...But just as Hayden opened his mouth, wanting to proclaim the knowledge and truth he had seen, he hesitated.
The knowledge he had just glimpsed through the eyes of his soul in space and time was all incredibly profound and difficult to comprehend. He saw and felt it through the soul, and understood it through the insight of a prophet. Thinking this, Hayden hesitated whether to proclaim it to the spiritual followers before him. How could he describe such profound things in words?
In the beginning was the Word.
But this principle may not be understood by everyone.
What should I do?
Thinking of this, Hayden couldn't help but turn around and look at Angela beside him.
He still doesn't truly understand Angela's identity (although he has some guesses), but now Hayden has come to some understanding. Perhaps Angela sometimes feels the same way when she doesn't know how to answer his questions.
In the beginning was the Word. How can we explain these profound truths in a way that people can understand?
I guess I can only offer more examples and analogies.
“You just said that the ancient gods from beyond the heavens were spirits that fell from the upper realm and became weak because they fell into matter, which is incorrect.”
So Hayden shook his head and said to Grand Master Bogomir...
"After acquiring material properties, those spirits did not weaken; on the contrary, they replenished their energy and even became stronger. They sacrificed their purity but also increased their combat power, which is not a sign of weakness."
Purity? What's the use of purity! Purity and combat power have absolutely no necessary relationship.
Several Sofian believers, including Bogomir, were somewhat bewildered by these words. But they couldn't completely dismiss Hayden's statement. Every word Hayden uttered was burning like fire. It was undistorted, inaccurate, and perfectly true; simply hearing it resonated deep within their souls, confirming that it was the absolute truth.
Of course, Hayden didn't have the ability to force others to obey or act simply by speaking. He spoke the echo of truth, but he could only speak what he believed to be the truth; he couldn't use it to lie. It was merely a kind of magic power to make others believe that what you said was the truth.
But the echo of truth remained captivating. Bogomir couldn't ignore or deny it outright, so he could only smile and argue, "Mr. Hayden, you may be right, but what we need isn't fighting power, but the purity of the soul. Our goal is ascension; power is merely a means. How can we forget our purpose for the sake of the means?"
However, Hayden shook his head a second time upon hearing this: "Even if you just want personal ascension, your methods are wrong."
He said calmly:
“I have now seen the secrets of the universe and have also consumed your elixirs. I know the theoretical basis of your path of cultivation perfectly. Therefore, I must say—your theory is terribly flawed.”
As you can imagine, upon hearing this, all the Sofia believers present widened their eyes in shock and anger!
What kind of talk is this? You took one of our pills, had a dream, and now you think you've figured out all the secrets of our cult and can pontificate about our theoretical foundations? Who do you think you are?
If it weren't for the fact that Hayden was the big boss, a god, and they didn't dare to speak out, these believers would have jumped up and cursed long ago!
Hayden knew exactly what they were thinking, but he had already made up his mind, so he had nothing to fear.
"Of course I know. Isn't what you're doing just putting the cause in the opposite direction? You want to sever the connection with the material world, purify your soul, and ascend away from this material world. So you fast, abstain from grains, practice asceticism, practice abstinence, meditate, and then take medicine, trying to sever the connection (sympathetic connection) between yourself and the material world as much as possible, so that your soul can leave your body and wander, even transcending the constraints of time and space."
Hayden sneered, uttering words as sharp as a flaming sword.
"This is absolutely hilarious. Can you really ascend to heaven by torturing your body through ascetic practices and desperately severing the connection between your spirit and matter?"
His insight had sharpened further, so he could see that these believers maintained their physical bodies and strengthened their minds and souls with medicines made from Dead Sea salt and secret fire. Although they appeared quite healthy, and probably actually had no problems (the secret fire was very powerful), it was ultimately a form of asceticism.
Abstaining from food and sex, focusing solely on research, knowledge, and spiritual cultivation, is all for the purpose of transcending the soul.
"This is a huge mistake. Why don't you think that if you just want to separate the soul from the matter, why not just die?"
So Hayden harshly criticized them, stabbing them with sharp words.
"If the soul can ascend to heaven simply by separating from matter, wouldn't death be the fastest way? Why bother with arduous cultivation?"
But religious organizations certainly already have answers to these kinds of questions.
High Master Bogomir immediately explained: “We have no evidence that the souls of the dead can ascend directly to leave the world. What if the dead souls are just trapped in places like the underworld? On the other hand, the ancient gods are all eternally alive, and the fall of their souls and their former state can be verified.”
Hayden shook his head again.
“If we follow your theory, then the souls of us humans and the ancient gods from beyond the heavens have never been the same from the beginning. They were once pure spirits, and now their spirit and body are intertwined—but the soul and body of us humans have always been separate.”
He said calmly,
“Our body and soul are inherently layered. Isn’t layering inherently much purer than a turbid, unified whole? Now that the body dies, won’t our soul be at its purest state?”
Spirit is spirit, heart is heart, and flesh is flesh. Human beings' three-dimensional existence is inherently separate, like the peel, flesh, and seed of an orange—isn't that purer than the muddy water of the fallen ancient gods?
