Xing Tie: Wait a minute! How come Weng Xing has two saviors?

Bai Mo and Xi Lian both stopped chewing and looked at him. The moment of parting had finally arrived.

Bai Mo swallowed the last bite of bread, dusted off the crumbs on his hands, and stood up. He walked to his bag and picked up the heavy bag of wheat seeds. Untying the string, he unhesitatingly took out about a third of the seeds and carefully wrapped them in a clean cloth.

"Here you go." Bai Mo handed the small cloth bag to Bai E.

Bai E was taken aback: "This is... wheat seed?"

“Hmm,” Bai Mo nodded, his eyes calm. “The wheat seeds from the Ai Li Mi Xie. Take them with you, Bai E. Wherever you go.” Then, his tone turned slightly arrogant. “Hmph, if you get lost next time we meet, you’ll have to call me brother.”

Bai E looked at the small cloth bag in her hand, feeling the fullness and firmness of the wheat grains, then looked up at Bai Mo's face, which was trying to appear arrogant but couldn't hide his concern. A warm feeling mixed with bitterness welled up in her heart.

He gripped the cloth bag tightly and nodded heavily: "I will, brother! You also need to take care of yourself and Sister Xilian." He turned to Xilian and said solemnly: "Sister Xilian, I'm entrusting Bai Mo to you."

Xi Lian stood up, walked to Bai E, and gently hugged him, like an older sister hugging her younger brother who was about to embark on a long journey: "Go, Xiao Bai. Go and become stronger. We will be alright. Janus (the Titan of the Gate) will guide your path, and Georia (the Titan of the Earth) will protect your safety." Her blessing was gentle yet full of power.

Bai E took a deep breath and looked one last time at the two most important people in front of him. Without further hesitation, he turned around, slung his steel longsword over his shoulder, and strode towards the post road.

The golden morning light fell on his straight back, as if draping him in a layer of burning armor. His figure gradually receded into the distance, eventually disappearing into the light dust rising from the road.

For a moment, only the crackling of the campfire and the babbling of the stream remained on the open space. A sense of melancholy at parting filled the air.

Xi Lian sighed softly, walked to Bai Mo's side, and looked at his hands still holding the remaining wheat seeds. "Little Bai Mo, we should continue our journey. The road to Janusapolis is still very long."

Bai Mo carefully put the wheat seeds back into his bag and slung it over his shoulder again. The half-bag of flour also remained securely on the other side of the bag. He took one last look in the direction where Bai E had disappeared, his eyes filled with complex emotions, but ultimately settling into a quiet resolve.

"Okay, let's go, Sister Xilian," he said, his voice returning to its usual tone.

A colossal city whose magnificence defies description, like a creation from mythology, stands silently on the edge of a perilous cliff.

Its walls are built of huge, perfectly cut white boulders, reflecting a cold and holy light under the strong sunlight, like a fortress sculpted from ice and snow.

The city is built on the mountainside, with buildings layered upon each other extending upwards, and at the highest point, several spires pierce the clouds, their tips gleaming golden in the sunlight.

Within the city, one can vaguely see wide streets, huge squares, and countless buildings of a unified yet solemn style. An ancient, solemn, and luminous and sacred atmosphere permeates the air, even from a distance.

This is the Temple of Naonpharos! The center of faith for the three Titans of Fate! The place where the three Titans of Fate meet: Janus holds the gates and paths, Tarranton upholds the law and justice, and Eulonis sustains the years and the night!

(Author: I'm fired up! I don't know exactly what triggered it...)

Golden Finger: Get out of my observation range, you lunatic!

“We…have arrived.” Xi Lian’s voice sounded somewhat ethereal in the wind, yet it carried a sense of relief that everything had settled and an almost imperceptible anticipation.

She gathered her wind-blown pink hair and gazed at the colossal city atop the cliff, her eyes flashing with complex emotions.

A new beginning? Or the edge of another massive vortex?

"Yes, we've arrived." Bai Mo responded softly, his gaze fixed on the gleaming "Ivory Temple" on the mountain plateau.

