CHAPTER 211: CHAPTER 165: UNBELIEVERS_2

Ave said, "However, to some extent, this has facilitated the expansion of the Church’s power."

This remark made Ethan quite pleased, it seems Ave has already noticed the dangers of faith and realizes that a religious reform is imminent. He asked, "Ave, think carefully, why did you look up these materials?"

"I’m searching for a theoretical foundation for ’Empire Truth,’ which corresponds to the Life Scripture."

?

Dead wood cannot be carved!

"No, this is not your true purpose!"

Ave seemed confused, "Then what is my purpose?"

"You are deeply aware of the dangers of blind faith, which is why you seek change."

"Yes, that’s my purpose."...right?

Ave frowned.

Since Ethan had spoken, she accepted it as truth. She guessed it might be part of some grand plan. After all, since she met Ethan, he’s often said, "I have a plan," and upon reflection, Ethan had hinted at his identity from the start, but at the time, her knowledge wasn’t enough to comprehend it.

And it still isn’t.

"But I still find it very strange to deny the identity of divine spirits in a place where god once truly existed, plus you haven’t answered my question."

Ave contemplated, "Or perhaps using ’You’ might be better?"

"The answer to your question is simple, because I’m not God."

Back in Ximu Town, Ethan had already answered Ave once, and this is the standard of the objective world.

He decided he must first change Ave’s thinking; it’s not just fire elements that can create light, there’s also the light bulb.

This guy agreed verbally, but never truly believed in his heart.

The former exists in this world as elemental magic, but the latter possibility was completely stifled by gods and the Church. To Ethan, if the Empire could continue the exuberant growth of the Golden Era and further ancient technology development, he could’ve found magic versions of mobile phones, TVs, and air conditioners on his first day in this world.

However, followers represented by the Life Church set rules for every spell and usage of magic power. Those who violate these rules might even be considered heretics.

Even the academy nurturing Elemental Shapers is no exception.

"Ave, do you really think that gods are just about bringing light during the night that simple?"

"Isn’t it? I remember the Holy Scripture wrote of how in the dark First Epoch, it was the true god who brought light to humanity."

"Perhaps it was just some kind of powerful elemental shaping magic, and from my observation, the Goddess of Life’s magic might achieve similar effects."

Not too long ago, Mary used magic power to create a Sword of Judgment in the sky above the imperial capital. But if she tried to change the sword’s appearance and used something like a charging crystal to keep it for a long time, it would be a moon illuminating the endless night.

"But that’s not all the Goddess of Life did. Besides bringing light, she also fought against the blood plague and maintained national stability, all missions accomplished by the followers were attributed to her. Imagine, if the Goddess of Life never existed, Mary wouldn’t become her chosen one. Her deeds in the Second Epoch against the scarlet plague, plus some artistic embellishments, would be enough to make her a new true god."

Only a true god can fight against the plague cast by Evil God Bajatos.

Ethan could formulate a similar narrative.

Ave’s forehead seemed to start steaming; Ethan was going in circles with her again. She pondered deeply and suddenly posed a crucial question. "But wasn’t it you who taught her how to dispel the plague? This is still your power. You’re right; only a true god can contend with Bajatos."

This timeless question almost gave Ethan a brain hemorrhage.

Lindong quickly reacted, letting Ethan fall gently onto her lap and soothing his forehead with her hand.

She seized the moment to wink at Ave behind Ethan’s back.

Go ahead, provoke him more!

"What I meant was, how could the Goddess of Life, who fell at the end of the First Epoch, complete so many grand endeavors in subsequent epochs! Establishing civilization, developing churches, spreading ideals, it was the result of countless unrecorded followers’ efforts. When all the achievements were attributed to one figure, she transformed from a powerful Transcendent into a true god!"

When Ethan first arrived in this world, he believed divine spirits truly existed, but upon learning of the fall of true gods, he changed his view, "Real divine spirits are merely concepts existing within the Holy Scriptures, created by countless individuals. Only through varying interpretations and edits across epochs could they maintain an image of omniscience and omnipotence."

Clearly, the path of faith deviated long ago from its original direction, "But this is not the sole method to ensure the image of divine spirits. Those who achieve great feats are indeed few, but followers represented by Julius discovered another way — impose countless canons, define skeptics and opponents as Evil God’s Followers, and those incapable of resistance will succumb to the divine spirit’s authority out of fear."

Ethan couldn’t determine when this phenomenon began, but Julius and his mentor Turzan were exemplary among them.

If they continued down this path, the only outcome would be destruction for everyone when Doomsday arrives.