Chapter 112: Someone Among You Has Betrayed Me
The sudden downpour took Li Lekang completely by surprise. According to the original rehearsal plan, he was supposed to remain suspended until Steel finished his ceremony. But the heavens had other plans—rain began to fall without warning. Seeing everyone about to be drenched and disheveled, at the critical moment, he unleashed his rain-controlling magic!
This was a spell he seldom used. It had little practical combat value but could manipulate the airflow within a certain area during rain or snow, effectively shielding that space from precipitation.
Applied here, it was the perfect finishing touch!
However, its range was too vast for Li Lekang to sustain for more than three minutes.
Fortunately, Steel’s speech was nearing its end. After the saints wildly shouted “Amen,” the entire ceremony was declared concluded!
Li Lekang then followed protocol: spreading his arms and merging directly into the rain curtain.
In an instant, he vanished.
The heavy rain resumed, falling upon the heads of the crowd.
Yet this return to reality only fueled their joy—they cheered, embraced, raised fists in excitement, and shouted—
“Hallelujah!”
“Hallelujah!”
In that moment, every single person was immersed in the awe of a divine revelation. They knew this was no mere trick or mechanical contrivance!
This was a genuine miracle!
To appear above the sea, then command the rain to cease—could any mortal achieve such feats?
Bishop Mendes of the Eastern Diocese, with trembling steps, approached Steel and asked, “Steel, what does the Messiah require of us next?”
Mendes was in his sixties, his posture slightly stooped from age. Having stood long in the cold wind and then endured the rain, his sparse hair was matted, making him look quite disheveled.
Steel’s bald head revealed its advantage—he didn’t fear rain ruining his hairstyle. Standing tall and solemn amid the downpour, he said, “We shall obey His will and return indoors. The Holy Communion has been prepared for us!”
“Thanks be to the Lord’s gifts!”
The rain-soaked crowd departed and returned to the manor’s buildings. No one complained or changed clothes, for the meal ritual was about to begin.
The sacred moment was far from over. Having been overwhelmed by the miracle, the saints would endure anything—even sitting through rain or burning seats—gritting their teeth to the very end.
The saints’ meal consisted only of bread and wine, symbolic in nature; the ritual’s solemnity outweighed its substance. In fact, the wine was only in cups—no actual liquid was visible.
Everyone waited silently until Li Lekang emerged from the portrait on the high platform. He glanced at the crowd, then said to Steel, “They do not yet have wine.”
Before Steel could reply, Li Lekang continued, “Order nine stone basins to be brought.”
Steel immediately gave the command.
“Fill the stone basins with water.”
The saints’ servants filled each basin to the brim with clear tap water.
Li Lekang then declared, “Now ladle it out to everyone.”
To the astonishment of all, as the water was ladled out, it transformed into vibrant red wine!
Nuns carried cup after cup, distributing the wine.
The group seemed to relive the legendary scene, each person trembling with emotion; some choked back tears on the spot.
Li Lekang sat at the head of the high table, flanked by a long spread table. The prominent saints took their seats on either side, holding their cups, with bread laid before them.
He radiated a majestic presence, and they had long since placed their trust in him.
His gaze swept over the crowded assembly. The bishops and representatives at the front had names and seats, but further back it was a jostling mass, with people settling wherever space allowed.
The venue was too small—a strategic error by the organizers. Yet, this did not diminish today’s triumph. In fact, inspired by the scene, Li Lekang felt a sense of déjà vu.
Feigning melancholy, he said, “I will be honest with you all—someone among you is betraying me!”
At once, the assembly fell silent, stunned.
Even Steel was caught off guard; this was not part of the scripted ceremony!
But Li Lekang couldn’t resist stirring the pot.
So many notable figures gathered about him, and with the young fool incapacitated today, unable to perform his duties, the implications were tantalizing.
That single, classic remark sent the congregation into a frenzy of fear and suspicion. Angry glances were cast at neighbors, fists clenched, teeth ground—the tension rising like a crescendo.
At this moment, if Li Lekang named anyone, the crowd would surely swarm and tear them apart—not figuratively, but literally!
Steel’s heart pounded wildly. Li Lekang wondered if now was the time to eliminate Gardner.
It was indeed an idea no one could oppose—perhaps even destined by heaven.
Sweat beaded on Gardner’s brow. Whether from nerves or indignation, one hand clenched tightly into a fist as his lips moved, murmuring something.
Just as Steel prepared to accuse Gardner, a sudden thud echoed through the crowd—a figure knelt down.
“Omniscient Father! I am guilty!”
All heads turned. Steel’s pupils contracted sharply as he instantly recognized the kneeling man: the deacon responsible for the Messiah’s care.
The man wept in fear, his face full of remorse.
“I am filled with ignorance and blindness. I harbored sinful thoughts, blinded by greed. I tampered with Your food. I beg for forgiveness!”
The murmurs swelled into a chaotic buzz.
Most did not grasp the full gravity, yet the revelation of a traitor and the poisoning of the food was undeniably serious.
Poisoning the Son of God’s meal? Regardless of motive, it was unforgivable!
The crowd’s fury reached a peak. Before tearing him apart, they roared demands:
“What did you do?”
“Who instructed you?”
“Who are your accomplices?”
The deacon was terrified, sobbing uncontrollably, proclaiming his guilt, pleading not to be condemned to hell, insisting he was misled by the devil’s temptations, blinded momentarily by evil.
“Silence!” Steel’s fierce command cut through the deacon’s feigned madness.
Blaming the devil was a traditional excuse, but here, with no real demons present, it was mere shirking of responsibility.
“Tell me the truth! Cease this nonsense about devils. Swear before the Son of God, or you shall be condemned to eternal damnation, your soul forever lost!”
Steel’s righteous fury burned in his eyes.
Behind him, the people waited breathlessly for the truth.
Suddenly—another thud.
Someone else knelt.
This time, it was… the bishop of the Eastern Diocese.
Francis Mendes—the kindly-faced elder—his act of falling to his knees stunned everyone.
This revered, gentle bishop—could it be true?
He lay prostrate, trembling, devoid of strength, murmuring “I am guilty, I am guilty.” Yet many still could not comprehend what was unfolding.