Chapter 640: Central Ritual Grounds, 'Blessed Grain' Blessing Ritual

Jier and his companions continued to walk through the same streets they had taken when they arrived last time.

Along the way, the prosperity of the city still surprised Jier; it was not that he was amazed by the prosperity itself—goodness, the bustling scenes of the cities in his previous life far exceeded this by countless times—but what truly surprised him was that in a generally backward otherworld society, encountering such a prosperous city in a place like this really felt unexpected to him.

"How many cities of this size are there in the Western Province?"

Facing the question from the warrior Jier, Bata'er Jiaoshi rubbed his chin and said with some embarrassment: "I don't know about the Western Province, but in the Southern Province, only the Province Capital is of a similar scale to Mengtuoka City, I suppose? However, the terrain there is not flat enough, so it is impossible to build a city as orderly as Mengtuoka City. You know, in places with many mountains and rivers, even if a city grows in scale, because of the obstruction of the mountains, it looks much worse than a city like this where you can overlook the entire scene from a high vantage point."

But Bata'er Jiaoshi then revealed a smile again: "But the cities there have their own unique features, with winding mountain roads, streets and buildings that rise and fall, and layers upon layers of trees—ha, you will like it there."

Jier also smiled: "Perhaps so."

He felt a faint sense of unease in his heart; having come all the way from Kewen Territory, they, the Kendall people, had seen too many refugees from the Southern Province who had fled here. If the local situation were good, who would leave their hometown?

Judging from the matter of Changmai Village where Bata'er Jiaoshi was located, the situation in other places was likely very dire.

As for just how dire, he would have to experience it personally and go over to observe to know.

They arrived once again at the main gate of the Agricultural God Church in Mengtuoka City; the two dismounted and walked inside, leading their horses.

Inside the gate, there were of course stone pillars and low wooden beams for temporarily parking and tethering horses, and there was no need to worry about potential theft here. After Bata'er Jiaoshi gave a word to Moreier Jiaoshi, who was guarding the gate, the two of them walked toward the interior of the church.

When Moreier Jiaoshi saw Jier, he specifically observed Jier's face. Perhaps recognizing that this young man dressed in full iron armor was the same one from yesterday, Moreier Jiaoshi specifically warned Jier: "Although we will not temporarily confiscate your weapons and equipment, young man, when you draw your weapon inside the church, you are an enemy of the Agricultural God and the Agricultural God Church! Before making any moves, it is best to think clearly in your head before doing so."

The Agricultural God Church was of course not afraid of a 'Knight' taking action at their diocesan headquarters; after all, even if the Agricultural God priests were not skilled in combat, it was not something Jier could stir up trouble with alone.

Clack, clack, clack, clack.

Jier was wearing a suit of metal iron armor, and every time he walked, his metal combat boots would make a clacking sound on the stone floor of the church.

Many young priests or Novice Priests attracted by this sound curiously poked their heads out from the corners of the corridors or the windows of the buildings to see what was making the strange noise.

But once they saw it was an unfamiliar Knight wearing iron armor, these people felt bored and pulled their heads back.

Mengtuoka City had a developed economy, and there were certainly many Knights in the city belonging to Montuoka Viscount; occasionally, local Knights would come to the Agricultural God Church for business, so these priests were naturally accustomed to it.

After finding an unfamiliar Priest on the road and clarifying the location of the Vice Dean, Bata'er Jiaoshi led Jier straight toward the place where that Vice Dean was located.

That was a small garden.

Although it was called a garden, the priests of the Agricultural God Church rarely specifically planted varieties of flowers for ornamental purposes; in the so-called 'garden', most of them specifically planted some special crops from other places.

They were not fruit trees—fruit trees had dedicated orchards for planting—and this smaller type of garden was specifically for cultivating some relatively low-growing crops.

As soon as Jier approached, he saw several elderly priests bending over and busy with something in small ponds that were knee-deep.

These small ponds were only two meters by two meters square, built entirely of long stone bricks, and each small pond looked like a miniature ornamental pool.

However, Jier noticed that the plants grown in each type of pond were different; some were similar to lotus flowers, with small, round leaves floating on the water surface, and vertical stems extending from the water, pointing toward the sky, with flower buds at the top already taking shape.