The Great Master Bogomir and his followers had clearly not considered this issue from this perspective, and for a moment they were speechless.
Of course, they dared not actually die for that. Physical death would certainly purify the soul, but who knew where the soul would go? Perhaps it would ascend to heaven, which would be wonderful, but it could also be trapped in the underworld. Who dared to gamble? Their arduous cultivation and research were to find a reliable method of ascension, not to gamble with their lives.
Fortunately, Hayden wasn't really trying to persuade them all to commit suicide.
“You are doing it wrong. Studying only the fallen ancient gods from beyond the heavens will not enable humanity to transcend and ascend.”
Now that things have come to this, Hayden has made up his mind.
He already knew part of the secrets of how the world was constructed. He also knew the hidden gems were worthless. If he truly wanted to change the world, this knowledge shouldn't be held by one person alone.
So Hayden opened his fiery tongue and announced to the world:
“I am the prophet of truth. I have come to teach you the way of transcendence. I have come to teach you how to break the chains that this world has placed on you. I have come to guide you on how to get rid of the burdens and toil that God and man have given you.”
“You say you’re not businessmen, but academics, seeking truth and the path to liberation and ascension. You call yourselves a religious order, calling your leader your mentor. That’s all good, but a blind man can’t guide another blind man. If you do this, you’ll all fall into the pit together.”
"So I'm not talking business with you now. I'm just asking you—whether you want to follow my guidance?"
These words not only startled the Sofia followers.
Even Professor Albion, Abigail, and Angela beside him all showed expressions of surprise. The old professor's eyes began to gleam with joy and anticipation, while the witch frowned, seemingly disagreeing.
However, neither of their reactions were as amusing as Angela's.
She gazed at Hayden's back from behind, her eyes revealing a mother's joy at seeing her child begin a formal career, become independent, and mature. If Angela's body weren't mechanical, she might have even reached out to wipe away tears of emotion.
On the other hand, how could High Master Bogomir and his followers simply believe Hayden's words? But the prophet's words not only resonated with the bells of truth, but also called upon people to act accordingly. Which of these followers of the Sofia Order did not yearn for liberation from this sea of human suffering?
"...Although you have pointed out many flaws, you have not told us your own understanding and methods of transcendence and ascension."
Finally, Grand Master Bogomir spoke first.
"How can we possibly believe you like this?"
Hayden nodded: "That makes some sense. I'll show you the way now."
He walked to a high stool, sat cross-legged, and spoke to them with a startling frankness and an awe-inspiring wisdom they had never heard of before.
“I just mentioned death. None of you believe that death can bring transcendence, and frankly, I don’t either. But we all know that it’s easy to gain insight by putting ourselves on the edge of death. Death has power, but that power must be used in the right way.”
"Therefore I will now teach you the way of eternal life through resurrection after death."
And so Hayden preached to them.
Few in this world, perhaps not even gods, have gone further than Hayden in the art of resurrection. His words carried the power of truth, allowing those who heard them to see Hayden's vision. As he spoke, runic light surrounded him, enabling him to demonstrate the truth more directly to his students.
Hayden then preached to them the way to conquer death and become a god. The followers listened in stunned silence, completely mesmerized.
"After dying, overcoming death, and being resurrected, one can obtain divine power and a body that can freely transform between spirit and flesh. I have successfully resurrected one person, and it was done in a live global broadcast, which you can all verify."
Hayden said this.
"A body that has overcome death will no longer suffer from disease, aging, or even death, and with divine power, one can be freed from most of the pain and toil of the mortal world."
After hearing such teachings, several believers indeed showed expressions of anticipation and longing.
But the High Priest Bogomir did not. Instead, he frowned and said, “Becoming a god in the mortal world is not complete liberation. Gods also need to eat and drink. If they are satisfied with a cup of water today, they will be thirsty tomorrow; if they are hungry today, they will be relieved by eating, but the hunger will return the next day. Becoming a god will not satisfy all desires. The gods who rule the world will also fight, kill, and compete with each other, and they will also die. This is not as good as ascension. It is better to find a way to escape this terrible world.”
There's some truth to what he said.
As long as we exist in this world, there is probably no way to satisfy all desires forever and eliminate the need for humans and gods to fight.
Hayden looked up at the ceiling, pondered for a long time, and finally spoke:
"...a life-giving water that keeps one from ever thirsting and satisfies all desires exists."
These words finally made even Grand Master Bogomir's eyes widen.
“But I can’t explain it to you clearly right now, nor can I simply bring it to you.” But Hayden immediately shrugged. “I can only tell you—there is a way. There is the water of life that will never thirst you, and bread that will never make you hungry. You don’t necessarily need to pursue ascension and escape from the world.”
"On the other hand, even if you really want to ascend and escape this world, following me is more reliable than trying to figure it out on your own or following others. Once you reach the truth, you can decide for yourselves what to do."
That sounds so strange.
However, everyone present could sense that Hayden's words were true.
