Chapter Sixteen: Aeolus and Aeolia

Link's words crashed through the town of Kinke like thunder, igniting a storm of public opinion targeting both himself and the Church of the Father. His followers were beside themselves with excitement; they never doubted his proclamations. To witness a divine miracle with their own eyes filled them with unparalleled joy, and all eagerly awaited the promised hour three days hence.

The ordinary townsfolk, however, received the news with skepticism. They found it hard to believe that a miracle would descend upon their impoverished, backward town. Yet, Link spoke with such conviction, it was difficult to dismiss entirely. Perhaps, they thought, there was a chance, and so a nervous anticipation took root among them.

Then there were those who refused to believe at all—people of considerable experience and religious standing. Miracles, revelations, and divine wonders were nothing new to them; indeed, many religious leaders had themselves orchestrated supposed miracles, well aware of their true nature. This group fully intended to attend the spectacle, hoping to expose Link’s performance for what it was. To them, Link had presented a golden opportunity to undermine the Church of the Father, and they awaited the day of the miracle with expectation.

As for the plot to frame Link by sending those frauds against him, he still had not uncovered the mastermind. The culprit was cunning, recruiting outsiders from other towns who knew nothing of the local background, instructing them simply to stir up the crowd in exchange for lucrative rewards. Those greedy fellows never suspected the matter would be so complicated, thinking it a simple task of rousing the masses, only to be caught unawares by Link, who had anticipated their move.

Though the mastermind remained elusive, it was clear enough to Link that the other three religions in Kinke were responsible, with the Temple of the Mad God being the most likely, followed by the Church of the War God, and lastly the Sky Spirit Sect, whose influence was minimal and whose demeanor discreet, though not to be ruled out.

Link didn't waste time pondering who was behind it. He knew that, for the Church of the Father to flourish, conflict with the other religions was inevitable. After the attack in Toronto, he had resolved that Kinke would not tolerate a second religion.

In barely over a month since his arrival, Link had weathered countless crises. He now understood with stark clarity that this was a cruel world, where religious competition was merciless. Over the past century, how many religions had vanished, and how many had risen? If Link failed to strive forward, he too would be swept away like so much dust, his divine system and current identity ensuring he could never escape the contest of faith.

Thus, Link was determined to strengthen the Church of the Father. Until it was firmly established, he would not rest. To achieve this, Kinke must become the garden of the Church of the Father, off-limits to all others.

He laughed at himself, thinking, "Ha, my methods are not so different from those of the medieval European churches—no tolerance for heretical faiths. I used to find such religious zealotry revolting, and now here I am, about to do the same. But what choice do I have? If I don’t act, those people will devour me, leaving nothing behind."

With these thoughts, Link grew more resolute. Just then, Elia approached, her voice tinged with reluctance: "Neil, are we really moving away?"

Link nodded, gently tapping her nose with a smile. "Silly girl, we’re only moving to the monastery outside town, not leaving Kinke altogether. We can come back anytime. Why so gloomy?"

With Jack now formally part of the Church of the Father, the monastery outside town had come under Link’s control. He decided to make it the headquarters of the Church and to stage the miracle there.

As for the Star God Church’s chapel in town, Link planned to renovate it and convert it into a branch once he had spare funds.

Elia pouted, unhappy. "I know, but Neil, this is our home, where we grew up. Leaving feels like being farther from Father..." Her expression grew wistful.

"So that’s what’s troubling her," Link realized. Elia, mature for her age, was still just a fourteen-year-old girl; memories with her father were precious, and leaving a place so full of them naturally brought resistance.

He stroked her hair. "Silly girl, for Father, our happiness is what matters most. We’re moving to a better place now—he’d surely be glad if he knew. Besides," he paused, gazing meaningfully at the emblem of the Star God Church, "perhaps Father always wanted us to break free from the Star God’s bonds. Now, we’re merely fulfilling his wishes."

