《天堂旅館》長篇奇幻愛情小說

【十三】林曉陽前去梵諦岡

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林曉陽踏上羅馬的石板街道，天色陰沉，梵蒂岡的聖彼得大教堂在遠方矗立，圓頂下的雕塑仿佛正默默凝視著這場即將掀起的風暴。他的手伸入風衣內袋，指尖輕觸著瑪莉亞公主的親筆信，心中不禁升起一絲不安。
樞機主教團的宿舍外，一盞古舊的銅燈在微風中搖曳，投射出斑駁的光影。林曉陽推門而入，濃厚的焚香氣息撲面而來，他的目光在陰影間搜尋，最終在一張深色橡木書桌前，看見了一身黑色長袍的陳約翰神父。
神父背對著他，正翻閱一本羊皮書，燭火搖曳在他鏡片後深邃的眼神裡。
「林先生，」陳約翰未曾回頭，卻已然知曉來者何人，聲音低沉而穩定。「我已經等你多時了。」
林曉陽微微一愣，旋即從內袋取出信件，恭敬地遞上：「這是瑪莉亞公主親筆所寫，請您過目。」
神父接過信封，指尖劃開封蠟，信紙展開的一瞬，燭光在墨跡上泛起微微的光澤。他的眼神迅速掃過信件內容，沉默良久，最後長長地嘆了口氣。
「該來的，遲早都要來，」陳約翰合上信紙，眼底閃過一抹難測的光芒。「暗黑世界即將掀起腥風血雨。」

林曉陽雙手交疊，眉頭微蹙：「神父，您的意思是，瑪莉亞公主與安德森公爵之間的對決已經無法避免？」
「沒錯！」神父的聲音忽然如磐石般堅定，眼神宛如穿透歷史的銳利之刃。「這將是一場殊死戰，無關正邪，只論勝敗！」
林曉陽凝視著神父深邃的雙眼，語氣帶著一絲試探：「也就是說，這場戰爭……我們只能贏，不能輸？」
神父點頭，語氣堅決：「如果瑪莉亞公主落敗，安德森將一統暗黑世界，人類社會將迎來一場前所未有的浩劫。」
林曉陽雙拳微微握緊，指節泛白：「所以，神父願意親自出馬，助公主一臂之力？」
「斬妖除魔，本就是我的天職。」陳約翰站起身，披風微微揚起，透出一股無形的威嚴。「即使公主沒來找我，我也不可能坐視不管。這些年來，安德森不斷擴張，手下已經培養出兩大護法——開膛手傑克與幻影手喬治，他們的法力與殺戮手段，足以撼動整個暗黑世界。」
林曉陽挑眉：「聽起來，神父您對安德森陣營頗為熟悉？」
神父微微一笑，推了推鼻樑上的金邊眼鏡：「瑪莉亞公主一直在提供情報給我，因此我們對敵方的動向掌握得相當充分。而且，我們還得知，公爵身邊還藏著一張王牌——大法師魯夫。」
林曉陽心頭微微一震：「大法師魯夫？他與公主之間……似乎另有關聯？」
神父的笑意加深，意味深長：「你很敏銳，林先生。沒錯，這位大法師亦正亦邪，而與公主的關係，更是匪淺。」
林曉陽目光一閃，沉吟片刻後問：「那麼，公主的情報來源又是從何而來？」
神父輕輕合起雙手，低聲道：「這正是關鍵所在。安德森的陣營裡，早已有公主安排的臥底，因此我們總能搶先一步掌握動靜。」
「可是，」林曉陽瞇起雙眼，「安德森難道不會以牙還牙，在公主的勢力裡安插間諜？」
「他當然試過。」神父的目光閃過一絲鋒銳，「但從未成功。」
林曉陽略帶不解：「為什麼？」
「因為公主擁有讀心術。」神父緩緩說道，語氣中帶著一種深不可測的敬畏。「她能精準洞悉對方的思想，任何陰謀詭計，在她面前都無所遁形。」
林曉陽腦海中突然閃過一個畫面，說：「難怪……黃立華也會讀心術。」
神父微笑：「那正是公主親自傳授的技藝。黃立華本來是安德森的御用畫師，但後來被威爾森策反，成了我們安插在對方陣營的眼線。」
林曉陽沉思片刻，低聲道：「可是，公主為何會斷言，我將在關鍵時刻，發揮決定性作用？」
神父的眼神驀地一沉，語帶神秘：「因為你的身份特殊。」
「我的身份？」林曉陽心中一凜。
「安德森最忌憚的，是你的前世——大衛·菲力侍衛長。」神父緩緩道出驚人的真相。「在過去的世紀裡，安德森曾敗在大衛手下數次。如今，你已經覺醒，成為這場戰局的變數。」
林曉陽倒抽一口氣，內心激盪如潮水：「神父，你似乎對我的過去瞭若指掌……」
「幸好我是你的盟友，」神父輕笑，「不然，你恐怕已經陷入萬劫不復之境。」
林曉陽抿唇不語。
神父緩步走向書桌，伸出一隻手，指尖微微顫動，一股無形的力量湧動而出。桌上的鵝毛筆突然騰空而起，在信紙上迅速寫下「精氣神」三個漢字，然後輕輕落回桌面。
林曉陽睜大雙眼，驚嘆：「這……這是念力？」
神父收回手，微笑頷首：「你的體內蘊含強大的真氣，只要學會運用，這種能力對你而言不過是基本功。」
林曉陽仍舊半信半疑，神父則輕拍他的肩膀：「回程路上，你還有時間練習，我會從旁指導你。但現在，時不宜遲，我要收拾行裝，帶上法器，隨你前往琉森湖。」
語畢，神父轉身，披風掠過燭光，彷彿夜幕下的一道黑色流光，消失在房間的深處。

