Chapter 623: Flourishing Development
The ruby that Ace inhabited was no longer on Clyster’s person; that ruby had already merged into the “Dream of the Wilderness” crystal sphere.
Ace’s consciousness quietly spied on them. Seeing that the two believers He had unearthed had both become High Apostles, He felt somewhat comforted.
“For High Apostles, relying solely on the Dream of the Wilderness actually yields too few resources. I must hand down an oracle and have them invade the dream wildernesses of others.”
As Ace was thinking, John and Clyster were already talking.
“John, congratulations on successfully advancing to a High Apostle!”
Clyster was very happy; this meant the order’s strength had taken another step forward.
John also nodded excitedly. He said to Clyster: “Both of our strengths have reached High Apostle. I think it is necessary to discuss the future strategy of our order!”
His mind was like a clear mirror, already having a complete plan.
Clyster nodded. He also had some ideas and originally planned to communicate with John.
“I believe our order has preliminarily accumulated a foundation. We have quite an abundance of rudimentary occult knowledge, miraculous items, and ancient currency. The pharmacy business on the surface is booming and has already earned nearly fifty gold coins.
“The two of us have already advanced to High Apostles, and Paul is also an ordinary Apostle. We’ve made some progress in strength.
“If we want to complete the Lord’s cause, we must have the strength to lead. I believe our current strength is sufficient to lead the start of the cause.”
John looked at Clyster with burning eyes. Clyster also understood John’s meaning. In the past, he was unwilling to unearth new believers, actually because the strength of the two of them wasn’t strong enough.
Since they were the Pope and the Guardian of the Order, they needed to have enough strength to suppress others. Otherwise, even if the order developed rapidly, they might be slowly left behind.
This was also what Clyster thought. He wanted to contribute to the Lord’s great cause, and also wanted to strive for a great leap in his own life. The leadership must be grasped, and overwhelming strength was the key to grasping leadership.
Clyster leaned forward, his gaze focused and clear: “The realization of our personal value also entirely depends on the Lord’s great cause, and under the Lord’s brilliance, we will certainly follow the Lord to complete this great cause.”
John smiled at Clyster: “Exactly so. To accomplish a great cause, we need enough people. Therefore, our primary task is to unearth new believers, excellent believers like Paul.”
Watching from the side, Ace didn’t resent the two wanting to grasp leadership, but He felt John’s screening threshold was a bit too high. If every believer’s aptitude and destiny had to be pale gold or above, they wouldn’t be able to find many in the entire Hall region.
Destiny was certainly important. Just like starting a race, some drive supercars, some drive sedans, and some run on their own two bare legs; their futures are naturally different. But destiny doesn’t determine everything. The factors influencing fate are intricately complex.
Starting out only pale red, if one obtained the favor of the Great Source through certain events, or received the blessing of a territorial status, their destiny could also mutate into pure red or pale gold.
Furthermore, obtaining bizarre treasures, gaining the favor of experts, a reversal of fortune, and so on could all change it.
Considering it was a hidden cult, Ace thought it would be better to lower the threshold to pure red, and develop those with pale red destinies as peripheral members. This way, both quality and efficiency could be taken into account.
With a thought, the Qualified One, Clyster, was shrouded by a dream-like, brilliant color, his expression becoming blurred yet holy.
“John.”
Majestic and vast power, the aura of the Lord!
John bowed down, prostrated on the ground, and said loudly: “Respectfully welcoming my Lord, the Lord of Gems.”
He crawled forward a few more steps, kissing the floor beneath Clyster’s feet.
The Qualified One was someone Ace could briefly descend upon. This was also one of the reasons why Clyster was valued by Ace. Time was urgent. Ace controlled Clyster and said:
“When unearthing believers, do not place excessive importance on destiny. Those with pure red destinies can be actively introduced into our church, and those with pale red destinies can also be developed as peripheral members.
“Our order shall have a two-layered structure, internal and external. Formal members must keep their external identities absolutely secret, keep them secret from each other, and only contact each other through the Dream of the Wilderness. Peripheral members can exchange information…”
Before He could finish speaking, the dream illusion suddenly burst with brilliant colors. Clyster fell to the ground with a clang, and it took a long while before he stood up.
