We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 228 Declaring War on the Truth Society!
Rising from the center of the square is a massive building constructed of pale, enormous stones.

It seems to have been built in those long-lost eras.

That was a time even older than the civilizations before the Great Flood.

Although it is called a "palace", its main body is a wide platform and several pale stone pillars, with layers of steps leading up the sloping stone wall.

It's as if climbing the long steps would allow them to get closer to their gods.

It looks more like an ancient temple or altar.

Like everyone else, Shane's gaze couldn't help but fall on the white-robed archbishop high up in the building.

Of course, his first thought wasn't one of awe or worship, but rather...

Why isn't this person "anonymous"?

While the figures and faces of others were veiled by the light of the soul, this archbishop revealed his true form.

He wore a white priest's robe with gold patterns, was tall and thin, had sparse white hair, and had eyes as calm as deep water.

He possesses a natural, serene dignity.

If Xia En, who was just shrouded in black light, was like a black hole that devours everything.

The white-robed archbishop high above was like the sun at three or four in the afternoon on an autumn day—neither too bright nor too dim.

But whether people care or not, it's there, calmly and continuously radiating its light.

In short, he was a man who perfectly matched Shane's image of the Archbishop of the Church of Radiance.

The young believer beside him seemed to notice Shane's curiosity and explained.

"When one's control over the light of the soul reaches a certain level, one can reveal one's true form in the [Radiant Land]."

"However, most people would not choose to do that."

“Archbishop Musa is an exception. Since he became archbishop, he has always shown his true face without ever hiding it, and this has been more than fifty years now.”

The young believer spoke with strong admiration and respect.

"If I ever become a bishop, I will definitely be like Archbishop Musa."

After hearing this, Xia En stroked his chin.

So you can actually use a "non-anonymous" mode here?
For believers who need to conduct transactions, revealing their true identities can obviously increase mutual credibility.

Of course, this will naturally bring certain risks.

Xia En glanced at Archbishop Musa, his mind becoming increasingly wary.

The fact that he was able to remain in the position of archbishop for over fifty years after his identity was exposed is enough to demonstrate that this archbishop was extraordinary.

Shane then asked the young believer in a low voice, "Generally speaking, what are the things we do at this gathering?"

The young believer had long considered Shane one of his own, so he naturally spoke his mind without reservation.

"Actually, there's nothing special about it."

"First, we thank the Lord of Light for his glory and blessings, and then we confirm the appointment and removal of bishops on certain islands."

"Secondly, it is to announce the divine decree of the Lord of Radiance and issue some orders."

As he spoke, the young believer laughed: "Of course, not everyone is qualified to receive direct instructions from Archbishop Musa."

"Only those exceptional believers will be invited to the high platform."

His gaze fell on Xia En through the milky white light, and after thinking for a moment, he said with a mixture of seriousness and envy.

"If it were you, senior, perhaps you would also have a chance."

Xia En's lips twitched slightly.

What do I need to hear divine pronouncements for?
And you're still following the archbishop's instructions?!

Isn't this a joke?
He wouldn't let a few compliments from these believers cloud his judgment and actually become a follower of that Outer God.

It's impossible for me to work for the Lord of Light, absolutely impossible in this lifetime!

Because of the obstruction of the light of the soul, the young believer could not see Shane's expression and therefore did not know what this "mysterious senior" was thinking.

He continued, "Finally, there will be a time for free discussion."

"Believers in different seas can exchange information with each other, and can also use supplies and gold dragon coins to make purchases."

Xia En exclaimed in surprise, "The [Radiant Crystal Mirror] also has the function of remotely transmitting items?"

"No."

The young believer said naturally, "But after agreeing on a price, we can ship the goods through the [Apocalypse Merchant Guild]."

"The Apocalypse Merchant Guild has already set up a relatively stable teleportation array, and its reputation is very reliable!"

Hearing him say that, Xia En also remembered that the Apocalypse Chamber of Commerce did indeed have a very mature postal service.

If it's a monetary transaction, then it's even more convenient.

