Chapter 1087 - 163: Doctrine Interrogation and Successful Recruitment of Divine Chosen Priest (Part 2)

Chapter 1087: Chapter 163: Doctrine Interrogation and Successful Recruitment of Divine Chosen Priest (Part 2)

Su Li smiled and spoke, "I have already felt the pure, tenacious aura of Mr. Dante, exuding abundant strength, discipline, and faith, as hot as the fires of Hell. Apart from a Saint of Asceticism, there should be no other person matching this description."

Dante nodded slightly in greeting, saying, "It is an honor to meet you, Bauhinia Knight. You are the pride of our entire Church, and your deeds are widely circulated even in Marle Castle. The Expeditionary Corps you dispatched has further glorified the Sun Goddess Church."

Su Li calmly replied, "This is the rightful reward under the protection of the Sun Goddess. However, Mr. Dante’s recent address on the doctrine has deepened my understanding of faith."

Dante’s eyes, burning with the flames of conviction, scrutinized him. A moment later, his weathered face eased slightly.

"To hear you speak so is like witnessing the Goddess’s radiance shining," Dante’s voice remained deep and raspy, but now carried a hint of inquiry rather than sharpness. "Bauhinia Knight, as one favored by the Goddess, bearing the heavy burden of both exploration and protection, you surely possess unique insights into her doctrines. In your view, what is the essence of the Sun Goddess’s light? Is it the Purifying Fire that burns away filth, or the Light of Life that nurtures all things?"

Su Li did not immediately answer. His gaze swept over the dust clinging to Dante’s bare feet, over the patches symbolizing hardship on his ascetic robes, and finally returned to his eyes, which seemed capable of penetrating to the depths of one’s soul. He sensed that this Saint was not seeking a standard answer but was testing the depth and direction of his, the Lord’s, faith.

"Mr. Dante," Su Li slowly began, his voice steady and powerful, "the light of the Sun Goddess is both a Sharp Sword and a grain of wheat. It is not a singular entity."

He paused to gather his thoughts and continued, "The light of the Goddess is first and foremost the Flame of Order. It burns away the filth of Chaos, dispels the shadows of despair, and with its Heartless fierce flames, purifies those twisted and fallen beings who intend to overthrow the foundations of the world. This flame forges the courage of the Knight and builds the discipline of the Warrior, serving as our sharpest weapon against the Chaos Four Gods and their fangs. Without this darkness-consuming fierce flame, order cannot be spoken of, nor can life continue."

Dante nodded slightly, the flames in his eyes flickering, clearly acknowledging Su Li’s understanding of the Goddess’s war and purification aspect.

"The Flame of Order... the Splendor of Life..." Dante repeated softly, his face lined and expressionless, but the flames in his eyes seemed to burn brighter and purer. "Lord, your understanding... is profound. The Goddess’s radiance indeed holds the dual great power of destruction and creation, protection and chastisement. However, understanding is one thing, practicing it is another."

He stepped forward again, the rock-like momentum gathering once more, with his gaze landing on Su Li as if subjecting him to final scrutiny. The air seemed to grow heavy from his presence, forming a strange and solemn atmosphere as the tranquil glow from Star Dew Sweet Orange intermingled with the pure power of faith Dante exuded.

"So, Bauhinia Knight, Lord Su Li," Dante’s voice sounded like a resounding bell, with each word carrying immense weight, striking directly at the core doctrinal inquiry: "Now, face your inner faith directly, and tell us, and the Goddess high above the Divine Fiery Sun—whose light does the Sharp Sword in your hand, whose brilliance does it ultimately shine for?!"

This question was like a burning brand imprinted on everyone’s heart. Vandar held his breath, the nuns clenched the praying wheat, and Hilude watched Su Li tensely. They all knew this was not merely a question but a trial of the soul, the ultimate interrogation of the Lord’s faith by an Ascetic Saint.

Su Li’s answer would determine what kind of "chivalry" recognition he would receive and define the tone of his future path.

Facing Dante’s penetrating gaze, Su Li did not flinch at all. In that instant, his mind flashed with recollections of his journey: the bloody battles expelling the Chaos Fang, the exhausting efforts establishing his Territory, the comfort seeing farmers harvest the first wheat on cultivated land, and the solemnity facing this pure Saint at this moment.

Su Li took a deep breath, choosing to follow his inner understanding of "balance," combined with the insights gained from his duties as Lord. His voice was clear and resolute, echoing in the solemn air:

"The Sword’s edge and the wheat both require the balance of Light Flames."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over his Territory, over the Knights who followed him, and finally returning to Dante, his eyes sharp and clear:

"When Chaos ravages, intending to stain order and destroy life, my sword edge shall be the Purifying Fire that burns away filth, and where its brilliance points, not a blade of grass shall remain, solely to cleanse the universe and recast the foundation of order!"

His voice carried the Knight’s tenacious will and fierce sharpness, as if there was a sound of gold and iron clashing.

Then, his tone shifted, becoming more composed and steady: "And when order prevails, threats temporarily recede, the brilliance of this sword edge shall be contained in its sheath, transforming into the radiance of protection. It guards the golden wheat under the farmer’s scythe, protects the peace in the dreams of children, safeguards the laughter by the hearth, and shields every hope and life that thrives under the light of order within the Territory! The sword’s point is not for conquest, but to protect this hard-won peace."