Chapter 18: The Way of the Holy Light

Despite a few minor detours, Bai Zhi and her three companions successfully concluded their shopping excursion.

However, as Rena and Xia Ranxin emerged from the mall, laden with numerous shopping bags, Lin and Bai Zhi, trailing behind them, were struck by a belated realization:

It seemed Rena and Xia Ranxin had been the primary forces in their shopping spree, while they themselves had offered no assistance whatsoever, simply trailing like two mere accessories.

Prompted by the thought that they ‘should at least contribute something,’ Lin and Bai Zhi exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them, before stepping forward in unison to relieve Rena and Xia Ranxin of their weighty shopping bags.

It was late afternoon, nearing evening, a time that coincided perfectly with the dismissal of a nearby elementary school.

Children, adorned in vibrant, colorful clothes, spilled from the narrow school gate like a flock of hungry chicks jostling for a feed trough on a rural farm.

They chirped and played boisterously, pushing past one another as they burst forth, eager to reunite with their parents waiting just beyond the school’s confines.

Consequently, the entire street plunged into instant pandemonium, a cacophony of parents’ raised voices, blaring car horns from vehicles caught in traffic, and the children’s clamor blending into a chaotic medley.

This overwhelming din, whether welcomed or not, mercilessly assailed the ears of every pedestrian traversing the area.

This scene of utter chaos naturally impacted Bai Zhi and her companions. At the very least, they could not employ their usual ‘special abilities’ to return in the same conspicuous manner they had arrived; such an act would draw far too much attention.

Fortunately, such a display was no longer necessary. Unlike their journey to the mall, they were not pressed for time; even the notoriously tardy public bus would suffice to transport them back to Bai Zhi’s home before night fully descended.

Moreover, both Lin and Rena had expressed an interest in experiencing the local public transport. Consequently, the four women leisurely strolled over to the bus stop sign by the roadside.

Bai Zhi’s quartet chatted idly as they awaited the bus that would take them home.

“Oh? So that’s what happened. I wondered why I suddenly found myself alone halfway through; I genuinely thought I’d gotten lost.”

“That was clearly just you walking too quickly, Rena,” Bai Zhi retorted.

She had just recounted to Rena her encounter with Su Pei and Zuo Yan at the supermarket, as Rena was the only one in their group who had yet to meet those peculiar individuals.

Bai Zhi felt that withholding the information would unfairly exclude her. Meanwhile, Lin and Xia Ranxin were huddled close, engrossed in a conversation about daily trivialities that clearly only the two of them understood.

Recognizing this, Bai Zhi and Rena instinctively created some distance, careful not to intrude upon their private exchange.

“I’m quite keen to meet that girl, Su Pei.”

Rena appeared more intrigued by the reporter, Miss Su Pei, than by Zuo Yan, Bai Zhi’s suddenly materialized admirer.

“Do you find her interesting?”

“Actually, I sense a certain danger about her,” Rena admitted with a shrug, her expression turning serious.

“Based on your account, she appears to be someone possessing exceptional observational and analytical abilities, willing to resort to any means to achieve her objectives, and who, to satisfy her personal interests, would readily twist facts, fabricate, and disseminate falsehoods.”

“To be frank, if Miss Su Pei had been born in my homeland, I suspect she would have been swiftly apprehended by the Radiant Knights and subjected to correctional education.”

“So your Radiant Knights are responsible for that kind of work too?” Bai Zhi inquired, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Rena puffed out her chest with righteous indignation. “As long as our citizens have a need, we, the Radiant Knights, will spare no effort!”

“However, that was during the Radiant Knights’ era of prosperity. Following the war with the Crimson Moon Clan, our ranks became severely depleted. Consequently, we were forced to prioritize more urgent matters, delegating similar duties to other departments.”

“Ah, I see. It feels as though I’ve gained a bit more insight into the place where you live, Rena,” Bai Zhi acknowledged with a nod.

“But is such an extreme measure truly necessary? In my estimation, while Su Pei is certainly peculiar, she wouldn’t be considered an inherently bad person, would she?

Her greatest offense seems to be crafting ‘news’ articles with an overabundance of fictional elements, which might indeed impact a person’s reputation. However, this hardly warrants the intervention of a military organization like the Radiant Knights for ‘correction,’ does it…?”

Observing Bai Zhi’s misunderstanding deepen, Rena promptly interjected to clarify.

“Ah, you’ve actually misunderstood slightly. The danger I spoke of isn’t that Su Pei would pose a threat to others. Rather, it’s that if she were born with such a personality in my homeland, her own situation would become exceedingly perilous.”

“Hmm… so, perhaps she’d be ostracized for being deemed peculiar?” Bai Zhi ventured.

“If it were merely to that extent, it would be quite manageable. The people of the Holy Light would never discriminate against someone simply because their behavior deviates from the norm.”

