Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 419 Visiting the State Religion
Inside the church of the state church, the old bishop, with his white hair and hunched back, still sat on his slightly old floating platform, slowly descending in front of Chen Xi.

The platform's metal casing is covered with scratches left by time, but it still steadily supports this old man who has dedicated his life to his faith.

Compared to Chen Xi's last visit, the church of the State Church has undergone another large-scale expansion.

The grand vision that once existed only in the old bishop's blueprints—that magnificent cathedral with its spire breaking through the Carmen Line—has now moved from paper to reality.

The construction site was filled with the roar of machinery and the towering scaffolding. The massive base was already completed, and workers were building the main structure upwards.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the unfinished high walls, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Over the past decade, with the ongoing Rostov Expedition, the State Church has invested a significant amount of resources and manpower into the subsector.

Although the primary mission of these jihadist armies is to participate in expeditions, according to the rules established by Chen Xi in his early years, all jihadist armies must undergo systematic training before going to the front lines.

Therefore, they will all stay on the Rostov II for a period of time.

During this period of waiting for their deployment, in addition to undergoing rigorous military training every day, these devout believers would spontaneously organize to go to the construction site of the Great Cathedral to contribute their efforts.

As dawn breaks, you can see them marching in formation to the construction site, and even as the sun sets, some are still working.

The construction site was bustling with activity: strong young believers carried heavy bricks and stones to their designated locations; meticulous craftsmen carefully mixed mortar to ensure that every bond was strong and reliable; and diligent cleaners moved among the workers, promptly removing debris and other waste generated during construction.

Although each person's contribution may seem insignificant, it is the accumulation of these seemingly trivial tasks day after day that allowed the foundation of this temple to gradually take shape and become stable over ten years.

As the expeditionary war gradually subsided, the holy warriors, who had more opportunities to rest and recuperate, devoted themselves to construction with boundless enthusiasm for the Emperor.

The sounds of labor on the construction site continued from dawn to late at night. The sounds of hammering, cutting, and shouting intertwined to form a devout hymn that echoed endlessly above the church.

However, no matter how the church is expanded and renovated, the simple stone gate that the old bishop built with his own hands has always stood quietly in the same place.

The rough chisel marks on the stone gate are still clearly visible after the passage of time, like a silent guardian, silently reminding every clergyman and believer who passes by: never forget your original intention, and you will achieve your goal.

This unassuming stone gate has transcended its physical significance, becoming a spiritual symbol connecting the past and present of the state religion, witnessing the enduring inheritance and ever-growing development of faith in this star field.

"Welcome, Your Excellency. You haven't come here much these past few years." The old bishop's voice was still as gentle and kind as he remembered, only now it had a touch more hoarseness from the passage of time.

A familiar smile slowly appeared on his wrinkled face, and his eyes, though cloudy, were still bright, and the reverence he showed when he looked at Chen Xi was almost overflowing.

Ever since that sacred moment ten years ago—the moment when the living saint Saint Celestine appeared in the church—the old bishop had firmly believed in his heart that Chen Xi was the new representative of the emperor.

And all the events that have happened over the years—whether it be the triumphant news of the holy war against heretics or the amazing feat of purifying demons—have all proven his unwavering belief.

In the old man's devout gaze, everything Chen Xi did—from commanding the expeditionary force to defeat the heretics to purifying the planet polluted by chaos—was a perfect embodiment of the Emperor's will.

The old bishop gently stroked the eagle emblem on his chest with his wrinkled hands, convinced that the "living saint" standing before him was the embodiment of the Emperor's will.

As a devout believer who has served the emperor throughout his life, he must devote all his wisdom and strength to assisting this sacred agent and helping him fulfill the sacred mission of purifying the star field and spreading the faith.

"I've been busy with the expedition and haven't been able to greet you in a long time, Your Excellency the Bishop." Chen Xi bowed slightly and placed his right hand on his chest in a standard Catholic greeting.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the conversation naturally turned to the progress of the church's expansion.

