Walker Of The Worlds

2784  The Hunch Was Correct

Lin Mu first examined the shelves filled with documents, searching for any information regarding the Inquisitors. He moved from one shelf to another, scanning the titles, but found nothing useful. Frustration simmered beneath his calm exterior.

”Hmm… perhaps itʼs 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 parchment as he worked. A three-layered necklace, emblazoned with the symbol of the Supreme God, rested against his chest. One look was enough to tell that this man held a high-ranking position within the order.

ʼConsidering that necklace… he should be what they call a Bishop, right?ʼ 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 travelerʼs 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.

ʼOr do they even relate to cultivation at all?ʼ 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 wasnʼt sure if he could even detect the presence of someone in the Immortal Realm without revealing himself. Unlike lower realms, the Immortal Realm didnʼt necessarily manifest with visible physical changes—unless one actively used Qi.

ʼSo this is where they are kept… The Inquisitors reside in the Inquisition Fortress.ʼ

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 name, it was less a fortress and more a sprawling city unto itself, spanning twenty kilometers in every direction.

Located on the outskirts of the capital, it was a place both feared and respected. The common folk and even members of the clergy dreaded it. The Inquisitors wielded independent authority, capable of investigating and punishing not just the people, but even high-ranking clergy members who violated the laws of the order.

ʼLooks like I know where to go next.ʼ Lin Mu thought to himself, but he didnʼt leave just yet.

He meticulously combed through the documents, absorbing every detail he could find. The Inquisitors were shrouded in secrecy, yet here, their names, assignments, and past operations were laid bare. Some of the most notable cases involved high-profile arrests, including that of a corrupt Bishop.

ʼSo even they have their sins,ʼ Lin Mu noted grimly. ʼNo matter how righteous they claim to be.ʼ

The Bishop in question had committed a litany of crimes: corruption, extortion, murder, and worse. It was evident that he had operated in the shadows for years, with numerous lower-ranked clergy involved in his schemes. 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.

ʼLooks like my work here is done.ʼ Lin Mu concluded, preparing to slip away.

But then—something caught his eye.

”Inquisitor Bernard?” Lin Mu read silently. ʼWait, isnʼt that the same Inquisitor involved in the last Bishop scandal?ʼ

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 Muʼs focus. He discreetly read more of the letter.

ʼWait… wait, wait…ʼ 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 informed that there may be suspects among them, and I leave the matter in your capable hands.”

Below, a long list of names followed along with several more detailed instructions.

Lin Muʼs pulse quickened as his eyes scanned the names—and then his stomach dropped.

His name was on the list.

So were the names of his companions.

His worst fears had just been confirmed and it was only getting worse from here.

With precise, controlled movements, he committed every detail of the letter to memory before swiftly retreating. As he moved away, he activated his communication talisman and sent a message to his companions.

23:13

ʼTheyʼre investigating us.ʼ Lin Mu clenched his jaw, his mind racing through possible scenarios. If this letter reached Bernard, it could mean a direct confrontation. Perhaps even an immediate arrest.

He had two options: destroy the letter or follow its trail.

Lin Mu made his decision instantly.

ʼI canʼt let this letter reach Bernard without knowing more.ʼ

With precise, controlled movements, he committed every detail of the letter to memory before swiftly retreating. As he moved away, he activated his communication talisman and sent a message to his companions.

”We have a problem. The clergy is investigating all recent travelers. Our names are on the list. Be prepared for potential questioning—or worse.”

The response was immediate.

”Theyʼre coming after us?” Daoist Chuʼs voice crackled with anxiety.

Lin Mu didnʼt answer right away. Instead, he exhaled, steadying himself for the storm ahead.

Because now, he wasnʼt 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.