has passed away from illness…”

“What?!”

“Passed away?!”

All the Saints stared at Feng Zhe in disbelief, as if he were the mastermind behind some grand conspiracy.

Feng Zhe gave no further explanation but instead dropped an even more explosive statement:

“According to Pope Shion’s will, Gemini Saga is to inherit the position of Pope. In the interim, I will serve as acting Pope until the succession ceremony is held.”

“What!”

All the Saints turned their gaze to Saga.

“This is impossible!” Saga looked at Feng Zhe in astonishment, intending to reveal what happened ten years ago, but was stopped by Feng Zhe.

“The Holy War is imminent. The world above needs all Gold Saints to unite in this time of crisis. Choosing a strong Pope is every Saint’s duty. I have no selfish motives; I hope the same of all of you!”

“What! The Holy War is coming again?!”

Still reeling from news of the Pope’s death, the Saints were bombarded with yet another shocking announcement.

“The mortal world faces immense disaster and suffering. The survival of humanity depends on you, the Gold Saints. Saga is powerful, capable, and was Pope Shion’s designated successor. If anyone believes there is a more suitable candidate, speak now!”

Feng Zhe’s gaze swept over the Gold Saints.

The aquatic duo, Deathmask and Aphrodite, immediately knelt on one knee before Saga, making their stance clear.

The others exchanged glances, reluctant to take a position at this moment.

Then, Virgo Shaka—the man known as closest to God—knelt before Saga, displaying his support.

Camus and Shura followed suit, kneeling as well.

Taurus Aldebaran and Scorpio Milo, uninterested in the Pope’s position, also knelt without hesitation.

“You all…”

Only Leo Aiolia remained standing, and Feng Zhe frowned at him, silently urging him to recognize the situation.

“I object!”

A wave of psychic energy swept through, and the long-absent Aries Mu appeared.