Astonishingly, the crown had several spikes around it that pierced deeply into Grelio’s head, yet he felt no pain.
“This is… the Crown of Thorns?” Leo’s pupils contracted sharply.
“Indeed,” Grelio replied with a proud smile. With a wave of his long sleeve, the sky changed color.
It was as if a powerful stimulant had been injected into the Church, causing an uproar of cheers.
The dark clan members fell silent, their faces filled with fear.
The Crown of Thorns, one of the three holy artifacts left behind after Christ’s death, inherited the pain and anger Christ felt when he was nailed to the cross.
Among the three holy artifacts of the Church, the Crown of Thorns was the most lethal weapon. Over the millennia, during the long and brutal dark wars, it had claimed the most dark clan members’ lives.
Leo quickly regained his composure and said slowly, “Now that we’ve tested each other, it’s time to show our true strength.”
“I very much look forward to seeing the pope’s true power. Regardless of the outcome, today will be legendary.”
Grelio was slightly taken aback and his expression turned serious. “No matter what, you are the strongest enemy the Church has faced in centuries. I respect you, but I must destroy you. The supreme majesty of the Lord cannot be challenged.”
Leo narrowed his eyes, his internal energy surged rapidly, and flames suddenly erupted all over his body as he leaped hundreds of meters into the air.
For a moment, Leo seemed like a giant torch, ready to burn everything.
The Crown of Thorns on Grelio’s head emitted a great Holy Light, forming a massive cloud above him.
The sunlight shone through, creating a magnificent and colorful spectacle.
Within the cloud, there was a terrifying tremor, a destructive energy gathering within it.
Both the Church members and dark clan members held their breath, fearfully and eagerly awaiting the next clash between the two!
“Sword, come!” The Dragon Sword reappeared in Leo’s hand.
Immediately, the Dragon Sword split into three, forming three giant meteors with blazing tails, heading straight for Grelio.
Grelio’s pupils contracted slightly as he chanted solemnly, “Destroy all evil forces, Crown of Thorns, Holy Judgment!”
An immense and terrifying energy from the Crown of Thorns instantly poured into Grelio’s body.
The wind roared, clouds moved, thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed as Grelio’s right hand swung out a massive Holy Light Giant Sword.
Time seemed to stand still.
Everyone awaited the impending powerful collision.
The first loud explosion came as the Holy Light Giant Sword from the Crown of Thorns struck the first meteor.
The meteor shattered instantly, turning into countless tiny sparks that filled the sky.
Next was the second meteor, which was also shattered by the Holy Light Giant Sword.
Leo’s expression changed dramatically in disbelief.
In an instant, another loud explosion occurred as the third meteor was also mercilessly destroyed by the Holy Light Giant Sword.
“Repent, sinful soul!” Grelio’s cold voice echoed.
The Holy Light Giant Sword broke through all obstacles and violently slashed towards Leo.
Leo had no doubt that if he were directly hit, he would be obliterated.
In this critical moment, Leo shouted softly, and the Dragon Sword flew out, transforming into a giant dragon.
Leo knew that relying solely on the Dragon Sword would not stop the enhanced Holy Judgment powered by the Crown of Thorns.
Therefore, he summoned two of his strongest Attack Talismans to join forces with the Dragon Sword.
The Dragon Sword’s flames surged skyward, burning even the clouds at ten thousand meters high into mist.
The next second, they clashed!
A terrifying explosion erupted in the sky. Despite Leo’s desperate efforts to block it, the Holy Light Giant Sword finally exploded along with the Dragon Sword.
A shockwave comparable to a nuclear blast spread out in all directions.
Leo was engulfed…
On Grelio’s side, the powerful Crown of Thorns automatically protected its master, unleashing an infinite amount of Holy Light that formed a massive shield around him.
However, after only a few seconds, Grelio grunted as blood trickled from his mouth and he was sent flying backward.
“Hold on!” Both Church members and dark clan members were terrified.
The shockwave heavily struck two large shields, exploding into countless violent fireworks.
After barely holding for ten seconds, both shields shattered simultaneously. Hundreds of elite members from both sides perished in the fierce explosion.
The sky gradually calmed down.
On one side, Leo sat weakly on a dim fire cloud.
Leo’s face was deathly pale, filled with misery and helplessness.
On the other side, not far away on a white cloud, Grelio’s condition seemed even worse than Leo’s.
Grelio’s face was blood-red, twisted in agony and rage.
His clothes were torn to shreds, and his body was covered in wounds.
More shockingly, Grelio’s lower body was completely shattered, leaving only half of his torso.
Yet even so, Grelio did not die. His furious eyes stared fixedly at Leo.
Despite heavy losses on both sides, both Church members and dark clan members cheered again.
As long as their leaders were alive, there was still hope for victory.
Especially for the dark clan members, who were fervent with excitement.
After all these years, no one had ever injured the pope so severely.
Grelio gritted his teeth and said to Leo word by word, “You dare harm my body? I will make you pay dearly!”
Leo swallowed three large Healing Chi Pills and laughed wildly. “Unfortunately for you, you won’t have the chance to make me pay!”
Sensing Leo’s body and strength recovering rapidly, Grelio asked in shock, “What did you just take?”
“Naturally, it’s Atraria’s miraculous elixir,” Leo replied as he stood up. “Let’s go again. Are you ready?”
Grelio snorted coldly. “Healing Halo!”
Once again, the miraculous Crown of Thorns emitted countless rays of Holy Light that enveloped Grelio. Gradually, Grelio’s lower body began to regenerate.
In less than half a minute, under the magical power of the Crown of Thorns, Grelio was fully restored.
Seeing Grelio and Leo’s miraculous recovery left both cult and dark clan members in awe and admiration.
“Let’s go again. This time, you go first!” Leo said confidently.
Grelio responded with a proud sneer. “Atrarian, you may be able to counteract the Crown of Thorns, but you cannot withstand the True Cross.”
As soon as Grelio finished speaking, a thunderous boom echoed across the sky.
A stunning Holy Light meteor streaked across the battlefield and stopped above Grelio’s head.
In its sacred and peaceful glow, a small cross spun gracefully, exuding mystery and majesty.
With its appearance, an immense and vast power enveloped the battlefield.