Elia fell silent. The idea that Barrett Night, priest of the Star God Church, wanted his children to leave was almost unthinkable, yet it was true.

Both Link and Elia remembered clearly when Neil, as a child, had asked Barrett whether the Star God truly existed. Barrett, instead of affirming, remained silent for a long time before saying something unforgettable: "Perhaps the Star God exists, but he certainly does not need our faith. So you need not believe in him. If you get the chance, leave the church, and see the world beyond—there you’ll find a broader future."

Those words profoundly affected Neil and Elia, shaping their faith thereafter. Elia’s willingness to embrace Link’s creed stemmed from this seed planted long ago.

After reminiscing for a while, Elia forced a smile and nodded. "I understand, Neil. You’re right. If Father saw us leaving, perhaps he really would be happy. I’ll go pack now—see you later." Still a little melancholy, she turned away to gather her things, not wanting to trouble Link further.

Link felt helpless. Homesick children are like this, resisting even good fortune. Still, Elia was sensible and didn’t make things difficult. He would comfort her once his tasks were done.

Another matter crossed his mind: Saga had been away for over three days and had yet to return. Normally, he should have been back yesterday. As Link worried that something might have happened to Saga, a familiar voice chimed in: "Father, what’s going on? Why are they moving all this stuff?"

Saga, just back, looked at the people helping carry belongings to the monastery, confusion written on his face.

Link laughed. "Ha, speak of the devil, and here he is."

Saga frowned, puzzled. "Father, what did you say? Who is this 'devil'?"

Link grinned and shrugged. "Nothing, just an expression. Anyway, weren’t you out looking for someone? Did they come?"

Saga ignored the question about the devil and called toward the door, "Come in, don’t be shy. Father here is very kind, he’ll help you."

Soon, a tall brown-haired youth, carrying a much smaller brown-haired boy on his back, entered. The elder’s face was clouded, weighed down by worry, while the younger lay weakly, his complexion pale and lips bluish, clearly gravely ill.

Once inside, the elder gently settled the younger onto a bench, then knelt before Link. "Father, please cure my brother’s poison. I am willing to serve you for life, whatever it takes."

Link was stunned by this sudden declaration. He could heal, but had no experience with poisons—why had they come to him? He looked questioningly at Saga, who sighed and explained: these two were brothers, Aiolos and Aiolia. Aiolia had recently been bitten by a strange ice weasel, afflicted by a chilling poison that now threatened his life.

The ice weasel was not native; its venom was peculiar, beyond the abilities of local doctors or remedies. Aiolos couldn’t afford famous healers and could only watch as his brother’s health deteriorated day by day.

Saga, learning of the situation, recalled Link mentioning the Nine Yang Divine Technique’s ability to heal and purge toxins. He tried it and found that its pure yang energy could restrain the spread of the cold poison. However, Saga’s cultivation was still shallow, only at the first level, and he could not cure the boy completely. He suggested that Aiolos bring Aiolia to Link in Kinke for treatment.

Understanding the situation, Link immediately began to treat Aiolia. Using the Nine Yang Divine Technique and the One Yang Finger, his skill far surpassed Saga’s, and after the treatment, Aiolia’s condition improved greatly, color returning to his cheeks.

Aiolos was overjoyed, kneeling again. "Father, thank you for your mercy. From today, my life is yours."

Link shook his head with a smile, pulling Aiolos to his feet. "Child, there’s no need for that. I never asked you to offer anything in return. If you wish to join the Church of the Father, you’re welcome anytime—you need not pledge your life to repay a kindness." He sighed, "Besides, even I cannot fully purge your brother’s cold poison."

Aiolos paled. "Then—my brother..."

Link offered a priestly smile. "Rest assured, he’s safe for now. Although I can’t cure him, the Father can. Tomorrow at noon, the Father’s miracle will descend upon Kinke. In his glory, all impurity will be cleansed."