The foremost of the twelve black-clad apostles stepped forward. "Our teacher once told us that whoever holds the staff is the one we must protect with our lives, and obey his commands. Most importantly, our teacher told us yesterday that if anything were to happen to him, we need not concern ourselves with the staff, but to come directly to you."
Xiao Xun looked at the bustling street, where almost everyone's gaze was fixed upon them.
He said to the one who had stepped out, "This is not a place to talk. Shall we go somewhere else?"
Xiao Xun nodded. The black-clad apostle immediately cast a spatial magic formation, a six-pointed star of enchantment, and the thirteen of them arrived at a small plaza atop a circular palace on a high mountain.
The leader introduced himself to Xiao Xun. "This is where our teacher imparted knowledge and taught us. It's a circular palace built according to the twenty-four-hour solar illumination cycle. It has twelve side halls and one main hall."
As he spoke, the leader pointed to the spire of the main hall and said to Xiao Xun, "When the sun first rises from the east, its light shines on the main hall's roof, and the shadow cast will fall upon one of the palaces. Two hours later, the shadow will move to the next palace. When the shadows of sunlight and moonlight complete a full cycle, it marks a day. Therefore, we also call it the Palace of Twelve Hours."
Xiao Xun nodded and asked the leader, "Are your names named after the twelve zodiac signs?"
The leader exclaimed, "How did you know? Did the teacher tell you?"
Seeing his astonished expression, Xiao Xun smiled and said, "It seems you are their leader, and should reside in the first side hall. So, you are Aries, aren't you?"
Aries looked at the remaining eleven apostles behind him with astonishment, his eyes flashing with excitement. "That's right, the teacher named me Aries."
Xiao Xun looked at the people behind Aries. "Then these few are Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo..."
Those individuals were stunned. "Very few people in this world know our names. How did you remember them all at once?"
"It's not difficult. When I was studying, I felt my fate was not good, so I spent my days researching these things. Although it's of no use, I remember all twelve of your names very clearly." wap.kanshuwu.net
Although they didn't understand what Xiao Xun was saying, these twelve people simultaneously recalled something their teacher had told them: 'The great prophet mentioned before his death that whoever can recite his names without error is the God Emperor of this world.'
Upon hearing Xiao Xun recite all their names, the twelve people, as one, knelt on one knee in unison. "We are willing to brave fire and water for the God Emperor, and will not shrink from any duty."
"God Emperor?"
Having been in this world for so long, Xiao Xun naturally knew the origin of the God Emperor: the creator of this world.
He curiously looked at the twelve apostles who were bowing respectfully before him, their devout expressions not at all feigned. "How did you figure it out?"
Xiao Xun's surprised expression and tone were identical to when they had asked him, "How did you know our names?"
They had both bewildered each other. After a long while, Xiao Xun asked them to rise and inquired about the reason.
"Who is this prophet? To be able to tightly connect people from two worlds, and without any discrepancy, it's as if a script was written in advance and they are acting according to it. I just don't know what the grand finale will be."
The twelve apostles looked at Xiao Xun murmuring to himself, unsure of what to say.
Xiao Xun regained his composure and said to Aries, "Since we're here, won't you show me around?"
Xiao Xun, clad in a white robe and holding a staff, followed Aries, with the rest of them trailing behind.
As they walked, Xiao Xun felt an increasing sense of familiarity and a strong urge to spend a fortune to craft a set of 'golden armor' for each of them. He curiously asked, "Besides you twelve, does your teacher have any other students?"
Aries nodded. "Our teacher has a very large number of students, including Her Majesty the Queen, who are all our teacher's students."
"Are there also five youths who appear young but are quite 'chuunibyou'?"
Aries did not understand what Xiao Xun meant and cast a pleading gaze at the eleven apostles behind him. They all shook their heads, indicating they did not know.
"Your Majesty, God Emperor, what do you mean by that? We implore you to enlighten us."
Xiao Xun waved his hand. "I was just joking with you. Also, while it's great and exhilarating to be called God Emperor by you, it's only within this place. When we go out, you can call me Marquis, or Your Lordship, anything but God Emperor. We need to be low-key, understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, God Emperor."
Xiao Xun felt immensely satisfied, as if he were dreaming.
After visiting a few side halls, he found them to be quite different from his expectations. They were less like side halls and more like the living quarters of these twelve individuals.
"Forget it, let's go to the main hall!"
Aries led Xiao Xun to the entrance of the main hall. "The teacher does not permit us to enter. I ask Your Majesty, the God Emperor, to enter yourself."
Xiao Xun looked at the tall, towering spire building before him. It didn't resemble a palace, but rather the temple in the Barbarian Territory. He wondered if something was enshrined within.
With a hesitant heart, he stepped inside. He was greeted by modern facilities and appliances, as if he had instantly transmigrated to another world. Before him were a large television, a sofa, a refrigerator, a computer – everything was complete.
Not only were there products from that world, but also wearable smart devices from science fiction future technology.
Looking at these, Xiao Xun thought, "No wonder they weren't allowed in. These things here, their current understanding would likely not be able to comprehend them."
"Hello. Please enter the sonic password. Otherwise, you will be considered an illegal intruder. According to the legal statutes of this time and space, I am authorized to use any means to expel or eliminate you."
Xiao Xun turned around and saw a floating, milky-white sphere fly towards him. It spoke the words, and on the white sphere was a black lens. Through the lens, Xiao Xun could see his own reflection and a small red dot.
"Reminder again: Please enter the sonic password."
Xiao Xun thought, "He didn't tell me either!"
The white sphere began a countdown. "You have one minute."
The main hall's doors were slowly closing. Xiao Xun realized he couldn't get out. He pondered whether he should fight against it.
But he didn't know what was hidden in this room. Numerous red dots were aimed at him from who knew where.
"Long live Saint Roman!"
Xiao Xun tried shouting.
"Incorrect."
Xiao Xun showed a troubled expression. "I am the most handsome."
"Incorrect. Thirty seconds remaining."
Xiao Xun thought, "It's definitely wrong. Who would come up with such a disgusting sonic password?"
"I am the High Priest."
He tried again. As expected, the white sphere said, "Incorrect."
Xiao Xun began to panic. He scanned the items in the room, but the white sphere followed him closely. The 'beeping' sound seemed to signal that Xiao Xun's life was ticking away.
"Five, four, three..."
Xiao Xun seemed to recall something and shouted, "Burn! My cosmic energy!"
The beeping sound disappeared, and the red cursors on his body also vanished.
The white sphere spun in place. "Password accurate. My master, what can I do for you?"
Xiao Xun pointed to the side. "Scram!"
"Certainly! Call me anytime you need assistance; I'm always here, Master."
With that, it disappeared.
Xiao Xun sat on the sofa, sweating profusely. "You really are a late-stage 'chuunibyou'! To come up with that line. Fortunately, I'm clever."
Just then, the television turned on, and the face of the High Priest appeared. With his deep eyes, he spoke words that almost made Xiao Xun vomit blood.
"You were actually able to get the password correct. It seems we are kindred spirits."