Chapter 23: The Legacy of Divine Arts
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A note before reading: Some readers may prefer stories where only the protagonist wields unique powers. However, the inheritance of divine arts is intended for the later development of an interstellar civilization with loyal stewards. The author understands that this plotline may be off-putting for some, and offers apologies and explanation in advance.
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Year 5624 of the Celestial Era
Central Temple, Round Table Hall
With the rapid development of society, the round table hall now seated not only representatives from every region, but also those from subordinate districts, as well as priests selected by the people themselves.
After renovations, the Central Temple had become even more magnificent and awe-inspiring. Its official name had been changed to Celestial Central Temple, standing over six hundred meters tall, with close to a hundred floors in total.
The ninety-ninth floor was where the round table hall was located, spacious enough to accommodate all the world’s representatives with ample room to spare.
More than a hundred people gathered here, like stars converging in the night sky, shining brilliantly.
They came from all corners of the world, bearing reverence for the Star Father and deep admiration for the High Priest Shen Xing, assembled together in this sacred hall.
Behind them stood cameramen holding live broadcast equipment, ready to deliver the High Priest’s words to viewers across the globe.
The moment Shen Xing entered the hall, every gaze turned upon him.
His presence was like a beam of light traversing time, illuminating every soul.
The priests all rose. Their movements were so perfectly synchronized, as if guided by a mysterious force, and they paid Shen Xing the highest tribute.
Shen Xing nodded gently. Though the gesture was light, it carried the weight of mountains.
“Be seated.”
“Thank you, Priest Shen.”
District representatives and priests spoke in unison, their voices echoing through the hall like a hymn extolling Shen Xing’s greatness.
After sitting, expressions of astonishment lingered on their faces, their hearts stirred by inexpressible emotion.
Compared to last time, Shen Xing appeared even younger.
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His visage seemed untouched by the passage of time, forever fixed at twenty years old.
On Celestial Star, whether young child or venerable elder, all knew of High Priest Shen Xing’s legendary story.
Born in the year 5540 of the Celestial Era, Shen Xing was now eighty-four years of age.
Yet time seemed exceptionally kind to him, his appearance still that of a man in his prime.
At their last meeting, he had appeared young, though closer to a man in his thirties.
Now, he resembled a youth of twenty, vibrant and full of life.
Though shocked, the priests soon composed themselves.
After all, Shen Xing was the chosen of the gods, the Star Father’s emissary on earth. For him, regaining youth was not beyond belief.
When the priests resumed their seats, Shen Xing stood with the Star Father’s statue behind him, his figure blending with the statue, as if he were a part of the temple itself.
“I have received a revelation from the Star Father: humanity may one day face invasion by extraterrestrial species.”
“As for when this future might come, I do not yet know.”
His voice rang out, deep and resonant, piercing every heart.
The priests sat upright and solemn—they understood that this would be an event of life and death for humanity.
With minds sharply focused, they listened to every word Shen Xing uttered.
“The Star Father regards all his faithful with equal grace,” Shen Xing continued, causing the crowd to tense. Then he shifted: “But I, too, am human, and cannot bear to see our civilization perish. For the sake of our continuation, I withdrew into seclusion and pondered a solution.”
His tone radiated resolve and determination, his words solid and reassuring.
The priests were deeply moved, knowing how much the High Priest had sacrificed for humanity’s future.
“In these two years of seclusion, I have felt the greatness of the Star Father and sought his guidance.”
“The great Star Father, moved by my devotion, has finally granted me insight into a new path to immense power.”
“This method will allow humanity to gain unparalleled strength, so that we may better protect our civilization in the future.”
“In simple terms: any devout follower of the Star Father may become my student. Through my guidance and baptism, all will have the chance to inherit divine arts!”
Shen Xing’s words struck like thunder, shaking the entire hall.
The priests were stunned by this revelation, their hearts brimming with excitement and joy.
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To possess the arts bestowed by the gods was to wield supernatural power.
This was not only a mark of personal honor and the Star Father’s recognition, but also a contribution to the entirety of human civilization.
Looking at the enraptured priests, Shen Xing spoke again:
“I have established a complete system for the cultivation of divine arts.”
“At the Dawn Tier, one may begin to access the Star Father’s arts, learning the fundamentals of faith and divine power—at this stage, a follower can defeat wild beasts with bare hands.”
“At the Starlight Tier, practitioners gain a deeper understanding of faith and can wield elementary divine arts. Those who reach this stage are immune to disease and poison, and their lifespans are extended.”
“At the Stellar Tier, one’s will becomes attuned to the Star Father, and divine abilities reach advanced levels. The body attains the strength of stars, able to command the heavens and earth, manipulate the elements at will.”
“At the Galaxy Tier, one is fully immersed in the Star Father’s grace, with divine power reaching an extraordinary realm—nearly all-powerful, unbound by gravity, capable of crossing the void.”
“And the Origin Tier is the realm I myself have achieved.”
“At this level, one truly becomes an incarnation of the Star Father on earth—able to move celestial bodies, travel between stars, and transcend the boundaries of life itself…”
Shen Xing’s words were like an epic, revealing the mysteries and might of divine arts.
Priests and representatives were captivated, their hearts filled with awe and longing.
Their bodies trembled, blood surging with excitement.
Yet, as Shen Xing continued, the fevered mood quickly sobered.
“Divine arts cannot be taught lightly. One must possess unwavering faith, exceptional talent, surpassing determination, immense perseverance…”
“And only through my guidance and baptism can one become my disciple, receive my instruction, cultivate divine arts, and inherit the legacy.”
The priests drew sharp breaths—they knew that to be chosen by the Star Father and Priest Shen, to become the High Priest’s disciple and study under Shen Xing, was a chance almost impossibly rare.
While all were still marveling at the power of divine arts, Shen Xing slowly rose and turned to the cameras at the back:
“In the name of the High Priest of the Celestial Church, I hereby announce to all humanity: I will accept disciples. Any who pass the selection may become my students, and I shall personally teach them the divine arts!”
This announcement swept across the world like a storm.
The renown of divine arts captivated all, filling every heart with yearning and hope.