Chapter 7 Bai Mo: What kind of makeshift temple is this? How come there's a master who can change faces without losing a bean?

The Temple of Destiny in Janusapolis is far more vast and profound inside than one might imagine from the mountaintop.

Huge white stone pillars support a towering dome, on which are depicted indistinct ancient star maps and the majestic figures of Titans.

Sunlight streamed in through the long, narrow, stained-glass window high up, casting its rays onto the cold, smooth floor.

In the reception hall, the two stood before a young priest dressed in a plain white robe trimmed with gold. The robe was slightly oversized, making his figure appear somewhat thin.

He wore a formulaic, gentle smile, but his eyes revealed the same essence as Bai Mo—a lazy bum.

“Miss Xi Lian,” the young priest’s voice sounded somewhat abrupt in the empty hall.

"Congratulations on passing the initial spiritual resonance test. Your talent... well, it's very pure, with a natural affinity for the whispers of Oronis."

According to the procedure, you are now qualified to become a trainee priest of the temple. Someone will take you shortly to collect your trainee robes and relevant certifications.

He paused, then turned to Bai Mo, his smile now carrying a more formulaic apology: "As for you, Mr. Bai Mo, I'm sorry."

We conducted a detailed examination, including spiritual perception, legal affinity, and insight into the threads of destiny... Unfortunately, we did not find that you possess the innate qualities required to become a Fate Titan Priest.

The position of priest is probably not for you.

As expected. Bai Mo felt nothing, even a slight urge to laugh. How could a transmigrator like him possibly be connected to this temple that served gods, studied laws and destiny? His goal here was never to become a priest.

Seeing that neither of them reacted, the young priest coughed lightly and urged them tactfully, "So... what are you still doing standing here? Aren't you going to leave?" His subtext was clear: you two can leave now.

"Huh? You don't need to take Sister Xilian deeper into the temple, uh... like to serve the Titans or something? A ceremony? A vow?" Bai Mo was a little confused. This was different from what he had expected. Why was he being asked to leave as soon as he entered?

"Huh?" The young priest was taken aback by his question, and his formulaic smile froze. "Aren't you all here in Janusapolis to get a priesthood certificate and then go to other city-states to get a respectable nominal priesthood job?"

Xi Lian frowned slightly, stepped forward, and said in a clear and firm voice, "High Priest, I have come here through hardships to serve the Titan of Fate, and especially to listen to the voice of Oronis. I am not here for any proof or a nominal position." Her long pink hair seemed to shimmer in the light and shadow of the glass window, and her expression was solemn.

"Wait, you mean..." The young priest's eyes widened slightly, his expression becoming quite complex—a mixture of surprise, a hint of barely perceptible joy, but mostly an indescribable sense of relief? He subconsciously lowered his voice and leaned forward slightly.

"Is this young lady truly here to become a core priestess serving the Titans? Is she going to stay deep within the temple, listening to those... uh, ramblings, and adhering to all the rules and regulations, the kind who never leaves?" Jacob's voice lowered, carrying a hint of eager confirmation.

“That’s right.” Xi Lian nodded.

Jacob's serious expression instantly crumbled, his initial joy replaced by worry and guilt. He rubbed his hands together, then nervously glanced around to make sure no one else was near before speaking rapidly in an almost whispered voice:

"Oh my goodness... my lady! What... what are you after? To be honest,"

He wore a bitter expression. "The path of a priest of the Temple of Fate is not easy to walk now! The three Titans worshipped in Janusapolis, the 'Gateway' and the 'Law,' have long since vanished without a trace or response! Now, the priests can only barely communicate with Lord Oronis..."

He sighed, his tone filled with the helplessness of someone who had been through it all: "But His Majesty... He mutters to himself all day long, spouting fragments of prophecy, echoes of history, whispers of possibilities that no one can understand or make sense of... There are hardly any people in the temple who can truly understand what He is saying, let alone get clear guidance from it."

