Chapter 665: The Passing of a Saint

"I once said, 'I hope that one day I can spread the Way of the Light among the common folk, and teach them the meaning of the Three Virtues.' I have strived for this throughout my life, never deviating from the will of the Light. Therefore, I am the Archbishop recognized in your hearts."

"I have always believed that worldly power should not be the ruler of the Light. If I personally appoint a successor, then the Church of the Light will one day be inundated with interests, and will gradually decay and perish. Since I am destined to return to the embrace of the Light, let the Light choose the true Messenger of Light."

Alonsus slowly extended his right index finger, pointing into the air, and the ethereal and holy voice resonated once again.

"Who among you... is willing to dedicate every moment of your life to the Light, swear by your soul in front of the Light, and must help the weak, aid the sick, punish the brutal, uphold justice, and spread the Three Virtues throughout your life?" He paused, then Alonsus continued, "If you are willing, please step forward!"

As his words fell, the divine glow upon him astonishingly intensified once more.

To the normal eye, this was already a brilliance more piercing than the sun. Yet, everyone present did not find the Light blinding. Despite its overwhelming luminosity, they could clearly see every detail of Alonsus.

A regional bishop of the Church of the Light, who had always been vying for the position of Archbishop, tried to stand and step forward. However, he was horrified to feel the Light's resistance.

It was a disdain and resistance towards impurity.

Just like an evil being trying to fraternize with a holy being and being coldly rejected, he was ruthlessly denied.

He did try to blend in, but immediately encountered an even greater counterattack from the Light. A golden Light suddenly surged upon him, the Light, like flames, wrapped around him, and as soon as he made a slight movement, it was immediately a heart-wrenching, burning pain.

He, drenched in sweat, trembled as he crawled on the ground, daring not to move again.

Alonsus looked at this regional bishop from Darrowshire with pitying eyes, then withdrew his gaze.

The will of the Light was clear — those who attempt to ascend to the position of the Archbishop of Light with selfish desires will be punished most severely.

Alonsus gently shook his head and slowly said, "The position of Archbishop does not represent power, nor does it represent glory. On the contrary, it is a sacred duty. It means that the person who ascends to this position must take on the heavy responsibility of rescuing the suffering and pained common people from despair."

"The Archbishop is not a savior! He cannot save every kind soul exposed to the brutal enemy's blade. But the Archbishop does represent the ultimate beauty and goodness in the world, representing the last hope for everyone in despair."

"Why does an ordinary mortal remember the name of the Archbishop in desperate prayers?"

"It is because of your selfless sacrifice and dedication!"

"It is because of all the efforts you have made for the people of the world!"

"It is because you set a benchmark for goodness in the world with your life and soul! Bringing hope to billions of living beings!"

Speaking to this point, Alonsus's voice slowed down:

"The Light will reject all impurities. Please, those with selfish desires, step back. I ask one last time, who wishes to inherit the will of the Light, to truly make their name sacred... please step forward!"

One bishop stepped back, his shame unbearable, crawling on the ground, slowly exiting the cathedral with small steps.

Two bishops stepped back.

Five bishops stepped back.

Of the bishops of the Seven Kingdoms, excluding Faol who also served as the bishop of Lordaeron, a startling five withdrew, leaving only Benedictus, the bishop of Stormwind.

However, Benedictus neither advanced nor retreated; he just calmly knelt on the ground, letting his face bathe in the waves of holy light that continuously surged in the main hall.

He was quietly waiting for the birth of the new Archbishop.

Alonsus's requirements were too high.

Humans have selfish desires!

Humans experience birth, aging, sickness, and death!

Humans have things they want to do.

Is there really such a perfect, selfless saint?

Speaking of which, is someone devout to this extent still human?

At this moment, one person moved.

It was Uther the Lightbringer, Alonsus's most beloved and valued disciple.

Uther's steady voice sounded: "I believe I can do all of the above. If everyone doesn't mind that I'm a paladin, I'm willing to accept the inheritance of the Light's will."

There was a brief murmur around, which quickly subsided.

Alonsus spoke: "The Way of the Light does not distinguish nationality or race. The Light is originally the ultimate wish for goodness from all things and people in the world. If you — Uther, are willing to dedicate your life and soul to the Light for all people in the world, then please stand in front of me."

Uther did not hesitate for a moment, walking to the levitating Alonsus, kneeling on one knee, and lowering his head, which he had never even lowered for a king.

"I — Uther the Lightbringer, swear in front of the Light, I am willing to adhere to the Three Virtues, to spread the Light and hope with all my life's strength, to punish evil, to promote justice!"

The clear and resounding voice echoed throughout the Cathedral of Light.

Although it was a bit strange to let a paladin become the next Archbishop of Light, the priests quickly accepted it all.

Yes!

Only a truly selfless person is qualified to step onto that sacred high position, is qualified to become sacred in the hearts of the people.

Alonsus, smiling, lowered his body, patted the shoulder of this most devout disciple, and tears of contentment flowed from the corners of his eyes. He shouted to the sky: "Praise the Light!"

Suddenly, an illusory golden Light descended upon Uther's head, forming a crown of gold, almost like a floral wreath.

This was clearly the Light's approval of Uther.

For a moment, everyone was stunned.

After a full three seconds, countless priests knelt on the ground, straightened their waists, and raised their hands high towards the sky.

"Praise the Light—"

"Praise Saint—Uther!"

The next moment, everyone's voices abruptly stopped.

Yes!

Just as the inheritance was completed, Alonsus Faol's name became history.

Uther the Lightbringer's name became the new sacred.

Holding his soft-fallen mentor in his arms, Uther shed tears.

On this day, starting from the city of Lordaeron, every city's Cathedral of Light, every village's small church bells rang long.

Countless believers knelt and wept, overwhelmed with sorrow.

In this way, everyone commemorated the passing of a true saint.

Standing on the balcony of the state guesthouse, Duke looked towards the Cathedral of Light and softly said, "Let's go! It's time to leave."