I think I understand what a "sinner" is now.
Though Yun was putting on quite a show, Fu Qian had come up with another possibility based on his observations along the way, his own mission, and the Zen-like speech he had just delivered.
Yun's belief that he was free of all earthly cares was probably just a misunderstanding.
His recent act of shedding all worldly trappings hadn't elevated his essence. It had changed the form of his existence.
Simply put, Fu Qian believed that the act of facing the statue and making a gesture to contact the Goddess of Sin, thereby purifying the Sin Fire, might be a kind of ritual.
Similar to the ritual performed when ascending to demigodhood.
Except this ritual was extremely unusual and had virtually no restrictions.
It didn't require one to reach Peak Fourth Order, nor did it require any specific type of ability.
Any transcendent who became tainted by sin under the goddess's gaze could go before the statue, strike a pose, and receive absolution.
The effect of successfully completing the ritual was just as unusual.
Any transcendent who was purified would indeed undergo a qualitative transformation, but not by ascending as an independent individual. Instead, they would unite with the Goddess of Sin, becoming part of a single whole in a special way.
Like the oath-taker and the one being sworn to in a pact.
Except this time, it was the "sinner" and the Goddess of Sin.
That was why Yun felt unburdened when he swung his sword.
The sin behind that strike had already been borne by the Goddess of Sin.
And those who had been purified once would no longer feel the pain of the Sin Fire for the same reason.
"I should actually thank you."
As Fu Qian pondered, Yun's