Chapter 114: Return to the Church

As the divine power took effect, Bai Ling’s new body finally took shape—a colossal bird standing over seven meters tall appeared before Link and Ashmida. At a closer look, its form resembled the previous Bai Ling, but its feathers had transformed into a stunning sky blue, rich in texture and exquisitely magnificent. At a glance, one could not help but marvel, “What a divine bird indeed.”

This was the reborn Bai Ling. Upon completing its resurrection, Bai Ling let out a comfortable yet powerful eagle cry and gently flapped its enormous wings. Its wingspan now exceeded ten meters, and standing before it felt as though the very sky and sun were being shielded.

Immediately afterward, Link received a new message—a token of Bai Ling’s gratitude—which brought a smile to his face as he reached out to stroke its feathers. Alongside came detailed information about the newly awakened Bai Ling.

No longer an ordinary spirit griffin, Bai Ling had evolved into a new species known as the Thunderstrike Eagle, a high-tier spirit pet with innate lightning talents. Unlike typical high-tier pets, Bai Ling did not start with overwhelming power but was destined to grow gradually. At present, its combat strength reached only the pinnacle of the fifth tier.

However, owing to its growth potential, Bai Ling’s capabilities far exceeded those of most high-tier spirit pets. A ninth-tier level was merely the worst-case estimate; with proper development, surpassing even the ninth tier was not impossible.

Delighted by these revelations, Link felt immense joy. Though considerable divine energy had been expended, the resurrection of Bai Ling alongside such astonishing potential was truly a blessing in disguise.

Without delay, Link climbed onto Bai Ling’s back with Ashmida. Bai Ling spread its wings and soared upward, swiftly vanishing into the horizon.

Post-resurrection, Bai Ling’s speed was incomparable to its former self, and its endurance and stamina had improved dramatically. Even now, its velocity rivaled that of the Thunder Dragon of the Bal Sect, and as it matured, its speed was expected to increase further.

Within an hour, they returned to the headquarters of the Father God Church. The sudden arrival of such a massive and majestic bird startled the congregation, who initially feared a monster attack. Only when Link called out for calm did they relax and curiously examine Bai Ling.

Link offered no lengthy explanation, simply stating that this was Bai Ling, now evolved through the Father God’s blessing into a far mightier being. Though the congregation was surprised, they were not deeply shaken; having witnessed countless divine blessings and miracles, their astonishment had dulled.

This was not without merit, for the calm congregation were fervent believers, unwavering in their faith that the Father God was omnipotent. Meanwhile, the less fanatical members still felt awe, their faith further strengthened.

Though Link’s return was a day late, no issues had arisen within the church. Many assumed he had stayed in Bast City as a guest and would return after a few days.

When Link recounted the attack to the church’s senior leaders, they grew deeply apprehensive. Though Link spoke lightly, the danger was clear to all. Only when he revealed that the Father God had manifested again, bestowing the Golden Sacred Armor, did they breathe a sigh of relief and express renewed gratitude and praise for the great Father God.

Attention then shifted to Ashmida. Due to torn clothing and Bai Ling’s swift flight, Ashmida remained clad in the Golden Sacred Armor. Initially, many assumed this newcomer was just a newly wealthy individual, but they soon realized Ashmida was a Saint Seiya, the legendary and strongest Golden Saint.

The church was well aware of the Saint Seiya, and curiosity about the mightiest Golden Saint ran high. Yet, upon meeting Ashmida, they found her demeanor and strength far from expectations. Her gentle and delicate appearance made it difficult to associate her with the fierce warriors known as Saints, instead resembling a wealthy person dressed in golden armor.

Still, no one looked upon Ashmida with disdain. Link had clarified her situation, and they understood that though she was currently unremarkable, her potential was immense. Once matured, she would undoubtedly become one of the Father God Church’s elite warriors.

Before that, however, Link faced another challenge: managing the mindset of the other Saints-in-training. After years of effort, none had even glimpsed a Sacred Armor, yet Ashmida, a newcomer, had instantly become a Golden Saint. How could they possibly remain calm?

Ignoring this risk could jeopardize their faith. Though fanatics were steadfast, they were still human, subject to emotions and biases. Unfairness could shake even the strongest belief.

Therefore, after briefing the leadership, Link took Ashmida to meet the prospective Saints, explaining her status as a Golden Saint. As expected, a stir arose.