The old bishop excitedly described the latest progress on the cathedral dome, while Chen Xi politely inquired about the logistical support at the Jihad Army's base.

Whenever the heroic deeds of the Holy War Army were mentioned, the old bishop would always murmur his heartfelt praise, a smile of satisfaction spreading across his wrinkled face; while Chen Xi always maintained a humble attitude, attributing the victory to the Emperor's protection and the sacrifices of his soldiers.

"There are still many areas under construction here, and the conditions are rudimentary. Please forgive us, Your Excellency," the old bishop said apologetically, as he led Chen Xi through the completed main corridor.

Despite his description of it as "simple," the towering stained-glass windows on both sides of the corridor refracted brilliant light and shadow under the sun, depicting the deeds of the emperors and saints, and the floor was paved with precious stone from distant star regions. Every detail exuded solemnity and magnificence.

They arrived at an exquisitely crafted elevator, with a saint relief made of pure gold inlaid on the elevator door frame.

After the two entered the sedan chair, Chen Xi suddenly noticed something and turned to stare at the golden statue of a saint on the inner wall.

The more he looked at the face, the more familiar it seemed, and he couldn't help but give a wry smile.

"Isn't it a bit much to put my face on the statue of the state saint?" Chen Xi asked the old bishop helplessly.

The old bishop remained composed, as if discussing the day's weather: "Your Excellency, what difference do you see between yourself and a saint now?"

Chen Xi's brows furrowed even more, and her fingers unconsciously tightened around the elevator handrail: "I'll say it again, I'm just an ordinary mortal carrying out the emperor's decree."

Every soldier in the expeditionary force, every craftsman in the forging world, even the lowest laborer in the hive—we all serve the Emperor in our own ways. My duty is no more noble than theirs.”

The old bishop's wrinkled fingers gently stroked the holy seal pendant on his chest, but the light in his eyes grew even more intense: "My lord, do you know that it is this humility that makes your holy deeds shine even brighter?"
When you say, 'I am but a mortal,' you lead an expeditionary force to defeat the terrifying aliens; when you claim to be 'no one special,' you personally banish the demon prince and send two alien planets into the warp.

The old man suddenly smiled mischievously: "Look, even the machine spirit in this elevator is exceptionally docile towards you."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xi glanced at the elevator's control panel—indeed, the elevator, which usually made a humming sound, was operating unusually smoothly and quietly today.

This caused a dull ache in his temples; such "miracles" only intensified the fanaticism of believers.

He knew all too well the consequences of being elevated to a divine status: fanatical followers would treat every word he uttered as divine pronouncements and every decision he made as divine will.

At that time, let alone implementing reforms, even the most basic strategic adjustments will likely be resisted for "blasphemy."

He has always been averse to the fanatical religious atmosphere of the state religion. Although he understands that it is necessary, he finds the fanatical religious atmosphere quite repulsive at times.

Especially when seeing the State Religion's series of rituals that made it hard to tell whether they believed in the Emperor or the Second Elder, Chen Xi genuinely felt physically uncomfortable. But in the Warhammer world, this living hell, if you don't believe in the Emperor, then the other four are eyeing your soul with predatory intent.

Therefore, believing in the emperor is necessary, but overly fanatical faith is also disliked. This is precisely the key point of Chen Xi's contradictory attitude towards the state religion.

"We've arrived," the old bishop's voice interrupted his thoughts.

The elevator doors slid open silently, and the scent of incense and parchment scrolls wafted out.

Chen Xi took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing these conflicts in his heart—today's discussion is about other issues, and the theological debate can be continued another day.

“Your Excellency, regarding the topic of saints, I think we should follow the regulations of the Holy Terra State Church Headquarters. What do you think?” Chen Xi softened his tone, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his chair.

He deliberately avoided the old bishop's eager gaze and turned his attention to the imperial icon hanging on the wall of the reception room—that was the true object of worship for the believers.

An understanding smile appeared on the old bishop's wrinkled face. He nodded slightly, his white robe rippling with the movement: "Of course, Your Excellency. I will formally submit an application to the Vatican of Terra to advance the sacred procedure of canonizing you as a living saint."

