Chapter 725 – Coronation (2/2)
The white snow over the gray stones of the plaza was like a layer of felt. Those stone pillars which seemed disorderly, yet were actually set according to some vague law, were already covered in white. Chen Changsheng's spiritual sense could clearly sense that an extremely ancient Qi was hidden below the plaza. If it was an array, then it was no weaker than the Imperial Design.
He gazed into the distance at the vague silhouettes of the palace halls in the snow. He knew that these were the famous Grass Moon Hall, Pure Cassia Temple, the Moss Institute… The Li Palace had six halls, each hall holding a precious treasure that symbolized the Orthodoxy's history and unparalleled might, thus resulting in the gradual appearance of the Six Prefects.
He knew why the Pope had brought him here.
The firm and sacred Qis rising up from the Grass Moon Hall, the Pure Cassia Palace, and the rest of the six halls were currently acknowledging their allegiance to him.
”The snow this year is too great.”
The Pope's gaze pierced through the snow into the distant north, his wrinkled and spotted face showing concern for the future. ” With the internal discord of Xuelao City, the unprecedented weakness of the demons, who knows how many tribes will be at odds against each other through this storm, how much slaughter it will incite? With the beginning of spring next year, the wolf cavalry will assuredly march south.”
A snowstorm was both very beautiful and very cruel. The demons would certainly suffer enormous damage, and with the rebellion, it was simply impossible for Xuelao City to recover its strength in such a short time. Under these circumstances, for the Pope to conclude that the Demon Army would march south next year seemed completely groundless, but Chen Changsheng understood that this prediction was certain to come true. The demons were a most insane and frightening species. The weaker they were, the more bloodthirsty and cruel they became. This was because they clearly understood that only in this way could they pass through their most trying hours.
The Pope sighed, ”Since both sides loathe each other, it would be best to leave as soon as possible.”
These words seemed without head or tail, and only Chen Changsheng could understand them. After the coup of the Mausoleum of Books, many people had guessed that he wanted to leave the capital. In truth, he had wanted to leave all this time, but he was keenly aware at the time that his master would not let him leave unless he was dead.
It now seemed that the conversation between the two Saints that night in the Li Palace had managed to change some things.
”Very well,” he replied.
The Pope looked at him and said, ”You are my chosen successor. No matter how many years pass, you must return.”
Chen Changsheng replied, ”Whenever I am needed, I will return.”
The Pope said, ”He wishes to speak with you.”
Chen Changsheng thought this over, then agreed, ”Okay.”
……
……
As the Li Palace emitted light, the snow falling from the sky seemed like the heavenly flowers scattered about the Divine Kingdom, possessing an intoxicating beauty.
The priests and cavalry of the Orthodoxy and all levels of clergy stood in the plaza, occasionally illuminated like the rising sun over the vast ocean.
The Great Hall of Light shone with incomparable brightness. It was impossible to look at directly and possessed an indescribable majesty.
Within the great hall, several thousand cardinals and archbishops bowed, their faces pious and reverential.
The stone wall slowly parted. Under the stone gazes of the twelve sages and the spirits of the Divine Kingdom, the Pope and Chen Changsheng walked out of the light.
The Pope received the Divine Crown from Mao Qiuyu and placed it upon Chen Changsheng's head.
Chen Changsheng gripped the Divine Staff and walked to the very front, to receive blessings and to grant them.
His body was somewhat stiff, but his expression was exceptionally solemn. Not a single hair was out of place, and not a single mistake in the process occurred. Even the finest of requirements in the Daoist scriptures had been fulfilled. It was perfection.