Chapter 7 Divine Retribution
Suddenly, a portal of light opened in the starry sky, its radiance gentle yet intense, illuminating the entire continent. Within the gateway, the figure of the Star Father gradually appeared, his form composed of countless stars and nebulae, emanating an awe-inspiring brilliance.
As Star Father descended, the earth began to tremble softly, as if responding to the arrival of this cosmic deity. Mountains echoed, rivers sang, and even the air was filled with a sacred aura. The clouds in the sky gathered around Star Father, forming a vast halo that made his presence all the more solemn.
When Star Father arrived, every living being on the continent could sense a deep, melodious star-speech, a voice that seemed to come from the depths of the stars themselves. The people of the Celestial Empire witnessed this miracle, stunned as they knelt upon the ground, their hearts swelling with reverence for Star Father. Their faith awakened in that moment; they knew that the advent of Star Father would lead their world onto a new path.
Closest to Star Father was Star Peak, whose emotions could no longer be contained; tears streamed down his face, though he did not know when they began.
"Star Father... can you hear me..."
…
On the western continent, all too bowed in worship, believing this to be the manifestation of the Heavenly Father.
But only one person collapsed to the ground, pale and trembling—Thunderfire.
"The Heavenly Father was a fabrication of mine, so..."
"This is not the Heavenly Father! Then he must be... Star Father!"
"Star Father actually exists?!"
"Are the legends of Star Father's miracles true?!"
Within his heart, a storm raged; he wished to flee, yet had no idea how to escape from such an existence.
…
"You have done well."
A gentle voice suddenly echoed in Star Peak's mind, and he became elated, hastily expressing his devotion to Star Father.
"Great Star Father! You have witnessed all that I have done! At this moment, I feel unparalleled happiness!"
In Star Peak's eyes, the divine figure looked upon him, nodding slowly. Then Star Father turned his gaze westward—to the domain of the heretics.
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As Star Father's gaze swept across, a deep and powerful voice resounded in the sky—the divine oracle of Star Father.
"The heretics of the West spread faith in false gods. Destroy them."
Within the oracle was a condemnation of heresy, the voice echoing across the continent, penetrating every corner and shaking every soul. Those accused as heretics could not escape the force; bewildered, they wondered, was this not the manifestation of the Heavenly Father? Why were they called heretics?
Could this not be the Heavenly Father...
Before they could think further, the people of the continent saw Star Father slowly raise his hand and point toward the heretics. Then meteors, bearing celestial fire, descended from the heavens, illuminating both sky and earth—and the faith within people's hearts.
With a thunderous explosion and blinding light, the old peoples of the West were reduced to dust, while in the Celestial Empire, Shen Xing observed Star Peak while crafting a staff.
The head of the staff was a brilliant gemstone, emitting a faint blue glow as if containing the essence of the stars; at its center, a point of starlight flickered like the brightest star in the night sky.
Surrounding the gem were intricate carvings depicting constellations and star systems upon the heavens. The shaft was forged from a mysterious silver metal, etched with spiral patterns.
Shen Xing examined his panel while infusing the staff with his fundamental power.
[Celestial Star]
[Level: Planetary]
[Fundamental Power: Ability to manipulate gravity, electromagnetic force, and consciousness]
[Unity of All Things: Can merge encountered tangible and other materials]
[Creation Authority: Has the right and power to create life and matter, as well as the unconditional ability to recreate existing life and matter]
[Celestial Modification: Can alter the geology, atmosphere, and environment of controlled celestial bodies]
[Existence Transfer: Can transfer portions of existence to created life or matter, enabling use of the subject’s abilities]
[Power Bestowal: Can grant portions of one's abilities to other individuals]
[Civilization Level: Bronze Age]
After bestowing the power to manipulate gravity upon the staff, Shen Xing controlled it to float before Star Peak.
"This is the Celestial Staff, proof of your worthiness."
Star Peak gazed at the staff before him, sensing Star Father's approval. His hands trembled as he received it, instantly understanding its purpose.
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It possessed the ability to summon the power of the stars, and its wielder could use it to manipulate a force known as gravity.
"Great Star Father, thank you for your gift!"
Holding the staff, Star Peak knelt devoutly before Star Father.
Under his gaze, Star Father slowly ascended into the starry sky, returning to his eternal abode. Yet his radiance and wisdom would forever remain upon this land.
After reverently seeing Star Father depart, Star Peak clutched the staff tightly and returned to the empire.
In the presence of all, Star Peak floated down to the steps of the temple, where the crowd surged forward in fervor. Star Peak struck the ground with the staff, instantly quieting them.
"Star Father has bestowed upon us but a fraction of his divine power. Henceforth, we shall be his children alone!"
The assembly erupted in wild cheers, while Star Peak, amidst the jubilation, pondered the matter of the Celestial Faith.
He wondered why some would betray Star Father, why some would follow false gods.
This thought persisted until the next day, when Star Peak finally grasped the crucial point: the cult of the false gods was highly organized, with every detail extensively falsified, appearing reasonable and well-founded.
After the founding of the Celestial Faith, countless believers flocked to join, yet there was a lack of comprehensive doctrine and scripture, making Star Father seem more a spiritual symbol.
People believed Star Father could be worshipped, but also forgotten. They only knew his worship was a tradition passed down since ancient times, but had never witnessed his greatness with their own eyes; thus, faith faded over time, lacking reverence.
The Celestial Faith must be the means to maintain awe!
Having understood this, Star Peak set about reforming the Star Father Faith. He passed the empire to his descendants, devoted himself to serving Star Father, and proclaimed himself the High Priest of the Celestial Faith.
He then established three direct institutions under the faith.
The Celestial Council was the highest decision-making and legislative body, responsible for setting religious policies and doctrine.
The Oracle Academy was tasked with training scientists and technical experts, as well as recording history and all deeds related to Star Father.
The Tribunal of Heresy was responsible for investigating and judging violations of the faith's teachings and followers of false gods.
He entrusted his personally written "Celestial Codex" to the Oracle Academy for safekeeping; within, it would record the lofty faith of successive High Priests, every moment of Star Father's descent to the mortal world, and all knowledge and history of human civilization.
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