“What happened to me?”
He felt as if his mana was exhausted, his body extremely weak, as if he had suffered a severe illness.
John looked at him with a complex expression and said: “The Lord just glorified you, and handed down an oracle to me…”
Clyster slowly sat down, leaning against the edge of the Mana Storage Pool, taking slow, deep breaths. Listening to John’s retelling, he said after a while: “Then regarding developing believers, we will comply with the Lord’s edict.”
A descent of faith is not just an honor, but also a burden. It greatly increases the burden on the believer’s soul and body. Moreover, if it weren’t a Qualified One, just descending would require extremely complex rituals.
John also slightly calmed his mood, assumed a praying posture, and said piously: “When developing believers, we mainly look at destiny potential, or to put it more bluntly, we look at the mystical level they might possibly reach in the future. But the secular world is equally important.
“I believe our second priority is to get our believers into the upper echelons of the Hall region and even the kingdom. With secular power, our actions will yield twice the result with half the effort. For example, the Inquisition and the Suppression Bureau will definitely become obstacles for us.
“I think we ourselves need to go to university, strive to enter high society, and obtain noble titles.”
Clyster looked at John and agreed: “That is indeed the case. Secular struggle is indispensable. Besides this, we can also directly develop some dignitaries in key positions into believers. Of course, they need to possess at least a pale red destiny.”
John nodded and continued: “Then these two matters are settled. There is one more thing. We need an organizational framework. I think imitating the churches of the Lords of Time will do. A Council of High Priests as the highest level, with the Pope enjoying veto power.
“Currently, the Council of High Priests is just the two of us. As for whether others can enter the Council of High Priests, that depends on Divine Grace.
“Nominated by the Pope, approved by the Lord, only then can one become a High Priest.
“Below this, only Priests will be established. Our order’s scale isn’t large, so we don’t need too many tiers; that would instead make it bloated.”
Clyster also agreed. They prayed piously, and the Dream of the Wilderness crystal sphere erupted in brilliant colors, responding to their prayers.
At this time, John said seriously: “The last topic is regarding the Lord’s birth. Let’s enter the Dream of the Wilderness and go to the Gem Dreamscape to discuss in detail.”
Clyster was also very cautious. He specifically went back to the first floor of the apartment and instructed Paul to guard it well and not let anyone approach. Only then did he enter the dream with John. In the dream world of the Dream of the Wilderness, a pitch-black vortex appeared.
John and Clyster walked out, stepping onto solid ground. The two wore robes of dream-like colors, with four or five gems above their heads, their faces blurred and unclear, very unique.
This was also the image of Gem believers in the dream. The Dream of the Wilderness was merely composed of collected dream fragments from the majority of mortals and a small number of mystical individuals. The strength of the various anomalies inside was limited. The two now easily defeated the anomalies and walked into the altar right in the center.
As John chanted a gem incantation, a dense mist emerged from the altar. This was the unique language of the Gem Order, Gem Speech (Magical Language), which possessed mana.
The two walked in one behind the other, disappearing into the mist.
The Gem Secret Realm was still as pure and brilliant as ever. The two leaned casually against a gem mountain. John’s eyes were serious as he said: “The birth of my Lord is the most important matter of our church.
“The Lord has already bestowed three treasures to hold the ritual…”
…
Time flew by. Five years had passed in the blink of an eye in the True Name World. During these five years, a major event occurred in the mystical realm of Hall City: the rise of the Gem Order.
Seven Gem High Priests, each possessing the powerful strength of a Foreseer. Moreover, their gems were completely different, their methods complex and varied. They were most adept at invading from the wilderness dreams. Many rival secret cults, Inquisition priests, and secret spies of the Suppression Bureau met with accidents, dying in their dreams.
Four months ago, another major event occurred. The isolated Morton Manor was breached by the Inquisition. It was said that Mrs. Morton went missing, and the secret realm space where the entire manor was located was destroyed, causing violent spatial tremors. Even now, people are frequently swallowed by suddenly appearing spatial rifts.