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列車轟鳴，窗外的歐洲田野在暮色中疾馳倒退，暖黃色的車廂燈光映照在陳約翰和林曉陽的臉上。柔軟的座椅微微晃動，咖啡香氣從鄰座的乘客手中飄來，伴隨著車輪碾壓鐵軌的節奏，營造出旅途的靜謐氛圍。

陳約翰取出一只棕色陶杯，輕輕倒扣在面前的小桌上，杯底壓著什麼東西。他的手指在杯沿上敲了敲，發出輕微的「嗒嗒」聲音，然後目光深邃地看向林曉陽。

「曉陽，閉上眼，深呼吸。」他的語調低沉而穩定，如同指引著某種神秘的門扉緩緩開啟。「放慢你的心跳，調勻呼吸，然後睜開眼，盯住這只陶杯——集中精神，感受它的內部，告訴我你看到了什麼。」
林曉陽吞了口口水，額頭微微皺起。他深吸一口氣，閉眼數秒，再睜開時，視線牢牢鎖住陶杯。
時間彷彿被拉長了，車廂內的談話聲、行李架上的輕微震動，全都漸漸模糊。他的視線彷彿穿透了陶杯的厚度，杯底下的世界逐漸浮現。
「我……」他瞳孔微縮，語氣透著驚訝與興奮，「我看到了！是一枚鑲著寶石的戒指，還有一只十字架胸針！」
陳約翰點點頭，嘴角露出一絲滿意的微笑。「很好。現在，仔細看清楚——告訴我寶石的顏色，還有胸針的質地。」
林曉陽屏息凝神，視線彷彿更加深入，他喃喃道：「寶石是綠色的，應該是祖母綠……胸針則是銀白色的，像是白銀打造的。」
「很好。」陳約翰輕輕地笑了，伸手拍了拍他的肩膀。「對你來說，這就是這麼容易。」
林曉陽的心跳慢慢恢復平穩，興奮之餘，卻仍有些疑慮。他抬頭看向陳約翰，皺眉問道：「可是，就算我有這種能力，真的能對付安德森那夥人嗎？光是能看透東西，這能幫我贏嗎？」
陳約翰深深地看了他一眼，眼神裡閃爍著某種耐人尋味的光芒。他低聲道：「不要低估自己。透視術，只是你的第一把鑰匙——它打開的門，遠不止這一扇。」
列車晃動了一下，陳約翰收起陶杯和物品，向後靠在椅背上，閉上雙眼，彷彿旅途對他而言只是一場短暫的休憩。
林曉陽望著窗外疾馳的黑暗，內心翻湧著各種思緒。他搖搖頭，苦笑了一下，然後從背包裡抽出一本武俠漫畫《太極》，試圖用畫面中的快意恩仇來打發時間。然而，剛才的畫面卻始終揮之不去——那只陶杯下的秘密，還有陳約翰的話語，如同某種預言，在他的心底埋下了一顆種子。
窗外的雪山閃爍著冷冽的光輝，仿佛在預示著前方風暴將至。

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暮色降臨，列車停靠在一座小站，幾個旅客走進車廂。一對穿著入時的青年情侶，坐到曉陽的斜對面座位。那男生臉上圍著條圍巾，曉陽望著他幾秒，就清楚看見他臉頰上有兩道像傷口般的痕跡，曉陽再仔細看，他嚇了一跳，暗罵道：「這男的究竟是什麼妖怪啊？臉頰上竟然有一對鰓？怪嚇人的…。」
林曉陽把目光轉向那女孩，冶豔的一雙眼睛底下，被黑絲巾遮住的部分，卻有著兩對尖銳犬齒，非常猙獰的下半張臉。
林曉陽心想：「這女的戴著人皮面具，肯定就是吸血鬼。這兩人顯然都不是善類…。」
睡著的陳約翰神父，悄悄地伸手握住林曉陽的手腕脈門，曉陽清楚聽見陳神父的心脈傳音：「你已經發現這對男女不是善類，先不要打草驚蛇，待會兒我們跟著他們下車。」
林曉陽以心音回答：「好的，神父。」林曉陽佯裝若無其事，繼續翻
閱他的武俠漫畫，卻聽見那男的附在女的耳邊低語。
凱斯說：「蘿娜，妳注意到沒？斜前方坐位上那個神父和青年。」
蘿娜說：「我注意到了，凱斯，那神父身上罩著一股陽剛的煞氣，似乎是個很有本事的行家。然而我比較擔心的反而是那個坐在神父身旁，剛才望我們看的青年。」
凱斯問：「那青年妳看出什麼異樣？蘿娜。」
蘿娜說：「那青年身上的磁場，竟然發散出如同珈瑪射線般，具有強烈穿透力的遠紅外線，而且我完全看不到有任何破綻。」
凱斯說：「妳的道行比我高，我僅直覺到那青年身上有著很強的電磁波。」
蘿娜說：「如果對方已經發覺我們的身份，恐怕不會輕易放過我們，我們今晚的行動必須謹慎些，我可不想招惹上這兩個來路不明的高手。」
凱斯說：「妳我一起聯手出任務這些年，從來也沒看過妳像現在這樣緊張，就算對方真是來意不善的高手，我們聯手對方也未必佔得了便宜。」
蘿娜警告說：「你不要太有自信，這世間高手比比皆是，我們犯不著去硬碰硬，在外行動謹慎些，總是好的。」
林曉陽聽著那對男女對話，隨即把內容大意以心脈傳音告知陳約翰。
陳約翰說：「這對男女對我們起了戒心，我們先放鬆心情閉眼休息，鬆懈他們的注意。」
「好的，神父。」林曉陽放下漫畫，閉起眼睛休息，隨即又聽到那對男女竊竊私語。
蘿娜說：「待會兒列車到米蘭站，我們分開前後門下車，然後在米蘭大教堂外的噴水池會合。」
凱斯問：「妳有必要如此謹慎嗎？這不像妳以往的行事風格吧？」
蘿娜加重語氣說：「聽我的，準沒錯。」
林曉陽隨即又把兩人的對話內容傳給陳約翰。
陳約翰以心音回覆說：「那麼我們就以逸代勞，直接去米蘭教堂門前等他們。」
林曉陽回覆說：「好的，神父。」

