The infusion lasted for about half an hour.
When the last wisp of golden light merged into his magic essence circulation, he opened his eyes.
Those golden eyes were even brighter than before, and deep within his pupils, one could vaguely see tiny specks of golden light slowly flowing.
【Level】: 41 → 45
【Stamina】: 1.7 million → 2.05 million
【Spirit】: 1.7 million → 2.05 million
He had jumped directly from the 4th-rank early stage past the mid-stage, standing firmly at the threshold of the 4th-rank mid-stage.
To advance three minor stages in a single infusion—if this efficiency were mentioned to the outside world, few would likely believe it.
He gathered his thoughts and turned his attention to the second reward.
【Reward Gained: Exclusive Holy Art Comprehension Opportunity. Please submit skill samples for deduction and evolution.】
Jiang Lin did not make a decision immediately.
He stood before the statue in contemplation for a moment, then raised his right hand, a faint silver light condensing at his fingertips.
It was the spatial magic essence he had been repeatedly refining during this period.
After thinking for a while, he uploaded all the spatial magic he knew.
Spatial Ripple, Space Perception, Space Folding, spatial cutting, spatial anchoring, spatial oscillation, and that directional spatial tunnel he had learned from the ancient elven heritage.
One by one, these skills sank into the golden light like pebbles cast into water.
The light began to flicker violently, seemingly deducing and merging that complex information.
Time passed second by second as Jiang Lin waited quietly.
After about a dozen breaths, the golden light finally stabilized, transforming into a tiny, brilliant speck of light hovering above his palm.
The moment the light speck dissipated, a new piece of information appeared in his consciousness.
【Holy Art evolution complete.】
【Deduction and integration based on the multiple spatial skills submitted have been finalized.】
【Gained Exclusive Holy Art: Instant Light Flash.】
His gaze fell upon the description, carefully reading every word.
Then he slowly raised his right hand. Without chanting, without sketching a magic essence circuit, and without any preparatory actions, he simply willed it. His figure vanished from the spot and reappeared three meters away.
The entire process was silent and completed almost in an instant.
He had simply teleported from one point to another as if he were meant to be there all along.
This was Instant Light Flash.
The biggest difference between it and ordinary spatial magic was that it had no casting delay, required no magic formula construction, and needed no active guidance.
It achieved displacement by directly and forcefully piercing through space rather than by manipulating space elements.
Ordinary spatial magic involved folding the space between point A and point B, allowing the caster to cross that distance.
This required a clear magic formula structure and magic essence circuit, which inevitably meant there were pre-cast and post-cast delays.
In contrast, Instant Light Flash violently broke through space to move the body from point A to point B.
This was a gap in dimensions.
However, the cost was equally apparent.
Forcefully tearing through the laws of space placed a massive burden on the body, especially for him, having just stepped into the 4th-rank mid-stage.
Every use of Instant Light Flash sent a shock through his meridians and bones.
If used too many times in succession, his meridians could be damaged.
The system prompt provided specific parameters:
【Under current conditions of physical attributes and space affinity, a minimum interval of 30 seconds is required between each use. This cooldown can be shortened as physical attributes and space affinity improve.】
Thirty seconds.
In a rapidly changing battle, a thirty-second interval was enough to decide many things.
However, for a precise burst of speed or a critical evasion, those thirty seconds were entirely worth it.
He moved his right shoulder, which had borne the impact of the movement, and a slight clicking sound came from his bones.
It was fine—within the range of what he could endure.
He continued looking down as the information for the second reward unfolded.
【Reward Gained: Talent Awakening Opportunity.】
【Detecting host's constitution and soul characteristics... Detection complete.】
【Locked onto the talent direction with the most development potential.】
Jiang Lin’s eyelid twitched.
He had a vague, inexplicable premonition that something was off.
【Locked core skill: "Strengthening Technique · Mutation Application (Alias: Jetting Aura)".】
【Performing awakening deduction on this talent branch... Deduction complete.】
【Congratulations to the host for gaining a new talent: Chaotic Interference.】
His expression froze.
【Talent: Chaotic Interference】
【This talent has both passive and active triggers. Active trigger: Consumes a small amount of Spirit to directionally cause a target to experience a strengthening or weakening effect, accompanied by unpredictable mutation.】
【If the target uses a strengthening effect on themselves, this talent will trigger passively, producing the same effect and randomly consuming a certain amount of Stamina or Spirit. This talent cannot be cleared by conventional purification methods.】
Looking at the introduction of this talent, Jiang Lin fell into deep thought.
