Chapter 4 Organization
As time flows by, the evolution of all things and the progress of human society intertwine to form a magnificent tapestry. Initially, the boundaries of tribes gradually expanded, and groups of warriors and sages began to clash and intertwine, giving rise to the rudiments of city-states. With conquest and annexation, the relationships between city-states grew increasingly tense, and the struggle for power gradually shifted from local to global, ultimately coalescing into a grand nation.
The rise of nations marked the beginning of a new era in human civilization. To maintain this newfound order and authority, rulers created more rigorous political and military systems. Kings and emperors claimed to be divinely ordained, nobles enjoyed privileges under their protection, social classes became increasingly distinct, and the authority of the ruling class was as impenetrable as an iron wall.
However, beneath this glamorous exterior, humanity's exploration of extraordinary power has never ceased. In the process of meditation and cultivation, some gifted individuals have gradually mastered the most rudimentary mystical powers in the world. They can manipulate the heat of flames, command the rushing of water, or temper their bodies through knightly breathing techniques, striving to transcend the limits of the mortal realm.
These beings with extraordinary powers are known as "superhumans." They have become sought-after by various kingdoms, with many countries even forming dedicated superhuman units as a decisive weapon on the battlefield. However, compared to the true divine magic wielded by the Church of the Gods, these human superhuman abilities still appear immature and fragile.
The priests of the Church of the Gods are able to perform various miracles through prayer and divine grace. These breathtaking miracles are far beyond the reach of human beings, especially the priests of the Life Church, whose methods are even more unpredictable and mysterious.
This is why, even as the country's territory expanded and the monarchy was established, the Church of the Gods maintained a transcendent status.
The God of Existence, Bai Zhe, witnessed all of this. He realized that the development of human society had reached a new crossroads.
"It's time to establish a kingdom that truly belongs to me," Bai Zhe thought. "A theocratic nation with the Church of Life as its state religion and under my protection. A nation with faith at its core and theocracy as its supreme authority."
Bai Zhe turned his gaze back to the human world. Among the many human nations, he chose a country called "Terra".
The Kingdom of Terra is located in the western core of the continent. It has fertile land, abundant resources, and a large population. More importantly, it is also one of the regions where the Cult of Life is most devout.
Bai Zhe decided to establish his theocratic state—the Holy Terra Empire—based on the Kingdom of Terra.
He conveyed his message to the King of Terra and the High Priest of the Life Cult through a dream revelation.
The king and priests had unwavering faith in the will of the God of Existence, and they immediately set about preparing to establish the Holy Terra Empire.
Under Bai Zhe's covert instigation, a vigorous religious reform movement unfolded in the Kingdom of Terra.
First, the Church of Life was established as the state religion of the Kingdom of Terra, and all citizens were required to believe in the God of Existence.
Secondly, the high priest of the Life Church was revered as the "Pope," possessing supreme religious power and a status above that of the king.
Finally, the Kingdom of Terra was renamed the "Holy Terra Empire," and the king was crowned "Apostle," swearing allegiance to the God of Existence and the Pope, and taking charge of secular affairs.
The establishment of the Holy Terra Empire marked the birth of the first theocratic state in human history.
Under Bai Zhe's protection, the Holy Terra Empire rose rapidly, its territory expanded continuously, and the faith of the Cult of Life swept across the land like wildfire.
...
On this day, Bai Zhe was immersed in his wicked hobby. On the throne of the Creation God Court, Bai Zhe transformed into the mother of the black goats with the power of survival. Under the continuous stimulation of the life god's power, Bai Zhe's belly swelled up, and he continued to split and multiply, giving birth to new black goats one after another.
These ugly, deformed creatures let out chilling roars, writhing and waving their tentacles, eager to devour all life. Bai Zhe sat to the side, admiring this "beauty of life" while emitting eerie "hehehe" laughs, looking exactly like a villainous big boss.
"One more... This time it'll have three heads, seven legs, and another row of eyes on its back... Hehehe..."
Just as Bai Zhe was amusing himself, a warm and holy power suddenly descended upon the God of Creation.
This power is completely different from the life force of Bai Zhe. It is full of light, warmth, and holiness, like the radiance of the sun, illuminating the entire divine kingdom.
Immediately afterwards, a gentle yet authoritative voice resounded in Bai Zhe's consciousness:
"God of Preservation, I am Ophelia, Lord of Light, Radiant Light, Sun King. In the name of the God of Light, I invite you to the magnificent hall to attend the council of the gods and discuss the future of the world."
Bai Zhe's strange laughter stopped abruptly, and he frowned.
Ophelia, the goddess of light? A council of the gods?
Bai Zhe was no stranger to this goddess of light. She was the most powerful innate deity in the world at present, in charge of the two superior divine offices of light and sun (other gods only had one superior divine office, which was very unfair), and had many believers and great divine power.
The magnificent palace is the divine kingdom of the Goddess of Light, and the core of the divine power of light.
"A council of the gods..." Bai Zhe murmured to himself, "Since the beginning of creation, the gods have developed independently and rarely interacted. Why would Ophelia suddenly convene a council of the gods?"
Despite his doubts, Bai Zhe decided to go to the Magnificent Hall to find out. After all, the Goddess of Light had personally invited him, and as one of the primordial gods, he couldn't ignore it.
"Fine, let's go see what these guys are up to." Bai Zhe muttered to himself. With a thought, he returned the newborn black goats to their mothers, then got up and walked towards the magnificent hall.
The moment Bai Zhe stepped into the magnificent hall, he immediately felt a powerful divine force of light.
This magnificent temple, constructed entirely of pure white crystal, radiates a soft glow. The dome of the main hall is adorned with lifelike murals depicting the goddess of light creating the world and dispelling darkness, a truly breathtaking sight.
In the center of the main hall, there is a huge round table, around which are arranged more than a dozen ornate chairs, each representing a primordial deity.
At this moment, some deities had already taken their seats. Some were dressed in magnificent robes, some were clad in armor, and some were shrouded in mist; each of them exuded a powerful aura.
Bai Zhe's arrival drew the attention of the gods. Their gazes all turned to Bai Zhe, filled with hostility, scrutiny, and wariness.
After all, in the eyes of the gods, this renowned God of Existence not only created all life, but also occupied almost 30 percent of the world's human faith.
Ignoring the gazes of the gods, Bai Zhe walked to an empty chair and sat down, waiting for the meeting to begin.