Chapter 472

【 THE UNFORSEENPATH 】

The arrival of the Church of Life shattered a millennia of peace within the demi-realm of Ouros, disrupting its long-standing traditions and altering the lives and perceptions of its local inhabitants.

With the descent of players into their realm, everything began to change.

The players brought with them not only foreign magic but also a fervent zeal for spreading the teachings of the Church of Life.

Numerous temples dedicated to the Goddess of Life sprang up in cities, towns, and remote villages like wildfire.

Unlike the decadent Church of Creation, the clergy of the Church of Life were vibrant and full of enthusiasm.

At least… that’s how the local residents perceived the behavior of the players.

In this whole otherworldly universe, the belief in deities held an undeniable allure for mortals, especially when the gods in question had liberated their realm and preached teachings that resonated deeply amongst the populace.

Unlike the cold, empty temples under the Church of Creation’s rule, the newly established Temples of Life quickly filled with seekers from all walks of life.

Initially, it was the players who sought out the residents to spread their faith. But soon enough, even without active involvement from the players, the local residents began flocking to these temples in their own initiative, eager to learn about this new faith.

One such seeker was Taylor.

A former adventurer now in his thirties, Taylor knew that, without the Church of Life, he would have met the same fate as many before him—that is, succumbing to old age in his mid-thirties.

But the arrival of the Goddess of Life changed everything.

She thwarted the Church of Creation’s schemes, liberated the people of their demi-realm, and granted each and every one of them renewed life.

More than that, her divine emissaries—the so-called Divine Beings—descended from the heavens into their realm, walking among them with grace and purpose. They healed the sick with a mere touch, banishing plagues and ailments that once ravaged entire settlements, and spoke of the true creator of their world—a deity far more older and more powerful than the false god they once worshipped.

In this demi-realm, no one is unfamiliar with the legends of the Divine Beings. Numerous tales about them have been passed down through generations.

Taylor, like many others, grew up hearing these stories. His mother would often recount these myths by the firelight while she spoke of their world’s beginning.

Everyone knew it was these Divine Beings who had descended from the higher realm to teach them language and the use of tools.

It was also the Divine Beings who had led civilization’s early steps.

In many local residents’ eyes, the Divine Clan held a status even more revered than that of the Church of Creation.

However, such legends remained just that — mere stories.

Many dismissed them as myth.

That is, until the Divine Beings had truly descended.

Their arrival shook many people to their core.

Taylor, who had never held the Church of Creation in high regard, was one of the first to embrace the new faith after witnessing the Goddess of Life’s miracles and the arrival of the Divine Beings.

He became one of the first followers of the Church of Life and joined their efforts to help the Divine Beings build up their temples.

The manifestation of legend into reality left Taylor with an almost surreal feeling.

The Divine Beings were just as the stories described — beautiful and powerful.

But more than that, they were also selfless and kind.

Unlike the oppressive clerics of the Church of Creation, the Divine Beings asked for nothing in return as they preached and healed the people.

Moreover, in some villages and towns plagued by monstrous beasts, the Divine Beings acted swiftly, protecting the people without hesitation.

They never sought rewards either.

It seemed their only desire was for more people to hear the teachings of the Goddess of Life and join her faith.

The only thing that differed from the old tales was that the Divine Beings were far more livelier than Taylor had imagined.

Yes, “lively” was the word that came to mind.

Though he felt the term might seemed disrespectful, it truly fit them in his opinion.

In legends, the Divine Beings were depicted as somewhat benevolent but reserved.

But in reality, they were energetic, approachable, and effortlessly mingled with everyone — nobles, commoners, the rich, and the poor.

Taylor felt a genuine equality within their presence.

For them, social status meant nothing.

Only one’s faith mattered.

This fiery zeal and sincerity earned Taylor’s utmost respect.

Of course, he had no idea that the players interacting with the residents were all priests aspirants.

Winning the favor of the residents was crucial to their goals, which is increasing the goddess’s believers.

Naturally, this meant treating everyone with equal kindness and avoiding reckless behavior.

Thus, Taylor only saw their best side.

Taylor was someone easily moved by kindness.