One conversation with them and my head is spinning for three days! And the restrictions on these core priests are deadly—asceticism, numerous precepts, limited range of activities, and although there is a stipend, it's pitifully small... In comparison, being a nominal priest in one of those wealthy city-states is leisurely, respectable, and well-paid. Those who know, know!

Although my teacher always tells me to recruit more talented young people to enrich the temple, seeing how young you are, I really can't bear to let you go down this endless 'path of no return' like I did..." Jacob's face was full of sincere advice: "Run! It's not too late to run now!"

"Jacob—!"

An aged yet powerful voice, booming like a bell, suddenly erupted from the deep corridor at the other end of the hall, carrying thunderous anger, and echoed throughout the empty stone palace.

"I could hear your disrespectful and deceitful words from three corridors away! Are you planning to keep copying the 'precepts' this month until next year?!"

With a roar, a figure emerged swiftly from the shadows as if carrying a storm. It was a tall, white-haired old man, also dressed in a white priest's robe with gold trim, but the robe was starched and crisp, with intricate and majestic gold embroidery.

His face was as hard as if carved by a knife and axe, and now it was slightly red with anger. His sharp eyes were fixed on Jacob, who had frozen into a stone statue like a hawk.

“Teacher…Teacher?!” Jacob’s face turned deathly pale, and his body involuntarily shrank back. “I…I didn’t mean that! I meant…I meant that the path to the Temple requires unwavering will and…and…”

"Shut up!" The old man—High Priest Vittorio, one of the three de facto leaders of the temple—had already approached. His imposing gaze swept over the trembling Jacob, finally landing on Xi Lian and Bai Mo. But upon seeing Xi Lian, he immediately put on a smile.

(Bai Mo: Ribbit! Changes face without losing points? He's actually a hidden master!)

“Miss, don’t listen to Jacob’s nonsense. Although our temple priests are not well treated, we are definitely respected. Who in this city-state wouldn’t greet us when they see us?”

So, someone like you, possessing such rare and pure spirituality, and who has voluntarily requested to serve Euronis… I've decided, your apprentice priesthood will be directly promoted to full priesthood, and your salary will always be half a level higher than your rank. What do you think?”

Jacob opened his mouth as if to say something, but Vittorio glared at him and shut him up.

Xi Lian and Bai Mo exchanged a glance, speechless. Was this Holy Temple some kind of makeshift organization? Making someone a permanent employee just like that? Raising their salary so easily? It all seemed so hasty.

“High Priest.” Xi Lian bowed slightly, her posture elegant and composed. “I am Xi Lian, from the Aili Mixie. He is Bai Mo, my companion. We have been through much together to reach this place. As for joining the temple, as you mentioned, I am naturally willing. However, I have heard that I wish to reside in Janusapolis…”

“Of course…of course…finding a place to stay for your companions is a perfectly reasonable request. Don’t worry, even novice priests have the right to reside in Janusapolis.” Vittorio stroked his chin.

“Jacob! Go find the person in charge of this at the temple and tell him it's the High Priest's order to register a standard courtyard for this gentleman in one of the city-states. Remember, even if it's a standard plot, choose the best one! Do you understand?”

"But Teacher, what about the other high priests..."

"Yes! I'll go right away."

“Miss Xilian, come with me. From now on, you will be my priestess… If you have any questions, just ask that rascal Jacob.” Vittorio left with a smug smile.

Chapter 8: Life in Januspolis: Starting from Zero

"Bai Mo! Hurry up! What are you rushing me for! I only joined the Temple two days ago, and you want me to use the legendary Oronis spell that only a saintess can use at will—Return of Time?" Xi Lian threw several rolls of parchment at Bai Mo in a fit of rage.

"Xi... Sister Xi Lian? You're on your period? Why are you so irritable?" Bai Mo was a little surprised, as he had only come to ask every half hour.

Let's also find out about Xilian's progress in learning prayer, her usage of prayer, her spell learning, her understanding of the priestly rituals of Oronis, and so on...

"Ughhhh—Bai Mo! I already said! If you're really free, go cook two dishes for our lunch! Don't! Ask me again! About! The Temple!" Xi Lian was clearly annoyed by Bai Mo.

