Chapter 78: Chapter 73: The Four Hidden Paths of the New Era

Lord of the night, embodiment of tranquility, master of Calamity Power, great Moon God, please cast your gaze upon the mortal world, your faithful servant is calling!

Matthew enhanced his Spiritual Power, and his resonant voice echoed throughout the church, seemingly creating a kind of resonance. The statue emitted a red glow once again, responding to the Chief Bishop. Yet, the power of the Blessing seemed uninterested in Li Xin, passing over him without a trace.

Everyone looked at each other. The Chief Bishop glanced at Li Xin, somewhat helpless, “It seems you have no fate with my Lord.”

Luo Jin and Kathy also showed expressions of regret. Such an opportunity for a Blessing is rare, even for nobility; it’s seldom that the Chief Bishop grants Blessings, which consume his own accumulated Divine Power, unlike the mere formalities.

Even ordinary people like Xueyin would receive protection from such a Blessing. Normally, if Li Xin received it, he would gain even more.

Luo Jin felt especially regretful because Li Xin needed this Blessing more. Failing twice meant Li Xin truly had no fate with the Moon God.

Seeing Li Xin looking a bit dazed, the Chief Bishop laughed generously, “Your destiny lies elsewhere, so don’t be too disappointed. Perhaps with other deities.”

“Chief Bishop, this young man has a difficult fate. Could you guide him a bit?” Luo Jin bowed and said.

Looking at Luo Jin, Li Xin didn’t know what to say. His uncle was being overly dramatic. He didn’t feel that unfortunate, just a little more than average.

Matthew looked at Li Xin and nodded, “It’s been many years, and it’s the first time I’ve seen Luo Jin have such high hopes for a young man. Very well, you can ask a question you want to know.”

“Chief Bishop, I am a bit lost now. What kind of cultivation path should I choose?” Li Xin asked.

Matthew examined Li Xin, “That’s a good question, quite rare for someone to think that way. Isn’t cultivation just about enhancing power? Why are you asking this?”

“Joining the Night Patrol and spending some time at the Canon Law School, I discovered there are many avenues to enhance power. They seem significantly different. According to a veteran of the Night Patrol, choosing a different path means choosing a different fate. I read in a newspaper that Governor Luthor once said that only on the right path can one reach the other shore.” Li Xin said.

“What is a path?”

This question had lingered with Li Xin for a while, a sincere inquiry for guidance indeed.

Matthew looked at Li Xin for quite a while, sighed deeply, “You have quite a good perception. It’s a pity. Never mind, Luo Jin said you contributed to the Licker and Inhaler cases. Consider this your reward. There are many ways for the Awakened to enhance their power, but very few can reach great heights because they either didn’t choose a path from the start or chose the wrong one.”

Not only Li Xin, but Luo Jin and Kathy also pricked their ears. Matthew looked at the statue in front and his voice deepened.

“Spiritual Ability is just a key; nothing special. The path is the direction. In the Old Era, humans had hundreds of hidden paths, while in the New Era, these hidden paths either disappeared or are attached to four paths. In common Beijing language, it’s the broad road: Law Enforcer, Knight, Prayer, Preacher.” Matthew said, glancing at Li Xin, who was listening intently, then continued.

“Different paths have different forms and ways of enhancing power. Law Enforcer is the most common. The Night Patrol belongs to the Law Enforcer. No particular requirements, it’s universal. The Law Enforcer’s path is filled with dangers and thorns. Frustration, sorrow, and loneliness are the norm, especially as cultivation increases.” He glanced at Luo Jin as he spoke.

This is precisely Luo Jin’s path, strongly reflected in him. As for the other Night Patrol, … not even beginners, not enough to be considered a path.

Everyone looked at Luo Jin, whose expression was very calm, having accepted his fate, feeling nothing amiss.

“The second path, Knight. It’s also a universal route, sharing destiny with the Kingdom. Governor Luthor walks this path. Unfortunately, he is only a step from eternity. Anyone reaching the end of their path is already close to a deity.” Matthew said, glancing at Li Xin, “Luo Jin very much hopes you take this path. I also believe this path is friendlier to us mortals. Difficulties and trials are common, but it avoids darkness and solitude.”

Li Xin’s heart pounded, not only for finally understanding something useful but noticing a very significant piece of information. Luthor is only a step away; with his abilities and vision, what was he lacking in the end?