The effect of this talent was to cause unpredictable mutations in all positive, negative, or neutral strengthening effects.
For example, if an opponent tried to speed themselves up, Jiang Lin’s interference would make their legs out of sync.
One leg would move too fast while the other too slow, causing them to trip themselves while sprinting.
If an opponent tried to heal their injuries, Jiang Lin’s interference would cause the healing spell to function while simultaneously causing a random organ to temporarily malfunction.
Of course, he could also actively cause these effects.
He remained silent for a long time.
Great God, do you have some kind of misunderstanding about the paladin class?
But the deity did not answer his question.
He took a deep breath and accepted this reality.
Next was the final reward.
【Reward Gained: Apostle of God Advancement Task.】
A gentle yet majestic flow of information surged through the apostle park into the depths of Jiang Lin’s consciousness.
【Apostle of the God of Holy Light Advancement Assessment—"Spark"】
【Mission Background: Where light does not reach, darkness still lies in wait. On a primitive planet at the edge of a distant star system that has not yet been graced by the Holy Light, the indigenous people struggle amidst chaos and ignorance. However, whispers from the depths of the Void are eroding that land, attempting to drag that world into eternal shadow.】
【Mission Objective: Travel to said planet and rendezvous with other members of the Temple who have also accepted this mission to clear the source of Void pollution. Spread faith in the God of Holy Light among the indigenous people and establish at least ten stable statues of the God of Holy Light to serve as faith anchors.】
【Mission Time Limit: A total of 150 natural days starting from the day of arrival on said planet.】
【Estimated Number of Participants: 5 to 8 Apostles of God.】
【After the mission begins, all members will be teleported to the designated area simultaneously. The specific method of meeting should be decided after arrival through consultation with local guides or teammates.】
【Difficulty Level: Extremely High.】
【Recommendation: Prepare properly and act with caution.】
【Warning: This mission carries a certain risk of death. Please maintain close cooperation with your teammates.】
Jiang Lin stood up from before the statue, his golden eyes appearing exceptionally deep in the light filtering through the stained-glass windows.
The two new abilities he had just acquired filled his body with a subtle sense of power.
But this last mission also gave him a bit of a headache.
It turned out to be a cross-planet mission...
And he had to do it with other Apostles of God...
Speaking of which, this mission shouldn't be as difficult as the one on Planet Teluofuto, right?
He was now at least a 4th-rank mid-stage individual with the combat power of a 6th-rank.
It wasn't like before, where he was dragged into a fight with an evil god close to the 8th-rank while he was only at the 2nd-rank peak.
Furthermore, the rewards for completing this mission were equally astounding.
【Mission Completion Rewards】
【1. Apostle of God Status Advancement: Current apostle rank "Low-level Apostle" → "Mid-level Apostle".】
【2. Holy Light Origin Infusion (Massive): Further increases the maximum Stamina and Spirit while slightly improving the constitution.】
【3. Unlock Divine Grace · Initial: When taking fatal damage, the holy light mark will automatically trigger Absolute Protection once (lasting 2 seconds, can be triggered once per month). Thereafter, the strength and frequency of protection will increase with each apostle rank gained.】
【4. Holy Art Advancement Opportunity: Allows for a second evolution of an existing holy art, or the accumulation of enough "Faith Anchor" points during this mission to unlock a completely new high-tier holy art.】
【5. Unlock Temple High-level Permissions: Allows for the free borrowing of skill books below the emperor-tier from any temple with a statue of the God of Holy Light (6 books per year). The apostle medal will also grant access permissions equivalent to a "Temple Special Envoy".】
【6. Special Reward: "Seed of Spark".】
【Depending on the contribution to spreading faith during the mission, an extra "Seed of Spark" may be awarded for outstanding performance. This item can be used to establish a permanent miniature faith anchor in an area without Holy Light coverage.】
...
When he walked out of the Statue Hall, Jiang Lin felt as if he had lost a few pounds.
By the time he left the Temple, the setting sun had dyed the horizon of the Royal Capital a golden red.
Jiang Lin stood on the steps of the Temple porch. The evening breeze blowing toward him carried the aroma of roast meat stalls and roasted chestnuts from the outskirts, mixed with the characteristic dry cold and coal smoke of winter air.
He straightened his collar, which had been ruffled by the wind, and walked down the steps.
The three elves were still waiting for him in the hall.
