Chapter 86: Astonishing News

Today I saw yet another reader raise the issue of martial arts, claiming the martial arts from the Jin Yong school are inadequate, while others are superior. Let me clarify: first, I am not saying Jin Yong’s martial arts are weak, only that their strength is limited. Second, I have never read any martial arts novels outside of Jin Yong, so I will not consider incorporating elements from other schools. Third, I stated at the very beginning of the novel that only Jin Yong’s martial arts exist in this story; so why do some still mention martial arts from the Gu Long or Huang Yi schools? Well, many people read quickly and skip over details, so I understand. Let me reiterate: only Jin Yong’s martial arts appear in this novel.

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After receiving his reward, Link immediately opened the Book of Holy Light to study its spells, quickly mastering everything within. However, the spells contained in the Book of Holy Light were completely unexpected. Not a single offensive spell appeared, and there were only three spells in total—all support spells, but each with a distinct purpose and powerful effects.

The first was the Touch of Holy Light, which instantly heals a single target. The second was the Embrace of Holy Light, which instantly heals all allies and himself within a certain area. The third was the Shield of Holy Light, which instantly grants himself and allies a layer of holy light protection to resist damage.

Single-target healing, area healing, and group protection.

There were only three skills, but each was exceptionally potent, their effects far surpassing ordinary holy light spells. Even the paladins of the Silver Hand could not compare. Moreover, the two healing spells not only cured wounds, but also removed harmful spells, poisons, and curses—everything except illness. But since Link possessed the Healing of Diseases spell, would he care whether these could cure illness?

“There are only three spells? I thought there would be many more. Still, these are extremely practical. And the protection spell works for groups, so the Golden Bell can finally find its use. From now on, I can use Golden Bell for single defense, and Shield of Holy Light for group defense.”

Link smiled with delight. Although his combat power had not increased dramatically, these new skills made him both offensive and defensive, and more versatile than ever. Whether in solo or group combat, he could now play a powerful role.

Yet, with three new powerful skills, Link’s mana was now insufficient. He was still using a basic magic core, and his mana was far from matching the requirements of intermediate spells. Of the three new skills, only the Touch of Holy Light had reasonable consumption; the other two required an astonishing amount of mana.

“The system’s lottery doesn’t include items, so hoping to draw a stronger magic core is unrealistic. I’ll have to find another way to increase my mana.” Link thought for a moment, then put the issue aside and summoned Uther.

Seeing Uther’s respectful demeanor, Link cleared his throat and spoke in a priestly tone, “Uther, you performed admirably tonight, leading the Silver Hand to complete the mission flawlessly. I am deeply pleased.”

Uther responded humbly, “You overestimate me, Archbishop. I merely did what was required, and my command was far from perfect. Many brave paladins sacrificed their lives. Had it not been for the intervention of the two divine paladins, even death a thousand times could not absolve me of blame.”

Link shook his head. “No, Uther, you need not blame yourself. I’ve heard from others that your leadership was excellent. Without you, tonight’s casualties would have been far greater—some paladins might not have been able to be resurrected due to incomplete bodies.” He paused, and as Uther began to speak, Link’s expression turned solemn. “Uther Mark, kneel and receive your investiture!”

Uther was startled and immediately knelt with one knee in the manner of a knight. “I am here!”

Link took up the Hammer of Light in his hand and said, “Uther Mark, this is the Hammer of Light, a holy weapon bestowed upon me long ago by the Father. It is meant for the paladins. Now, I entrust this holy hammer to you. May you never tarnish its name!”

Uther was flustered and anxious. “Archbishop, you overestimate me. I am unworthy of such a precious holy relic. I cannot…"

"Uther Mark!" Link interrupted, face stern. "This is not only my decision, but also a reward from the Father Himself. Only paladins recognized by the Father may wield this hammer. If you refuse, is your faith wavering? Or do you question the Father’s divine will?"

"Never!" Uther immediately lowered his head, terrified. To a devout paladin, nothing was more devastating than being accused of wavering faith or doubting the Father.

Link nodded. "Then, do you accept this holy hammer? Remember, once you take it, you are more than yourself. You become the Messenger of Light, the agent of the Holy Light, mentor to paladins, and embodiment of faith."

Hearing the weight of this investiture, Uther grew tense and instinctively glanced at Link. Seeing Link’s solemn, indisputable expression, his heart trembled, and a surge of heroic resolve and unwavering faith rose within him. He immediately bowed and said, “Archbishop, rest assured. I will never disgrace the Holy Messenger’s name. From this moment on, Uther Mark is history; now, only Uther the Messenger of Light remains!”

