Amid the astonished gazes of the onlookers, Wilbur smiled and dered, "So be it. I will lead the church militia to the border. The church militia will merely observe and document, refraining from engaging inbat."


    "Your Holiness, I find this unwise. Perhaps we should discuss it further," hastily advised Karl, the act akin to suicide.


    Catherine added, "Your Excellency, I believe the Archbishop''s suggestion is more reasonable."


    "Your Holiness, forgive my impudence, but can your strength truly contend with a thousand pre-Sanctuary, ten Sanctuary, and three Super Sanctuary level opponents simultaneously?"


    Cameron, the church militia''s leader, stood up, facing Wilbur, voicing the doubts that everyone dared not express.


    Wilbur smiled faintly and said, "As for my personal strength, I am not yet capable of simultaneously battling so many formidable adversaries and decisively defeating them."


    Indeed, even the spiritual energy of the Emperor level was limited.


    The use of Domains could only be sustained for ten minutes, insufficient to vanquish such a multitude of powerful foes.


    After ten minutes, he would fall into a weakened state, a challenge every Sanctuary level cultivator had to confront.


    At that point, he would be even less of a match for the three powerhouses and the remaining formidable opponents.


    "Why then, would you choose to face them alone?" Karl questioned in confusion.


    Wilbur spoke slowly, "Sometimes, the oue of a battle isn''t solely determined by individual strength. The reasons behind it will be clear when the timees. This decision is final."


    Silence fell upon the assembly.


    Wilbur''s confidence and determination left them with no words. After all, within the Church of the Fire Dragon Lord, the Pope was the supreme ruler, and his words were divine edicts, demanding absolute obedience.


    With no further hesitation, Cameron dered, "Since that is the case, as the leader of the church militia, I, representing the militia, wholeheartedly support the proposal of His Holiness the Pope. When do we depart?"


    "We leave at first light tomorrow and aim to reach the border by evening," Wilbur announced as he rose.


    At this moment, everyone stood up, responding loudly to thismand.


    Nightfall.


    Having finished his dinner, Wilbur sat in his room, contemting something. Before long, a knocking sound echoed outside his door.


    "Your Holiness, may Ie in?" inquired Mary from the other side.


    Wilbur furrowed his brows, saying, "Come in."


    Mary pushed the door open and entered. She was adorned in the white-me- trimmed robe of the Church of the Fire Dragon Lord, its voluminous fabric unable to conceal her voluptuous figure.


    Approaching Wilbur slowly, Mary lowered her head and said, "Your Holiness, as a devout follower of the Church of the Fire Dragon Lord, I wish to join you in this war."


    Wilbur gazed at Mary, taking his time before saying, "You just said that this is a war. You are just a defenseless young girl. Such matters are not suitable for you."


    "I have devout faith and the courage to sacrifice my life." Mary lifted her head, looking at Wilbur with determination.


    Wilbur stared into Mary''s eyes.


    "No." He resolutely rejected Mary''s proposal.


    A hint of disappointment shed across Mary''s face, and she promptly said, "Your Excellency, then let me attend to you before sleep. I hope you have a restful night, with enough strength to face the detestable Holy Illuminati Church tomorrow."


    "No need. I need some time to meditate. You should rest as well," Wilbur said.


    Disappointment lingered on Mary''s face, but she could only say with a touch of sorrow, "Yes, Your Holiness."


    Subsequently, Mary reluctantly left, ncing back three times, but Wilbur remained indifferent.


    Exiting Wilbur''s room, Mary encountered Lilian.


    Observing Mary, Lilian smiled and remarked, "It seems like His Holiness isn''t very weing to you."


    "Is that so? And what can you do about it, a barbarian from the wilderness? Do you think you can climb into His Holiness'' bed?" Mary retorted, abandoning the delicate demeanor she had in front of Wilbur and confronting Lilian with sharp words.