"Okay, okay, I'll add two more dishes for lunch, just two more!" Bai Mo carefully closed the door. He let out a long sigh and then laughed. "Phew—Sister Xi Lian is truly worthy of being called Sister Xi Lian. She's almost reached the intermediate priest level in just two days. Takeoff is just around the corner!"

"Ugh—I'm exhausted," Xi Lian said, slumping down onto the table on the first floor as she came downstairs at lunchtime. "Little Bai Mo, your sister Xi Lian is starving!"

"Here it comes~ Here it comes~" Bai Mo placed several plates in front of Xi Lian. "Sister Xi Lian, here are the sweet and sour pork ribs that you mentioned you liked last time."

"As expected, Xiaobai Mo is the best to Sister Xilian?" As if smelling the aroma of food, Xilian's spirits improved significantly, and even her words carried a distinctive and adorable tone.

"Xiao Bai Mo (chewing), you cook so well (chewing), and you can even make a bunch of super delicious dishes that I've never even seen before (chewing), have you ever thought about opening a restaurant to make some money? (chewing) Otherwise, before the subsidies are issued, your sister Xi Lian will only be able to eat bread. (chewing)" Xi Lian asked while gnawing on a bone.

"Is the temple's subsidy really this small?" Bai Mo asked, somewhat surprised. These past few days, he'd been asking Xi Lian for money directly for any ingredients he needed. He didn't know the exact amount of the subsidy.

Xi Lian spat out a bone and said angrily, "Speaking of this makes me angry. That old guy was really no good! The so-called internship to full-time position means that as long as you work for a week and perform well, you can directly become a full-time priest from an intern priest."

"Moreover... in order to attract more talented people to join, the Temple usually offers the equivalent of one or two positions' worth of compensation to talented people like you, Sister Xilian! How infuriating!"

“But the standard courtyard he arranged for us is indeed the best location. It’s close to the market and the temple, and it’s also within the temple’s curfew area at night. There are guards patrolling, so it’s safe and not too noisy,” Bai Mo added.

"It's precisely because this courtyard has such a good location and high foot traffic that I suggested Xiaobai Mo open a restaurant, okay? Please, Xiaobai Mo, your sister Xilian doesn't want to eat hard bread~" Xilian launched her charm offensive. It was incredibly effective!

"Alright, alright. Sister Xilian, but I always feel like there's another reason: Sister Xilian wants to be able to eat my cooking whenever she comes back from the temple?" Bai Mo smiled helplessly, rubbing his forehead.

"Hehe, it has to be Xiaobai Mo, you understand your sister Xilian's thoughts the best." Xilian, seeing her goal achieved, stopped pretending. "But if there's no income, it's true that your sister Xilian will have to eat bread~"

(Two days ago, at the residence of the High Priest of Helios)

Inside the opulent study, the air was thick with the scent of expensive incense. Helios, one of the three leaders of Janusapolis and the high priest known as "The Sun," languidly sank into a plush velvet armchair. His thin, withered fingers were twirling a gleaming gold coin as he listened to his steward's report.

"...Your Excellency, this is 300,000 liheng coins sent by the silk tycoon in the city. He hopes his son can be promoted to high priest as soon as possible..."

"You can handle this yourself," Helios said without even lifting his eyelids, his voice tinged with impatience. "Find an ambiguous old oracle, 'interpret' it for his son, and as long as you don't make it too ugly, just say that he 'understood divine grace and made outstanding contributions,' and promote him exceptionally."

He paused, the gold coin on his fingertip stopped spinning, emitting a soft hum. "No, wait. Follow the proper procedures, let him easily pass the assessment and be promoted. Then... pass a message to that generous gentleman: if he's willing to add another two hundred thousand, making it five hundred thousand Liheng coins, his son can wear the badge of a high priest tomorrow, without waiting for any assessment. Understand?"

"Yes, Your Excellency Helios! Your wisdom shines like the sun!" The steward bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Just as the butler was about to leave the room, Helios seemed to remember something and slowly said, "Wait... You mean, that old stubborn Vittorio personally took in a new priest today?"