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列車緩緩駛入米蘭車站，金屬輪軌摩擦出尖銳的刺耳聲，在靜謐的深夜格外刺耳。月台上的燈光昏黃，映照著三三兩兩的乘客，他們或匆忙趕路，或神色疲憊地拖著行李箱。
車廂內，那對男女果然如預料般相繼起身。男人往車尾門走去，女人則選擇了前門。她動作優雅，披著一襲深紅色長風衣，步履輕盈得幾乎沒有聲音。
「走吧。」陳約翰低聲道，隨即起身，拍了拍林曉陽的肩膀。
林曉陽點點頭，調整了一下風衣，跟隨陳約翰的步伐，兩人若無其事地向前門走去，始終保持著恰到好處的距離，不急不徐，彷彿只是兩名普通的旅客。
女人下車後，腳步微頓，似乎察覺到了什麼，微微回頭，目光掠過神父與林曉陽，然後不著痕跡地加快腳步，消失在月台的人流中。
月台上瀰漫著一股鐵鏽與機油混合的氣息，夾雜著夜晚微涼的空氣。
林曉陽皺了皺眉，壓低聲音道：「神父，我剛才靠近那個女吸血鬼時，聞到一股奇怪的味道……」
「嗯？」陳約翰目光微微一閃，「什麼味道？」
「腐屍味，」林曉陽喉頭滾動了一下，眉宇間帶著一絲不適，「那種刺鼻、令人反胃的惡臭，就像……就像長期封存的屍體，混雜著某種潮濕的霉味。」
陳約翰停下腳步，轉頭看向他，眼中閃過一絲欣慰的神色。「那就對了，曉陽，這表示你的超能力已經開始發揮作用。」
「一般人應該只會聞到她的香水味吧？」林曉陽吸了吸鼻子，仍然覺得那股氣味揮之不去。
「沒錯，那股腐臭氣息是香水無法完全掩蓋的。你的感官已經突破了普通人的界線，能夠嗅出她本質上的腐敗。」
前方的街道燈光忽明忽暗，長長的影子投在石板路上，宛如鬼魅般晃動著。
「他們故意分開走，想繞遠路。」陳約翰輕聲一笑，雙手插進風衣口袋，語氣平靜，「我們不用急，慢慢晃過去大教堂，給他們時間布陣。」
林曉陽瞥了一眼神父，猶豫了一下，還是開口：「神父，我還有一件怪事……剛才那對男女說的拉丁語，我竟然聽得懂，而且每一句都清清楚楚。」
「哦？」陳約翰挑眉，側頭打量他，「可你沒學過拉丁文，不是嗎？」
「完全沒學過。」林曉陽苦笑，「但他們說的話，我不但聽懂了，甚至能夠在腦海裡精確地翻譯出來……這種感覺，說不出的詭異。」
「這就簡單了。」陳約翰淡淡道，眼神在夜色中顯得更加幽深。「這代表你的前世曾學過拉丁語，現在，你的前世記憶正逐步被喚醒。」
林曉陽一愣，喉嚨動了動，似乎想反駁什麼，卻又覺得無法否認。他低下頭，撓了撓後頸，不自在地轉移話題：「對了，剛才在車上，我不是在翻漫畫嗎？突然覺得……這套漫畫給了我不少靈感。」
「哦？」陳約翰的興趣被勾起，嘴角勾起一抹微笑，「什麼樣的漫畫？」
「武俠類型的，」林曉陽揚了揚手中的漫畫，封面上的俠客身披長衫，長劍出鞘，殺氣騰騰。「裡面有一些武功招式，還有修練心法……雖然只是漫畫，但某些概念，感覺跟我們正在經歷的事，有些異曲同工之妙。」
陳約翰輕笑一聲，似乎想起了什麼，語氣帶著一絲懷念：「東方的武俠小說，我當年還在神學院求學時，倒是偷偷看過幾本。不過，武俠漫畫……那時可還沒問世。」
夜色之下，大教堂的鐘聲低沉響起，迴盪在整個米蘭的夜空中，像是某種來自遠古的召喚。

