Chapter Sixty-Nine: Gathering Faith and Loyalty

The news brought by Phantom added considerable pressure to Link, but at least from this information, Link knew that Remilia truly wanted to cooperate with him, and those powerful and mysterious Holy Spirits held no ill will toward him. He could thus develop the church with confidence and boldness.

In the blink of an eye, midnight struck, and the system immediately presented the lottery wheel. The result of the first draw left Link in low spirits—this time, he won medicinal herbs. Of all the possible prizes, this was the worst, since the system shop already allowed for the purchase of herbs. No matter how precious an item may be, if it can be bought, it’s not as valuable as something unattainable.

Ten Tranquil Flowers—that was what the system gave Link. He couldn't imagine what use these would be. He didn’t know how to refine medicine, nor did he have anyone under his command who could. The Celestial Spirit Church had plenty of talent, but they preferred to use magic to heal wounds and illnesses, and similarly lacked anyone skilled in alchemy.

Thinking this, Link looked at the Tranquil Flowers in his hand and said, “Looks like I’ll have to search for someone skilled in herbal medicine. Otherwise, whenever I get medicinal materials, I’ll have to just sell them off.”

With that, Link set down the Tranquil Flowers and started the second lottery draw. This time, the pointer finally stopped at the “Skill” slot, and after a series of matches, the system granted Link a rather decent ability.

The Mighty Vajra Palm!

This martial art, a supreme skill of Shaolin that cultivated both the inner and outer self, was ferocious and purely close combat. Its power increased with Link’s internal strength, making it an excellent supplement for someone lacking in melee techniques.

After mastering the move, Link couldn’t wait to test its power. He channeled half his internal strength and struck a tree as thick as an adult’s thigh with his palm.

Immediately, the trunk blew open into a large crater, the impact site nearly reduced to powder, and the upper half of the tree could no longer hold together, breaking off and crashing to the ground.

Link was overjoyed at the sight. The reputation of the Mighty Vajra Palm was well deserved—its power was unmatched. Although it couldn’t injure enemies from a distance, its sheer force more than made up for that shortcoming. Besides, Link didn’t lack for mid- or long-range attack methods, and with the agility of the Lingering Wave Step and the explosive power of the Nine Suns Divine Art, he was confident he could defeat even a mid-fourth-tier powerhouse.

Reflecting on this, Link felt a touch of melancholy. Merely four months ago, he’d been an ordinary man unable to even truss a chicken, and now, four months later, he could stand toe-to-toe with fourth-tier experts. The speed of his ascension could hardly be described as anything less than rocket-like.

If he hadn’t learned of the Holy Spirits, Link might have been content, but knowing that those powerful and mysterious entities had set their sights on him, he couldn’t relax—if anything, the pressure was even greater than before.

“The more you know, the heavier your burdens. The truth of that saying is undeniable. Even though I now have the strength to roam Red Moon Province unhindered, I still can’t take it easy!” Link couldn’t help but give a wry smile, then his expression turned meaningful. “But that’s what makes things interesting. I’ve got the True God System, the greatest golden ticket—if nothing unpredictable happened, wouldn’t life become unbearably dull? Without challenges, where’s the joy?”

Two days passed in a flash. On this day, a group of people arrived at the Church of the Father. This group was neither enemies nor members of the Celestial Spirit Church—they were the bandit gang Link had encountered on the road to Bass City.

Uther Mark had brought his men to seek refuge with the Church of the Father.

Before the Celestial Spirit Church joined, Link had looked forward to the bandit gang’s allegiance, but with the support of the Celestial Spirit Church, he no longer valued them as highly. Still, he didn’t treat them coldly but welcomed them warmly. Upon seeing Link, the group, led by Uther, knelt down with tears streaming, expressing their heartfelt gratitude—so dramatic a reaction that Link himself was startled.

Upon inquiry, Link learned that Uther and his men had had their warrants revoked. When visiting Earl Lothar in Bass City, Link had casually mentioned their situation. To his surprise, Earl Lothar acted swiftly, sending people to handle it as soon as Link left.

Just a few days prior, the authorities had officially and publicly rescinded the warrants for Uther and his men, much to their own astonishment. Lothar’s people then approached them, revealing that Link had gone out of his way to protect them.

This revelation left Uther and his followers both surprised and deeply moved. After some discussion, except for a few who were attached to home and didn’t want to leave, the rest followed Uther to Qinke Town.

Initially, Uther and his men had worried that Link might not welcome them, but to their delight, he greeted them enthusiastically and immediately set about arranging their settlement. Their gratitude toward Link only deepened; though they had not yet come to worship him, their loyalty was already growing.

Link was in no hurry. Once the people from the Celestial Spirit Church arrived, he would use the Hall of Paladins to stage a miraculous divine event, solving the faith issue for both groups at once.