There were also square-like leaves floating on the water surface, but the stems grew from the surface of the leaves, covered in small flowers, and some flying insects were buzzing around the flowers, seemingly tasting the pollen and nectar within the blossoms.

There were also ordinary-looking rice seedlings growing densely in the small ponds, their top leaves swaying even without wind.

The most peculiar plant in one of the ponds was a type of plant similar to a small tree or shrub, with a spherical crown emerging from the water, over a meter high, with several pocket-like things hanging on it. Just as Jier looked over, branches several tens of centimeters long extended directly from the green plant-pocket organs, quickly waving in the air toward the pockets; they seemed to have stickiness, and in an instant, they stuck to several small flying insects passing by and swallowed them into the pockets.

"What is that?"

Jier looked surprised; this was an insectivorous plant, right? But why would it be planted in the Agricultural God Church? That thing didn't look like a crop that could be farmed, no, planted at all.

Facing Jier's question, Bata'er Jiaoshi could not answer either; he did not recognize that plant either.

"The two of you, that is a Sos Snake Insect-Eating Wood. It is a relatively rare, precious plant from the distant Elf Forest. Do not think it strange; in fact, the pockets of this plant are edible, and in areas where mosquitoes and insects are numerous and diseases are rampant, planting this plant can effectively suppress the number of diseases caused by mosquito bites!"

An elderly priest stood happily in the pond, leaning on a wooden pole with his hand to explain to the two.

And the Vice Dean they were looking for on this trip also pulled himself away from the busyness in the pond, walked out of the pond with muddy feet, and walked toward Bata'er Jiaoshi: "It is still a relatively precious plant now, but once we old fellows figure out its mass propagation methods, it can be planted in many villages where rivers pass through. By then, it should be able to effectively reduce the ravages of several diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and insects, only, *cough cough*, in the future, there will inevitably be several fierce battles with the God of Pain Church that is developing in secret everywhere."

Bata'er Jiaoshi immediately lowered his head to salute this Vice Dean, and Jier also clenched his fist and struck his left chest, performing a formal salute for when wearing armor.

This type of salute by Jier was common everywhere and was considered the unified way for armored Warriors to salute.

Even when facing a King or other high-ranking Nobles, one could use this way of saluting without being considered impolite.

But if not wearing armor, the etiquette was varied; Warriors using a Long Sword needed to hold the Long Sword upright at the abdomen with both hands, with their forehead pressed against the sword body. Warriors using long weapons would hold the weapon in their right hand, clench their left fist to strike their right chest, and lower their head. In addition, there were salutes involving kneeling on one knee with the weapon held upside down. Or, if the weapon was not in hand, one would kneel on one knee, place one hand on the knee, and strike the chest with the other clenched fist.

These were all common Warrior salutes, and the different methods were ways of responding to superiors of different ranks.

If wearing armor, it was all much simpler.

"Pastor Bata'er, you have found the visitor, why not set off immediately to rescue those trapped believers and commoners as soon as possible? And why come here to find me?"

The Vice Dean took his Knotted Wood Staff from the hand of another elderly priest beside him and walked over while speaking.

The mud on his feet dried and fell off spontaneously as he walked, quickly making the Vice Dean's feet clean again. Multiple pairs of sandals made of animal hide and vine branches were placed on the edge of the many ponds, and the old man put on the sandals with light movements before approaching Jier.

Jier had thought that this Vice Dean whom Bata'er Jiaoshi was looking for had no intention of helping, but he soon changed his view.

"Vice Dean, preparing for the rescue operation will not delay anything. I came here this time hoping you could provide some help. And this is very necessary; the great Agricultural God guides this matter, so in any case, the diocese must provide some help, right?"

Bata'er Jiaoshi spoke directly, but this Vice Dean was not angry; instead, a smile of 'you finally understood' appeared at the corners of his mouth.

"Haha, it should be so. Your numbers are a bit small, so you deserve to receive some blessings. Then, is there anything you want? Tell me."

