"I will ask the second question," Mr. Cancer adjusted his posture, "Below the constellation in front of us, there is a row of scales. I speculate this scale represents the degree of Life Star awakening of our Divine Relic. The three of us have already discussed it, and we need you, Gemini, to further corroborate. Of course, if you find this a personal matter, you can choose not to answer."
There was no hint in Mr. Cancer's tone that he would accept no response.
Li Xin noticed he had nine dim little stars below his constellation, while for the other three, Miss Aries had the first star lit, and Cancer and Taurus had two stars lit. Everything else in the room was exceptionally clear except for their images and the appearance of the statues.
Li Xin didn't answer immediately, and Mr. Cancer continued, "I don't consider this a secret, Divine Relics and abilities are the core. Since we are here, we should have teamwork," Mr. Cancer said calmly, "I have been at Two Lives for a long time now."
Li Xin laughed bitterly, "Cough, cough, sorry, I'd like to ask, what is a Life Star, or what is a Life Star of a Divine Relic, can this count as a question?"
The group fell silent immediately, completely unprepared for Gemini to ask such an outrageous question, suddenly feeling that the Twelve Zodiac Star Disc was not as prestigious...
"How did you get summoned here without knowing such basic knowledge as Life Star? You surely can't be unaware of the Holy Land too?" Mr. Cancer's tone was incredulous.
Li Xin nodded briskly, sincerely asking, "Yes, what is the Holy Land? This could also count as a question."
As a newcomer, one must be humble. While these concepts might seem like common sense to them, they were crucial, and also something he was lacking now.
All three were somewhat startled; this was too outrageous. He already possessed a Divine Relic capable of entering here, yet he knew nothing of Life Stars and the Holy Land. How did he acquire the Divine Relic? Picked it up? Stole it?
Mr. Cancer's back straightened unconsciously, and his voice, while loud, showed a surprising closeness to Li Xin, "Does your Church and family neglect you so much that they don't even teach you these things? Life Stars are easy to understand. While we accommodate a Divine Relic, we are merely chosen. Only by gradually mastering the relic can we truly possess and wield its real power. A symbolic mastery is to awaken a Life Star—awakening one star grants the Secret Peeping Eye. While an ordinary Awakened can achieve this, the process would be significantly challenging; possessing a Divine Relic makes it much easier. Each awakening also may earn God's Blessings, the basic ones being lifespan extension and Spiritual Ability enhancement. Those with profound divine favor might gain extraordinary abilities, which evolve as the Life Star progresses."
This is the allure of the preciousness of Divine Relics despite their dangers: who wouldn't want longevity and divine abilities?
"Thank you, Mr. Cancer, I guessed your third star is subtly glowing, meaning you're about to light your third Life Star. What level is this?" Li Xin asked, "Sorry, I might have run out of question privileges."
"I can answer that; indeed it is so." Mr. Cancer slightly smiled at the corners of his mouth, "Just to add, awakening the first Life Star will certainly present the Secret Peeping Eye, but having the Secret Peeping Eye doesn't necessarily mean the Life Star is awakened."
"Mr. Gemini, it's not such a big deal, merely lighting one Life Star already marks you as outstanding, showing high compatibility with Mr. Cancer's Divine Relic and excellent performance in the Holy Land," Miss Aries said, "Very impressive."
"Miss Aries, you flatter me," Mr. Cancer's tone resembled a gentle spring breeze, with his chin slightly lifted as he looked at Li Xin. How come Gemini seems so likable?
Li Xin cautiously concluded, "Previously, I knew nothing about Life Stars. According to this explanation, I truly haven't awakened any Life Stars, nor have I been to the Holy Land."
That premonition of tossing dice was at best some desire of the dice itself, unrelated to him. As for whether the stars above represented Life Stars, he was keeping a watchful eye but it wasn't his focus.
"Mr. Gemini, there's no need to rush, the Life Star corresponds to God's gift, what we need is to do our utmost," Miss Aries said, "I believe the power granted by Divine Relics is merely a part; one's own Spiritual Cultivation and Combat Techniques are equally important. While the Star Disc's true purpose in summoning us isn't clear, I still believe everyone here is chosen by fate, and that we are brought together by chance. This is a great place for exchanging knowledge about mysticism, as long as it doesn't violate our Church and family's principles of secrecy."
Li Xin wholeheartedly agreed, and he needed this the most among the four, "Mr. Taurus, now it's your turn to ask."