49
夜色低垂，米蘭大教堂前的噴泉在燈光下閃爍著銀白水光。廣場上的人群漸漸散去，留下孤零零的鴿子在青石板上踱步。蘿娜快步走來，身形融入夜色，長裙在微風中輕輕擺動，眼神裡藏著一絲焦慮。從另一個方向，凱斯從陰影裡現身，警惕地四下張望，確認沒有人跟蹤後，才走向她。
「蘿娜」 凱斯壓低聲音︰「神父和那小子沒跟來吧？」
蘿娜微微喘著氣，像是剛甩開什麼不祥的東西，她輕拍胸口，鬆了一口氣道: 「沒，他們走了另一條路。我還以為被盯上了，心都快跳出來了。 」
凱斯勾起嘴角，戲謔地說︰「看吧？妳老是自己嚇自己。 」
「無論如何，我們的行動還是要謹慎些。」蘿娜雙手抱胸，微微側頭，眼神中仍帶著戒備。
然而，就在轉角處的陰影裡，陳約翰神父與林曉陽靜靜地注視著這一幕。夜風掠過神父的長袍，帶起一絲沉重的壓迫感。他的目光如同獵鷹，牢牢鎖定這對鬼魅。
「獵物出現了。」陳約翰低聲道，語氣裡帶著冷峻的決斷。「曉陽，你應付得過來嗎？」
林曉陽嘴角微微上揚，露出一抹躍躍欲試的笑意。「現學現賣，應該可以吧。」他捏了捏手指，掌心隱隱有能量流動。
「那就走吧。」陳約翰大步踏出陰影，長袍隨風一掠，帶著宗教審判者的威嚴。
蘿娜和凱斯正要轉身離開，突然感到一股強烈的壓迫感迎面襲來。兩人猛然回頭，只見陳約翰和林曉陽一步步逼近，像是夜色中走出的死神。
「兩位鬼界妖人」陳約翰嘴角勾起一抹冷笑，聲音低沉而威嚴︰ 「這麼匆忙，是趕著去殘害無辜的生靈嗎？ 」 ()
「你們……你們…… ! 」(！) 蘿娜猛地倒退一步，臉色瞬間煞白，嘴唇微顫，一時語無倫次。
凱斯則立刻反應過來，強壓下心中的不安，站到蘿娜身前，目光鎮定地與神父對峙︰「 神父，你我分處兩個世界，原本應該互不干涉。我們並無意與你為敵。」
「你說得對」，陳約翰目光銳利︰「人鬼殊途，原本不該互相侵犯——但你們選擇殘害生靈，這就不是互不干涉的問題了。我身為神職人員，豈能坐視不管？ 」()
蘿娜強自鎮定，雙手微微舉起，做出安撫的手勢：「神父，我們只是奉命行事，身不由己……何必苦苦相逼？」
「 奉誰的命令？安德森那個縮頭老鬼嗎？ 」陳約翰厲聲逼問，眼神如刀︰「遲早我會去找他算帳。至於現在，你們只有兩個選擇——要嘛束手就擒，讓我廢除你們身上的邪術，交給瑪莉亞公主處置，要嘛就動手，看看誰的命比較硬！ 」
蘿娜內心一陣顫抖，一個可怕的低語回蕩在她腦海中。她瞪大了眼睛，驚恐地說道：「你……你是『鬼見愁』陳約翰？！
陳約翰嗤笑︰「 算妳有見識——可惜，已經來不及了。」
凱斯心知不妙，猛地轉頭對蘿娜低聲道︰「蘿娜，看來對方不打算放過我們。」
「 沒錯」陳約翰語氣冰冷，目光像是穿透靈魂︰「惡鬼不除，世間終究不得安寧。」 ()
凱斯咬緊牙關，拳頭微微握緊︰「那就不必再囉嗦了，既然我們無法共存，那就一決勝負吧！」
「且慢！」 蘿娜猛地抓住凱斯的手腕，把他往後拉了一步，眼中閃過一絲掙紮與猶豫。她深吸一口氣，試圖穩住情緒，語氣低柔︰「陳神父，我們不是你的對手，也不想做無謂的犧牲——或許，我們可以談個條件？」
「條件？ 」 陳約翰挑眉︰「你們還有什麼籌碼？」
蘿娜語氣堅定 ︰「其實，我早就不願再受安德森的控制。」
「蘿娜！妳瘋了嗎？！ 」 凱斯滿臉不可置信，怒視著她︰「背叛首領可是死罪！」
蘿娜轉過身，深深地看著他，眼底滿是沉痛與無奈︰「凱斯，清醒點吧。安德森根本不把我們當人，他只是利用我們完成他的目的，然後再拋棄我們。他可曾在乎過我們的死活？」
凱斯臉色陰晴不定，拳頭握緊又鬆開，最後只能低聲咒罵︰「 該死的…」
「你們兩個自己討論吧﹖」陳約翰抱臂站在一旁，眼神犀利如鷹︰「我有的是時間。」
林曉陽輕聲說︰「神父，我們應該給他們一次機會。」
蘿娜對他微微一笑，語氣柔和︰「謝謝你，年輕人。 」她抬頭望向陳約翰，語氣誠懇︰「神父，我們願意回到蝙蝠城，為你們擔任內應。 」
「不用你們費心」 陳約翰冷冷一笑︰「如果你們真有誠意，那就跟我們回天空城堡，見瑪莉亞公主。」
蘿娜猶豫片刻，終於點頭︰「好，我願意去見公主。」
「蘿娜...」凱斯看著她，神色複雜。
「跟我一起走吧.」 蘿娜語帶懇求︰「 留在這裡，我們只會成為棄子，白白送死。 」
凱斯看著她許久，終於低低地嘆了口氣，鬆開了緊握的拳頭，緩緩點頭：好吧，妳贏了。」
「那麼」 陳約翰揚起嘴角︰「我們走吧。」
四人一同離開噴泉廣場，月光映照在他們身後，投下長長的影子。

【Thirteen】Lin Xiaoyang Goes to Vatican City

45

Lin Xiaoyang stepped onto the cobblestone streets of Rome. The sky was overcast, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City stood in the distance, its sculptures beneath the dome seeming to silently watch the storm that was about to erupt. He slipped a hand into the inner pocket of his trench coat, his fingertips lightly touching Princess Maria’s handwritten letter, and a trace of unease rose in his heart.