Just deposit it directly into the chamber of commerce, and the other party can retrieve it by providing the order number.

All you need to pay is a shipping fee or a storage fee.

Although it sounds somewhat primitive, this method is indeed practical.

The only problem is that someone might try to renege on their promise after obtaining information, but the fact that they are both believers naturally increases the level of trust.

Moreover, if he reneges on his debt even once, probably no one here will ever do business with him again.

So many factors have allowed intelligence trading within the [Radiant Land] to gradually mature.

Xia En's mind raced, and he noticed something else.

If there's paid information, then there must be free information too!

We are all believers in the Radiance Cult. For the sake of Lord Radiance, it's not too much to ask for some free information, right?

Don't forget, Xia En got the [Radiant Crystal Mirror] for free.

It's reasonable to get some information for free, right?

As Xia En was pondering these random thoughts, Archbishop Musa on the high platform continued to speak.

"It is a pleasure to see you in this glorious holy land, now..."

"Paying homage to the glory of the Lord, silently reciting His name under His gaze, may His radiance protect us and help me guide the brothers and sisters gathered here."

The surrounding believers immediately began chanting the name of the Lord of Billions of Glory in unison.

He then clenched his fist, placed it on his forehead, and bowed his head in a gesture of respect.

They were not paying homage to the archbishop himself, but to the halo of light cast from the dome and to this sacred space.

Instantly, a pious and mysterious atmosphere enveloped the crowd.

The hazy, indistinct light and shadows made the scene even more eerie, as if some kind of sinister ritual was taking place.

Xia En thought to himself, "That's it, that's it!"

"This is what a Tantric gathering should look like."

Despite his feelings, Xia En lowered his head as if to avoid revealing his identity.

A moment later, the archbishop opened his arms and spoke in a captivating voice.

"The prayer is over. The Lord has witnessed our piety and reverence, and His grace has shone upon our souls."

"One day, wherever the light shines, it will all be the domain of our Lord..."

For Shane, who wasn't a true believer, the archbishop's words were like talking to a brick wall; they even made him a little sleepy.

But suddenly, Archbishop Musa spoke again.

"Before we begin today's gathering, we would like to welcome our three new members."

"They were tested by the Lord and thus qualified to enter this sacred place."

"Now, please come up to the temple and come to my side, you three."

Upon hearing this, the believers around him became excited and looked at Xia En with envious eyes.

A surprised voice also came from within the milky-white ball of light: "Senior, I'm talking to you!"

"Not all newcomers can enter the temple. It must be because of your great strength that you were chosen by the archbishop."

His words carried a tone of pride, as if he wished he could replace Xia En and ascend the platform himself.

Clearly, this should be considered a great honor for ordinary believers.

But Shane felt a chill run down his spine. He was a fake believer, after all!
Being conspicuous in the square is one thing, but now you have to stand on that high platform and be subjected to everyone's gaze.
What if we get caught?
Especially that mysterious archbishop, who didn't seem easy to fool.

But at this moment, a small commotion arose among the nearby crowd.

Two figures had already begun climbing the temple steps.

They were clearly the other two newcomers Musa had mentioned.

The remaining people's attention was focused on Shane, this unique black light.

There was no way around it; the dark halo was just too conspicuous.

Among a cluster of white lights, it stood out like the bright moon in the night sky or a daffodil next to a toilet.

Feeling the eager gazes of the people around him, Xia En sighed inwardly.

"I just wanted to get some information for free..."

"How did things get to this point?"

But now, the die is cast, and there's no turning back.

Having no other choice, Xia En silently walked towards the temple steps.

He had already made up his mind that if he showed any signs of being exposed, he would immediately leave the [Radiant Crystal Mirror] and never come back again!
Fortunately, no one noticed anything unusual as they walked all the way to the temple steps.

Upon reaching the steps, Xia En felt even more clearly the ancient and mysterious nature of the temple.

The entire temple is constructed from a type of ancient stone.

These stones appeared to be bathed in light, giving them a pale color, and they continued to emit a faint glow.