In the center of Hall City was the Great Cathedral shared by the Twenty Lords of Time. The Duke’s mansion was directly south of it.
The Great Cathedral covered an area of nearly five hundred acres. In the city center where land was worth its weight in gold, it could be said to be the largest building complex. The front courtyard here was open to the public, bustling with people, while the backyard was heavily guarded, watertight.
In a low building in the backyard, a group of people dressed in black were having a discussion.
“This Gem Order is absolutely the fastest-rising evil cult in Hall City in the past ten years. What’s even more terrifying is that we actually haven’t figured out how many people they have up to now.”
“Currently, seven Foreseer-level believers who call themselves High Priests have appeared. Each person is shrouded by a powerful obscuring force, making it impossible to see their true identities clearly. Below them, twenty-four people calling themselves Priests have appeared, all at the strength level of High Apostles. As for the cultists further down, the statistics are incomplete.”
“Starting from when Alcla was killed, our Watchmen organization has fought against this evil order for three years. Three years, a full three years, and we have gained nothing.”
“Even the information we know now was actively leaked by them. We haven’t even caught the only one whose location we know, the so-called Great Gem Physician.”
“Yes. Reeling in the Morton Manor line early only caught some small fry unrelated to the Gem Order. We didn’t even catch the so-called Mystical Council. It was too much of a failure.”
…
The Watchmen were a violent organ subordinate to the Inquisition. In contrast to the Knights of the Lords of Time, they were the sharp blades that purified evil. But here with the Gem Order, they had suffered heavy losses.
Seventh District, John Hospital.
This place had been completely rebuilt and renovated. The four-story apartment and its surroundings had been refurbished. John and Clyster smoothed over connections and passed the entrance exam for St. Hall University, graduating early with excellent grades within three years.
John studied medicine, while Clyster studied law. After graduation, the social status of the two advanced by leaps and bounds in Hall City. On the surface, they were just extremely lucky and hardworking.
As a doctor, John treated several dignitaries and even obtained a knighthood. In just two short years, he squeezed into high society, opened three hospitals in the First, Seventh, and Fourth Districts, and brought his family and the family of his deceased old friend Gale over to take care of them.
Clyster, on the other hand, became an inspector under the city hall. He cracked multiple major and important cases. Within two years, he was nominated by the Duke of Hall’s Minister of the Interior, becoming the youngest Senior Inspector, and obtained a knighthood last week.
John Hospital in the Seventh District was a specialized hospital, specifically responsible for childbirth. In two years, there wasn’t a single case of maternal death. Aside from a few infants with congenital disabilities, the vast majority of mothers and children were safe and sound.
Relying on the word-of-mouth accumulated over two years, as long as they could afford the expensive medical fees, the vast majority of pregnant women chose to give birth here, even trying every means to fight for a bed.
For this, John bought the surrounding houses and land, and established this hospital.
His mind was like a clear mirror. Standing in the hospital director’s office on the top floor of the hospital with Clyster and Paul, he looked at the bustling crowd downstairs.
“Everything is almost ready for the Lord’s descending ritual. I used the Mirror of the Lost to find the Holy Mother. A rare pure gold Soaring Fire Phoenix destiny, drawn but not fired; it should be the mother body most suitable for the Lord’s descent here.”
Paul leaned slightly forward. With his robust physique, he was like a city wall, his voice buzzing.
“The key now lies in introducing the Holy Mother into our church, becoming the Holy Maiden of the church. The Holy Mother is already pregnant, and time is very tight. Only by bringing her into our church can we present the Stone of Procreation for the Holy Mother to hold.”
Clyster’s gaze penetrated the floor, seeing that couple. Dressed gorgeously and exquisitely, their behavior and manners elegant.
“Count Turre Curie and his wife, the Duke’s daughter, Matilda Hall.”
Clyster said slowly.
“This is indeed very difficult. The Hall family has always believed in His Majesty The Radiant Sun of the Tenth Hour among the Twenty Lords of Time. Moreover, Matilda is already a High Apostle. Wanting to introduce a High Apostle into our church is truly extremely difficult.”
Paul also buzzed.