Fenrir was sitting on a bench in the waiting area, his greatsword, which was as tall as he was, resting across his knees. He was boredly examining the giant mural on the hall's dome that depicted the seven gods' creation story.
Alicia stood by the window, watching the magic streetlights gradually light up in the sunset outside.
Elune sat on another bench, holding a copy of the Compendium of Holy Light Doctrines she had taken from a shelf in the hall, reading it intently with her head down.
Seeing Jiang Lin walk out, the three of them looked up simultaneously.
"Finished claiming?" Fenrir was the first to stand up. "What took you so long? We thought you'd been kept for tea by your deity."
"There were quite a few rewards, so it took a while." Jiang Lin walked over to them. "Let's go find a place to stay first."
As they stepped out of the Temple, the magic streetlights on the street were fully lit.
The night in the Royal Capital was even more prosperous than Clearwater City during the day. The lights of the shops along the street lit up one after another, making the main street as bright as day.
Pedestrians came and went—well-dressed nobles, adventurers with weapons on their shoulders, and several students in various school uniforms eating meat skewers as they walked.
"The Royal Capital is quite lively at night." Fenrir curiously observed the lights all around, then leaned in and asked in a low voice, "By the way, what does the God of Holy Light look like? Is he really like the golden-glowing figure in the murals?"
"I don't know either," Jiang Lin said honestly. "I haven't seen the deity in person yet."
"Let's go, let's find a place to stay first." Jiang Lin didn't dwell on the topic. "The better inns in the Royal Capital should be near Palace Avenue. Let's go take a look."
The night in the Royal Capital was even more bustling than he remembered. He led the three elves through several brightly lit streets.
Eventually, on a quiet street near the Royal Arena, they found a hotel with a modest storefront but quite sophisticated interior decoration.
The hotel was named "Silver Crown." It was three stories high, with warm yellow stone on the exterior walls, and every window radiated a warm light.
The lobby was covered with a deep red carpet, and on the wall behind the front desk hung an oil painting depicting a panoramic view of the Royal Capital. The brushwork was delicate, clearly the work of a master.
Jiang Lin requested three upper-floor rooms at eight gold coins per night each.
This price could have secured the top-tier hotel in Clearwater City, but in the core area of the Royal Capital, it was only considered upper-middle class.
"I'll go find an acquaintance tomorrow morning." Jiang Lin distributed the room cards. "You can wander around the city or go to the arena to familiarize yourselves with the venue. You're free to do as you like."
"What acquaintance?"
Alicia took her room card and asked casually.
"A senior I met while on a mission before. We're teammates who have fought side-by-side." Jiang Lin paused. "His primary job is as a gold badge member of the Royal Temple, and he also handles some work clearing out secret cults."
That night, Jiang Lin did not go anywhere else but went to the Temple to continue his cultivation, maintaining his hard work.
...
Early the next morning, following the address on that slip of paper, Jiang Lin found a small building at No. 17 Oak Street in the East District of the Royal Capital.
It was a three-story terraced house with gray brick walls and a dark wooden door. The steps in front were wiped spotless.
Several pots of hardy holly sat on the second-floor windowsill, their leaves glistening in the morning sun.
The entire building exuded an air of cleanliness and low-key elegance, no different from the surrounding houses of the same style.
Jiang Lin raised his hand and knocked on the door.
A moment later, a heavy sound of footsteps came from inside, followed by the click of a lock turning.
The door was pulled open a crack, revealing the sleepy face of a brawny man.
"Who is it this early in the... Eh?!"
Big Guy's gaze landed on the excessively striking face at the door. He was stunned for a moment, and then his eyes widened suddenly.
He rubbed his eyes and looked again, then pulled the door wide open with a bang, revealing his knotted muscles covered only by a thrown-on coat.
"Jiang Lin?! You're still alive, kid?!"
Big Guy's voice carried a mix of surprise, disbelief, and a hint of resentment at being woken up.
"Where have you been these past few months?"
"I went to Clearwater City to find you last time, only to find you weren't there at all."
"I only found out from the Temple Master in Clearwater City that you went to the Northern Ice Field to find a master, and then there was no more news!"
"A lot has happened since then." Jiang Lin stood at the door, not in a hurry to enter. "Is it convenient? Let's talk inside."
"It's convenient, it's convenient! Quick, come in!"
Big Guy stepped aside to let him in, then poked his head out to check both ends of the street. After confirming there were no other visitors, he closed the door.
...
Rate on N.U.