Outside the residence of the College of Cardinals, an old bronze lamp swayed gently in the breeze, casting mottled shadows across the ground. Lin Xiaoyang pushed open the door and was immediately met by the strong scent of incense. His eyes searched through the shadows until he finally saw Father John Chen, dressed in a black robe, seated before a dark oak desk.

The priest had his back to him and was turning the pages of a parchment book. Candlelight flickered in the depths of his eyes behind his glasses.

“Mr. Lin,” Father John Chen said without turning around, already knowing who had arrived. His voice was low and steady. “I’ve been waiting for you for quite some time.”

Lin Xiaoyang paused slightly, then took the letter from his inner pocket and respectfully handed it to him. “This was handwritten by Princess Maria. Please read it.”

The priest accepted the envelope and slit open the wax seal with his fingertip. The moment the letter unfolded, the candlelight cast a faint sheen over the ink. His eyes quickly scanned the contents. He remained silent for a long while before finally letting out a long sigh.

“What is destined to come will come sooner or later,” Father John Chen said, closing the letter. An unreadable light flashed in his eyes. “A bloody storm is about to erupt in the Dark World.”

Lin Xiaoyang folded his hands together, his brows slightly furrowed. “Father, do you mean that a confrontation between Princess Maria and Duke Anderson is already unavoidable?”

“Exactly!” The priest’s voice suddenly became as firm as a rock, his eyes as sharp as a blade cutting through history. “This will be a fight to the death. It has nothing to do with good or evil. Only victory or defeat matters!”

Lin Xiaoyang stared into the priest’s deep eyes, his tone carrying a trace of probing curiosity. “In other words, in this war... we can only win. We cannot lose?”

The priest nodded, his tone resolute. “If Princess Maria is defeated, Anderson will unite the entire Dark World under his rule, and human society will face an unprecedented catastrophe.”

Lin Xiaoyang slowly clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. “So, Father, you’re willing to personally enter the fight and help the Princess?”

“Destroying demons and evil spirits is my divine calling.” Father John Chen stood up, his cloak lifting slightly and radiating an invisible authority. “Even if the Princess had not come to me, I could never simply stand by and do nothing. Over the years, Anderson has continued expanding his power and has cultivated two great protectors under his command—Jack the Ripper and George the Phantom Hand. Their magical powers and methods of killing are enough to shake the entire Dark World.”

Lin Xiaoyang raised an eyebrow. “It sounds like you know Anderson’s faction quite well, Father.”

The priest smiled slightly and pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses. “Princess Maria has continually provided me with intelligence, so we have a fairly thorough understanding of the enemy’s movements. Moreover, we have learned that the Duke has another trump card hidden at his side—the Grand Mage Ruf.”

Lin Xiaoyang’s heart trembled slightly. “Grand Mage Ruf? There seems to be another connection between him and the Princess...”

The priest’s smile deepened meaningfully. “You’re very perceptive, Mr. Lin. That’s right. This Grand Mage is neither entirely righteous nor entirely evil, and his relationship with the Princess is even more complicated.”

A flicker passed through Lin Xiaoyang’s eyes. After thinking for a moment, he asked, “Then where does the Princess get her intelligence?”

The priest gently brought his hands together and said in a low voice, “That is precisely the key. There has already been a spy placed by the Princess within Anderson’s faction, so we are always able to get advance information about what is happening.”

“But,” Lin Xiaoyang narrowed his eyes, “wouldn’t Anderson retaliate by planting spies within the Princess’s forces?”

“Of course he has tried.” A sharp glint flashed in the priest’s eyes. “But he has never succeeded.”

Lin Xiaoyang looked puzzled. “Why?”

“Because the Princess possesses the ability to read minds.” The priest spoke slowly, with an unfathomable sense of awe in his voice. “She can accurately perceive the thoughts of others. No scheme or deception can escape her.”

An image suddenly flashed through Lin Xiaoyang’s mind. “No wonder... Huang Lihua can read minds too.”

The priest smiled. “That is a skill personally taught by the Princess. Huang Lihua was originally Anderson’s personal court painter, but later Wilson persuaded him to switch sides, and he became our informant within the enemy camp.”

Lin Xiaoyang pondered for a moment before speaking quietly. “But why would the Princess declare that I will play a decisive role at the critical moment?”

The priest’s expression suddenly darkened, his voice filled with mystery. “Because your identity is special.”

“My identity?” Lin Xiaoyang felt a chill in his heart.

“What Anderson fears most is your previous incarnation—Captain David Feely of the Imperial Guards.” The priest slowly revealed the astonishing truth. “In past centuries, Anderson was defeated by David several times. Now that you have awakened, you have become the variable in this battle.”

Lin Xiaoyang drew a sharp breath, his emotions surging like a tide. “Father, you seem to know everything about my past...”

“Fortunately, I’m your ally,” the priest said with a soft laugh. “Otherwise, you might already have fallen into a fate from which there was no escape.”

Lin Xiaoyang pressed his lips together and said nothing.

The priest slowly walked toward the desk and extended one hand. His fingertips trembled slightly, and an invisible force surged outward. The quill pen on the desk suddenly rose into the air and swiftly wrote three Chinese characters on the letter paper before gently settling back onto the desk.

Lin Xiaoyang’s eyes widened in amazement. “This... is this telekinesis?”

The priest withdrew his hand and nodded with a smile. “Your body contains powerful internal energy. Once you learn how to use it, this ability will be nothing more than basic training for you.”