John frowned, raised the crown in his hand high, and said in Magical Language: “This is the will of the gems, and also our pursuit. Only by being born from Matilda’s womb can our Lord’s great cause succeed.
“Now that the couple has checked into my hospital, we will begin to create the Illusory Dream of Oblivion tonight. We must strive to complete the task!”
That night, Matilda was speaking affectionately with her husband, Count Turre Curie. Turre Curie was very humorous, easily making the heavily pregnant Matilda laugh.
“Darling, just like that. Smile more, so our baby will also be happy. Don’t worry too much, the technology at this hospital is very advanced. I have already paid a heavy price to hire Director Sir John to personally preside over your delivery.”
Turre Curie said with a smile. His smile was very easygoing and possessed an infectious power.
Matilda gently swatted him and chided: “Why did you find a man to deliver my baby? I can’t accept it.”
Count Turre Curie gently stroked his wife’s belly and said gently: “Sir John will only preside over it. If there are no problems, he won’t even enter the delivery room. If there really is a problem, he can also resolve it immediately.
“The one with the strongest cesarean section skills in this hospital is Sir John. I don’t mind this kind of thing.”
Matilda’s beautiful face wrinkled, and she said unhappily: “I don’t want a scar left on my belly, it’s so ugly.”
Count Turre Curie said softly: “Darling, we’re just taking precautions. Our child will definitely feel for mom and come out smoothly.”
The two hugged affectionately for a while. A wave of unseen dream mist diffused, and they fell asleep.
After a while, the wall of the VIP ward squirmed for a bit, and John and his two companions walked in.
“The mist only diffuses in this one room, and the magic array outside to neutralize mana fluctuations has also been activated. Four High Priests and twelve Priests are defending nearby. Even if there is an emergency, we have enough time.”
Clyster said to John in a low voice.
John nodded calmly and said softly: “Then let’s not delay time. Nine o’clock is the best time node to enter the dreams of Matilda and Count Curie. We must develop both of them into our believers!”
Clyster took out the Mirror of the Lost and softly chanted a Magical Language incantation. The mirror surface gradually rose with mist and floated in mid-air. A multicolored light enveloped the couple, and the three High Priests also fell asleep.
Time passed slowly. In just a minute, the trio also entered the dream.
A luxurious yet low-profile mansion, a stylish garden. This was Turre Curie’s mansion. The two were taking a walk, holding a cute child by the hand.
“This is a merged dream. The dreams of the two have merged together, but trying to influence them in this dream is actually very difficult.”
John said calmly. He had transformed into an ordinary servant, Clyster had turned into a coolie, and Paul had become a guard warrior.
Clyster stared at the two with burning eyes and said in a low voice: “You take the Holy Mother, I’ll take Count Curie. We’ll put them into a deep sleep and enter a deeper dream!”
“A deeper dream? You want to enter a dream within a dream? But that’s too dangerous! Once you enter a dream within a dream, it’s very likely your consciousness will permanently sink to the bottom layer of the dream and never come out again.”
Paul lost his voice.
Their conversation quickly caught the attention of Count Curie and Matilda. Various characters formed by their subconscious began to approach them, revealing hostile expressions.
“There’s no time to lose. One minute in reality equals one day in the dream. The same applies to a dream within a dream. You just need to stall in this dream for a few minutes. We’re counting on you!”
After speaking, John and Clyster sprang up, heading straight for Count Turre Curie and Matilda. Before the two could react, they knocked them unconscious, then activated the Dream-Entering Gems above their heads, entering the dream together.
This action aroused tremendous hostility from the subconscious. The mansion’s servants, attendants, butler, guards, and guests all swarmed over. Paul had no choice but to roar angrily, his figure growing to nearly five meters tall. He clamped the four of them under his arms, trying hard to throw off the crowd.
In Matilda’s dream within a dream, it was snowing heavily. Thunder crashed in the sky, and the snow actually turned into monsters, chasing Matilda.
“She mapped the fear from the first layer of the dream into the second layer. I must try to defeat these monsters!”
Half an hour later, John abandoned these thoughts. These snow monsters were simply too strong in the dream. John had no choice but to grab Matilda and run away together.
(Chapter finished)
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