Li Yu chuckled.
"I can understand necessary sacrifices, but are we Gold Saints just expendable sacrifices?"
"How do you explain Aiolos's death?"
Athena turned around, her golden eyes fixed on Li Yu.
"Aiolos's passing was not my intention. When this generation's reincarnation was just born, I sensed a dark power within the Sanctuary."
"But I couldn't find where the evil power came from, so to ensure the reincarnation grew up safely, I could only arrange for her to leave the Sanctuary first."
"Originally, my plan was for Aiolos to take my reincarnation and hide her in Saori Kido's house. Once I came of age, I would return to the Sanctuary with her. But that night, someone attacked us."
"Aiolos was severely wounded protecting me and ultimately met an unfortunate end..."
Li Yu sneered.
"But why did Shion tell me that sending people to hunt Aiolos was not his intention?"
Athena nodded slightly.
"After the reincarnation escaped the Sanctuary, I sensed danger approaching and notified Shion to send three Saints to protect her. But before they could arrive, it was already too late. You can verify this with Shion later..."
Li Yu said coldly.
"No need!"
Shion had already been completely controlled by Athena. Any information from his mouth would certainly not be the truth of what happened back then.
As for the three Gold Saints who participated in the pursuit back then, Li Yu had once questioned them.
The three had almost completely forgotten what happened that night!
The events of that year were almost untraceable; all participants were either amnesiac or controlled... All clues had been deliberately erased.
Athena looked up at the sky.
"Believe it or not, all of this was an accident!"
She turned to look at Li Yu.
"Li Yu, I have meticulously planned this Holy War for hundreds of years, and there is great hope of completely ending the endless cycle. I hope you can help me!"
"Your strength is immense. Although I don't know how you cultivated to this point, humanity needs your power in this Holy War!"
Athena extended her right hand, her gaze earnest.
"Come, Li Yu, become my Pope. I will grant you the greatest freedom and respect. Thousands of years from now, your name will be praised by the world alongside mine!"
Li Yu sneered inwardly. You want my help? First, pay the price for the mistakes you've made!
Let your reincarnation survive, then we can talk about the future!
Li Yu's mind sank into the netherworld ring, giving an order to Sagitta Ptolemy!
"It's time!"
At the same time, amidst the rocks of Death Queen Island, the Bronze Five were panting, covered in wounds, yet their eyes were bright.
Having just killed all their pursuers, they had finally survived!
Saori Kido watched them from the side, a relieved smile on her face, completely unaware that in the distant shadows, Sagitta Ptolemy had already drawn his bowstring taut.
A golden arrow rested on the Silver bow, emitting a deadly glow.
Upon receiving the order, Ptolemy breathed a sigh of relief. It had finally come. These past few days, he had watched the Bronze Five grow stronger and stronger.
They could now easily kill Silver Saints, their leveling speed akin to cheating.
He had long been fed up with this kind of life.
Ptolemy gently released his fingers!
The golden arrow sliced through the sky, carrying a deadly whistle, aimed directly at Saori Kido's prominent left chest!
"Miss Saori!"
Seiya, Shiryu, and others sensed the danger and lunged towards Saori, but it was too late.
Pfft!
The moment blood splattered, Saori Kido looked down in shock at the golden arrow embedded in her chest, her consciousness gradually blurring in the intense pain.
Inside the Pope's Palace, Athena sensed the condition of her reincarnation, Saori Kido.
She suddenly widened her eyes, and a terrifying pressure erupted from her golden pupils.
"What did you do?"
"Nothing, that was just an accident!"
Li Yu shrugged, his gaze cold and unyielding!
Athena stared deeply at Li Yu for a few moments. She could sense that Saori Kido's life was rapidly ebbing away.
At this moment, Saori Kido had not yet reached the Sanctuary and had not regained her divinity. Struck by a golden arrow, if Athena did not intervene, Saori would not live for more than a few minutes.
There was no time to argue with Li Yu. Athena's divine consciousness departed from Shion's body.
The vast Cosmo disappeared from the Pope's Palace.
Shion stumbled and fell to the ground again. Li Yu stepped forward, helped him up, and led him to the throne. He immediately noticed that Shion's body was as light as if it weighed nothing, and his skin slowly regained its aged appearance.
It seemed Athena's descent was no small burden on Shion's body.
Shion slowly sat upright. He finally understood why Li Yu was unwilling to take the position of Pope.
He looked at Li Yu with a bitter smile, sighed, and after a long pause, finally spoke.
"Alas, Li Yu, why go to such lengths..."
Li Yu chuckled, bowing slightly to Shion.
"I believe justice resides in the hearts of men. Leave the rest to me. Please, Master, step down!"
This generation of Gold Saints were all personally taught by Shion.
The previous Holy War was extremely brutal, and the only surviving Saints were Dohko and Shion.
Dohko had to guard the 108 Specters on Five Old Peaks, so the Gold Saints were all personally taught and raised by Shion.
Therefore, it was perfectly acceptable for Li Yu to call him Master.
Seeing Shion still somewhat hesitant, Li Yu raised an eyebrow and said lightly.
"I, Li Yu, swear that as long as I live, I will not let this land fall into darkness, and I will protect humanity's eternal prosperity!"
"The fate of humanity should be guarded by us ourselves!"
Seeing his resolve in Li Yu's eyes, Shion looked up at the sky. This time, he did not see those golden eyes in the air.
Having endured for over two hundred years, he was already at the end of his rope, with not much time left!
Now, he had no other better choice.
As long as Li Yu did not betray humanity and his main goal aligned with Athena's, it would be fine.
Thinking this, Shion slowly closed his eyes.
"Alright, you arrange it. Do it gracefully!"
"My time is not long. Don't make me go to the Underworld and still want to come back to find you."
Li Yu's next words made Shion's eyes widen.
"I'm sorry, Master, but you might really have to come back!"
...Beep!
The horn to summon the Gold Saints sounded again.
The Gold Saints filed in, their hearts filled with suspicion or bewilderment, but they all knew that this time, upon entering the hall, what they saw and who they saw should already be settled.
After all, no matter how strong that person was, he was still just a mortal!
Under the majesty of the gods, there was only submission or downfall, no other path.
As their eyes adjusted to the darkness of the hall, what greeted them was Li Yu, tall and elegant, clad in the aquarius gold cloth.
On the Pope's throne beside him, the Pope's robes and golden helmet were neatly folded, reflecting a golden light, as if waiting for something.
Countless complex thoughts instantly surged in the Saints' minds.
"Li Yu is still alive?"
"Where is Pope Shion? Was he killed by Li Yu, and even his body destroyed?"
"But, looking at the robes and helmet, it seems the Pope took them off himself!"
"Where is the Goddess? Li Yu did this, and she still let him go?"
"The matter Li Yu is going to talk about, could it be about Sagittarius back then...?"
"Quiet!"
Li Yu said lightly, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the Gold Saints.
"Next, I announce Master Shion's decree! The position of Pope will be held by..."
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