"Excellent. Now, accept the holy hammer and embark on your new mission!" Link, with a sacred air, handed over the Hammer of Light. Uther received it with both hands, and the moment he gripped it, his aura transformed—he radiated a pure and intense holy light, as though he truly embodied the Light.

At the same time, Link was amazed to discover that Uther’s faith level had changed again. He had been a fanatic, but now, in a blink, he reached a level never seen before—a Divine Believer!

Divine Believer? What kind of believer is that?

Link was full of questions, but soon his confusion turned to astonishment, for he saw the faith level decrease by an amount equal to a fanatic, and then the divine power, previously at zero, was now at one.

“What happened? I didn’t convert any faith to divine power. Wait, could it be that Divine Believers provide divine power directly, not faith?” Link immediately understood, feeling both astonished and delighted. A fanatic could at most provide eight points of faith, and a thousand points of faith were needed to convert one point of divine power; but a Divine Believer provided one point of divine power directly, which was a far greater gain.

Still, why had only Uther become a Divine Believer after all this time? His faith wasn’t necessarily stronger than Sargon or others, and he wasn’t the only one to receive holy equipment; the three Saint Warriors got theirs earlier, yet none became Divine Believers. What was the reason?

Link pondered for a while without finding an answer, so he sent Uther off to work and threw himself into his own busy duties. He worked until nearly six in the morning before he had a chance to rest, but before he could even sit down, those he’d sent to purchase food returned, bringing bad news.

“Archbishop, something terrible has happened. Spatial rifts have appeared everywhere in the Red Moon Province, and it seems nearby towns are facing the same issue. Monsters from the rift are attacking towns around Kinco, and every region is mobilizing to fight them. Fortunately, the monsters there aren’t as numerous as ours, so it’s not too severe yet. All factions are organizing resistance, but the outlook is far from optimistic. Also, the governments have issued a food purchase restriction, and merchants have stopped supplying food. Even with money, you can’t buy grain.”

“Every region is facing spatial rifts?” Link was shocked and quickly demanded details.

It turned out Kinco was not the first to be attacked. In recent days, other parts of Red Moon Province had already been targeted, but because Kinco was so remote, the news hadn’t reached them. Tonight, other nearby towns were also attacked—every region entered a state of emergency, and governments were mobilizing forces to combat the rift crisis.

Once he understood, Link immediately summoned all the high-level leaders and had the messenger repeat the news. Everyone was stunned and at a loss, for the crisis had come so suddenly that there was no time to prepare.

Although only Red Moon Province was reported to be under attack, Link and the other smart people present knew the rift catastrophe was certainly not confined to one area; news was simply blocked. They speculated that even neighboring countries might be suffering the same fate. The situation was dire; everyone needed to prepare for prolonged battles against rift monsters.

Analyzing the situation, Link was certain that the cult of Baal was playing a huge game, undoubtedly related to their faith and doctrine. Otherwise, why else would they open portals everywhere and let monsters invade? Surely not out of boredom.

Though Link didn’t know what Baal’s cult was plotting, he now considered them mortal enemies. LeBron Anthony’s attack tonight had already made him hate the masterminds, and if given the chance, he would not hesitate to lead an army against the cult of Baal.

Sadly, those were mere thoughts; not only was eradicating Baal’s cult out of reach, the current troubles alone were enough to keep him overwhelmed.

At eight in the morning, the government’s courier finally arrived, belatedly announcing the rift catastrophe, leaving everyone speechless. The courier was embarrassed, hurriedly delivering the message before fleeing; he dared not linger, lest the populace discover him and tear him apart in their grief over lost homes and loved ones.

Last night's disaster had indeed robbed many of family and friends. Though people hoped the Father would manifest again to resurrect the dead, Link made it clear this was impossible, explaining that resurrecting the dead violated the laws, and the Father could not bestow such grace again—otherwise, even greater calamity would follow.

Though sorrowful and unwilling, everyone understood that resurrection was a miracle not to be granted lightly. None wished to risk even greater disaster; last night had been an exception. They could not blame the Father or his church, for the Father’s church had done all it could, and Link assured them the Father would grant peace to the souls of the dead. Thus, even if they held resentment, it would be directed at the true culprit behind the disaster, not at Link or the Father’s church.

This explanation helped resolve future requests for resurrection. Miracles and divine grace are not so easily bestowed; too many occurrences would cheapen them, and few would dare risk further disaster.

Moreover, only those in Kinco and the Father’s church had witnessed the resurrection firsthand; once the tale spread, most outsiders would not believe it—just as few believed the miracles at the Grand Cathedral of Holy Light without seeing them. Resurrection seemed even more fantastical than the cathedral’s miracles.