Chapter 30: First Encounter, False God, Zorro

Silence reigned over the long-abandoned floor, the fierce afternoon sun failing to penetrate its windows. Inside the pitch-black building, the Pope and Bai Jieke locked eyes.

At this moment, a blade rested against Bai Jieke's neck. A young woman in a black kimono gripped the weapon, standing silently behind him, looking ready to slit his throat at any second.

He looked straight into the Pope's eyes and grinned. "I think we can be a bit more friendly. Let's sit down and have a chat."

Turning his head, Bai Jieke glanced at the girl behind him. "At the very least, there's no need to hold a knife to my neck. We might have plenty of opportunities to work together in the future... Don't you think?"

The Pope looked at him quietly, saying nothing.

Jiang Qingzi stood with his hands in his pockets. He thought for a moment before saying, "I think he goes by 'Bai Jieke.' I saw him on the news a while ago... He's been quite famous lately."