Mr. Taurus quietly gazed at Li Xin, "You have never been to the Holy Land, nor does it seem like you have access to Magic Potions; how do you handle the side effects of the Divine Relic?"
Both Miss Aries and Mr. Cancer were equally curious, as Divine Relic side effects are strong, silently affecting their bearers, not something easily ignored or avoided. The solutions aren't secret either and are a consensus among families and the Church: one is using corresponding Magic Potions to calm them, which is expensive, while the other is honing oneself in the Holy Land to eliminate the side effects.
The former is a control means by families and the Church, the latter involves extremely high risk and still requires assistance.
Gemini's demeanor clearly didn't indicate any Church or family support, and he hadn't been to the Holy Land either; his survival up to now was a miracle.
Li Xin helplessly spread his hands, "My method is to avoid using it, primarily relying on self-emotion exhaustion and forced endurance, such as shutting myself in."
The group was silent; within the Church or families, various struggles and resource snatching were normal. Even possessing a Divine Relic didn't guarantee priority development focus. Some were merely treated as transient vessels, and Mr. Gemini seemed to fit that category.
"You truly are a bit unfortunate; yet encountering us is your fortune, as relying on such primitive methods for long will eventually lead to a breakdown," Mr. Cancer expressed sympathy for Gemini without explicitly pointing it out.
"Mr. Gemini, we can't provide advice on Balancing Divine Relic Magic Potions, as this concerns the Divine Relic's intrinsic secrets, hence you must rely on yourself," Mr. Taurus's deep voice sounded, "Let me address your question about the Holy Land."
"The Holy Land is more ancient than the existence of current divine beings. One theory posits it formed towards the end of the Fourth Epoch and the beginning of the Fifth Epoch after the Twilight of the Gods. Another suggests it is where the Supreme Creator God created and slumbered; the Supreme God created all in six days and fell asleep on the seventh day resting on the stars, leaving his authority in the Holy Land. Life that passes the trials could receive this authority and replace the Supreme God to govern the world."
"Epoch?" Li Xin was utterly confused.
"We are currently in the Sixth Epoch of the Dao Yuan Continent—The Kingdom Church Court Epoch. The Gate of Truth leading to the Holy Land dates back to the Pope's Era of the Fifth Epoch,
on the seventh day of the Dao Yuan calendar, individuals with awakened Divine Relics and Spiritual Ability can enter the Holy Land through the Gate of Truth.
Regarding the Holy Land itself, there are many theories—some claim it contains the path to godhood, others say it's about praising the Supreme God or worshiping divine beings. But it is certain that training in the Holy Land can eliminate the side effects of Divine Relics."
Taurus spoke with a calm and patient demeanor, "The current consensus is that the Holy Land is independent from the Spirit Realm, the Abyss, and the present world. Every person facing tests in the Holy Land encounters unique trials, though all are full of unpredictable dangers."
"Mr. Gemini, there is no need for excessive concern; the Holy Land is blessed by the Supreme God, and as long as faith is steadfast, everything will turn out for the best," Miss Aries said, "That's the divine beings' test and grace for us."
Beside them, Mr. Cancer displayed a slightly arrogant smile. In the Holy Land, power and knowledge were needed, both not traits of ordinary people.
The volume of information was overwhelming; there was no way he could approach castles for Magic Potions. As for the descriptions of the Holy Land, Taurus and Aries differed greatly. Taurus stressed on danger, while Aries seemed to hold the Holy Land in fondness. Yet consensus was it acted as a panacea, effective no matter what gods one worshiped, covering all Divine Relics.
Li Xin still nodded to express gratitude, "Thank you three for your clarifications; I've gained much, and will strive hard, like an iron-hot secret realm and flowing Summoners. I'll try not to be eliminated here."
The Twelve Zodiac Star Disc surely did not exist because of them, nor will it vanish due to them, yet the three perceived Mr. Gemini's optimism and lack of psychological baggage, finding him an interesting person.
Indeed, with life experiences like these, a poor mindset wouldn't have allowed survival to this point. For Awakened ones, having a Divine Relic was happiness indeed, though being treated as a mere transitioning vessel was pure misery.
At that moment, Aries, Taurus, and Cancer exchanged glances for a while. Taurus's eyes appeared dimmer: "During the earlier discussions, Mr. Gemini was genuine and forthright, and we officially welcome Mr. Gemini to join the Round Table Conference."
Mr. Taurus had awakened yet another Life Star, acquiring not only strength but also the ability to discern lies.