A playful yet contemptuous smile appeared on his aged face. "Ha, that stubborn, stinky rock has finally learned to 'adapt'? What a clever trick! Using such a paltry sum, you've managed to secure half a lifetime's worth of money from a potential star."

I thought he'd always keep his 'loyalty to Oronis' on his lips, remaining aloof and virtuous. Now it seems he's no different from the rest of us.”

(At the same time, in the secret chamber of the High Priest of Ascalon)

In another room with a completely different style, the walls were covered with huge city-state maps and power dynamics diagrams.

The High Priest of Ascalon, the helmsman known as the "Spear of Power," stood with his back to the door, gazing at a city-state marked prominently on the map.

He was tall and imposing; even in his large priestly robes, one could sense the power emanating from them. A servant, dressed in light armor and resembling more of an officer than a priest, stood respectfully to one side.

"Ha, those bookworms from the Divine Enlightenment Tree Court. They claim to respect the Titans the most. Now that we've conveyed the divine message, they dare to refuse it? They even doubt its authenticity? How ungrateful!"

I remember one of the Seven Sages was a sage who was ostracized, right? His name was something like Anaxagoras, wasn't it? Try to reach out to him. Tell him about the support we can offer him.

"As for... Vittorio's actions?" Ascalon's voice was deep and penetrating, like a war drum, "A new priest? Ha, the old ghost is finally starting to look for his 'escape route'?"

Or... has he discovered something special, something worth abandoning those hypocritical rules and regulations to 'invest' in? He didn't turn around, emphasizing the location of that city-state on the map with his finger. "Keep an eye on it. Any variables must be in our hands."

As for that greedy old fox Helios… let him have his way if he only wants the metric coins. Mere metric coins can't buy real power.”

(High Priest Vittorio's meditation room)

Meanwhile, deep within the temple, in a simple, almost rudimentary meditation room, High Priest Vittorio sat on a hardwood chair, draped only in the simplest linen robe.

His student Jacob was carefully helping him remove the outermost robe, which symbolized his status, and hang it on the bare clothes rack beside him.

“Teacher…” Jacob hesitated, but finally couldn’t help but speak, “Why did you…why did you personally accept that Miss Xilian today? And…the conditions of that subsidy, outsiders might have some…unpleasant gossip.” He was referring to the harsh condition of “only giving newcomers a half-priest subsidy,” which almost overturned Vittorio’s usual image.

Vittorio did not answer immediately, but slowly closed his eyes, his wrinkled face showing deep weariness.

“Jacob,” he finally opened his eyes after a long while, his voice hoarse but unusually clear, “You saw the harsh conditions, you heard the possible criticisms… but did you see what was special about that girl?”

Jacob paused, "What's special about it?"

“An extremely powerful talent.” Vittorio’s gaze seemed to pierce through the walls, looking into the unknown distance with a hint of worry. “I can even foresee that, if guided properly, she may one day reach the position of Saintess of Oronis.”

“The Holy Maiden?!” Jacob seemed to realize something.

"She's completely unaware of this, as innocent as a new sprout, utterly defenseless." Vittorio's voice lowered, filled with deep worry.

"If she unfortunately falls into the hands of Helios, that clown who sees the oracle as a tool for making money will treat her as a rare and valuable treasure, squeezing every last drop of value out of her. And if Ascalon discovers her..."

He paused, a flicker of pain in his eyes. "That madwoman who craved power and sought to turn divine pronouncements into war orders... He would not hesitate to forge her into a banner. The last girl with such potential... wasn't her fate enough of a warning?"

“But teacher, your reputation…” Jacob was still worried, “is it worth bearing such a stain for her sake?”

“Reputation?” Vittorio’s lips curled into a desolate yet relieved smile. “What use is this empty reputation to me? As long as Helios and Ascalon’s attention remains on this ‘old stubborn man,’ and they think I’m nothing more than a ‘hypocrite’ who has also begun to covet petty gains, thus ignoring the real rising star, that’s enough.”