Lin Xiaoyang was still half skeptical. The priest gently patted him on the shoulder. “You’ll still have time to practice on the way back, and I’ll guide you along the way. But there’s no time to waste now. I’m going to pack my things, bring my magical artifacts, and travel with you to Lake Lucerne.”

With that, the priest turned around. His cloak swept across the candlelight, like a streak of black light beneath the night sky, and disappeared into the depths of the room.

46

The train roared as the European countryside outside the window rushed backward through the dusk. The warm yellow carriage lights illuminated the faces of Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang. The soft seats swayed slightly, while the aroma of coffee drifted over from a passenger in the neighboring seat. Together with the rhythmic sound of the wheels rolling along the tracks, it created a tranquil atmosphere for the journey.

Father John Chen took out a brown ceramic cup and gently turned it upside down on the small table in front of him. Something was pressed beneath the bottom of the cup. He tapped his fingers lightly against the rim, producing a soft “tap, tap” sound, then looked deeply at Lin Xiaoyang.

“Xiaoyang, close your eyes and take a deep breath.” His voice was low and steady, as if guiding the slow opening of some mysterious door. “Slow your heartbeat, regulate your breathing, then open your eyes and focus on this ceramic cup. Concentrate, sense what is inside it, and tell me what you see.”

Lin Xiaoyang swallowed, his brow slightly furrowed. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for several seconds. When he opened them again, his gaze locked firmly onto the ceramic cup.

Time seemed to stretch. The conversations inside the carriage and the slight vibrations of the luggage racks gradually became blurred. His gaze seemed to penetrate the thickness of the ceramic cup, and the world beneath its bottom gradually emerged.

“I...” His pupils contracted slightly, and his voice carried both surprise and excitement. “I see it! It’s a gemstone-studded ring, and a cross brooch!”

Father John Chen nodded, a satisfied smile appearing at the corners of his mouth. “Very good. Now look carefully—tell me the color of the gemstone and the material of the brooch.”

Lin Xiaoyang held his breath and concentrated. His gaze seemed to penetrate even deeper. He murmured, “The gemstone is green. It should be an emerald... and the brooch is silvery white, as if it were made of silver.”

“Very good.” Father John Chen smiled softly and reached out to pat him on the shoulder. “For you, it really is that easy.”

Lin Xiaoyang’s heartbeat gradually returned to normal. Although he was excited, he still had some doubts. He looked up at Father John Chen and asked with a frown, “But even if I have this ability, can I really deal with Anderson and his people? Just being able to see through things—how can that help me win?”

Father John Chen looked deeply at him, a thoughtful light flickering in his eyes. He said quietly, “Don’t underestimate yourself. X-ray vision is only your first key—the door it opens leads to far more than this one thing.”

The train swayed slightly. Father John Chen put away the ceramic cup and the objects, then leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, as if the journey were nothing more than a brief rest for him.

Lin Xiaoyang stared at the darkness rushing past outside the window. His mind churned with countless thoughts. He shook his head and smiled bitterly, then pulled a martial-arts comic titled *Tai Chi* from his backpack, trying to pass the time with the thrilling battles and personal vendettas depicted in its pages. However, the scene from earlier refused to leave his mind—the secret beneath the ceramic cup and Father John Chen’s words, like some kind of prophecy, had planted a seed deep in his heart.

Snow-capped mountains glittered with a cold brilliance outside the window, as if foretelling that a storm was approaching.

46-1

As dusk descended, the train stopped at a small station, and several passengers entered the carriage. A stylish young couple sat diagonally across from Xiaoyang. The young man had a scarf wrapped around his face. Xiaoyang watched him for a few seconds and clearly saw two marks on his cheeks that looked like wounds. When he looked more closely, he was startled and cursed inwardly, “What kind of monster is this guy? He actually has a pair of gills on his cheeks? That’s creepy...”

Lin Xiaoyang shifted his gaze to the girl. Beneath her striking eyes, the lower half of her face was hidden by a black scarf, but he could clearly see two pairs of sharp canine teeth, making her look extremely grotesque.

Lin Xiaoyang thought to himself, “This woman is wearing a human-skin mask. She must be a vampire. These two clearly aren’t good people...”

Father John Chen, who appeared to be asleep, quietly reached out and grasped the pulse point on Lin Xiaoyang’s wrist. Xiaoyang clearly heard Father Chen’s voice transmitted through their inner energy: “You’ve already realized that this couple is up to no good. Don’t alert them yet. When the time comes, we’ll get off the train and follow them.”

Lin Xiaoyang replied through the same inner voice, “All right, Father.”

Lin Xiaoyang pretended that nothing had happened and continued flipping through his martial-arts comic, but he heard the man whispering into the woman’s ear.

Keith said, “Lorna, did you notice? That priest and young man sitting diagonally ahead of us.”

Lorna said, “I noticed them, Keith. That priest is surrounded by a masculine aura with a sinister energy. He seems to be a very capable expert. But what concerns me more is that young man sitting beside the priest who was looking at us just now.”

Keith asked, “What did you notice about that young man, Lorna?”

Lorna said, “The magnetic field around that young man is actually emitting far-infrared radiation with a strong penetrating power, almost like gamma rays, and I can’t see any weakness in him at all.”

Keith said, “Your cultivation is higher than mine. I only sensed intuitively that the young man has a very strong electromagnetic field.”

Lorna said, “If they’ve already discovered our identities, I’m afraid they won’t let us go easily. We must be more cautious in our operation tonight. I really don’t want to provoke these two mysterious experts whose origins are unknown.”