Following the Divine Beings, he witnessed countless acts of compassion as they healed the sick and rejuvenated communities one after another.

Seeing the revitalized towns and the happier and more healthier residents deepened Taylor’s faith.

For the first time, he felt the genuine protection of a true church over mortals.

In mere days, Taylor became a devout believer of the Church of Life.

The arrival of the Divine Beings brought about a new path of salvation and faith.

People across the demi-realm embraced the Church of Life, finding true happiness under its guidance.

To Taylor, this seemed like the perfect ending to their once-troubled existence.

However, a sudden divine oracle from the Goddess left him in shock:

“What? Any devoutee who pray at the central temple in Seigües City may have a chance to receive the Goddess’s blessing and… become Divine Beings?”

“Not only that… they can even gain the right to ascend to the higher realm?”

Taylor had some understanding of the Divine Clan.

They were beings of extraordinary beauty, immense strength, and lifespans that far surpassed ordinary mortals.

But now, the oracle proclaimed that even ordinary believers could transform into Divine Beings?

And beyond that, they could even journey to the homeland of the Divine Clan and the Goddess herself?

A realm said to be far vaster and more advanced than their world?

When the news spread throughout the land, Taylor was left speechless.

Soon after, he learned more from the players who mingled with the residents.

“Don’t be too surprised. Actually… all of you carry elven blood. Or, as you call it, the bloodline of the Divine Beings.”

“The Goddess’s oracle is a call for everyone to purify their bloodline and reclaim their origins.”

Bloodline?

I also carry inside me the bloodline of the Divine Clan?

Taylor was stunned.

But soon enough, his shock turned to excitement.

In their demi-realm, reverence for the Divine Beings was nearly universal.

To many, being a member of the Divine Clan were seen as the pinnacle of life.

Taylor felt the same.

Learning that he shared their bloodline sparked an overwhelming desire within him — a desire to earn the Goddess’s favor and purify his lineage!

“If your faith is strong enough, you may go to the central temple and pray to the Goddess herself. If She deems you worthy, you will receive Her blessing and begin the process of bloodline purification,” explained an elven priest from the City.

“However, in this realm, you can only purify your bloodline to become a half-elf. To fully transform into a Divine Beings like us, you must journey to the central temple in the realm of Seigües and undergo the Goddess’s baptism in the real Elven Forest.”

Realm of Seigües?

That must be the name of the higher realm.

According to legend, the city of Seigües itself was named in honor of the Creator’s homeland…

The real Elven Forest?

Their world had its own Elven Forest, which everyone considered a sacred and forbidden land, but now Taylor realized it was likely also named after the Divine Beings’s ancestral home.

Whilst deep in thought, Taylor felt an intense curiosity about the higher realm of Seigües.

In his mind, it was a holy land—a sacred realm where the Divine Beings dwelled, imbued with divine sanctity.

Moreover, it was said that the Goddess herself also resided there.

This knowledge ignited an even stronger desire within him to journey forth to the higher realm and pay homage to both the sacred land of the Divine Clan and the Goddess.

Alas, ordinary mortals like them had no right to ascend to the higher realm.

Only those who had purified their bloodline and become Divine Beings — true elves — could achieve such feats.

Taking a deep breath, Taylor finally made his decision.

He would seek the Goddess’s blessing first and try purifying his bloodline.

And should he succeed, he would then make the pilgrimage to the higher realm to pay his respects to the Goddess and the sacred land!

After some contemplation, Taylor shared his resolve with his spiritual guide — a Divine Being priest named Dongdong, who was well-loved among the demi-realm’s residents.

“You definitely can,” Dongdong assured him with a gentle smile after using the Eye of Faith to assess Taylor’s devotion.

“Really? Even I have a chance?” Taylor asked, his heart pounding with excitement.

Taylor trusted Priest Dongdong’s words.

Rumor had it that the Divine Beings possessed the ability to perceive a person’s faith and devotion.

“Keep striving. If your faith is strong enough and you qualify as a priest of life in the higher realm, then you will gain even more extraordinary powers,” Priest Dongdong added.

More extraordinary powers?

Taylor’s curiosity deepened, and his anticipation grew stronger.