“What I mean is, she would face certain life-threatening dangers.”

‘!?’

“Perhaps I should explain from the very beginning.”

Observing Bai Zhi’s stunned expression, Rena offered a somewhat helpless smile.

“As you already know, my homeland—the Kingdom of Gloucester—is a nation whose entire populace venerates the Holy Light. Every citizen residing within its borders, and indeed every person born there, is a devout follower of the Holy Light.”

“So… even an infant, utterly oblivious to the world, automatically becomes a devotee of this Holy Light simply by being born in the Kingdom of Gloucester?”

“Precisely.”

Rena nodded in affirmation.

“Yet, the Holy Light we revere differs somewhat from the deities worshipped in other religious nations.”

“The Holy Light possesses no physical form, no distinct image, and never responds to prayers of any kind. Indeed, we ourselves never pray to it.

Its sole act was to promulgate a set of guiding principles, requiring us to live according to them, which we refer to as ‘The Way of the Holy Light’.”

“‘The Way of the Holy Light’ initially comprised only four fundamental tenets: ‘Honesty,’ ‘Courage,’ ‘Justice,’ and ‘Loyalty.’ Subsequent generations expanded upon these foundational four, deriving numerous more specific guidelines.

Today, ‘The Way of the Holy Light’ encompasses virtually every facet of an ordinary citizen’s life within the Kingdom of Gloucester.”

“By strictly adhering to ‘The Way of the Holy Light’ in both daily life and combat, one can receive the Holy Light’s protection and wield immense power. Have you understood everything so far?”

“Hmm, I believe I grasp the general concept,” Bai Zhi mused, articulating her understanding. “In essence, a peculiar entity has issued a comprehensive set of rules for you to obey. As long as you comply, it bestows rewards upon you… is that the gist of it?”

“That’s roughly it.”

“And what befalls those who violate ‘The Way of the Holy Light’?”

“This brings us to the crucial part,” Rena stated, her expression abruptly turning solemn.

“Once ‘The Way of the Holy Light’ is breached, whether through deliberate intent or accidental oversight, it is deemed a betrayal of the Holy Light’s teachings, and the transgressor will, in turn, incur its punishment.”

“Pale flames will surge forth from the void, consuming the betrayer, burning them to ashes, piece by agonizing piece, from within.”

As she spoke, Rena’s brow furrowed involuntarily, as if recalling some distressing memory.

“Believe me, that is a sight you would never wish to witness.”

“Wow…”

As if a vivid image had materialized in her mind, Bai Zhi could not suppress a gasp of astonishment.

“Initially, however, ‘The Way of the Holy Light’ comprised only those four relatively abstract terms; all subsequent rules were merely added after interpretation.

This inevitably led to citizens inadvertently violating the Holy Light’s teachings. Therefore, when the Radiant Knights detected such indications, they would convene these anomalous citizens, admonishing them and correcting their behavior to avert future punishment from the Holy Light.”

“That is precisely why I assert that someone with Su Pei’s personality would face grave danger if born in the Kingdom of Gloucester.

Such a disposition would be readily construed as a betrayal of the Holy Light,’ inevitably leading to her apprehension and ‘correction’.”

With that, Rena shrugged, a relaxed demeanor settling upon her features.

“In this world, however, there’s no need for concern. While I, as a devotee of the Holy Light, remain bound by ‘The Way of the Holy Light,’ others here are not subject to its strictures.

My previous remark was merely a reflex from my time serving in the Radiant Knights; I instinctively wanted to speak with her, simply to caution her about potential dangers.”

“Obedience grants power, while transgression leads to ruthless eradication. Rather than describing the Holy Light you revere as a ‘deity,’ it sounds more akin to a…”

Bai Zhi’s words faltered midway as she realized Rena was still beside her, and that being too blunt might be impolitic. She thus swallowed the latter half of her thought—the word ‘curse’—and instead posed a different question.

“Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: a person, out of a benevolent desire not to hurt their friend, tells them a lie. Would this be deemed a violation of ‘The Way of the Holy Light’ and incur punishment?”

“Well…”

Rena hesitated, then, after a moment’s consideration, replied candidly.

“The Radiant Knights certainly wouldn’t endorse such an action, as it clearly deviates from the ‘Honesty’ tenet.

However, there have indeed been instances in the past where citizens acted in this manner and faced no subsequent punishment. Conversely, there are also cases with entirely opposite outcomes, so…”

“My advice remains: I would not recommend attempting such an act, for it is simply too perilous.”

“So, the same action can yield different outcomes for different individuals…?”

Bai Zhi wore a thoughtful expression, yet after a moment of fruitless deliberation, she abandoned her contemplation, reverting to her usual demeanor.

“I just feel that if I delve too deeply into it, things will become incredibly complicated, so I’ll just let it go for now.”

