What greeted his eyes was a world of pure white.
Fang Zheng stood in the center of the platform, not feeling anything amiss at all. But this did not put him at ease, because he inherited the memories of this body, so Fang Zheng was very clear that the power level of this world was incredibly high. He had read many web novels, and in many of them, the so-called "rules-based" powers were powerful trump cards only mastered by the top elites. But in this world, people had even learned to use these "rules-based" powers as their weapons and tools!
Just like the array on the platform in front of him, it used the "order" and "purification" rules of power that cultists hated most. And this power was something that cultists could not resist at all because it was the fundamental law of this world; opposing it was tantamount to opposing the entire world.
What worried Fang Zheng was what kind of impact this power would have on him.
He was not a cultist, and he had no interest in the chaotic beliefs in this body's mind, but Fang Zheng was not sure if, as a reborn transmigrator, he would cause some disturbance in the world's order laws.
It's like antivirus software; if it's just "killing viruses," it's simple. You just need to find the "virus" that once harmed the system and eliminate it.
But don't forget that sometimes the firewall also alerts you that "unknown software is trying to modify system settings."
"Ding."
His worry proved prophetic as that clear system notification sound reached his ears just as Fang Zheng had this thought, followed by a line of information appearing before him.
[Order parallel port detected]
[Starting port activation]
Oh, come on, at least tell me what this thing is first!
Seeing this line of extremely vague information, Fang Zheng was utterly shocked, but before he could contact customer support to figure out what was going on, that line of prompt disappeared with a "swoosh." Next, Fang Zheng suddenly felt that the pure white light around him began to tremble.
"This is...!?"
The old man lifted his head in surprise, looking at the platform ahead. The pure white beam of light was shining even more intensely before his eyes. Not only that, but even the order array carved under the platform also emitted a golden radiance at this moment. They transformed into lines of light, appearing silently around the white pillar and then turning into runes filled with a divine aura.
"This is... Law Resonance!!"
A "whoosh" sound, and the white beam of light dissipated instantly. Fang Zheng still stood at the center of the platform, as if everything before was just an illusion. If not for that sudden system prompt, Fang Zheng would probably not think anything was unusual. But now... ha! Seeing the old archbishop's ghost-like expression, Fang Zheng himself wasn't feeling any better.
Didn't they say golden fingers were supposed to be cheat codes for the protagonist? Why is this system always screwing with me?
"Is there a problem?"
While cursing the system deep down for causing trouble, Fang Zheng feigned curiosity and looked at the old man before him. The old archbishop shivered upon hearing him, then gazed at him in shock.
"By Order, I never expected you to cause a Law Resonance!"
"Law Resonance?"
Hearing this term, Fang Zheng was bewildered, having no idea what it meant. However, judging from the old archbishop's expression, it didn't seem to be a bad thing?
"Yes, sir, please follow me..."
The old archbishop's attitude became much more respectful, having referred to Fang Zheng as "young man" before, now switching to "sir". As he led Fang Zheng inside, he explained what Law Resonance was. Through his explanation, Fang Zheng understood its meaning.
In short, the so-called "Law Resonance" was not like Fang Zheng imagined—some sign of a savior or a symbol of a legendary hero. In fact, it was more of a harbinger; the appearance of this phenomenon meant that the person causing the resonance was not rejected by the order but welcomed. This indicated that the order welcomed his arrival here and believed that Fang Zheng's presence would benefit the order here.
It's like drawing a "good luck" lot. Though not as good as "great fortune," it's still better than "misfortune."
"I remember the last person who caused Law Resonance was a brave warrior who helped us eliminate the necromancer occupying the Black Tower... It was a fierce battle..."
The old archbishop talked excitedly about his past as they walked. Listening to his words, Fang Zheng relaxed significantly. Though he still didn't know what this Law Resonance was, it seemed to be beneficial to him... hopefully.
"...I understand your intention. Normally, it would be difficult for me to find a guide for you. But thank heavens, Grand Knight Shi Dong is here. I believe he would be very interested in someone who caused Law Resonance!"
Oh damn!!
Upon hearing the old man's words, Fang Zheng felt his face turn pale. A Grand Knight was a rank above knights, regarded as one of the mid-to-high-end powers of this world. Initially, he just wanted to join the Sanctuary as an ordinary Apprentice Guardian Knight and take up some simple tasks. But from the looks of it, the old man intended to find him a mentor?
