Chapter 1147 - 179: Fiery Sun Goddess Church Holy Land · Chiryang Sanctuary and the Generous Female Knight Tradition_2

Chapter 1147: Chapter 179: Fiery Sun Goddess Church Holy Land · Chiryang Sanctuary and the Generous Female Knight Tradition_2

If this Radiant Sun Temple in the Hesse Territory could become as renowned across the Empire as the Eternal Flame Cathedral and the Revered Temple, attracting a multitude of believers to visit, then the territory would undoubtedly earn a vast wealth from it.

And it’s clear that the Fiery Sun Church and the Bishop’s Council in the territory are aiming in this direction while constructing this Holy Land.

The initial style of this temple echoed the characteristics of the Sun Goddess Church unmistakably.

Su Li, accompanied by the Rong’en Priest, stepped into the Valley of Sacred Light where the Radiant Sun Temple is located.

At the entrance of the valley, a sturdy stone watchtower stood, with Blazing Sun Knights dressed in gold and red robes solemnly guarding. A smooth stone path—"Pilgrim’s Path"—extended inward from the valley mouth.

"Lord, look," Rong’en pointed to the complex buildings in the valley, "We built according to the mountain terrain, balancing defense and sunlight. The main hall is at the highest position, fully receiving the sunlight at high noon."

Su Li nodded, observing how the architectural complex ascended from the valley floor, layer by layer, with the main hall situated on a broad platform at the hillside, seemingly receiving the heavenly light. The overall layout cleverly used the mountain terrain, ensuring both defensibility and that the main buildings are bathed in ample sunlight, truly reflecting the features of the Sunfire Church.

They continued along the Pilgrim’s Path. On either side of the road were solid stone barracks and training grounds. Knights could be seen conducting daily exercises, with the clang of weapons and commands echoing through the valley. A clear creek flowed at the valley bottom.

"That’s the Tearstain Creek," Rong’en explained, "symbolizing the tears Goddess Shalya shed for Violet."

The road gradually elevated, leading to a broad platform halfway up the mountain—the Radiant Square. The ground of the square was paved with polished golden sandstone, reflecting warm light under the winter sun. At the center stood a massive copper brazier, with fierce Holy Fire burning within. Directly ahead was the main hall of the Radiant Sun Temple.

The scale of the main hall wasn’t as immense as the Eternal Flame Cathedral, but with its backdrop against the cliff, it appeared exceedingly majestic. The temple’s core was perhaps slightly smaller than the main hall of the Eternal Flame Cathedral, yet its location on the hill platform made the visual impact incredibly strong. Its most distinctive feature was the enormous dome inlaid with golden and fiery red glass.

At high noon, sunlight penetrated the stained glass, casting flowing gold and red hues like fierce flames within the hall, creating a sacred ambiance where the temple itself seemed to be a source of light, perfectly reflecting the name "Radiant Sun." At the center of the dome was also a huge emblem of golden flames. The hall was towering, with walls depicting large murals narrating the Goddess’s journey from mortal to fall, and finally sanctification, especially highlighting the final scene in the valley. It included the High Altar, dedicated to the holy image of the Goddess.

Rong’en guided Su Li to one side of the main hall: "Lord, please come this way."

They passed through a side door, entering a relatively secluded courtyard—the Holy Tear Courtyard. Here was exceptionally quiet, with only the gentle trickling sound from Tearstain Creek forming a small pool. The courtyard’s center lacked grand buildings, just a meticulously tended garden where white Holy Lilies bloomed defiantly even in the cold of winter. In the garden’s center was a bronze statue: a solemn-faced Goddess (Shaya) holding another mortally wounded Goddess (Violet). The atmosphere was solemn and serene.

"This is the core of the Holy Land," Rong’en spoke softly, "symbolizing the resting place of the Goddess, where Holy Blood has nurtured the land and Shaya’s tears transformed into the creek. Holy Lilies bloom here eternally."

Su Li silently gazed at the statue and lilies, nodding. He could feel the special significance and weight of this place.

Departing from the Holy Tear Courtyard, Rong’en led them to other functional areas: the Pilgrim Hall near the valley entrance, specifically arranged for welcoming pilgrims, containing simple lodging rooms and a Holy Altar designated for accepting donations; and a small Crystal Shrine, secluded and dedicated to a large natural crystal stone, representing the shattered rock from when the Goddess was born.

"The Pilgrim Hall is rather simple at present," Rong’en candidly stated, "but we have reserved space for expansion. When pilgrim numbers increase, this area could develop into a more comprehensive reception zone."

As Su Li listened, he carefully observed the layout and defensive facilities of the temple. Watchtowers, stone walls at the valley entrance, mountain-side barracks, the solid base of the main hall, and shooting apertures all indicated that the place was not only a Holy Land but also a fully functional military fortification.

"The defensive considerations are very thorough," Su Li commented. ℯⅇ𝙡.

"Indeed, Lord. The Valley of Sacred Light is easy to defend and hard to attack, the building itself has incorporated defense designs. The Knight Order stationed here can both protect the Holy Land and serve as a barrier for the southwest direction of the territory," Rong’en replied.

"At the station, it includes command areas, such as the Sun Wheel Combat Hall, Sacred Light Strategy Room, training grounds, barracks, and armory. The architectural style is unified with the temple body but emphasizes practicality and defensibility."

"To enhance attraction, we have also constructed a Historical Exhibition Gallery within the temple, used to display the history, achievements, honors, and important relics of the Hesse Territory and the Church Knight Order, such as replicas of your Lord’s former swords, fragments of flags from major battles, etc. The design emphasizes glory and heritage. We believe this is a critical factor in attracting adherents for pilgrimage."

It’s evident that if there’s anything different about the existence of the Radiant Sun Temple compared to the Eternal Flame Cathedral or the Revered Temple, it lies in the Fiery Sun Goddess adherents of this land, or rather the Divine Chosen Knight Su Li, who truly leads troops to achieve one brilliant victory after another. He is the epitome of the Divine Chosen Knight of the Fiery Sun Goddess in the present age.