Chapter 90: Chapter 32: Divine Grace Descends
As Hilude’s voice rang out, a dozen knights entered the training ground.
Although they were covered in a lot of mud from the journey, making them appear travel-worn, their demeanor was very distinct, like young lions eager for battle.
Leading them on horseback was a sharp-eyed middle-aged priest, wearing a black monk robe with a golden eagle spreading its wings emblazoned on his chest.
Black and gold are the iconic colors of the Fiery Sun Goddess Sect, who believe that extreme light brings extreme darkness, and those who offend or gaze upon the fiery sun shall be destroyed by the might of the Sun Goddess.
The eagle is the emblem and totem of their church, exhibiting the sharp military style characteristic of this religious sect.
Thus, the Flame Sun Knight Order under the church is accustomed to donning shiny gilded black armor on the battlefield, accompanied by banners and emblems adorned with symbols of the sun and golden eagles, charging into enemy lines with majestic vigor.
Upon seeing Su Li, the priest dismounted, squared his shoulders, gracefully removed the white gloves from his hands, pressed his palm to his chest, and bowed slightly to Su Li, saying, "Honorable Pioneer Lord, Rong’en Essari, leader of the Battle Pilgrimage Group of the Sun Goddess, salutes you."
Su Li personally stepped forward to greet him, saying, "We are currently under threat from a Green Tide; your Battle Pilgrimage Group’s arrival brings me great solace. My territory and I look forward to fighting alongside you."
Rong’en calmly replied, "Facing the monster’s edge and crushing the evil threat is the teaching given to us by the Goddess. On the way, I had already heard from your High-level Attendant Chief, Knight Hilude, about the situation. Our pilgrimage group of six apprentice knights, eleven knight’s bowman attendants, and over fifty armed attendants is willing to join the battle, help the territory defeat the evil, and seek the Divine Grace of the Goddess."
The members of the Battle Pilgrimage Group are all ascetic monks, who often help the lords of various territories eliminate external threats, such as beastman beast herds raiding villages, goblin tribes stealing wealth and women, and even some bandits hiding in valleys and forests, thus receiving support from a lord, including weapons, equipment, and food supplies. This sustains their pilgrimage journey, enabling them to travel further to more territories.
Acknowledging this custom, Su Li respectfully stated, "During the time we are combating the monsters, I will provide logistical support for the pilgrimage group. If we can successfully defeat the monsters, I will also provide the pilgrimage group with no less than 3000 pounds of food and 10 fine-grade level weapons."
"Praise your generosity, honorable Pioneer Lord, the Sun Goddess shall be aware of your virtues, and Divine Grace will surely protect you." Rong’en bowed again and then asked, "Where is your territory’s monastery? I wish to visit it first and pray to the Goddess."
Su Li candidly said, "As you can see, we are an emerging territory, and the monastery is still under construction; we do not yet have a priest to spread the teachings of the Goddess. I have already ordered the construction team to work day and night to expedite the construction of the Goddess’s monastery, hoping that on the day the monastery is completed, you can assist me in holding a ceremony to honor the Goddess."
Rong’en’s eyes lit up, and he said, "It would be my honor, Lord. If you have any doubts about the Goddess’s teachings, you can discuss them with me."
Su Li decisively made arrangements, saying, "My High-level Attendant Chief, Hilude, has just joined the Sun Goddess Church as a knight. She still needs a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Fiery Sun Goddess. Hilude, seek guidance from Lord Rong’en on the exalted teachings of the Goddess."
Hilude never doubted any of Su Li’s decisions, but this time she hesitated, clearly sensing that the Lord’s deliberate mention of her name for such an arrangement must mean an enormous opportunity was awaiting her.
She walked up to Su Li and quietly said, "Lord, the appearance of the Battle Pilgrimage Group likely signifies that the Goddess has cast a glance upon our territory, and such an opportunity to receive Divine Grace should more rightfully be pursued by you."
Me personally?
Su Li had not previously considered this issue, wondering if he might also benefit from enhanced cultivation qualifications.
But he only considered it for a moment before decisively rejecting the idea. Given his diligence in cultivation, it would be a waste of this precious opportunity for Divine Grace.
Moreover, he had only recently arrived at the territory two months prior; he would have plenty of opportunities to obtain Divine Grace in the future. The urgent task at hand was first to cultivate a powerful combat force capable of standing like a pillar to support the army’s strength and ensure victory in battle.
So he immediately and firmly replied, "Hilude, obey, and discuss the teachings with Lord Rong’en. If he quizzes you on any teachings, remember to answer courageously."
The intelligence on this matter was incredibly detailed, even explaining thoroughly the different impacts of two potential responses.
Responding courageously will result in a [Divine Grace Baptism], with knight cultivation removed and the knight’s path retraveled, but qualifications extraordinarily enhanced, with cultivation speed doubled. Respond: Faith, and receive Divine Spirit’s approval; a Flame Sun Knight Order Brotherhood will arrive in your territory within three months, numbering no less than 48 people.
There was no real choice between these two options; the first option was clearly more valuable. This could practically guarantee Hilude’s qualifications would steadily reach the legendary level, with the potential to break through to a Holy Sanctuary Knight.