“The first two paths are universal. The latter two have stricter requirements. The third path, Prayer, also known as Divine Favored, requires very deep divine favor, chosen by deities. Their cultivation needs only prayer and devotion to advance, one in a million. If it’s there, it’s there, if not, it’s not, you cannot force it.” Matthew said.

Li Xin felt somewhat envious, evidently not suitable. The Moon God ignored him, not to mention other deities. Simply being devout wasn’t fitting.

“The fourth path, Preacher. Promoting the divine name, spreading the divine will on earth.” Matthew said, with a smile, looking at the expectant Li Xin, “Whatever path you choose, there are gains and losses.”

Matthew’s own path is that of a Preacher, a bishop in the Church Court, exalted across the Dao Yuan Continent in any country.

“Uncle Bishop, what does a Preacher need to sacrifice?” Xueyin tilted her head and asked.

Matthew smiled at Xueyin, stroked her head, “I’m just an old man, to gain something you must lose something. Ordinary happiness is very good, these are dark secrets, not to be shared. This is all for today.”

Kathy had no particular pursuit in cultivation, feeling it sounded like an exaggerated, cool narrative, but Li Xin indeed broadened his horizons. Even the Round Table Conference members might not be very clear about this understanding.

Due to the Inhaler case, Li Xin had an average impression of this Chief Bishop, somewhat undeserved of his reputation. There were many layers above him, yet through interaction, he was extraordinary, with demeanor, abilities, and knowledge unmatched by others.

“Kathy, take them back. I have some work to report to the Chief Bishop.” Luo Jin said.

Kathy led Li Xin and Xueyin away. Little Xueyin didn’t know what today’s events meant, believing it was just a visit to the Great Cathedral. In the carriage, Li Xin fell into contemplation, sensing there was more left unsaid, but the content was worth pondering.

In the church, Luo Jin consulted the Chief Bishop on the attitude towards the Four-Nation Competition. He would focus his energy on the Canon Law School recently.

“Keep a close watch on Zhao Qing, try to find a breakthrough from him.”

Directly targeting Zhao Xun was impossible. Zhao Xun has much greater power, having subdued him in such circumstances, Luo Jin felt a bit regretful, yet helpless. Zhao Qing didn’t have Zhao Xun’s status or cunning, perhaps a method.

Only they knew, the cunning Zhao Xun surely wasn’t unaware. Perhaps arrogance is his sole flaw.

In the carriage, Kathy and Xueyin laughed incessantly about something or another, which Li Xin didn’t hear a word of.

Divine Favored, it had nothing to do with him. The God didn’t favor him; even if it did, there was doubt in his heart.

Preacher, it sounded cool, essentially the path of a bishop, which should be that of a ruler, can be passed on. However, this path appeared to be of the highest and most difficult requirement. Getting into the Night Patrol relied on clinging to Luo Jin’s thigh. Church bishops are nurtured from childhood, starting as Priests, are deities’ most devout followers and undergo countless trials to gradually rise, truly one in a million among believers.

As for what they must sacrifice, considering the first three paths, this path’s cost must be higher. Some curiosity remained about what they need to forfeit; Xueyin asked, but the Chief Bishop didn’t answer. His micro-expression suggested the price was indeed substantial.

The first two paths, Law Enforcer and Knight, corresponded in the Li Long Kingdom to Night Patrol and Canon Law School. Law Enforcer is the lowest tier, requiring repeated life-threatening missions to enhance power, continuously encountering darkness and danger, always at risk of losing everything.

Conversely, the Knight seemed slightly better. It was also the reason Luo Jin persuaded him. Perhaps he felt recent events made Luo Jin think he hadn’t listened at all, bringing the Chief Bishop to speak.

If there is enough strength and resources, and neither Prayer nor Preacher could be chosen, the Knight is the orthodox path.

Luthor had a head start. He chose the path of the Knight, while the Knight is intertwined with the Kingdom, maintaining “self” at the spiritual level.

Another difference, neither Law Enforcer nor Knight requires absolute faith, while Prayer and Preacher certainly do.

After contemplating for a moment… Li Xin felt some vital information might have been omitted. The Chief Bishop introduced the four spiritual paths and directions but didn’t say how to walk that path, how to walk it well and steadily.

Why did Luthor fall at the last step?

Considering his experience, this guy was highly formidable.

Given the Chief Bishop’s position and wisdom, it was obvious he didn’t want to say, and naturally, Li Xin lacked the weight to demand it. This guidance was mainly for Uncle Luo’s sake.

The harvest was still fruitful, at least another step forward. Find a chance to gift Uncle a wild boar leg.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep