Xiao Xia, You're Naturally Pure...
Qian Daoliu's gaze leisurely turned to the towering Six-Winged Angel statue behind him, radiating eternal and holy light. The enormous statue seemed to have been overlooking everything in the Worship Hall since time immemorial, its golden eyes flowing with compassion and majesty.
After a moment of silence, Qian Daoliu's voice, carrying a hint of remoteness, as if Infiltrator the dust of time, suddenly asked:
"Lin Xia, do you know... the origins of the Spirit Hall?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Xia felt a pang of doubt. Was there some hidden story?
Isn't this something that most Soul Master on the mainland already know?
Thinking of this, Lin Xia quickly composed herself and replied respectfully:
"Reporting to Master, in my spare time I have indeed read many ancient books and historical records. According to the books, the foundation of the Spirit Hall originated from your ancestor, the great Angel God. Legend has it that before he became a god, he traveled across the continent, sweeping away the evil Soul Master were wreaking havoc on the human world, cleansing the violent and chaotic Soul Master World, establishing the first order and rules for Soul Master, and protecting countless civilians."
"Because of his unparalleled achievements and benevolence, he was loved and worshipped by the people of the continent. In the end, as he accumulated immeasurable merit and was about to ascend to godhood, he founded the Spirit Hall as an extension of his will on earth, to continue to maintain order, pass on the light, and protect all living beings. Is that so, teacher?"
Lin Xia's narration is clear and fluent, which is the "official history" widely circulated on the mainland and officially recognized and promoted by the Spirit Hall.
Therefore, Lin Xia looked at Qian Daoliu with a hint of seeking confirmation in her eyes.
However, to Lin Xia's surprise, Qian Daoliu nodded slowly upon hearing this, his deep eyes revealing his reverence and recognition of his ancestor's achievements.
But then, his aged and wise head shook very clearly, with a heavy feeling.
"Um?"
Lin Xia's heart skipped a beat, her brows furrowed unconsciously, and a hint of surprise and doubt appeared on her face.
Nodding is an acknowledgment of the ancestors' achievements and the fact that the Spirit Hall was founded.
Shaking head?
What does this mean?
Could it be that... behind those glorious histories recorded in ancient texts and sung by countless people, some unknown truth is still hidden?
Or perhaps a less glamorous, or even completely different, side?
Isn't this completely different from the origin of the Spirit Hall that he is familiar with?
Lin Xia's heart raced slightly, an Unnerve rising within her as she touched upon a hidden history.
He subconsciously straightened his back, focusing his gaze on Qian Daoliu, waiting for the answer from this old man who was closest to the source of that history on the continent.
The holy light flowing within the Worship Hall seemed to carry an air of solemnity and mystery, perhaps because of the long-forgotten events that were about to be revealed.
Qian Daoliu's gaze remained fixed on the majestic statue, as if trying to see through its cold stone body to the smoke of war from ten thousand years ago.
He slowly turned around to face Lin Xia, his eyes, which bore the weight of time and endless wisdom, now as deep as the unfathomable starry sky.
"What you said is indeed widely known and is the cornerstone of the Spirit Hall's standing on the continent."
Qian Daoliu's voice was low and calm.
"It tells of light, of order, of redemption and protection. These are all true. My ancestor, that great being, truly used his supreme power to wipe out countless evil Soul Master wreaked havoc on the world, ending that dark age where human life was worthless and power was everything."
"He gave weak Soul Master a sense of security and allowed helpless civilians to catch their breath. Heaven and earth bear witness to his achievements."
When Qian Daoliu got to this point, his tone suddenly shifted, like an undercurrent suddenly surging beneath a calm sea.
"However, to eradicate all evil Soul Master... that statement is too idealistic and too simplistic."
"Child, do you know what the definition of evil was in those days? Who determined it? Was it the executioner who seized the mountain stronghold and slaughtered villages?"
"Or are they innocent victims condemned as evil and attacked by the masses simply because of their Martial Soul attributes? Are they pathetic individuals who, blinded by rage in battle, were corrupted by the backlash of their power? Or... are they former powerhouses who refused to submit to the 'new order' and were regarded as traitors?"
A barely perceptible hint of desolation crept into Qian Daoliu's tone.
"The process of establishing order is never a dinner party, much less a poetry recitation or painting session; it is a road of iron and blood, a throne paved with countless bones. Order needs authority to establish it, authority needs power to enforce it, and power... is often accompanied by crushing and sacrifice."
Qian Daoliu paused, his gaze landing on Lin Xia as if it were a tangible object.
"Have you ever thought about it? Among those 'evil' Soul Master who were eliminated, how many were truly heinous? And how many were merely remnants of the old order, stumbling blocks under the new rules, or simply opponents who contradicted the ideals of their ancestors?"
"The Spirit Hall is newly established, its foundation is unstable, and people's hearts are restless. To awe all sides and quickly establish absolute authority, sometimes... ruthless methods are a necessary evil."
Qian Daoliu's voice was like the low tolling of an ancient bell:
"The so-called love and respect from the people is not something that can be achieved overnight. Under the initial 'order,' blood was still flowing and fear was spreading. The greatness of our ancestors lies in the fact that they ultimately did establish a relatively fair system that protected the weak, an achievement that will last for millennia."
"But beneath this greatness lies not only pure, flawless light. Within that light... there has also been tainted, perhaps not entirely 'evil,' but merely the bloodstains of those with differing stances. And that adoration, too, has struggled to sprout in the shadow of fear."
"As for establishing the Spirit Hall before becoming a god..."
A complex light flashed in Qian Daoliu's eyes, containing both reverence and an indescribable depth.
"The records state this, but when you truly understand the power and responsibility at that level, you will realize that the boundary between the will of 'God' and the actions of 'humans' is sometimes not as clear-cut as it appears on the surface."
He finally withdrew his gaze and looked at Lin Xia, a look that made Lin Xia feel as if her very soul had been seen through:
"So, child, when I nod, it's to acknowledge the achievements of our ancestors and the original intention behind the establishment of the Spirit Hall. When I shake my head, it's to make you understand that beneath the dust of history, there are always some corners that have never been fully illuminated by the light."
"No great being rests on pure ground, and no magnificent palace may have unspeakable impurities mixed in its foundations."
"The Spirit Hall's glory and status today are the result of the efforts of countless generations, but its origins are not entirely as pristine and immaculate as history books depict, nor are they filled with idealistic romance."
After saying this, Qian Daoliu paused for a moment, then continued:
"Xiao Xia, you are kind-hearted by nature, and your Martial Soul is so exceptionally gifted. You might very well be able to walk the path to godhood in the future. I'm telling you all this so that you can know some of the rules governing this world!"
"Perhaps it will be helpful for your future..."
Lin Xia was stunned when she heard this.
Am I inherently kind?
How could I not know?
However, Lin Xia naturally understood Qian Daoliu's concern and reminder.
"I understand, teacher!"