Chapter 287: The Fruit of Victory

Wars eventually end; when the last altar was leveled, this long war was declared over.

【Awakened Divine Art: Second-Ring Divine Art Realm of Truth (You, Do Not Lie), Third-Ring Divine Art Elemental Weapon (Stack, Stack Damage).】

When the reward from Pure Goodness descended upon Li En in the form of divine arts, he finally felt the peace of victory.

"Not bad—fourth-rank paladins and third-rank ones aren't much different."

Though he didn't reach fourth rank, two highly practical divine arts were still an excellent return.

Considering Pure Goodness's usual stinginess, granting two divine arts outright clearly proves how severe this disaster was.

Without Li En's involvement, this city would have been doomed.

Chain reactions triggered the revival of demon gods, the collapse of the kingdom, and even wars between beasts and beastmen—no one knows how many would've died.

"I'm not far from fifth rank," said Dimon, his excitement making Li En feel numb.

Is he really about to become a Grand Paladin? Li En glanced at the other paladins; most wore smiles—they too had received rewards from Pure Goodness, some even divine grace from the deity.

Opportunities to slay demons and save cities are rare for them. Paladins cannot grow through cultivation alone; killing is their only path.

The battlefield was being cleared; city guards were the main force.

Many mid- and high-rank practitioners had stood idle, gathering spontaneously while healing, eating, and resting.

For some reason, despite possessing the abilities of a sorcerer, mage, or even warrior, Li En was still drawn into the paladin crowd.

"Weaver's Knight Order—all sworn knights, a rookie group. Most members are former slaves and commoners. We mainly patrol the docks and maintain order; please, seniors, guide us."

Having fought side by side, they were easy to relate to; this "slum knight order," composed entirely of classical sworn knights, left a deep impression on the seniors.

In other adventurer groups, former slaves often faced disdain or prejudice—but in the paladin circle, it seemed to be an asset.

Especially after learning of his Oath of Poverty—which his appearance and gear made impossible to hide—it made him a rising star among paladins.

The more "persistent" one is, the more respect one earns in a field demanding unwavering will—and naturally, greater recognition and trust follow.

"I do take the Oath of Poverty; my witness is Senior Li En."

Li En watched as Dimon thrived among the seniors, even taking the opportunity to introduce Li En to them.

Li En had now fully made his name in Huicheng's paladin circle; those who had vaguely heard of him now saw him in person—and confirmed he was indeed a formidable figure.

Li En did not refuse any of the friendly greetings; they were comrades, now and likely always.

Though most paladins were church members, how much true loyalty they held toward deities was hard to say.

If the Path of Pure Goodness conflicted with a deity's path, whom would they choose? This remained the classic dilemma of the paladin world.

Most veteran knights warned recruits to prioritize the deity—after all, deities can truly revoke your status—but in practice, slightly more chose the other path.

Practice goodness, question your heart, preserve benevolence.

High-rank paladins of the True God Church must face this "interrogation." Unlike priests who require faith, blind believers rarely reach the top of the paladin path—though a tiny few who believe "My God is always right" are an exception; such fanatics rarely live long.

The wait for post-battle procedures often became a time for reflection and exchange.

At the very least, becoming familiar with faces could lead to bonds forged in life and death.

Li En did not overly engage, yet he unknowingly drew too much attention.

In this battle, he displayed power rivaling a Grand Practitioner, along with too many powerful and rare traits.

"The Swordbearer."

"That sword—pure and overwhelming, a hundred percent Judgment Blade."

"Is this what a true classical paladin looks like?"

The pure, unbreakable "Demon-Slaying Sword" was clearly an epic paladin hero's legacy; the sword arts Dimon and Li En displayed became objects of envy and focus.

Dimon drew attention mainly because of his unbreakable "Soul Power."

For paladins, such pure and powerful energy was also a reflection of their moral character.

"I sensed it—Judgment."

"Uncompromising Judgment."

"Anger and hatred toward the unjust—they will never yield to any criminal."

"The passion of youth is enviable. Old men like me have learned to compromise—perhaps I should strive once more."

The Swordbearer's legacy may become the emblem of Li En and the Weaver's Knight Order.