The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 35: The Rose School of Thought

"The Church of The Fool?" Lumian was both surprised and unsurprised by this answer.

He hadn't expected that The Fool's Church would have so many Beyonders on the "Prisoner" pathway, but considering the descriptions in the holy scriptures, it didn't seem strange for individuals from any pathway to be present.

With a smile, Franca explained in detail:

"Actually, the 'Prisoner' pathway Beyonders in the Rose School of Thought and those in The Fool's Church originally belonged to the same group."

"They later split?" Lumian ventured a guess.

Franca responded with a nod.

"The Rose School of Thought is a very ancient organization, with a history spanning more than two thousand years, even predating the Fourth Epoch, tracing back to the cataclysm."

More than two thousand years of history... Lumian was stunned.

When he learned that the Iron-Blooded Cross was established two or three hundred years ago, he could sense the weight of history. But compared to the Rose School of Thought, the Iron-Blooded Cross seemed like a child who hadn't even started elementary school.

Franca continued:

"From very early on, there were internal disagreements within the Rose School of Thought. We all suspect that desire can alter reality and accomplish various extraordinary feats, but how to approach desire became a point of contention:

"One faction focuses on purification, aiming to serve the Eternal Blazing Sun with pious devotion, often yielding unexpected results."

"Yes, and you recommend abilities related to the 'Sun' domain," Franca chuckled. "But you'd also suggest that when facing enemies like this, the best option is to run and seek help."

"What caused the split?" Lumian focused on this question.

"I encountered some things last night," Franca quickly explained.

Shao Rongping, after listening intently, said thoughtfully, "I've been considering it. You've heard that Saint Sharon, once a member of the 'Temperance Faction,' now resides in the Sanctuary of The Fool, and so does the Holy Angel by the Fool's throne..."

After leaving No. 3, White Ridge Street, Lumian strolled back to the Windblown Hall.

Lanka listened with increasing shock, feeling insignificant as a mere Sequence 9 in the world of mysticism.

"These desire-related abilities are quite useful, but why do they have to be used in such a deviant manner?"

"Does it sound harsh? Do you think every secret organization is as concerned with principles as the Iron-Blooded Cross?"

Franca casually paced the room.

No, you don't even want to be associated with them...

"The Rose School of Thought worships the 'Mother of Desires,' which likely simplifies the reason for the werewolf's investigation into Savat party intelligence far more than you initially suspected. Could there be a connection between the Blessed Fellowship and the Rose School of Thought? Do they share information on this?"

"The 'Indulgence Faction' and the 'Temperance Faction' could barely coexist. One didn't interfere with the other's followers, but then the 'Indulgence Faction' began claiming that the 'God of Chains' they both worshipped was actually a manifestation of an evil god."

That makes sense... the magical items made from the 'Shadow Branch' would come in handy here.

"You should elaborate on the state of 'Zombies' and 'Wraiths' to prevent anyone from recklessly acting without understanding the danger they're facing."