"Could this thing be carrying some kind of radiation?"

Looking at the stone, Xia En inexplicably recalled several rare metals he had heard of before.

To be honest, the two do have some things in common.

As random thoughts flashed through his mind, Xia En stepped onto the stone steps ahead and continued upwards.

At first, he didn't feel anything; it was just like climbing stairs normally.

But not long after, Shane noticed something amiss.

First, there seemed to be some mysterious substance flowing into the light of his soul from the pale stone steps beneath his feet.

This feeling wasn't uncomfortable; in fact, it was somewhat pleasant.

It was as if his soul was drawing upon this power, slowly growing stronger.

It was very similar to the feeling I had when I received the gift from the ancestral spirit of the [Yongyue Clan].

Besides.

Shane also sensed an increasingly clear feeling of being watched.

The gaze coming from behind the stream of light above seemed to become increasingly clear and close.

And that will, even if it is only a tiny fraction, has already exceeded the imagination of mortals.

The text on the panel confirmed Shane's guess.

You are climbing the stairs of the Temple of Radiance!

You are being watched over by Him...

Your soul is being purified...

[Overall Qualifications: 5.3 → 5.5!]

During this process, Shane glanced at the believers below and suddenly realized something.

No wonder the archbishop made them climb the stairs in public.

No wonder other believers are so envious.

The process of ascending to the temple was itself a special ritual.

"At the door of all important followers of the Radiant Cult, they received the grace of the Lord of Radiance..."

If it were an ordinary believer, they would probably be moved to tears and weep uncontrollably.
"Waaah... Thank you for your blessings, my Lord..."

Just as Xia En had this thought, he saw another believer kneeling on the steps not far away, kissing the pale stone.

Shane: "..."

He glanced at the man silently, then quickened his pace toward the platform.

The higher and closer the platform, the stronger the sense of being watched became, to the point that even Xia En felt a slight unease in his heart.

"Wait, something's wrong..."

Xia En glanced at the stone steps beneath his feet and felt a strange sense of familiarity.

Moreover, he felt the same way about the believers below and the archbishop above.

This seems to be a form of psychological suggestion.

Even non-believers will subconsciously feel close to and rely on the radiance.

"Is this what 'purification' really means?"

Xia En frowned sharply, knowing that this kind of modification could not be allowed to continue.

He made up his mind and began to fight against that enormous consciousness.

At the same time, the light of his soul was no longer bound and continued to expand.

In the blink of an eye, a black light, like a black hole, suddenly appeared on the steps.

Upon seeing this, many believers couldn't help but widen their eyes.

"That senior's soul light... is so immense!"

"Moreover, it's this pure black color."

"Wait, is it still getting bigger?"

In people's eyes, the black light was still absorbing the radiance emitted by the pale staircase, like a black hole that devoured everything.

But that's on the temple steps!

Isn't this blasphemy against the Lord of Light?
On the high platform, Archbishop Musa's expression was also somewhat strange.

This was the first time such a thing had happened since he became archbishop.

Just the next moment.

Musa's expression changed drastically.

Because, suddenly, a bright, white beam of light descended from the dark dome overhead.

"It's a divine oracle! It's a revelation from the Lord!"

Musa was overjoyed.

It had been five years since he last received a divine oracle.

Every divine oracle holds extraordinary significance for all Hui believers.

Moses bowed his head reverently: "Lord, please guide me on the path forward..."

However, after waiting patiently for a while, he did not experience the sensation of being enveloped by the light of the Lord of Radiance.

"Ok?"

Musa looked up in confusion and saw...

The beam of light landed straight in the center of the pitch-black light, which was as dark as a black hole!

"???"

Not to mention Musa, all the believers present were stunned.

How is this going?

Is this newcomer more valued by the Lord of Radiance than the Archbishop?
Immediately afterward, a small beam of light refracted from the black light and landed on Musa.

After listening carefully for a moment, Musa understood the contents of the oracle, and his face became solemn as he murmured.

"To wage war against... the Truth Society?"

(End of this chapter)