Chapter 31: What Is Equality

Since the six divine attendants departed from the Central Temple to embark on their own paths of cultivation, two months had passed.

On the vast eastern edge of the Eastern District, the great Eastern Ocean stretched endlessly, its waves rolling majestically. Upon this expansive sea, a new steel giant, the Whale, sailed slowly across the waters. The Whale carried more than two hundred passengers and the rich specialties of the Eastern District, beginning its journey across the ocean toward the distant Southern District.

Though the number of passengers was not large, the Whale still divided its accommodations according to ticket price—first class, second class, and third class—to satisfy the needs of various travelers. The simplest, most rudimentary area was the tent section, temporarily erected on the deck, where about seventy passengers gathered. Among them was Ye Lian.

Ye Lian had grown up by the sea, going out to fish with her father since childhood, and developed a deep affection for the ocean. Thus, she chose the shore and the ocean as the site of her ascetic training. She understood that cultivation was not about enjoyment, but about tempering one's will, so she deliberately chose the harshest conditions, residing in the tent quarters.

Here, apart from herself, most were impoverished people struggling for their livelihoods. Their lives were simple, even arduous, but Ye Lian did not feel lonely; instead, she found a quiet strength among them. Though the tent section was crude and uncomfortable, for Ye Lian, this was part of her training.

She believed that through this ascetic journey, she would gain a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Star Father and find greater resolve in her faith. As the Whale continued its voyage across the Eastern Ocean, Ye Lian sat quietly in her tent, feeling the breath of the sea and contemplating the truths of life. This journey would become a precious trial in her life.

Fortunately, the Whale traveled along a low-latitude route, where the climate was mild and the sea relatively calm, enabling tent tickets to be offered to those yearning for a sea voyage. Despite the spartan conditions, many chose them for their affordability.

On the boundless sea, fresh water was as precious as liquid gold. Passengers in the tent section could only purchase the most basic drinking water, while the luxury of water for washing was reserved for those within the cabins—a barrier many found daunting.

Ye Lian was no exception. The long journey had stripped her of her usual freshness; her hair was disheveled, her face unwashed, concealing her beauty. Yet this unkempt appearance became her best camouflage, helping her avoid unwanted attention or disturbance.

Her robe was a gift from Shen Xing. Though oversized, it was undamaged. Her shoes, however, had worn out along the journey, forcing her to walk barefoot, feeling the touch of the wooden deck beneath her feet.

The Whale had been at sea for half a month, and life aboard was monotonous and dull. Passengers in the tent section passed the time with cards, chess, stories, or idle conversation.

When Ye Lian looked up, she could see the first-class passengers. They were elegantly dressed, leaning against the railings, enjoying fine wine and lively conversation. The second-class passengers drank coffee as they gazed at the ocean, discussing their aspirations. Third-class passengers, though dressed simply, were clean and tidy; their eyes revealed both envy for those in higher cabins and a sense of disdain or self-satisfaction toward those in the tent section.

The faces of the tent-section passengers were far more reserved. Most had sun-darkened skin, bodies thin but strong, with little laughter upon their faces—more often, numbness and confusion beneath the burdens of life.

Aboard this giant vessel, passengers of each class seemed to inhabit different worlds. The stark contrasts brought home to Ye Lian the reality of social stratification.

Under the vast sky and rolling waves, the Whale cut its path across the Eastern Ocean. Yet in the tents, few had the mood to appreciate such grandeur; their lives were simple and harsh, daily toil and the struggle for survival made them blind to the beauty around them.

Ye Lian sat beneath her tent, gazing at the horizon, her heart stirred like the surf. She pondered that this journey was not only a personal trial, but also a profound insight into human nature and society.

Witnessing the disparities between the classes of passengers, she was moved to deep reflection. "The Star Father created humanity with a heart of equality; the Code proclaims all are born equal," she mused, whispering, "Why, then, are people's fates so divergent?"

She recalled her companion Ye Wu, with whom she once crossed paths during their ascetic training and had exchanged thoughts: "The way of the gods is to balance the world, but the way of mankind often intensifies inequality."

"I developed doubts during my training, but it was the High Priest's words that dispelled my confusion." She had not fully understood these words before, but now their meaning began to dawn on her.

"Humanity possesses the power to think—this is its greatest fortune, and its deepest curse." Ye Lian pondered. She sensed that humans seemed ever to stray from the path of the Star Father, and perhaps this was the true purpose of the High Priest—to guide humanity back, to prevent destruction.

"We use wisdom to create civilization, and selfishness to bring suffering." In that moment, Ye Lian felt she was touching the edge of a certain truth, her soul resonating with the teachings of the Star Father.

Shen Xing sensed Ye Lian's spiritual transformation from the skies above; his voice echoed in her heart: "Your progress is gratifying. It is time for you to ascend further."

Suddenly, Ye Lian felt Shen Xing's consciousness connect with hers, imparting profound knowledge. She closed her eyes, immersing herself in this flow of power.

She knew this was Shen Xing's enlightenment, a confirmation of her faith and understanding.

"You have gained a deeper comprehension of the Star Father's will," Shen Xing's voice was full of praise. "Now, I will teach you a higher level of divine arts."

With her eyes gently closed, Ye Lian's soul seemed to bathe in a vernal breeze, experiencing an unprecedented freshness and comfort.

After a brief moment, Shen Xing's blessing was complete. His voice sounded once more in Ye Lian's mind, tinged with satisfaction: "You have successfully advanced to become a Divine Attendant of Starlight."

"Among the six of you, your progress is the swiftest."

Ye Lian felt a surge of power within her, overflowing and vigorous. She silently thanked her teacher for his guidance.

As Shen Xing's consciousness faded, Ye Lian slowly opened her eyes. Though her outward appearance remained untidy, her gaze was now brighter, shining with the deep radiance of the sea.

Her perception grew broader, her hearing keener, her body light and strong. She knew that this was not merely an increase in power, but a deeper understanding of the Star Father's will.

Standing on the Whale's deck, Ye Lian drew a deep breath of ocean air.

Beside her, a group of tent-section passengers sat in a circle, listening to an elderly man with a white beard recount tales of the past.