Chapter 192: The Archbishop's Lesson
The first type is Clergy Members.
As long as one believes in the Lord devoutly and has specific duties in the Church, one can obtain this title.
Basically, they are ordinary priests without a Brand.
They not only need to complete tasks issued by the Church but also must assist exorcists in completing exorcism commissions every once in a while.
Given the current shortage of manpower, it is undoubtedly very dangerous for ordinary people to face evil spirits and demons.
This is also the main reason why the casualty rate of clergy members remains high.
And the second type is Holy Clergy Members.
Known as the Seven Holy Orders in the Church, corresponding to a priest's promotion path in the Church.
In most people's minds, only Holy Clergy Members are considered true Church personnel.
Besides the power to mobilize Church resources, Holy Clergy Members are also respected by the outside world.
Many government dignitaries, wealthy merchants, and celebrities hire Holy Clergy Members as consultants to help solve abnormal events they encounter.
After receiving the token of identity, Hall bowed excitedly, then left through a special passage.
Roland's eyes were filled with envy.
But Joran said: "Fame and fortune are but stumbling blocks on the path of practice; only by upholding the Lord's belief can one go to Heaven."
"Doesn't going to Heaven mean dying..." William thought in a strange direction.
"Theological practice can indeed extend lifespan to a certain extent, but for the later stages, this time is far from enough."
Joran looked at the two in front of him.
"Every time a stage is advanced, the Holy Power required will increase exponentially."
"Many fail to cultivate enough Holy Power for promotion until death."
Roland nodded solemnly: "I will keep your teachings in mind."
William also crossed himself on his chest.
He didn't like to show off too much anyway.
As the saying goes, make a fortune in silence; being too conspicuous might bring trouble.
After all, resources in the world are limited; you don't know if someone will harbor resentment due to their own failure.
If he happens to meet you at this time.
Then you might become the target for the other party to vent their anger.
"Your Excellency Archbishop, since theological practice is so difficult, can anyone really practice to the end, go to Heaven, and meet the Lord?" Roland asked.
"The number of Holy Brands does affect the theological upper limit of a priest."
Joran smiled slightly.
"But when practicing to the 'Spirit' and 'Origin' stages, priests still have a chance to obtain a Brand again."
William raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, and Roland's eyes also lit up.
"The practice of Holy Power is to constantly build a 'Bridge' between the physical body and Heaven through the Brand."
Joran extended his hand, and a vortex of Holy Power soon emerged in his palm.
The energy fluctuations on it floated upwards constantly, connecting to who knows where.
"And in the 'Spirit Bridge' stage, a bridge built with Holy Power needs to be constructed; this is to pave the way for the 'Soul Body' to go to Heaven."
He clenched his fist, and the power vortex in his palm dissipated instantly.
"However, the human world and Heaven cannot communicate directly, so one needs to pass through the Unknowable Space."
William looked thoughtful: "So this is the second chance."
Joran said: "Correct, but not everyone will choose to do so."
"In that space, the Brand carved in the priest's body is like a bright lamp in the dark night."
"Before you find the Brand, maybe evil and crazy thoughts will pollute you one step ahead."
Roland recalled the appearance of that nun just now, and fear revealed in his eyes.
"And when reaching the 'Origin' stage, one needs to condense the 'Holy Heart'; this is the last chance to enter there." Joran said.
William frowned.
Although he didn't know much about these stages.
But the difficulties involved must be unimaginable; otherwise, the Church wouldn't be so short of manpower.
Joran said: "Of course, if your luck is good enough, you indeed don't need so many Brands."
Both William and Roland looked like they were listening intently.
"Above the Holy Brand, there is another kind of Brand."
Joran raised the corner of his mouth slightly.
"This is just a legend; even I only learned about it in the Vatican library."
"It is said that after the Lord created the world, He sent angels to manage Heaven and appointed believers to manage the human world. During this period, they all left traces of power in the Unknowable Space, even the Lord."
"After millions of years of evolution, these powers were assimilated in the Unknowable Space, thus becoming—Divine Brands."
"They are divided into Ancestor Rank, Angel Rank, and... God Rank."
"Compared to ordinary Brands, Divine Brands will reach a very exaggerated speed in practicing Holy Power. Even possessing seven Holy Brands at the same time is difficult to compare."
"There are only three Divine Brands of each rank, but it is said that just one can allow a priest to practice to the 'Origin' stage."
Roland's mouth was wide open.
William frowned.
"Just a legend? But recorded in such detail." He thought secretly.
But given the Vatican's status in the Church, maybe someone had obtained a Divine Brand before.
"Right... Haggai!"
William thought of this Vatican priest; the anomaly on the other party was obviously not quite right.
"Not Haggai."
Seeming to guess William's thoughts, Joran spoke.
"We have investigated many times but found no traces of a Brand."
This Archbishop didn't explain specifically what was investigated; William guessed this might be a secret of the Church.
"Your Excellency Archbishop Borja, thank you for clarifying my doubts; I benefited a lot from this observation." Roland bowed deeply.
Joran nodded: "Go accompany Richie; he should agree to let you go over now."
Roland was a little confused and didn't understand the Archbishop's words.
But William guessed this was an exchange, compensation for Richie's injury today.
"Could this guy be that person's illegitimate son..." He couldn't help sizing up Roland a few more times.
