Storm of Gods

Chapter 73 The Four Hidden Paths of the New Era

Lord of the night, embodiment of tranquility, controller of evil, great moon goddess, turn your gaze upon the mortal realm, for a devout servant is calling!
Matthew amplified his spiritual power, and his surging and resonant voice echoed throughout the church, seemingly creating some kind of resonance. The statue also emitted a red light once more, responding to the chief bishop. However, the power of blessing seemed completely uninterested in Li Xin, sweeping over him without leaving any residue.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. The chief bishop looked at Li Xin with a hint of helplessness, "It seems you are not destined to be with my lord."

Luo Jin and Casey also looked regretful. Such opportunities for blessing are rare. Even nobles rarely get a blessing from the chief bishop. This refers to the kind of blessing that consumes the bishop's own accumulated divine power, not the kind that is just a formality.

Even an ordinary person like Xueyin would receive protection if she received this blessing. Under normal circumstances, Li Xin would definitely benefit even more.

Luo Jin felt particularly sorry, because Li Xin needed this blessing even more. The fact that it failed twice in a row meant that Li Xin was truly destined to be separated from the Moon Goddess.

Seeing Li Xin's somewhat bewildered expression, the chief bishop smiled magnanimously, "Your destiny doesn't lie here, so don't be too disappointed. Perhaps it lies with other gods."

"Your Excellency, this lad has had a tragic fate. Please show him the way forward," Luo Jin said, bowing.

Looking at Luo Jin, Li Xin didn't know what to say. His cheap uncle was just too much. He didn't think he was that miserable, just average.

Matthew looked at Li Xin and nodded. "After all these years, this is the first time I've seen Luo Jin think so highly of a young man. Very well, you can ask me any questions you'd like to know."

"Chief Bishop, I'm a bit lost right now. What kind of cultivation path should I choose?" Li Xin asked.

Matthew sized up Li Xin. "That's a good question. Few people think like that. Isn't cultivation just about increasing power? Why do you ask that?"

"After joining the Night Watch and spending some time in the Order of the Nether, I discovered that there are many ways to increase one's power, and they seem to be quite different. I heard from the senior members of the Night Watch that choosing different paths means choosing different destinies. By the way, I read in the newspaper that Grand Consul Luther also said that only by walking the right path can one reach the other side," Li Xin said.

What is a road?

This question has been bothering Li Xin for some time, and he is genuinely seeking advice.

Matthew looked at Li Xin for a long time, then sighed deeply. "Your comprehension is indeed quite good. It's a pity. Oh well, Luo Jin said you made contributions to the Licker and Sucker cases, so consider this a reward for you. There are many ways for Awakened Ones to increase their power, but very few can ultimately reach a very high level. That's because they didn't choose a path from the beginning or chose the wrong path."

Not only Li Xin, but Luo Jin and Casey also pricked up their ears. Matthew looked at the statue in front of him, his voice becoming low.
“Psionic power is just the key, nothing special. The path is the direction. In the Old Era, humanity had hundreds of hidden paths, but in the New Era, these hidden paths have either disappeared or become associated with four paths, which, in our Beijing dialect, are the broad highways: the Enforcer, the Knight, the Prayer, and the Preacher,” Matthew said, glancing at Li Xin to see that he was listening attentively, before continuing.
“Different paths differ in the form of power and the way of improvement. Law enforcers are the most common, and night patrollers are one type of law enforcer. There are no special requirements, and it is universal. The path of law enforcers is full of dangers and thorns. Setbacks, sadness, and loneliness are the norm, and the higher the cultivation level, the more so.” He glanced at Luo Jin as he spoke.

This is Luo Jin's path, and it is strongly reflected in Luo Jin himself. As for the other night patrolmen... they haven't even entered the door yet, so they can't be called on the path.

Everyone looked at Luo Jin, but Luo Jin's face was very calm. He had accepted his fate and didn't feel anything about it.

“The second path is the knighthood. It’s also a universal route, sharing the fate of the kingdom you belong to. Grand Archon Luther walked this path, but it’s a bit of a pity. He was only one step away from eternity. No matter which path you take, the mortals who eventually reach the end are already close to gods,” Matthew said, glancing at Li Xin. “Luo Jin really hopes you will take this path. I also think this path is more friendly to us mortals. The hardships and trials are the same, but it will keep you away from darkness and loneliness.”

Li Xin's heart was pounding, not only because he had finally learned something useful, but also because there was a very useful piece of information: Luther was just one step away. With his abilities and vision, what was he missing in the end?
“The first two paths are universal, while the latter two paths have more stringent requirements. The third path, the Prayer, also known as the Favored One, requires extremely deep divine favor. They are chosen by the gods, and their cultivation only requires prayer and piety to advance. It is one in ten thousand; if you are one, you are one, and if you are not, you are not. It cannot be forced,” Matthew said.

