Bi Ji

Though Douluo Continent had the dubious honor of being called the bottom rung of fantasy worlds, the supernatural was still the supernatural.

Construction moved at a pace no real ancient civilization could match.

And with Bi Ji, a top-tier Ferocious Beast, personally lending a hand, the temple was completed in just a few days.

Now, the temple's opening ceremony had officially begun.

Bi Ji, bishop of the Apple Town Light God Church, stood on a raised platform. Poised and composed, she gazed warmly over the vast crowd below and began to explain the teachings of the Apple Town Light God Religion.

"Light shines upon all living beings, whether human or beast, noble or lowly, strong or weak."

"All strife in this world springs from obsession and slaughter; all suffering is born of darkness and greed. The Light God brings equality, protection, salvation, and hope to the world."

"From this day on, the Apple Town Light God Religion is established. We ask nothing of your birth or your species. All who turn their hearts toward the light and harbor goodwill may enter, pray for blessings, and receive the protection of the holy light. May slaughter vanish from this world, all living things coexist, and every year be peaceful."

Her gentle yet resolute words brought thunderous applause from the crowd. Countless people knelt in devotion, tears shining in their eyes.

At the edge of the crowd, a young man with a mild, gracious air stood quietly watching, a faint smile in his eyes.

He was an avatar Su He had created with divine power.

The temple in Apple Town was his first as a god, after all. It was worth seeing for himself.

Since his true body could not leave the Divine Kingdom, Su He had created this avatar to come in person. He had even applied for a position there.

The sermon ended, and the ribbon-cutting was complete.

Bi Ji turned and led the believers slowly into the temple.

Built in a hurry, the simple temple had little in the way of ornate decoration.

At its center stood a raised platform. There was no statue of the god upon it, only a massive Luminous Pearl floating silently in the air, casting a soft, warm white glow throughout the hall.

To the left of the platform stood a stone statue of Tiga, half as tall as a person.

Bi Ji walked to the front, pressed her palms together, and began to pray.

Light God above, I, your believer Bi Ji, offer my heartfelt prayer.

May humans and Soul Beasts live together in peace, with no more senseless killing and no more endless sacrifice.

May suffering fade from this world, all living things find peace, and every soul bask in the light.

Faith Power flowed steadily from Bi Ji like a murmuring stream.

On Douluo Star, Bi Ji was not the most devout believer, but she ranked among the foremost.

Because of her immense strength, the Faith Power she provided currently ranked first on Douluo Star, far surpassing that of whoever held second place.

In a corner, Su He quietly sensed that vast, pure current of faith, and his smile deepened.

She truly was a fine believer—and an excellent one to spread the faith.

What Bi Ji prayed for was exactly what he wanted to see.

If conflict between humans and Soul Beasts diminished and they lived together peacefully, there would be fewer needless deaths and more living beings to provide Faith Power.

For him, there was no downside.

As a god, he could not grant every believer's request the moment they made it.

Miracles granted too easily would only feed greed, corrupt pure faith, and ultimately defeat the very purpose of his efforts.

He needed to wait until a believer had accomplished something, or until a miracle could inspire faith in more people. Only then should he reveal his power and answer a prayer, making that faith purer and more enduring.

So, Bi Ji, give me a little time. I'll make your wish come true!

Meanwhile, on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's grounds...

An extravagant Light God Temple was nearing completion. Its carved beams and painted rafters crowned a magnificent, lavish structure.

Ning Fengzhi stood before it, admiring its beauty, when he suddenly sneezed. Puzzled, he murmured, "Hm? Why did I sneeze all of a sudden? Could Rongrong be thinking of me?"

If he had known that his pursuit of perfect splendor had delayed construction just enough to cost him the distinction of founding Douluo's first Light God Temple—and the god's favor along with it—he might have coughed up blood on the spot.

Inside Apple Town's Light God Temple, Bi Ji slowly rose after finishing her prayer.

Her gaze swept lightly over the crowd, then passed through the doorway and fixed on a white-clad figure several hundred meters away.

Having watched the Sky Curtain, she recognized him at once: Qian Daoliu, Spirit Hall's Grand Worship.

Qian Daoliu happened to be passing through Apple Town that day and had seen a huge crowd gathering before a newly built temple.

After watching the Sky Curtain's story about Tiga and the Kyrieloids, he had feared that the Vampire affair remained unresolved and another Kyrieloid had appeared here.

Startled, he stayed to investigate.

After looking around, Qian Daoliu's gaze settled on Bi Ji.

He could tell at a glance that she was a Soul Beast. Though he did not know her true strength, he had a feeling her cultivation was no lower than his.

A Soul Beast that powerful had to be among the leaders of Star Dou Great Forest.

And judging by her gentle, gracious bearing, she would surely be easier to talk to than Di Tian.

So Qian Daoliu stayed, intending to speak with Bi Ji first.

After quietly giving a few instructions to a temple worker, Bi Ji raised a hand toward Qian Daoliu, indicating that they should go to a nearby grove.

Qian Daoliu nodded without a word. Both figures moved, reaching the secluded, deserted grove in an instant.

"Greetings, Grand Worship Qian." Bi Ji bowed slightly.

Qian Daoliu cupped his hands in return. "Your strength is unfathomable, fellow cultivator. I take it you hold a high position in Star Dou Great Forest."

"If you have something to say, Grand Worship Qian, please speak plainly." Bi Ji smiled.

Qian Daoliu stopped circling the subject and told her everything: the upheaval in Slaughter City, the Vampire's emergence, and Tang Chen's grievous injuries.

"The crisis is already upon us. We still don't know how powerful the yet-to-emerge Evil God Gatanozoa is, but Vampire Monster Suranos alone could destroy all of Douluo Continent. We must eliminate that Vampire as soon as possible, before he can awaken Suranos."

Bi Ji's eyes narrowed slightly. She understood at once. "You mean Spirit Hall wants to ally with Star Dou Great Forest against this calamity?"

"Exactly." Qian Daoliu nodded firmly. "And not just us. I've sent word to Sea God Island, the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King, the Far North, the Two Great Empires, and the major sects. We're gathering everyone in Spirit City to devise a way through this crisis and face the enemy together."

Bi Ji considered this for a moment, then nodded solemnly. "All right. I'll go back and discuss it with the others."

"Good. I'll await your answer in Spirit City."

With that, Qian Daoliu took his leave and flew away.

Bi Ji returned to the temple. After swiftly arranging the guard shifts and preaching duties, she left Apple Town and raced back to Life Lake.

She was glad at the prospect of working with humans against a common enemy. It would surely bring the two peoples closer and ease the hatred between them.

The temple crowd gradually dispersed, and quiet returned to the bustling town.

Su He remained at the temple for a while before turning to leave and walking toward his residence.

As he reached a secluded corner, a striking, slender figure with an aloof air blocked his path.