If the second option was that a subordinate knight order of the Flame Sun Knight Order would arrive in the territory within three days, Su Li might still consider it. But if they are to arrive within three months, given the current situation, choosing this option would only mean waiting for them to arrive and collect the corpses in the territory.
Seeing Su Li’s resolute attitude, Hilude could only step forward, bow slightly to Rong’en, and ask, "Lord Rong’en, I know that Her Majesty Violet is the divine spirit in charge of tactics and strategy. If we want to win this war, what strategy should we adopt according to the teachings?"
Rong’en did not immediately answer Hilude’s question. Instead, he calmly said, "Before answering this question, as the priest leading the pilgrims’ cultivation, I should first introduce you in detail to Her Majesty and the teachings she imparted to us."
"As is well known, the influence of the Goddess’s teachings is low in the northern part of the Empire, but more and more people in the southern Empire are beginning to believe in the War Goddess Violet. For this reason, we have gained a sacred vote in the Empire’s electoral college."
"In the past, people thought the War Goddess could neither inspire heartfelt rage like the Yurik teachings nor evoke loyalty and determination like the Redema sect. Especially for some soldiers, Her Majesty Violet seemed more like a ’god of officers,’ and what had always supported the Empire through countless wars were brute force and passion, not the strategy represented by Her Majesty."
"But regardless of believers or not, most cities in the Empire have a divine hall managed by the Cyan Eagle Knight Order. There, keen-sighted priests offer courses on strategy and tactics, open to anyone who wishes to join. They also regularly provide services for those preparing to move to the south (the specific dates vary according to local customs, but are usually once every five days)."
"The followers of the Goddess are more interactive than most sermons, with priests actively encouraging others to participate and asking questions to the congregation. This is too much for most people in the Empire, accustomed to being preached to rather than questioned, knowing almost nothing aside from the imperial edicts. So, most avoided these very odd sermons, and thus, to most in the Empire, Her Majesty Violet is merely a goddess of strategy and war."
"Yet as we enlightened the wisdom of countless people, more and more began to believe in the Goddess. Unlike other gods of war, Her Majesty emphasizes avoiding unnecessary conflict through ingenious strategies. This is appreciated by many soldiers, as few who have experienced the horrors of war enjoy it. Yurik believers and Sigmar believers see this as cowardice, while followers of the Sun Goddess see it as prudence."
"For the same reason, the Sun Goddess is popular among women with sons and husbands. They pray to the Goddess to guide officers to make wise choices, allowing their loved ones to return alive. As they say, Redema takes you to war, but Violet brings you back."
Though it was intended for Hilude to inquire about the teachings, Su Li couldn’t help but be fascinated. The teachings of the Sun Goddess, more popular in the southern Empire, resonated greatly with his values.
In this chaotic otherworld, there is a unique divine being advocating the concept of ’prudent warfare,’ with noble wisdom that somewhat stands out compared to other barbaric spirits.
Redema takes you to war, but Violet brings you back—the introduction of this slogan holds an unparalleled attraction.
More importantly, the followers and priests of the Goddess have been preaching in the north for years, providing services for those preparing to move south, and generously opening courses on strategy and tactics to the public, encouraging active participation.
By building a good relationship with their church, Su Li could already anticipate a continuous stream of settlers moving southward, arriving at the Border Prince’s Territory.
As Su Li was pondering, Rong’en had already detailed the teachings to Hilude. The core of the Sun Goddess’s teachings is glory, requiring followers to always uphold their dignity and glory; respect prisoners of war; show no mercy to humanity’s enemies; obey officers’ orders; and not disobey orders unless necessary.
He then introduced the practice after joining: "As a knight of excellent quality, once you have mastered the teachings of Her Majesty Violet, you are likely to be absorbed into the Blazing Sun Knight Order, one of the wealthiest and most powerful knight orders. At some point in their career, a Flame Sun Knight will be sent alone for 1~2 years to test the knowledge they have learned and hone their skills in battle. Many villages, farms, and relay stations have been saved by a stationed young knight."
"So, Hilude, if you were this stationed knight dispatched alone to a fragile Border Development Territory, facing the massive onslaught of the Green Tide, what do you think is the key to saving this innocent territory?"
Hilude pondered momentarily, then replied firmly, "I would with a heroic demeanor, and steadfast faith in the Goddess, utterly defeat this monster legion, showing no mercy to any enemy of humanity!"
No sooner had she finished speaking, a brilliant golden light descended from above the firmament, instantly enveloping the valiant female knight.
This light was like a blazing sun, slowly rising in the center of the training ground, and its magnificent radiance spread in all directions, making the entire castle shine as if draped in glorious armor, sacred and grand.
The soldiers and slaves undergoing training widened their eyes, staring at this spectacle.
Then the training ground erupted in enormous cheers of joy: "It’s a miracle! The divine spirit has bestowed divine grace!"
"It’s really a miracle! Great! Our territory is blessed by the divine spirit!"
"The divine spirit has truly manifested! Our territory is cared for and blessed by the divine spirit; we will be saved."