Then, as if a sudden thought struck her, Bai Zhi turned to Xia Ranxin, who was engrossed in conversation with Lin, and voiced her lingering doubt.

“Speaking of which, I’ve kept forgetting to ask you. You used ‘Mass Illusion’ on all the students in the school before, so why is Xia Ranxin the only one who remembers what originally happened?”

“Ah, that…”

Rena pondered for a moment before explaining:

“A normal and reasonable Mass Illusion actually requires a spellcaster specializing in that field to first construct sufficiently realistic and plausible false memories.

This prevents the affected individuals from experiencing any sense of incongruity when the new memories overwrite their old ones.”

“But I… well… I’m not that specialized, so… accidents are bound to happen…”

“I see…”

Bai Zhi murmured, accepting Rena’s explanation. Then, her face abruptly flushed with embarrassment, and she erupted in a vehement complaint.

“But you didn’t need to write such mortifying lines into that memory, did you!? When Zuo Yan recited them in front of me today, do you have any idea how utterly humiliating that was?!”

“Uh, the memories I created… shouldn’t have included that part,” Rena’s expression was peculiar.

“They should only remember that you rushed into Classmate Xia’s classroom and said something to her, but they shouldn’t remember the specific words. After all, I didn’t fabricate that segment at all.”

“Then why would Zuo Yan…?”

“It’s likely due to his overly vivid imagination. Similar situations have occurred before,” Rena recalled. “When the individual’s imagination is too rich, they conjure up details that weren’t present in the memories we prepared, which caused a bit of trouble afterward.”

“Is that so…?”

Having received a plausible explanation, Bai Zhi felt no further need to inquire. She then cast her gaze down at the shopping bags in her hand.

“By the way, these are the groceries Rena bought, right! What delicious food are we making tonight?”

“I bought a variety of ingredients, as our household has suddenly grown larger, and I need to cater to different tastes.”

“Hmph… You’ve only been living in this world for a week, and you’re already so proficient?”

“What can I do? It’s your fault, Bai Zhi, for being completely incapable of cooking. You either eat at school for all three meals or simply skip them,” Rena said with a helpless expression. “If I didn’t become skilled, I’d probably have starved to death by now.”

“Because it feels so terrifying! Oil, fire, and all that… Speaking of which, why did you buy cabbage?”

“Specifically for you,” Rena replied with a mischievous grin. “Do you like it?”

“You know perfectly well that the smell of cabbage makes me nauseous! I can throw it away, right? I can throw it away!”

“Alright, alright, actually, I’m just learning a new dish that uses it, so I thought I’d try making it soon. Besides, Bai Zhi, you’re not a child anymore, why are you still so picky!”

“How is this picky? It’s simply a matter of preference! Don’t you have anything you dislike, Rena!?”

“At least when it comes to food, there’s nothing I dislike,” Rena responded with a smile. “I think the reason you’re so thin… is because there are too many things you refuse to eat.”

“That almost sounds like you’re boasting about how good your figure is,” Bai Zhi mumbled, glaring resentfully at a certain part of Rena’s physique. “If there weren’t so many people around right now, I’d be enacting righteous retribution.”

“Don’t do that even when there are fewer people; it hurts!” Rena declared earnestly, then abruptly turned her head to the side. “Ah, the bus seems to have arrived.”

As daylight gradually faded, the long-delayed blue and white bus finally lumbered to a stop. The four beautiful young women ceased their chatter, preparing to board the vehicle heading towards Bai Zhi’s home. Yet, just before stepping onto the bus, Bai Zhi’s expression suddenly shifted, and she instinctively recoiled a few steps.

“What’s wrong?”

Rena noticed her unusual behavior and also paused. Lin and Xia Ranxin, who had been engrossed in their conversation, now turned to look at Bai Zhi with puzzled expressions.

Bai Zhi offered a helpless, wry smile.

“It’s nothing serious—it seems someone else has arrived from Granzenias, and I need to go there immediately.”

While Lin and Xia Ranxin still appeared somewhat perplexed, Rena instantly understood Bai Zhi’s meaning. Someone else had likely traversed from Granzenias, and Bai Zhi needed to promptly send the crosser back.

Rena then asked with concern, “Do you need my help?”

“Ah… it’s fine, I can handle it alone. You all go back first; besides, Ranxin needs you by her side, doesn’t she?” Bai Zhi waved her hand dismissively.

“Alright then, we’ll head off,” Rena reminded her. “Remember to come back early.”

“Don’t worry, I’m a professional at this.”

Bai Zhi smiled confidently, then waved goodbye to the three as they boarded the bus.

“Just remember to save some dinner for me when you get back!”

After this final instruction, Bai Zhi took a few steps back, watching the bus carrying Rena and the others disappear from sight. She then stretched her body and turned to walk in another direction.

“Well then—”

“Let’s see what kind of individual has arrived this time!”