---o---
No White Scar can refuse a motorcycle. Much like how a Custodes jetbike is the dream of every Scar, a machine like this was impossible to resist.
Zhou Ye felt as if reality blurred for a moment, and the next, several White Scar cans were already mounted on the bikes.
Ecstatic expressions appeared on their faces as they felt the incomparably vibrant Machine Spirits and heard the engines roar. This, of course, was not an AI that Zhou Ye had installed. It was a fundamental rule of this universe: when a complex machine is brought to life, a Machine Spirit can be guided into existence with a little push. Zhou Ye had simply provided that push.
"You are truly a great Magos. The Forge World that cast you out must be truly blind."
Although he still didn't understand Zhou Ye's origins, the lively Machine Spirits and the perfectly repaired vehicles told him everything he needed to know about the man's skill.
This was undoubtedly a powerful Tech-Priest, perhaps even one who could contend for the rank of Magos. Compared to the rigid and hidebound priests they were used to, this one was not only reasonable—not waiting until the heretics were at their doorstep to unleash these final reserves—but his technical skill was the best they had ever seen.
"You must remember: life is the Emperor's currency."
Zhou Ye looked at the men before him and spoke calmly. It was a phrase everyone knew, but what came next was not.
"So I ask that you spend it well. Cherish every vehicle and the Machine Spirit within."
"Yes, sir…"
For some reason, the Planetary Governor felt an aura of profound authority emanating from him. This was a man who had retired from the Astra Militarum; he had seen countless horrors.
Orks, Eldar, Chaos. Yet the man before him exerted a unique, oppressive presence.
"Alright, go and see who our enemies truly are. And find out if those blasphemers have any defiled war machines of their own."
"Leave it to us."
Feeling the thrumming Machine Spirit, Qin Meng slapped his own chest plate. He twisted the throttle, and with a thunderous roar, led his squad charging out of the city.
They were off to scout the enemy, a task at which the White Scars excelled. Zhou Ye said nothing more, instead performing some simple maintenance on the Mechanicus shrine before heading toward the local cathedral. Technically, as a Tech-Priest, he had no obligation to attend Ecclesiarchy services.
He was simply curious and wanted to see if the cathedral held any holy relics he could… borrow. As someone who could rival a Blood Raven in the art of acquisition, he was keen to liberate some items.
As for being discovered by the Golden Fiend, that wasn't a concern for now. That entity was, in its own way, a god of the Warp. Zhou Ye had already invoked the Emperor's name without issue, so just taking a look around would likely be fine.
As for his persona…
He had established himself as an eccentric within the mainstream Mechanicus—an eccentric, not a heretic. So there shouldn't be a problem.
Zhou Ye paused before the magnificent facade of the Ecclesiarchy cathedral.
"Why is there such an unsettling aura? Is it because the Golden Fiend is also a god of the Warp, or… has the Ecclesiarchy been corrupted?"
Staring at the cathedral, which should have been sacred and grand, Zhou Ye felt a deep unease.
A strange look crossed his face. He knew the Emperor was a Warp entity, but one should not forget that the Emperor's aesthetic sensibilities were aligned with humanity's.
If this were the Emperor's influence, it should be resplendent with golden light. But what was this? Why did it feel so twisted, sinister, and dim?
"Gather and listen! I speak the words of enlightenment… We gather here, in this despair. Our god shall descend, from beyond the ninefold heavens…"
"Fuck, Tzeentch."
Hearing the sermon of the Ecclesiarchy priest, Zhou Ye couldn't help but curse under his breath.
The man was spreading the power of the Lord of Change. And you're doing this here? Are you insane? There are White Scars on this planet.
Oh, right. The White Scars just went out for a joyride. Never mind, then.
"He cannot be allowed to speak the name of the Lord of Change, or the ritual will be complete."
As much as he wanted the power of a Greater Daemon, Zhou Ye wasn't about to let an entire planet fall to Chaos. A massive daemonic incursion could completely sever the "Star Rail" here, potentially trapping him forever.
His only other escape would be to risk traveling through the Warp, and he wanted nothing to do with that place, even if he could fabricate a Gellar Field for the Hyperion.
Without another thought, Zhou Ye, with his Kastelan Robot in tow, moved through the crowd of emaciated worshipers and approached the preaching priest.
"Honored Magos, are you also interested in our truth?"
Seeing Zhou Ye, the priest paused his recitation. The ritual was temporarily interrupted, but he wasn't worried.
He had already converted the local Tech-Priests to his cause, to the worship of the Changer of Ways. Who knew they would suddenly disappear? But it was no great matter. It was all part of the plan. This new Tech-Priest was the perfect replacement target.
"I feel the call of the Omnissiah, as if endless inspiration is welling up from my soul. Might I discuss with you, at length, the power of knowledge?"
Though he heard nothing of the sort, Zhou Ye knew that if he were a normal Tech-Priest, his mind would be echoing with countless voices right now. Fortunately for him, there was only silence.
He was testing the waters, trying to see if the priest knew he was immune.
At the same time, his eyes subtly shifted to the book the priest had picked up the moment he saw him arrive. To these cultists, it probably looked like an ordinary tome. But to Zhou Ye, it was covered in countless wailing faces.
It was a Chaotic artifact, a blasphemous and twisted thing. It was also Zhou Ye's new little snack.
"Today's ceremony is concluded for now. Magos, please, come with me."
The priest smiled benevolently at Zhou Ye, ending the sermon. He had his acolytes distribute bowls of gruel laced with god-knows-what to the faithful, then gestured for Zhou Ye to follow him inside.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. It seems he doesn't know. The ritual hasn't started yet, so the corruption probably hasn't spread too far. The entities in the Warp likely can't even see me.
Noticing the priest's unnaturally sharp teeth, Zhou Ye simply smiled and followed. The game of hunter and prey had begun. The only question was: who was the hunter, and who was the prey?
His little snack was waiting.