The other several elderly priests also walked out of the ponds, put down the farm tools they had been using, and after tidying up slightly, they all gathered behind the Vice Dean, hands tucked into the sleeves of their short robes, heads lowered and eyes closed, not speaking.

But just by standing behind the Vice Dean, they showed the power and influence of this Vice Dean, who was also an old man.

Because although Jier could not see how strong these people were, just from the patterns and decorations on their robes, he could see that among the several people, the lowest rank was the same as Bata'er Jiaoshi, and there were even higher ones.

And even if they were the same rank as Bata'er Jiaoshi, that is, the Pastor level, these elderly priests also had extra embroidery on their bodies representing their merits.

Before coming, Bata'er Jiaoshi had discussed this issue with Jier; if possible, they would of course try to ask for benefits, but the help of the local diocese was of course not infinite, and even if this Vice Dean provided help, it was impossible for him to truly go all out; everything had to be done in moderation.

"I wonder what help the Dean can provide? Both I and the warrior Jier need at least one powerful blessing, and in addition, we need some other blessing items. I personally hope to obtain a certain increase in combat power so as not to become a drag on the warrior Jier due to my combat power during the operation."

Changing his breath, Bata'er Jiaoshi saw that the Vice Dean was still listening to him, so he continued: "And the warrior Jier is the main force in this operation; he carries the Agricultural God's Divine Power arranged by the great Agricultural God, so he especially needs a batch of blessing items to assist in combat."

After finishing these words, the Vice Dean opposite did not speak but used his hand to smooth his long, grayish-black beard.

"Powerful blessings, so you don't look down on ordinary Blessing Rituals, right?"

Bata'er Jiaoshi had an 'it should be so' look; clearly, he felt that was the case.

"Heh, you fellow, powerful and effective blessings are not impossible, but not everyone who receives a blessing can bear them. For example, you can at most bear one blessing; any more, and the power of the blessing will affect your ability as a priest. And this one, hmm, warrior Jier, right? His situation is more complicated; two would be no problem, but the specific selection of the Blessing Ritual must be considered carefully so as not to produce a bad influence with the power within his body."

After finishing, the Vice Dean led everyone away from here and headed toward the place where the ritual could be held.

It was not that one had to specifically find a place to hold a ritual; in fact, there was no such requirement, but the success and effect of the ritual were still greatly influenced by the environment in which the ritual was held.

The place where the Vice Dean was leading Jier and the others at this moment was precisely the center of the Agricultural God Church in all of Mengtuoka City.

Passing through quiet, clean stone Corridors and cloisters filled with carved holy words and teachings, the towering, awe-inspiring Church and the square, solemn Church hall were left behind the group. In Jier's imagination, the center of the Church might have been a very magnificent and solemn place, but after seeing it with his own eyes, he felt a bit disappointed.

This was a small lawn, an open space with a radius of over twenty meters. In the center stood a white Baishi Statue of the God of Agriculture. The statue faced the entrance gate, so as soon as Jier raised his eyes, he could see the Agricultural God, with a blurred face, looking at him.

Although the face of the Agricultural God was blurred, a pair of Human eyes had been carved very vividly. The moment Jier's gaze met the gaze of the Statue of the God, a buzzing sound rang out in his head.

At first, it was a sizzling noise, then the sound gradually became clear from being blurred.

It was a ballad, a distant ballad.

From the first seed being picked up by someone.

To the first seed being planted by someone.

From the first joy being bloomed by someone.

To the first satiety being enjoyed by someone.

From the first day of plowing.

To the time of harvest every single day.

From the first delicacy being served on the table.

To every bite of food being sent into the mouth.

I watch over it all.

And I look forward to it.

More people enjoying the joy of harvest.

More people enjoying the joy of satiety.

From birth, babbling in infancy.

To death, the final breath.

Tilling and toil accompany us all.

Cherish every hard-won grain seed.

Enjoy every joy of hard labor.

If you are tired, then rest a while.

Sing my ballad.

Accumulate strength.

Relieve fatigue.

The child brings the Water bottle.

The wife brings the rice bowl.

Drink some water, eat your fill.

Sing my ballad.

Brush off the dust, rise again, rise again.