Keith said, “All these years we’ve worked together on missions, and I’ve never seen you this nervous. Even if they really are experts with hostile intentions, they may not necessarily have the upper hand against the two of us working together.”

Lorna warned him, “Don’t be too confident. There are experts everywhere in this world. There’s no need for us to confront them head-on. It’s always better to be more cautious when operating outside.”

Listening to the conversation between the two, Lin Xiaoyang immediately conveyed the gist of what they had said to Father John Chen through their inner voice.

Father John Chen said, “This couple has become wary of us. Let’s relax, close our eyes, and rest for a while to lower their guard.”

“All right, Father.”

Lin Xiaoyang put down the comic and closed his eyes to rest. Soon, he heard the couple whispering again.

Lorna said, “When the train reaches Milan Station, we’ll get off through the front and rear doors separately, then meet at the fountain outside Milan Cathedral.”

Keith asked, “Do you really need to be this cautious? This doesn’t seem like your usual style.”

Lorna said emphatically, “Listen to me. It’s the right thing to do.”

Lin Xiaoyang immediately conveyed their conversation to Father John Chen again.

Father John Chen replied through their inner voice, “Then we’ll take it easy and go directly to the front of Milan Cathedral to wait for them.”

Lin Xiaoyang replied, “All right, Father.”

47

The train slowly entered Milan Station, and the metal wheels grinding against the rails produced a sharp, grating sound that was especially piercing in the quiet of the late night. The platform lights were dim and yellow, illuminating a few scattered passengers, some hurrying along while others dragged their luggage with exhausted expressions.

Inside the carriage, the couple stood up one after the other, exactly as expected. The man headed toward the rear door, while the woman chose the front door. Her movements were graceful. She wore a long, dark red trench coat, and her footsteps were so light that they were almost soundless.

“Let’s go,” Father John Chen said quietly. He then stood up and patted Lin Xiaoyang on the shoulder.

Lin Xiaoyang nodded, adjusted his trench coat, and followed Father John Chen. The two casually walked toward the front door, always maintaining an appropriate distance, neither hurrying nor slowing down, as if they were simply two ordinary passengers.

After getting off the train, the woman paused for a moment, as if she had sensed something. She glanced back slightly, her eyes passing over the priest and Lin Xiaoyang. Then, without making it obvious, she quickened her pace and disappeared into the crowd on the platform.

The platform was filled with the mixed smell of rust and engine oil, mingling with the cool night air.

Lin Xiaoyang frowned and lowered his voice. “Father, when I got close to that female vampire just now, I smelled something strange...”

“Hmm?” A flicker passed through Father John Chen’s eyes. “What kind of smell?”

“The smell of a corpse.” Lin Xiaoyang swallowed, a trace of discomfort showing between his brows. “That pungent, nauseating stench, like... like a body that had been sealed away for a long time, mixed with some kind of damp, musty odor.”

Father John Chen stopped and turned to look at him, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes. “That’s right, Xiaoyang. This means your supernatural abilities have already begun to take effect.”

“An ordinary person would probably only smell her perfume, right?” Lin Xiaoyang sniffed, still unable to shake the odor.

“That’s right. That rotten stench cannot be completely concealed by perfume. Your senses have already broken through the limits of an ordinary person, allowing you to smell the corruption in her true nature.”

Ahead, the streetlights flickered between light and darkness, casting long shadows across the cobblestone street that swayed like ghosts.

“They deliberately split up to take the long way around,” Father John Chen said with a soft laugh, slipping both hands into his trench coat pockets. His tone was calm. “We don’t need to hurry. We’ll stroll slowly toward the cathedral and give them time to set up.”

Lin Xiaoyang glanced at the priest, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke. “Father, there’s another strange thing... I could actually understand the Latin those two were speaking just now, and I understood every sentence perfectly.”

“Oh?” Father John Chen raised an eyebrow and turned his head to study him. “But you’ve never studied Latin, have you?”

“Never.” Lin Xiaoyang smiled bitterly. “But I not only understood what they were saying, I could even translate it accurately in my mind... The feeling is impossible to describe. It’s incredibly strange.”

“That’s simple.” Father John Chen spoke lightly, his gaze growing even deeper in the night. “It means your previous incarnation once learned Latin. Now, the memories of your previous life are gradually awakening.”

Lin Xiaoyang froze. His throat moved as if he wanted to argue, but he felt that he could not deny it. He lowered his head and scratched the back of his neck, then awkwardly changed the subject. “By the way, wasn’t I flipping through a comic on the train just now? I suddenly felt that... this comic gave me quite a bit of inspiration.”

“Oh?” Father John Chen’s interest was piqued, and the corners of his mouth lifted into a smile. “What kind of comic?”

“A martial-arts comic.” Lin Xiaoyang raised the comic in his hand. On the cover, a swordsman wearing a long robe stood with his sword drawn, radiating murderous intent. “There are some martial-arts techniques in it, as well as methods for cultivating inner energy... Although it’s only a comic, some of the concepts seem to have something in common with what we’re experiencing.”

Father John Chen gave a soft laugh, as if something had come back to him. His voice carried a trace of nostalgia. “I secretly read a few Eastern martial-arts novels when I was studying at the seminary back then. But martial-arts comics... those didn’t exist yet.”

Under the night sky, the cathedral bells rang in a deep tone, echoing across Milan like some kind of call from ancient times.