Thus, another four days passed. At last, a large contingent from the Celestial Spirit Church arrived, including Elia and her two companions.

Although Link had sent Bai Ling with a message of safety, Bai Ling was, after all, an animal. While the message had been received, everyone still worried. Now, seeing with their own eyes that the Church of the Father was safe and sound, they were finally at ease.

After some greetings, Link had Jack arrange accommodations for the Celestial Spirit Church members. This time, more than two hundred people had come—more than the Church of the Father itself—so housing was tight. Fortunately, Link had prepared in advance and no one had to sleep outdoors.

That evening, the Church of the Father hosted a grand banquet, with Link and all the congregation welcoming the newcomers. The Celestial Spirit Church members had at first been wary and uneasy, but seeing such warmth from the Church of the Father put their minds at ease.

Afterwards, the members of both churches began socializing, the atmosphere light and joyful, with not a hint of estrangement. In fact, the Church of the Father’s followers were rather eager.

This was only natural; ninety-nine percent of the Church of the Father’s congregation were men, with just a handful of women—either matrons or girls under fourteen. The imbalance of yang over yin was taken to the extreme. The congregation had longed to recruit more female followers, but Link, wary of spies, had held back.

Now, more than two hundred female followers had joined at once. Though many were elderly or very young, there were still plenty of young women, most of them above average in appearance. How could the pent-up young men remain calm? Moreover, with no rules against intimacy in the Church of the Father, they were free to pursue their happiness so long as they violated no tenets—Link would not interfere.

Thus, as the banquet wore on, the mood grew more romantic and warm. The Celestial Spirit Church’s women, most of whom had led secluded lives and had little contact with men, were quite unprepared for the passionate advances they faced. By the end of the banquet, some had already been successfully wooed.

Of course, that was as far as things went for now—anything bolder would require more effort. The women of the Celestial Spirit Church were reserved and, as religious folk, placed great value on chastity.

Link watched all this unfold and suddenly felt rather noble. How many leaders would care so much about their subordinates’ marital prospects and even create opportunities for them? More importantly, he himself was still single. Such a magnanimous act surely set a model for the world—a veritable reincarnation of Lei Feng.

Then he heard Lingfeng say, “If the Archbishop wishes to start a family, Lingmeng will always be waiting for you. We’ll prepare a grand wedding for you and Lingmeng.”

At that, Link immediately played dumb and changed the subject.

Early the next morning, Link summoned the entire congregation of the Church of the Father to the open ground behind the monastery. With the air of a true oracle, he declared, “Everyone, the great Father is very pleased with our devotion. To reward us, He has decided to bestow upon us a second miracle. Now, let us welcome its descent!”

Under the astonished gaze of the crowd, Link secretly activated the Hall of Paladins’ building stone. Instantly, golden light burst forth, the atmosphere shifted, and the outline of a magnificent hall rapidly took shape in the radiance.

Within seconds, a sacred, grand, exquisitely ornate Hall of Paladins stood revealed. Covering an area of more than half a football field, this white edifice resembled an ancient Greek temple, though even more refined and sumptuous. On either side of the hall stood statues of a knight—one male, one female—each wielding a greatsword and warhammer. Though their identities were unknown, their expressions were stern, devout, and noble, as if embodying the very spirit of justice, inspiring awe in all who beheld them.

Witnessing the miracle with their own eyes, all newcomers—save the veteran congregation who, having seen it once before, were mentally prepared—were left dumbstruck, and soon fell to their knees in irrepressible worship, even the three elders included. The three, having already become Link’s followers, now saw their final doubts dispelled, and believed in the Father from the bottom of their hearts.

In that moment, those who were already followers saw their faith soar—ninety-nine percent became fanatics, with the remainder reaching the level of devoted believers. Those who had not yet converted were instantly transformed into followers, with the lowest at intermediate level and over eighty percent as devoted believers. In the face of miracles and divine favor, mortals are powerless to resist, especially when they are already half inclined to believe in the divine.

Link watched their reactions with amusement, thoroughly satisfied with the outcome. Revealing miracles only to the congregation had cost him the chance to win over massive new faith all at once, but now that Qinke Town was completely dominated by the Church of the Father, there was no need for a public spectacle. Stabilizing the church’s internal unity was enough.

Time proved Link’s judgment correct. While the miracle was not performed for the public, such an internally focused display was even more effective in consolidating the congregation’s faith. As they marveled at the miracle, they could not help but feel a subtle psychological suggestion—look, only we are chosen to witness the Father’s miracle, a sign of His special favor. Compared to other believers, it was clear that the Father valued them more.

This suggestion was subtle; few realized it consciously, yet the idea took root and spread among them, quietly strengthening their loyalty and devotion to Link.