Finally, it was Grand Master Bogomir who, on behalf of the followers, asked the question: "...What do you want us to do?"
"All I need is for you to help me with the research."
Hayden answered very seriously.
“There must be other mysteries to be discovered beneath the Dead Sea. The power of that ancient god may still have left traces on the seabed. I will guide you, and you will help me in my research. For I have not yet found the ultimate answer to our shared goal.”
Bogomir and the other believers stared at him in disbelief upon hearing this.
Where in the world have there ever been a religion or spiritual guru like this?
Religious leaders typically tell their followers that they have already grasped the truth and that all they need to do is follow them and listen to their words. However, Hayden told his followers, "I only know a little more than you do; I haven't found the final answer yet."
We must work together to find the final answer.
What kind of prophet is that?
However, after a long silence, Bogomir took the lead in standing up and bowing deeply to Hayden.
"My Lord Hayden, the great teacher, the prophet who guides the new era."
His words were filled with reverence.
"We welcome you, we welcome you from the bottom of our hearts. Our future destiny, all our will—will be guided by you."
203: Truth and Bread
Behold, the Most High Prophet and Teacher has descended! He comes to us with the rains of heaven!
Brothers and sisters, listen carefully! The one who reveals the truth has come! He is wise beyond measure, his words are like swords, and great spiritual knowledge is in his hand! His words are the source of truth and knowledge!
Brothers and sisters, you will see His face. He is a being just like us, but far greater and wiser than us; even the sunlight pales in comparison to Him. His coming and guidance will lead us on the path to the higher realms!
I tell you, he will be a shining light in the darkness, a banisher of ignorance. He will be the object of our loyalty. We will revere him as our teacher, and he will teach us as he would his own son!
He will bring us the liberation, freedom, and happiness we have always longed for!
Brothers and sisters, be of one mind with one another. The light of wisdom will shine upon us. Our ignorance, folly, and suffering will come to an end!
The prophet's descent was announced to the Sofia Order by the Bogomir Mentor during the assembly.
--------------------------
Hayden was alone in the room that Bogomir had prepared for him.
This private room is spacious enough, but not particularly luxurious. After all, the Sofia Order has always advocated against material enjoyment, which also includes a rejection of modern consumerism.
However, no matter what, they couldn't possibly let the prophet sleep in the room used for asceticism.
Therefore, the entire floor and walls of this VIP room are covered with exquisite holographic images, showcasing the universe, distant stars, and the sun. Being here feels like falling into the cosmos, making it perfect for contemplating the mysteries of space and time.
Hayden now stands in the center of the room, gazing at the holographic image of the universe, lost in thought.
...until a witch floated into the room and appeared to the side.
"You handled this matter very carelessly this time."
Abigail frowned and said,
"Do you even realize how much you've offered this little cult in exchange? You've taught them the path to godhood! The immortal path of resurrection and direct access to the origin! You traded such precious knowledge for their loyalty, and all you got in return was the loyalty of this pig-dog little cult... Who does business like this? Haven't you forgotten what you came here to do?"
Hearing her words, Hayden turned around, but instead laughed: "What are you here for? I came to the Dead Sea this time, of course, to investigate the traces left behind by the ancient gods from beyond the heavens. There is secret fire salt in the Dead Sea, and there may be other things hidden at the bottom. What's wrong with me asking people to help with excavation and research?"
As he said this, he looked back at the moon in the holographic image.
“Ordinary workers wouldn’t be as proactive as the Sofia Order. They wouldn’t put themselves in my shoes, think from my perspective, figure out what I really need, or help me research and come up with ideas. The Sofia Order is proactive now, and we at least share a common goal for the time being. They see me as a guide, as a prophet, and they have unwavering faith in my words—such motivation is certainly very useful.”
These words only made Abigail frown even more: "Do you really think their entire cult will wholeheartedly believe in you?"
Hayden shrugged slightly: "That's something Bogomir should worry about."
Although it might sound strange for Hayden to say this himself, if a prophet who has been enlightened to the truth and wisdom of the higher realms is willing to teach them this knowledge like a master, then Bogomir, as the leader, should naturally take the initiative to suppress the dissidents within the organization, just like his disciple. How could he waste the prophet's time on such a thing?
Neither God nor prophets should waste time on such trivial matters; those below should take care of these things themselves.
“Bogomir is smart. He will know what a valuable opportunity this is, so he will handle it well.”
Hayden seemed completely unconcerned about the Sofia Order's loyalty, no longer looking at her, but instead gazing at the starry sky in the holographic image, a sky normally invisible to the human eye.
"Then he will provide me with the Sofia Order's technological advantage. These people are all intellectuals. Workers are easy to find, but the loyalty of technicians is hard to come by and even more important. We are conducting research and need these technicians to help me record data, conduct tests, and use computers and various sympathetic spells to calculate different possibilities... Currently, the Sofia Order is at least experienced in this area and has plenty of manpower. So what's wrong with me teaching them the knowledge of truth in exchange for their loyalty?"
His tone was very calm.