After the latter left, Joran looked at William.
"The selection for the Priest Order starts in three months; at that time, you will serve as a team leader, leading other Holy Clergy Members."
William was stunned upon hearing this.
"This... isn't good, right?"
"My ability is low, and I am careless in doing things; it should be held by those Holy Clergy Members with stronger abilities."
Joran glanced at William: "No need to play these tricks in front of me."
"In terms of caution, you might rank among the top in the entire Church."
"At that time, you will lead the team as a teacher; those seminary students will be handed over to you."
Hearing that his status was going to rise again, William froze on the spot instantly.
"You have concerns?" Joran said.
Of course! Your valuing me so much is the biggest concern!
William naturally wouldn't tell the truth, but said with a hesitant face:
"I am young and have no background; being suddenly entrusted with such a heavy responsibility makes it difficult to convince people. Of course, this is not making excuses..."
He looked "Fearful" and explained hurriedly.
"If any brother Holy Clergy Member misunderstands because of this and destroys everyone's feelings, that would be bad."
Joran snorted coldly.
"If you don't even have this bit of brain, there is no need to enter the Priest Order."
Then he patted William again.
"Your talent is obvious to all; you should be able to detect those breath energy traces now, right?"
William opened his mouth, his brain frantically thinking of words to respond.
But unexpectedly, Joran said: "No need to tell me; the Holy Brand is the most important thing for a priest and should not be told to others."
"I just want you to understand that among all Brand manifestations, 'Eyes' manifestation is the most highly regarded."
"This means that the priest's practice speed in the early stage will be very fast, and they can become a mainstay of the Church in a short time."
Joran spoke earnestly.
"You know my style; I don't like red tape. Only results can explain everything."
"I also look forward to your performance in the Priest Order."
"Nowadays, those cult guys are becoming more and more restless; relying on me alone is really a bit overwhelming."
These words could be considered heart-to-heart; if placed on any Holy Clergy Member, they would definitely bow and scrape to express loyalty.
But William narrowed his eyes.
With the Church's foundation, it is impossible to let the situation develop in a direction unfavorable to them.
This means...
He originally thought Joran was a radical man of action; he didn't expect the other party to be very skilled in winning people's hearts.
"Your Excellency Archbishop, I will definitely do my best." William bowed deeply.
Joran nodded with satisfaction.
"Go submit your commission; there is nothing to see in the rest of the ceremony."
William nodded in agreement immediately.
"By the way."
Before walking two steps, Joran's voice came from behind again.
"Practicing Holy Power is not easy; use it sparingly in the future, and make fewer holy artifacts."
Joran exhorted.
"Only those priests who think they have no hope of promotion will waste Holy Power for fame and fortune."
"If you have needs, you can withdraw directly from the church; otherwise, even with four Brands, it will be unsustainable."
William nodded thoughtfully: "I will keep your teachings in mind."
Joran waved his hand.
On the way to the Commission Room.
"It seems that guy thinks I have four Holy Brands." William thought secretly.
"This seems reasonable; otherwise, it wouldn't attract a Vatican Archbishop to invite personally."
"But..."
William scratched his chin.
He really didn't know how many he had.
From the information obtained earlier, this thing is like a part of the priest's body; it can be detected with just a thought.
But apart from the panel, he had nothing on his body.
"Could my Brand be the panel?"
William quickly denied this guess.
If that were the case, the Church would definitely have relevant descriptions.
Immediately after, he thought of his fast promotion speed.
"Could it be God..." William had a bold idea.
However, these had no basis, so he could only put them aside for the time being.
"Maybe I can know when I practice to the corresponding stage."
While pondering, William arrived at the Commission Room.
Flora happened to return after finishing the work of the awakening ceremony.
William quickly handed over the task and reported the abnormality of the Mountain Men in the dense forest.
Of course, the part about the female Knight was concealed; after all, he also took a piece of "Loot."
"Hard work, Professor William."
Flora returned the professor token.
"The reward points for this commission have been recorded under your name."
William took it with a smile.
If he hadn't taken a share of "Demon Heart" this time, he would have really worked for nothing.
As for what points can do...
William only knew that a bottle of five-year vintage Holy Water required 3,000 points.
And completing a "Dangerous" rated commission could earn 200.
Of course, such commissions usually have considerable commission fees.
But...
Jack, that poor guy! Didn't pay a cent to the Church!
William forced a smile and decided to screen carefully before accepting commissions next time.
"By the way, Professor William, are you free recently? The seminary happens to have something that might need your help." Flora said suddenly.
"Just call me William; what can I do for you?" William smiled.
"Okay! William."
Flora smiled, revealing charming apple cheeks.
It seemed she had gradually walked out of the Wynn incident.
"Heard from Bishop Borja that you have practiced to the second stage of 'Eyes'—Holy Eye."
"Recently, a new batch of evil spirit monsters arrived."
Flora tucked her hair.
"You know, many Holy Clergy Members will extract the source power in the monsters' bodies and convert it into Holy Power."
"But it will also be contaminated with evil aura. Only through [Holy Eye] can one locate those auras and assimilate the evil with Holy Power."
"Otherwise, extracting too much source power stained with evil may cause the priest himself to be polluted."
"But now most teachers in the seminary do not have manifestation in this aspect."
"So there are very few who can purify the evil stained on the source..."
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