And it had to be a Grand Knight?
Fang Zheng couldn't guarantee whether the higher-ups knew about his existence. What if they knew this body's identity and drew their swords on him at first sight?
He had originally planned to follow the lower ranks!
But now, it seemed the plan needed to change again.
Meanwhile, the old man had already led Fang Zheng to a training ground on the side of the Sanctuary. This area was spacious, with only one tall figure swinging a longsword in training.
It was a middle-aged man with golden hair and the typical strong build of a Westerner, standing two meters tall. He was bare-chested, vigorously swinging a two-handed giant sword. That sword was two palms wide and taller than a person. Yet in the man's hands, it seemed as light as a willow twig. Fang Zheng could barely track his sword movements. After a while, the blond man suddenly stopped and withdrew. At the same moment, a powerful sword qi burst forth, smashing all the wooden stakes around into pieces.
This is the power of a Grand Knight?!
Seeing this scene, Fang Zheng couldn't help but feel moved. Such immense power nearly seemed to qualify as a one-man army!
"Yo, Huck, what are you doing here?"
The man turned his head, looking at the old archbishop beside Fang Zheng, grinning smugly.
"What, are you planning to spar with me?"
"Count me out, these old bones can't handle your beatings, Shi Dong."
Hearing Shi Dong's words, the old archbishop rolled his eyes and then made a gesture.
"I brought him to see you."
"A noble dandy?"
Hearing the archbishop's words, Shi Dong glanced at Fang Zheng, curled his lip disdainfully.
"Why did you bring him here? He's no noble lady."
"He wants to join the Sanctuary as an Apprentice Guardian Knight."
"Why don't you handle this? You're the one good at dealing with idle noble brats anyway."
Clearly, Shi Dong had no interest in Fang Zheng. And it was understandable; Fang Zheng's body seemed not particularly strong—in fact, it was almost frail. To Shi Dong, this probably looked like another pampered noble scion, whom he had always despised.
But the old archbishop didn't mind Shi Dong's words. He just smiled slightly and hinted.
"He just caused Law Resonance."
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Shi Dong finally stopped, squinting his eyes to take a serious look at Fang Zheng for the first time.
"You, boy, you want to become an Apprentice Guardian Knight?"
"Yes."
In response to Shi Dong's question, Fang Zheng nodded. Having come this far, he had no way back. Hearing his answer, a mocking smile appeared on Shi Dong's face.
"Well, since you want to become an Apprentice Guardian Knight, you should know that everyone must pass an assessment."
"That... of course."
"Excellent."
Saying this, Shi Dong stood on the training ground again, swinging his giant sword, looking at Fang Zheng with a smirk.
"Come on, you're lucky; I will personally oversee your assessment... How's that? Isn't it an honor?"
"This..."
Looking at the muscle-bound man before him, Fang Zheng was at a loss for words. The old archbishop, however, frowned.
"Shi Dong, don't overdo it."
"What's the harm, old man."
Shi Dong didn't pay the old archbishop's complaint any mind, casually waving his hand.
"Didn't you say he caused Law Resonance? Let's see what this skinny kid can do to cause Law Resonance!"
Indeed, being treated differently came with a price.
Hearing Shi Dong's words, Fang Zheng sighed inwardly but only hesitated for a moment before stepping down the stairs to the training ground. Seeing this, both the old archbishop and Shi Dong were taken aback. Then the old man's face showed concern, while Shi Dong whistled.
"Well, boy, you've got guts. Are you ready now? Show me your full strength; let's see your limits."
"Of course, Sir Shi Dong."
As he spoke, Fang Zheng slowly drew the Sky-Cleaving Sword from his waist. He had already decided that, given how things had unfolded, he needed to modify his plan. If the lower ranks weren't an option, then he would showcase his power and take the upper route. With a "Law Resonance" buff on him, it was acceptable for a chosen one to exhibit unexpectedly strong abilities, right?
Besides... Fang Zheng also wanted to experience the true power of a strong one in this world.
"Please guide me."
Looking at Shi Dong, Fang Zheng whispered and then his whole body suddenly moved. The longsword in his hand turned into a flash of lightning, stabbing forward!