“Thank you, Lady Dongdong!”

With heartfelt gratitude, Taylor bowed deeply to Dongdong, tracing the symbol of the Scepter over his chest in reverence.

Thus, Taylor’s pilgrimage to the temple had begun.

Taylor had no family left in this world.

There was little tying him to his current life, and after making up his mind, he set out for the central temple in Seigües City to pray to the Goddess.

The temple had changed dramatically since its early days.

Once a quiet and solemn cathedral devoted to the Creator, it had since transformed into the Temple of Life, bustling with worshippers.

With both nervousness and anticipation, Taylor stepped inside.

The temple was filled with many believers and Divine Beings alike, but an air of sacred stillness permeated the space.

Despite the crowd, everyone remained quiet and reverent, preserving the solemn atmosphere.

At the heart of the temple stood a grand statue of the Goddess — a vision of grace and divinity.

She wore a resplendent white robe, her silver hair cascading beneath a regal crown. Her violet eyes gazed serenely, and in her hand, she held a magnificent scepter.

It was the divine statue of the Goddess of Life.

Taylor was no stranger to her image.

Nowadays, similar statues of the Goddess had spread to towns and villages across the land, which is a testament to the growing influence of her faith.

Yet, something about this statue felt different.

Compared to the other statues Taylor had seen, this one exuded a stronger sense of sanctity and warmth.

It felt almost… alive.

There was a reason for that.

Divine statues typically fell into two categories: those crafted by believers and those shaped by the hands of the deity themselves.

Most statues of Goddess were created by the elves, but the statues stationed in major cities, including this one in the city of Seigües, were personally crafted by Evé herself.

Both types of statues could serve as conduits for divine power, but the latter connected directly to the faith network from the moment of their creation, without requiring activation through divine energy.

Moreover, statues made by the Goddess carried a unique property as they allowed Eve to exert her power more easily across the demi-realm.

Of course, Taylor knew none of this.

He simply found the statue before him breathtaking, radiating a sacred aura that calmed his restless heart.

In its presence, he felt a natural reverence, his spirit overcome with awe.

The statue towered at a majestic six meters.

Before it knelt other worshippers, some deep in prayer.

Among them, Taylor noticed a number of Divine Beings.

However, something seemed off.

While the local believers prayed with solemn devotion, the Divine Beings behaved rather… differently.

Their expressions and movements were far more animated.

Some smiled brightly, whilst others frowned in contemplation. Occasionally, a Divine Being would let out a gleeful exclamation, while another might sigh in disappointment.

It was Taylor’s first time witnessing the Divine Beings praying before the statue, and he couldn’t help but stare at their rather peculiar behavior.

At first, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him.

It was strange.

Really strange.

In his mind, prayer was meant to be a solemn, dignified act.

But… could this lively display actually be the correct way to pray in the Church of Life?

After all, the Codex of Life taught believers to approach prayer with sincerity and solemnity.

Taylor was left confused.

He couldn’t make sense of it.

And how could he?

What he didn’t realize was that many of the Divine Beings he was observing were players casually browsing in-game shops or spinning lottery wheels while in the temple.

Thankfully, not all Divine Beings were behaving in such a peculiar manner.

Taylor spotted several who maintained a solemn posture in their prayers.

Their devout demeanor eased his mind.

At least… being solemn and reverent is never wrong, he thought.

Although he couldn’t understand why some Divine Beings acted so lively before the statue, the sacred atmosphere of the temple inspired him to maintain a serious, respectful attitude.

Taking a deep breath, Taylor knelt before the statue.

He straightened his posture and traced the symbol of the Life Scepter over his chest.

Then, with unwavering devotion, he began his prayer:

Praise be to Nature. Praise be to Life. Praise be to the great Elven Sovereign — Her Divine Grace, The Goddess Eve!

Your humble servant, Taylor, beseeches your blessing.

I vow to follow you forever, spreading your glory and faith across the realm…

His voice was fervent, filled with passion and determination.

As Taylor spoke, the statue began to emit a gentle glow.

Suddenly, a radiant beam of light burst forth from the statue, before descending directly upon Taylor.

— 472 —

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