Chapter 1080 - 161: Ascetic Saint Dante and the Bountiful Harvest of Extraordinary Spiritual Plants (Part 2)

Chapter 1080: Chapter 161: Ascetic Saint Dante and the Bountiful Harvest of Extraordinary Spiritual Plants (Part 2)

"The siege of the Monastery of Radiant Sun was his most celebrated battle. A Fiery Sun monastery located in the Border Prince’s Territory was besieged by a group of Khorne Berserkers. The Monastery Director fell in battle, and the remaining cultivators and refugee civilians prepared for martyrdom in despair. Miraculously, Ascetic Saint Dante Slough arrived through a snowstorm. He didn’t bring reinforcements, but he brought an iron will and the purest practice of faith. He organized the final line of defense, using the anvil as the core of the makeshift fortifications, wielding cold chains to whip the berserkers attempting to climb over the walls. He led the cultivators in prayer tirelessly day and night, and the prayers were not for miracles but formed a mental barrier that united hearts against the whispers of Khorne. Just as the monastery’s gates were about to be breached, he stood at the shattered gate holding a blacksmith’s hammer burning with a faint Holy Flame (more like oil-soaked flame), challenged the Champion of Khorne, and shouted the doctrines of Fiery Sun, drawing the focus of the enemy onto himself. At the cost of severe injury and near death, he defeated the Champion of Khorne, forcing the remaining Khorne demonic army to retreat. In this battle, he used only dozens of weary monastery guards and followers to repel nearly a thousand Khorne War Gang, causing the teachings of the Sun Goddess to swiftly gain prominence in the south."

Suna gently stroked Su Li’s forehead: "Cousin, this is Ascetic Saint Dante Slough. He doesn’t walk through miracles but won the name ’Saint’ through human endurance at its limits, wisdom in perceiving chaos, fearless sacrifice, and unwavering practice of faith. Every debate he engages in is founded upon truths validated by life itself; every question he poses is like a hammer striking at the soul, forging the purest steel of faith."

Su Li lay resting on Suna’s warm, soft lap, his fingertips unconsciously stroking her smooth skin, contemplating how to attract this Ascetic Saint being the focus of his considerations today.

"Hilude." Su Li’s voice wasn’t loud, but it received an immediate response. Almost as soon as his words fell, steady footsteps echoed from the doorway. In a resplendent armor with the Violet Jagged value insignia hanging on the chest, the Divine Chosen Knight of the Goddess pushed the door open and entered.

"Lord, you called me? Do you have any instructions?"

Su Li nodded: "First, send several capable dwarves to the intersection of Hammer Road and Ecter Commercial Street, at the third stall on the right. Bring back the Ethereum Gold at any cost."

"And the most important matter today, Ascetic Saint Dante Slough is finally arriving at Hesse Territory." Su Li’s voice was steady, his gaze resolute upon Hilude, filled with absolute trust, "His visit is the Fiery Sun Church’s recognition of Hesse Territory and also the Goddess’s scrutiny of our faith. You are fully responsible for reception arrangements."

Hilude slightly raised her head, her lively face exuding sharpness: "Is this the overdue return for our expeditionary Knight Order? The famous name of this divine chosen priest is one we know very well. His Ascetic Records: Steel Road and military tactic Refined Fire Strategy are classics all church followers must read."

Her tone was filled with profound understanding and respect for this predecessor.

"Very well, I feel reassured with your handling."

Subsequently, Su Li no longer lingered in bed; his morning exercise was complete, and it was time to handle some political affairs.

Su Li pushed open the heavy oak door and walked out of the room side by side with Hilude. The gentle autumn sunlight suddenly poured down, carrying the fresh scent of courtyard plants, distinctly different from the lazy and pleasant indoor atmosphere. He didn’t immediately move but instinctively stopped under the eaves, his gaze naturally drawn towards the depths of the courtyard, towards the Holy Purple Vine Tree that held significant importance for the entirety of Hesse Territory.

Hilude also paused beside him, her eyes following his line of sight, her heroic gaze softened slightly upon beholding the tree.

The sight before their eyes was enough to leave anyone seeing it breathless.

The mystical Purple Vine Tree was thriving at this moment, heavily laden with fruits. The gnarled, strong trunk stood like a giant weathered by time, firmly rooted in the sanctified spiritual soil. Cascading down from the sturdy branches was an endless, surging purple waterfall!

Tens of thousands of clusters of purple vine flowers hung like the most luxurious fringes, drooping from high branches almost touching the ground. Each cluster was composed of countless delicate purple blossoms, not in a single shade, but transitioning from deep, almost ink-blue violet to soft pale lavender, to tips shimmering with dreamlike silver-white light. Sunlight pierced through layers of petals, refracting and leaping inside the flower cascade, forming a flowing, semi-transparent purple-gold halo, as if the entire tree radiated the blessing of the Sun Goddess. The rich yet not cloying fragrance permeated the air, carrying a refreshing, sacred aura, enough to cleanse the dust of the soul.

Yet, this unparalleled sea of flowers wasn’t the tree’s only glory at this moment. Amidst the drooping flower clusters, beneath the lush feathery foliage, abundant fruit pods proclaimed the harvest. These were Holy Purple Vine Pods, each as long as an arm, plump and bountiful, presenting a jade-like smoothness with golden silk-veined deep purple. They hung heavily across the branches, weighing them into gentle arcs, like numerous full cups bearing life and hope. Sunlight on the pods reflected soft golden flickers, harmonizing with the purple flower cascade above, creating a scene both magnificent and vibrant with sacred energy.