Link quickly added that the Virgo Golden Saint was unique among the Golden Saints, requiring extraordinary aptitude and years of secluded meditation—rarely leaving the room for an entire year. Such an existence was that of an extreme recluse, and without the proper mindset, one would surely go mad. Moreover, the Virgo Golden Saint’s cultivation focused on spiritual rather than physical strength, demanding exceptional mental gifts and elemental perception, qualities absent in all current Saints and candidates.

These conditions were no exaggeration. On their journey back, Link had spoken with Ashmida, learning firsthand the Virgo Armor’s selection criteria. He was grateful to have entrusted the armor to Ashmida, the only one in the entire Father God Church who met the stringent requirements.

Firstly, Ashmida’s congenital blindness and family background kept her mostly indoors, communing daily with surrounding elements; secondly, as a mage with an elemental saint’s body, her spiritual aptitude and elemental sensitivity were among the highest in the known world—few on the entire Eurydice Continent could rival her talents.

Under such circumstances, Ashmida was unquestionably the best fit and the sole candidate for the Virgo Sacred Armor.

Upon hearing these stringent demands, the Saints-in-training were astonished and promptly lost interest in the Virgo armor. They were all active practitioners who preferred physical exertion over meditative seclusion. Being confined indoors for prolonged meditation was torture to them. Furthermore, the armor’s requirements for supreme mental gifts and elemental perception were unattainable for them—had they possessed such talents, they would have pursued magehood instead, as mages had far brighter prospects nowadays.

Thus, a potential crisis threatening internal harmony dissipated. While the aspirant Saints still envied Ashmida, jealousy faded. Their steadfast faith made them acutely aware of their limitations, and rather than begrudge others, they resolved to work harder, striving to earn the Father God’s recognition and join the ranks of Saints like Saga.

After a day’s wait, Link orchestrated another divine miracle within the church, employing the second item drawn the previous night—the architectural stone of the Summoner’s Hall.

The Summoner’s Hall was another structure designed to enhance the combat strength of believers. While not as overwhelmingly powerful as the Paladin’s Hall, it was still formidable, producing summoners capable of calling forth mighty summoned beasts.

The Hall housed statues representing seven summoned beasts, each embodying an element: fire, water, wind, earth, wood, darkness, and light. Those recognized by the Hall could summon these beasts.

At any time, no more than twenty of each summoned beast could exist simultaneously. Even if all seven were fully utilized, only 140 summoners could wield summoned beasts at once.

In reality, the number of summoners would never approach that limit. The conditions to become a summoner far exceeded those for paladins: they required exceptional willpower, talent, character, and faith, as well as strong elemental affinity and mental strength. In essence, summoners had to be mages.

The entire Father God Church counted fewer than thirty mages, of whom even fewer met the criteria. After testing, only two became summoners: one was Elia, the other an unexpected figure—Saga’s sister, Yuna. Her talent even surpassed Elia’s, having been accepted by both the wind and fire summoned beasts immediately upon becoming a summoner.

Elia was no less impressive. Though she had only one summoned beast, it was the rare and coveted light elemental beast.

At Link’s suggestion, Elia and Yuna showcased their summoned beasts, whose splendid and majestic forms captivated and inspired countless onlookers. Most exciting was the fact that summoners did not lose their original strength but gained the ability to summon powerful beasts in addition.

Moreover, summoned beasts’ strength was not fixed. The more powerful the summoner, the stronger their beasts. In other words, a summoner gained a cohort of comrades growing alongside them, whose combined combat effectiveness far exceeded that of other mages of similar rank.

Consequently, becoming a summoner became the ambition of many. However, the stringent conditions meant large-scale cultivation of summoners was nearly impossible.

Link, however, welcomed the chance to promote this advancement. Even if summoners could not be mass-produced, other classes could be nurtured. Once he summoned additional cultivation structures, he could develop a wide variety of formidable forces.

All he needed was to broadcast these blessings under the Father God’s name, attracting more talented and powerful individuals to join the church, and providing believers with goals to pursue, keeping their ambition and passion alive. Link aimed to foster a vibrant, positive environment within the Father God Church—only a dynamic and thriving church could overcome formidable challenges in future competition and ultimately ascend as the supreme faith among the myriad sects.