He spoke these words with a devout tone, as if he were discussing a sacred mission that had already been ordained.

Chen Xi's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and used the rising steam to mask his helpless expression: "Let's talk about that when the day comes. Please refrain from any personality cult now; I'm very..."

He paused for a moment, searching his mind for words that could express his displeasure without losing his composure, but in the end he could only shake his head and give up: "If you really want to use the icon, then continue using Her Excellency Saint Celestine's face. I don't think she'll mind."

“As you wish.” The old bishop nodded peacefully, his age-spotted fingers making an eagle salute to his chest: “I will remind the craftsmen to make some necessary adjustments.”

He surprisingly didn't dwell on the issue, which secretly relieved Chen Xi.

The servants quietly left the reception room, and the heavy oak door slowly closed with a dull "click" as it was driven by a mechanical device.

The old bishop pressed the rune button on the corner of the table, and with a hum of energy field activation, a faint blue light lit up on the walls around the reception room—a sign that the most advanced soundproofing field was in operation.

Now, this room has become a secluded haven, and no eavesdropping device can penetrate its protective barrier.

After confirming that the soundproofing field was functioning perfectly, the old bishop relaxed his solemn expression. He leaned forward slightly, placing his wrinkled hands crossed on the table: "Your Excellency, you have come all this way to see me, presumably to address the current labor shortage in the star sector?"

This speculation is not surprising.

Chen Xi looked directly into the old man's wise eyes and nodded decisively: "That's right, the labor shortage in the entire sub-sector has now exceeded ten million."

"Besides the Mechanical Religion, only the State Religion has the means to provide me with qualified labor."

At this point, Chen Xi's brows furrowed involuntarily.

He paused for a moment, seemingly choosing his words carefully: "The Mechanicus's Life Womb Factory can indeed produce labor quickly, but the production line of the Oregana Sage on Rostov III... cannot keep up with the growing demand across the entire subsector."

“I see.” The old bishop nodded slowly, his eyes beneath his silvery eyebrows gleaming with understanding. “It seems the situation is more serious than I imagined.”

He stroked the holy seal pendant on his chest, but suddenly changed the subject: "However, Your Excellency, you should understand that even with the influence of the state religion, organizing such a large-scale migration would not only require a long period of preparation, but also an astronomical amount of resources."

Chen Xi's lips tightened.

He had anticipated this answer and had prepared a response: "I understand the difficulties of the state religion."

His voice was calm and firm: "I understand. If the state religion has any needs, I will try my best to meet them as long as Rostov can."

"As long as you let the Emperor's glory shine throughout the entire sub-sector." The old man's voice suddenly became incredibly clear, each word as if it had been forged through countless trials: "Let the people of every planet devoutly recite His holy name, and let His faith spread like sparks to every corner."

Chen Xi's pupils contracted slightly, and her knuckles unconsciously tightened on the armrest of the seat.

He had expected to hear specific conditions such as tax breaks or missionary privileges, but he never imagined that the old bishop's demands would be so...pure.

The old mechanical clock was still ticking, its sound particularly clear in the enclosed reception room.

The old bishop's aged fingers gently traced the faded eagle emblem on his chest, his gaze still fixed on the mural—in which the emperor's golden light dispelled the chaotic gloom.

Chen Xi's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

The request was so simple that it almost made him suspicious—there were no additional terms, no specific details, just the most basic missionary permission.

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded decisively: "That's only natural."

He certainly understood the value behind it.

When the Great Rift tears the Milky Way apart, only unwavering faith can protect the souls of mortals from being corrupted by chaos.

Although it will be another twenty years before the Great Rift opens, Chen Xi cannot wait until the Great Rift opens before making preparations.

Twenty years is but a fleeting moment on an interstellar scale; he must build a spiritual fortress on every planet.

The old bishop seemed to read his thoughts, and a knowing smile appeared on his wrinkled face.

The air between the two suddenly became lighter, as if they had reached some kind of tacit understanding that transcended words.

(End of this chapter)