49

Night had fallen, and the fountain in front of Milan Cathedral shimmered with silvery-white water under the lights. The crowd in the square gradually dispersed, leaving only a few lonely pigeons pacing across the stone pavement. Lorna hurried over, her figure blending into the night, her long skirt swaying gently in the breeze, a trace of anxiety hidden in her eyes. From another direction, Keith emerged from the shadows. He cautiously looked around, and only after confirming that no one had followed him did he walk toward her.

“Lorna,” Keith said in a lowered voice. “The priest and that kid didn’t follow us, did they?”

Lorna was breathing slightly heavily, as if she had just shaken off something ominous. She gently patted her chest and breathed a sigh of relief. “No, they took another route. I thought we were being watched. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.”

Keith curled his lips into a teasing smile. “See? You’re always scaring yourself.”

“Regardless, we still need to be cautious.” Lorna folded her arms and tilted her head slightly, the wariness still visible in her eyes.

However, in the shadows around the corner, Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang were quietly watching the scene. The night wind swept across the priest’s robe, creating a heavy sense of oppression. His eyes were like a hawk’s, firmly locking onto the two supernatural beings.

“The prey has appeared,” Father John Chen said quietly, his voice carrying cold decisiveness. “Xiaoyang, can you handle them?”

The corners of Lin Xiaoyang’s mouth lifted slightly, revealing an eager smile. “I’m learning as I go. I should be able to.” He flexed his fingers, a faint flow of energy moving through his palm.

“Then let’s go.” Father John Chen strode out of the shadows, his robe sweeping in the wind, carrying the authority of a religious judge.

Lorna and Keith were about to turn and leave when they suddenly felt a powerful pressure rushing toward them. They spun around and saw Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang approaching step by step, like grim reapers emerging from the night.

“You two supernatural beings from the ghost world,” Father John Chen said with a cold smile, his voice low and commanding. “In such a hurry—are you rushing off to harm innocent living beings?”

“You... you...!” Lorna suddenly stepped backward, her face turning deathly pale and her lips trembling. For a moment, she was speechless.

Keith reacted immediately. Forcing down his unease, he stepped in front of Lorna and confronted the priest calmly. “Father, you and we belong to two different worlds. We were supposed to leave each other alone. We have no intention of becoming your enemies.”

“You’re right,” Father John Chen said sharply. “Humans and ghosts belong to different worlds, and we originally should not interfere with one another—but you chose to harm innocent living beings. That is no longer a matter of leaving each other alone. As a member of the clergy, how could I simply stand by and do nothing?”

Lorna forced herself to remain calm and slowly raised both hands in a gesture of reassurance. “Father, we’re only following orders. We have no choice... Why do you have to push us so hard?”

“Whose orders? That cowardly old ghoul Anderson?” Father John Chen demanded harshly, his eyes sharp as knives. “Sooner or later, I’ll settle the score with him. But for now, you have only two choices—either surrender and let me strip away the dark magic on you and hand you over to Princess Maria, or fight me and see whose life is harder to take!”

Lorna trembled inwardly as a terrifying whisper echoed through her mind. Her eyes widened in horror. “You... you’re ‘Ghostbane’ Father John Chen?!”

Father John Chen sneered. “At least you know who I am—but unfortunately, it’s already too late.”

Keith knew the situation was bad. He suddenly turned toward Lorna and said quietly, “Lorna, it looks like they don’t intend to let us go.”

“That’s right.” Father John Chen’s voice was cold, his gaze seeming to pierce the soul. “Until the evil spirits are eliminated, there will never be peace in this world.”

Keith clenched his teeth, his fists tightening slightly. “Then there’s no need for any more talk. If we can’t coexist, then let’s settle this once and for all!”

“Wait!” Lorna suddenly grabbed Keith’s wrist and pulled him back a step. A trace of struggle and hesitation flashed in her eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and spoke softly. “Father Chen, we’re no match for you, and we don’t want to make a pointless sacrifice. Perhaps we can negotiate a deal?”

“A deal?” Father John Chen raised an eyebrow. “What bargaining chip do you have left?”

Lorna’s tone was firm. “Actually, I’ve been unwilling to remain under Anderson’s control for a long time.”

“Lorna! Are you crazy?!” Keith stared at her in disbelief and anger. “Betraying the leader is punishable by death!”

Lorna turned around and looked deeply at him, her eyes filled with sorrow and helplessness. “Keith, wake up. Anderson doesn’t treat us like people at all. He only uses us to accomplish his goals, then throws us away. Has he ever cared whether we live or die?”

Keith’s expression shifted unpredictably. His fist clenched and then loosened. In the end, he could only mutter a curse. “Damn it...”

“You two can discuss it among yourselves.” Father John Chen stood to the side with his arms crossed, his eyes as sharp as an eagle’s. “I have plenty of time.”

Lin Xiaoyang said quietly, “Father, I think we should give them a chance.”

Lorna smiled slightly at him, her voice gentle. “Thank you, young man.” She looked up at Father John Chen and spoke sincerely. “Father, we are willing to return to Bat Castle and serve as your inside agents.”

“No need to trouble yourselves.” Father John Chen gave a cold smile. “If you’re truly sincere, then come with us to Sky Castle and meet Princess Maria.”

Lorna hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. “All right. I’m willing to meet the Princess.”

“Lorna...” Keith looked at her, his expression complicated.

“Come with me.” Lorna’s voice was pleading. “If we stay here, we’ll only become expendable pawns and die for nothing.”

Keith looked at her for a long time. Finally, he let out a low sigh, released his clenched fist, and slowly nodded. “All right. You win.”

“Then,” Father John Chen said, the corners of his mouth lifting, “let’s go.”

The four of them left the fountain square together, while the moonlight illuminated their backs and cast long shadows behind them.