Chapter 2
POV: Elias
The clacking of plates and utensils rang out as the warm aroma of food drifted through the air.
I sat across from the patriarch of the Yun family, Jin Yun—my benefactor. A middle-aged man in his early fifties, he sat beside his wife, Qu Yu, both enjoying their breakfast in quiet comfort.
Jin Yun was in good spirits, his voice echoing across the room as he commented on the city's latest developments.
"Haha! The upcoming test for new Blue Sky disciples has livened up the city," he said cheerfully. "And soon, my son will apply—and succeed! Hahaha!"
I smiled gently, warmed by his joy.
"Yes, I believe Li Yun will be accepted," I replied calmly. "He is the most hardworking boy I've ever taught. I'm proud of him. And most of all—he has God by his side."
I pressed my hands together in a quiet prayer. Jin Yun chuckled softly and joined me, his wife following suit as we offered a short prayer for Li Yun and to God.
After a few minutes, Jin Yun ended his prayer, his expression darkening as a hint of worry crept into his voice.
"Elias… I'm worried for him," he admitted. "Though I've converted to Christianity, my thoughts on cultivation remain. I'm too old to pursue that path now… so I entrusted that dream to my eldest son."
I nodded solemnly. Though I could guide him further in God's word, he had lived in this world longer than I had. He understood better than most that cultivation was often a matter of survival here.
Still, he had followed the teachings of the Lord, done good, and condemned sin. That was more than enough for me.
"You don't need to worry," I told him softly. "God is understanding. We are His sons, and He is our Father. A father's duty is not to control his children—but to help them grow and live freely."
He sighed deeply, a quiet gratitude on his face.
"Thank you," he said. "Even though I've passed my dream on to my son, I still try to remain devoted to God's teachings… I don't want to disgrace His name."
I nodded again, appreciative of his reverence.
But then his fingers interlocked tensely, and I noticed the worry return to his eyes.
"Recently, since he returned from his studies, Li Yun's demeanor has changed. He's been neglecting his rituals to God—focusing more on cultivation. And there's this… anger in his expression. He won't talk to me about it, and I'm worried."
He turned his gaze toward me, full of fatherly concern.
"Elias… can you please talk to him?"
"I will," I said with quiet certainty. "I'll guide him back to the right path."
---
**A few minutes later...**
I stood before Li Yun's room, hearing soft murmurs from inside—prayers.
Holding the cross around my neck, I gently opened the door. Inside, I found Li Yun kneeling before a small wooden cross, his head bowed in reverence.
For a moment, I froze.
But quickly, I gathered myself and stepped inside.
Hearing the door open, Li Yun turned around, a startled look on his face.
"Master! Welcome—I didn't know you were coming today," he said, his tone slightly erratic.
My concern grew.
I moved quickly to his side, gently placing a hand on his head before he could stand.
"Li Yun… rest," I said gently. "You're not feeling well. Come—tell me what's troubling you. I will listen—in God's place."
I led him to sit on his bed while I pulled up a nearby chair and sat across from him.
"What's wrong, Li Yun?" I asked quietly.
He shifted uncomfortably, hesitating. Then, with a sudden surge of emotion, he clenched his fists and spoke.
"I've been mocked… mocked for my faith in God," he said, his voice filled with frustration. "They ridicule Him, disgrace Him—even though I've done nothing but follow His teachings. They don't care. They keep mocking us. I can't take it anymore."
Though his words were heated, I remained still. In a world like ours, with powerful cultivators roaming freely, it was no surprise that many dismissed the unseen God I preached.
He continued, his voice heavy.
"So I thought… if God's teachings can't protect Him from disgrace, why must I let Him suffer it? Maybe… if I become strong—strong enough to make them respect Him—I can change their view."
My eyes widened in alarm, and I stood up abruptly.
"Li Yun, listen to me," I said urgently. "God does not need recognition from everyone. As long as His teachings are followed, and His children are content, that is enough. He does not want you to suffer for His sake."
Li Yun's head shot up, his expression twisting with anger and guilt.
"Why not?!" he shouted. "You said it yourself—He is the Creator of man! Our Father! I'm only giving Him my filial piety. My actions aren't wrong—they're the ones who are wrong!"
As he yelled, a white aura burst forth from him. The sheer force of it knocked me back.
**CRASH.**
I slammed into the wall, pain lancing through my side.
"Wha—Master! I'm sorry!" he cried out in alarm.
But before I could respond, the cross around my neck began to glow—bathed in golden light. The pain faded instantly, replaced by warmth.
To my shock, I also saw that same golden light flicker across Li Yun's chest.
His expression changed. He looked stunned—then resolute.
"God agrees with me… Master," he said softly, almost reverently.
Then, without another word, he left the room.
I rose slowly, my thoughts in turmoil.
**'God agreed…?'**