Perfect Villain Life: Universal Job Change

Chapter 116: Qin Xian’s True Intent

The Divine Revelation Church was the largest religious organization in the human world. In terms of influence, no family or even nation could compare to it. 

Its followers spanned every corner of the globe, especially among the commoners, where nearly everyone worshipped the Divine Revelation.

Ironically, those who benefited most from the church’s system—the powerful elites—were often the least devout. Nevertheless, the influence of the Divine Revelation Church was undeniable.

The Pontiff of the Divine Revelation Church was the supreme authority, serving as both the spiritual leader of the commoners and the head of the church. 

The church hierarchy placed the Pontiff at the top, followed by bishops and priests overseeing various provinces, with the seven Overseers beneath them.

However, over time, the bishops of the provinces had become symbolic figures with little real power. The true authority rested with the seven Overseers, among whom Yuan Quan was one. 

These seven, along with the Pontiff, formed the Red Table Council, the highest governing body of the church.

The current Pontiff, Shang Luo, had held the position for 98 years. According to the church’s rules, no Pontiff could serve more than 100 years, meaning Shang Luo would step down by no later than the year after next. 

This impending transition had already stirred hidden currents within the church. Naturally, the most likely candidates to succeed the Pontiff were the seven Overseers. 

Yuan Quan, though not the least prominent among them, was far from the frontrunner. Securing the Qin family’s support would significantly increase his chances of becoming the next Pontiff.

Seeing the flicker of emotion in Yuan Quan’s expression, Qin Xian smiled faintly. He could tell that Yuan Quan was tempted.

“Overseer Yuan,” Qin Xian began with a slight smile, “not everyone is qualified to gain the friendship of the Qin family. We’ve always been generous to our friends. If you need it, the Qin family is willing to help you become the next Pontiff.”

He extended his hand toward Yuan Quan, who hesitated briefly before firmly shaking it. Although Yuan Quan understood the dangers of aligning with the Qin family, whose reputation was far from virtuous, the allure of becoming the Pontiff was simply too great.

As Yuan Quan made his decision, Qin Xian’s smile grew even more genuine—at least on the surface. 

Friends? No, the Qin family didn’t need friends. The Qin family needed pawns.

Supporting Yuan Quan’s bid for the Pontiff’s position would give the Qin family the leverage to extend its influence into the Divine Revelation Church. Once Yuan Quan ascended to the Pontiff’s throne, he would find himself surrounded by trusted aides and subordinates who were, unbeknownst to him, loyal to the Qin family. 

At that point, all Yuan Quan would need to do was sit on the grand and opulent Pontiff’s throne, accepting the reverence of the believers while the Qin family managed everything behind the scenes.

Moreover, supporting Yuan Quan was a strategic necessity for the Qin family. Ultimately, the Qin family sought the Imperial throne itself. 

However, in the eyes of the Empire’s citizens, only those with the Ying family’s bloodline were deemed legitimate rulers. Even many noble families shared this sentiment.

Though the Emperor had been missing for twenty years, there were still widespread calls to search the Void for him. 

The Qin family, despite its lofty status as a top-tier aristocratic clan, was still seen merely as a noble house, not a dynasty. Even if the Qin family seized power by eliminating all obstacles, the Empire’s people would never truly accept them. 

Of course, with their strength, the Qin family could suppress all opposition, rendering public opinion irrelevant. However, lingering discontent would remain an inherent risk. 

If the Qin family controlled the Divine Revelation Church, they could leverage its influence over the populace to erase these unfavorable perceptions, thereby solidifying their rule over the Empire.

Qin Xian’s gaze shifted to the spot where Zhao Tong had been killed, his expression contemplative. The spectacle he orchestrated today wasn’t just about forcing Yuan Quan to pick a side—it was also a test of the Regency Government.

The Regency had already dispatched people to search for the Emperor and appeared to be making significant progress. This didn’t surprise Qin Xian. 

After all, the Ying family had ruled the Empire for a thousand years, and the populace yearned for their return. Countless individuals, both openly and covertly, remained loyal to the Ying family, continuing to investigate the events of two decades ago.

It was even possible that the Regency had begun to suspect the Qin family’s involvement.

What Qin Xian wanted to know was how far along the Regency was in their search for the Emperor. His public execution of a former Imperial Colonel today—an act that flagrantly violated Imperial law under the Regency’s watch—was a deliberate provocation. 

In normal circumstances, the Regency would express strong dissatisfaction and perhaps even reprimand him. If their reaction was strong, it would indicate that their search for the Emperor was still in its early stages. 

However, if they chose to remain silent, it would suggest they had made significant progress and were avoiding conflict with the Qin family at such a critical juncture.

Qin Xian’s eyes darkened as he pondered the Regency’s likely response. If they reacted strongly, it wouldn’t matter. But if they remained silent… the Qin family would need to reassess its strategies carefully.