When Jier came back to his senses, he was unknowingly covered in tears, while the Priests around him were all looking at Jier with surprised expressions. The Vice Dean's old attendants whispered to each other, Bata'er Jiaoshi looked surprised, but the Vice Dean himself only stared at Jier, slowly stroking his own gray-black long beard.

Jier wanted to open his mouth to ask what had happened.

But the Vice Dean waved his hand to signal everyone to step onto the soft lawn and walk toward the empty Central Ritual Field.

Jier fell silent; he had no choice but to take out the Linen Cloth he usually used to wipe his weapons from the pocket at his waist, and using his metal fingers, he pinched it to wipe his face, trying to erase the tear stains on his face.

Then he followed.

But Jier's combat boots were different from the others, who wore either sandals or soft leather boots; the metal-soled combat boots stepped onto the soft lawn, and because of their weight, they immediately crushed the soft green grass beneath his feet into tattered grass leaves and grass juice.

"Oh, sorry, sorry."

Jier only realized this after walking several steps, but the Vice Dean waved his hand: "It is fine, please come forward."

Only after being told this did Jier dare to stride forward.

Beside the legs of the tall white Stone Statue, Jier and Bata'er Jiaoshi stood side by side.

The elderly Priests around them stood in a V-shape, facing the two of them.

And the Vice Dean, who had the greatest strength and highest status present, stood in front of the two, with his back to the Stone Statue of the Agricultural God, facing Jier and the other.

"Bataer, you can only receive one Blessing Ritual. Considering your mission and difficulties this time, I have selected the 'Blessed Grain' blessing as your reliance for this time."

The elderly but exceptionally spirited Vice Dean raised his head and spoke to Bata'er Jiaoshi in a declarative manner.

Bata'er Jiaoshi was somewhat puzzled, but the Vice Dean quickly cleared up his confusion.

"If you two act quickly, you will surely save the majority of the believers. What can be eaten on the escape route? Every bit of hunger is one less bit of strength. Although the people are oppressed and suffering, their strength is very great. How will the two of you defeat the enemy? Use this powerful blessing to feed every rescued believer. The Agricultural God watches over you two; carry His wish, accept His command."

The Vice Dean's voice gradually became resonant as he spoke; outside the surrounding lawn was a full circle of tall walls, and the sound echoed repeatedly, becoming shocking and majestic.

Amidst the echo of the voice, the grass leaves rustled and swayed slightly.

Jier was expressionless, while Bataer knelt on both knees, bowing in thanks toward the front.

The Vice Dean stepped aside at the right moment, making way for a Priest's worship toward the Agricultural God.

After Bata'er Jiaoshi bowed heavily and piously to thank the Agricultural God, the Blessing Ritual for him was about to begin quickly.

Jier stepped back a few paces, clearing the area.

Bata'er Jiaoshi took the initiative to take off his Robe and inner garment, standing in place bare-chested, wearing only loose priest trousers.

Several of the Vice Dean's old companions walked slowly for a few steps, surrounding Bata'er Jiaoshi; they all squatted halfway, one hand spread out against the ground, the other pointing toward the air in front.

As soon as Jier looked, he could see that what they were all pointing at was the same spot.

Then these old Priests began to chant.

"Grain that satisfies hunger, all comes from you and me."

"One grain seed, bears a hundred."

"May my Lord grant a blessing, that he may receive the blessing."

"One grain worth a hundred, one grain worth a thousand."

"Fill the belly, satisfy the stomach and intestines."

"Fragrant nose, fragrant tongue, fragrant eyes."

"No hunger, no starvation, no craving."

"May the Lord bestow this Divine Power."

"Reward this person."

"This person is the Lord's Priest, the congregation, the followers, the believers."

"In this time of hardship and difficulty, he should be entitled to enjoy this blessing of Divine Power."

"May the Lord reward this person."

"May the Great Power Agricultural God reward this person."

As the words fell, cyan Divine Power suddenly erupted from the bodies of the few, flowing rapidly through the hand touching the earth to reach the fingertips of the hand held high.

The cyan Divine Power drifted out like a ribbon of light, gradually gathering in mid-air.

And beneath that gathering point of light was the bare-chested Bata'er Jiaoshi with his hands held high.