Chapter 217: Succession

However, he also noticed another seal already placed on Daniel’s bloodline. A seal that released a very familiar aura. A slight smile appeared on his face—but disappeared just as quickly.

"That’s enough talking. It’s time to return."

"Wait—You haven’t told me where to find the Pagoda of Eternity."

"It’s simple. I’m sure you heard the story of my life before you killed my first disciple from him, The location of the Pagoda is in that story." The Prophet laughed, then left Daniel’s spiritual sea.

After the Prophet exited his spiritual sea, Daniel let out a sigh.

It seemed the thing he feared most—the Prophet finding out—had already happened. At least, thankfully, it didn’t seem like he cared.

Still, another problem remained: how was he supposed to figure out where the Pagoda of Eternity was?

He wanted to curse, but he knew that would be a dumb move. Besides, he needed to return his awareness to his body quickly so he wouldn’t miss the Prophet’s sermon.

He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, his surroundings had changed. Once again, the pilgrims were seated around him.

The Prophet was seated in front of everyone, and the Paragons sat before him. Everyone was looking at Daniel.

He looked back at them—with no shame or embarrassment. If anyone should feel embarrassed, it was them.

"Congratulations on your success in the Final Abulation," the followers stood up and raised their fists in respect.

"Thank you. All of this was thanks to the Great Prophet. Without his guidance, I never would have succeeded," Daniel smiled and nodded.

They all congratulated him one by one. No one stopped them, and it was clear this was a normal part of the ceremony.

Even Aurest congratulated him—but Daniel could see a strange look in the old man’s eyes. A look of isolation.

After all, he had spent his entire life trying to reach the Final Abulation, but failed every time—even today.

And yet, a regular young man who, just days ago, didn’t even know anything about the religion of Eternity had managed to succeed... Was that fair? Of course not. The old man felt like his entire life had been a joke.

Meanwhile, many of the pilgrims and followers began whispering to each other.

"Do you think now that we have a new Paragon, he has a chance of becoming the successor?"

"Are you stupid? Of course not. He’s way too young, and besides, he has no followers or philosophy. People don’t support him."

"But what if the Prophet chooses him?"

"I don’t think the Prophet would do that, right?"

Their conversations reached the ears of the Paragons and Evangelin. Velmiran and Evern only gave cold smiles. They were sure the new Paragon had no chance at succession.

Only Evangelin didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She already knew what her master had decided—he had told her part of the prophecy a long time ago.

"The sermon has ended." As the Prophet’s voice echoed through the air, all chatter stopped and everyone’s eyes turned to him.

"Today, my dear followers have gathered from all over the world—not just to hear my sermon but to get answers to their questions... Don’t hold back. Ask whatever you want."

The crowd glanced at one another, and then hands started going up one by one.

The Prophet randomly chose someone, and the person stood up.

"My lord, is it true that you’re planning to ascend?"

For a moment, a thankful look appeared in the eyes of all the followers. Thankfully, this man had asked a very important question.

"Yes... My time in this mortal world has come to an end. The Order can no longer tolerate my presence, and my power has reached its peak. It’s time for me to ascend and conquer new peaks."

When they heard his answer, all the followers’ expressions turned sad. To them, the Prophet was no different from a father—and now their father was about to leave them.

They felt a moment of emptiness, anger, and even betrayal. But they also knew the Prophet couldn’t stay here forever.

The one who was the most upset was, of course, Evangelin. She already knew, but every time she heard it again—that her master was going to ascend—it still made her emotional.

To her, her master truly was like a father. He raised her, taught her, gave her a home, a family, and status and respect.

The man who had asked the question gave his thanks and sat back down. The Prophet looked over the crowd again and randomly picked another person.

"Great Lord, have you decided who your successor will be? After you’re gone, who will be our master? Who should we follow? Who will lead the religion?"

The followers’ eyes lit up again. This question was even more important than the last—because it concerned the entire structure of the religion.

If the Prophet chose a successor himself, that would be good. Everyone would have to follow the Prophet’s orders and accept his chosen successor.

But if the choice was left to the people, it could lead to civil war. Currently, the religion was split into three main factions.

One faction followed Paragon Velmiran, another followed Paragon Evern, and the third had declared themselves neutral.

Each group wanted their Paragon to be the next leader—especially after yesterday’s incident. Even though Daniel managed to resolve it, the news had spread and left a bitter memory in many people’s minds.

Naturally, it also increased the tension between the Endurers and the Ashbound.

If the matter of succession wasn’t handled properly, the religion could split in two—or even collapse completely.

The Prophet looked at them. This time, he paused for a moment. He knew that even if he declared Daniel as his successor, there would inevitably be a lot of trouble and many wouldn’t accept it.

Especially the Paragons. He knew all three of them—and none of them would back down easily.

This could be a test for him, he thought, deciding to place the responsibility on Daniel’s shoulders.

For centuries, he had handled everything himself. Now it was time for his successor to take on that responsibility.

"I have made my decision regarding the succession."