Li Xin was somewhat envious. He was clearly no match for her. The Moon Goddess ignored him, and aside from the other gods, he didn't even meet the requirement of piety.

“The fourth path is that of a preacher. To spread the name of God and let His will spread among mankind,” Matthew said, smiling as he looked at Li Xin, who seemed somewhat expectant. “No matter which path you choose, there will be gains and losses.”

Matthew's own path is that of a preacher, or a bishop of the Holy See, a high-ranking figure in every country on the Dao Yuan Continent.

"Uncle Archbishop, what do preachers need to give up?" Xueyin asked, tilting her head.

Matthew smiled at Xueyin and patted her head. "I'm an old man now. You can't have everything. Ordinary happiness is actually very good. These are all dark secrets that can't be told to outsiders. Let's stop here for today." Casey didn't have any pursuit in cultivation and didn't feel much about it. She just thought it sounded exaggerated and cool. But Li Xin had indeed broadened his horizons. This understanding was probably not clear to the people at the Round Table.

Because of the incident involving drug users, Li Xin's impression of this chief bishop was so-so, somewhat undeserving of his title, with a whole bunch of levels above him. However, after getting to know him, he was quite extraordinary, with a demeanor, abilities, and knowledge that were unmatched by others.

“Casey, take them back. I still have work to report to the Archbishop,” Luo Jin said.

Casey led Li Xin and Xueyin away. Little Xueyin didn't know what everything meant today, thinking it was just a visit to the cathedral. In the carriage, Li Xin fell into thought. He could sense that the other party was holding back, but the contents were too intriguing to be pondered.

In the church, Luo Jin asked the chief bishop about his attitude toward the Four Nations Tournament, as he would be focusing his attention on the Papacy in the near future.

"Keep a close eye on Zhao Qing and try to find a breakthrough from him."

Directly targeting Zhao Xun is impossible, as Zhao Xun's influence is far greater. Even under such circumstances, he managed to suppress Zhao Xun with a combination of offense and defense. Luo Jin felt a little regretful, but there was nothing he could do. Perhaps Zhao Qing, who did not have Zhao Xun's status or experience, was a better option.

They all knew that the shrewd and calculating Zhao Xun couldn't possibly be unaware that perhaps his arrogance was his only weakness.

Inside the carriage, Casey and Xueyin were chatting and laughing non-stop, but Li Xin didn't hear a word they said.

Those favored by the gods have nothing to do with him. The gods don't think much of him, and even if they did, he would still have some doubts.

The title of "preacher" sounds very cool, but it's actually the path of a bishop. In reality, it should be the path of a ruler. You can pass that path, as it's obviously the highest and most difficult. Even becoming a night patrolman requires clinging to Luo Jin's coattails. Church bishops are trained from a young age, starting as pastors. They are the most devout believers of God who undergo countless trials before they can advance step by step. It's no exaggeration to say that they are one in ten thousand among believers.

As for what they will have to pay, judging from the first three paths, this one will probably require even more. I'm a little curious about what they will have to pay. Xueyin asked, but the chief bishop didn't answer. However, you could still tell from his micro-expressions that the price was also quite high.

The first two categories, Enforcers and Knights, correspond to Night Patrolmen and the Order of the Dragon in the Kingdom of Lilong. Enforcers are at the bottom of the hierarchy and need to increase their power through various missions and risking their lives, constantly facing darkness and danger while always at risk of losing everything.

In comparison, the knights are better, which is why Luo Jin advised him. Perhaps feeling that recent events made Luo Jin think he hadn't listened at all, he had the chief bishop speak up.

If one has sufficient strength and resources, and cannot choose to be a supplicant or preacher, then knighthood is the orthodox path.

Luther had an advantage over him from the start; he chose the path of knighthood, which bound knights to the kingdom, allowing them to maintain their "self" on a spiritual level.

Another difference is that law enforcers and knights are not required to have absolute faith, while prayer and preaching are definitely not acceptable without absolute faith.

After pondering for a while... Li Xin felt that some crucial information might have been avoided here. The chief monk introduced four paths and directions of cultivation, but did not say how to walk these paths, or how to walk them well and steadily.

Why did Luther fall at the last step?

Judging from his experience, this guy is pretty awesome.

Given the chief bishop's status and wisdom, it was clear that he didn't want to say this, and of course, he didn't have that kind of influence himself. This time, he was only giving guidance because of Lao Luo.

The harvest was quite substantial; at least we've taken another step forward. I'll find an opportunity to send my cheap uncle a wild boar leg.

(End of this chapter)