Blessings are part of the authority of the gods, and Eden had carefully studied this ability.
The process of bestowing blessings wasn't too complicated.
He infused his unique psychic energy into a chosen vessel, where the energy would act upon the vessel, enhancing its natural characteristics.
In simple terms, it functioned like a catalyst.
It would assist and strengthen the vessel's own abilities, making it much more powerful.
At the same time, this energy carried with it certain traits or concepts from Eden himself, which could influence the vessel's physical form and mind.
It caused the vessel to instinctively worship Eden as its master, leading to total submission.
Take Bishop Doni, for example.
After receiving the blessing, his physical recovery was just a side effect, and most of the changes were in his inherent traits.
Bishop Doni used to be known for his strength—no one took his teachings seriously.
But now, he radiated holiness, emanating a unique energy field, with even a faint glow of divine light.
This naturally inspired reverence in those around him, making them more willing to listen to his sermons.
His preaching abilities were greatly enhanced.
Despite his rather radical beliefs, anyone who encountered Bishop Doni would think of him as the most devout disciple of the God-Emperor.
In fact, he was now practically a living saint of the Ecclesiarchy!
Even at the headquarters of the Ecclesiarchy on Holy Terra, he would be considered a prominent figure.
Of course, he didn't dare go there, fearing that the High Ecclesiarch would purge him.
Only Eden dared to accept Bishop Doni and allow him to continue preaching in the domain.
Under the influence of the blessing, Bishop Doni's reverence for Eden, the chosen savior of the God-Emperor, grew stronger, almost reaching blind obedience.
The effects of the blessing were undoubtedly powerful, but it wasn't something that could be bestowed on just anyone.
Blessings only catalyzed the vessel's existing traits, providing auxiliary enhancement.
If the vessel was lacking, the blessing's energy would be wasted.
It was similar to upgrading weapons in a game—if the upgrade failed or caused damage, it would be a total loss.
Thus, choosing the right vessel for the blessing was crucial.
For now, Eden hadn't decided who else should receive a blessing, so he kept it as a last resort, ready for use when needed.
Inside the Ecclesiarchy Cathedral, Bishop Doni looked around at the somewhat empty space, his old face creased with worry.
He was troubled by the state of the Ecclesiarchy.
Lately, while some people had come to the cathedral for blessings, the number was still far too few.
It was nothing compared to its former glory.
After the heretic rebellion's assault, most of the Ecclesiarchy members in the Upper Hive had been wiped out, and many local churches were destroyed.
The Ecclesiarchy on Urth was on the brink of collapse, and the King's Court wasn't much better off.
In such a dire situation, preaching had been set aside.
Now that the Upper Hive had been reclaimed, it was the perfect time to revive the Ecclesiarchy.
Rebuilding local churches and erecting statues would require a significant amount of manpower and resources.
At present, the Ecclesiarchy couldn't bear such large-scale projects.
Should he seek help from the Governor?
But they had already spent so many resources just repairing the statues of the God-Emperor in the King's Court.
Would the Governor even agree to another request?
Bishop Doni frowned, torn by indecision.
Just then, a seraph at the cathedral entrance delivered a message.
The Governor was here!
Bishop Doni's old face lit up with joy, and he grabbed his staff, rushing toward the cathedral door.
The Governor never came without a reason.
His arrival could only mean good news.
Like a gust of wind, Bishop Doni raced to the door, but then stopped abruptly, regaining his holy composure.
Standing tall, he waited for the slowly approaching Eden:
"By the grace of the God-Emperor, please, follow me..."
Eden looked at the sanctified Bishop Doni and couldn't help but marvel at the power of the blessing.
It was truly incredible—if he went to the headquarters of the Ecclesiarchy, wouldn't he easily rise to the rank of High Ecclesiarch?
Eden couldn't help but miss the old Bishop Doni, who used to be so enthusiastic.
Now he was far more aloof—could the blessing have even altered his personality?
As usual, Eden followed Bishop Doni to the shrine for prayer, blessings, and the ritual.
Several seraphs sang hymns in the air, showering Eden with petals and holy water until he was practically buried in them.
Ah, that familiar feeling.
Looking at Bishop Doni, who resembled a living saint, Eden vaguely felt that the old man hadn't truly changed.
As the blessings neared completion, Eden suddenly sensed a faint power emerging from the shrine and entering his body.
Although this power had little effect on Eden, it would greatly benefit ordinary people.
Goodness, could the old man actually bestow blessings now?
This ability could greatly amplify his sermons.
With the ceremony over, Eden got straight to the point:
"I'm here to discuss the revival of the Ecclesiarchy on Urth, Bishop."
"Praise the God-Emperor," Bishop Doni exclaimed.
"Your actions are a great service to the Ecclesiarchy. The God-Emperor will bless you!"
"It's only natural. As the chosen savior of the God-Emperor, I have a responsibility to revive the Ecclesiarchy."
Reviving the Ecclesiarchy was one of Eden's major plans.
The Imperial government could not function without the God-Emperor.
Moreover, the faith in the God-Emperor spread by the Ecclesiarchy would greatly calm the hearts of the people and maintain order within the domain.
For ten thousand years, the faith in the God-Emperor had spread throughout the galaxy. Such a vast and deeply rooted force must be fully utilized.
Unbeknownst to Bishop Doni, the faith energy created by his tireless preaching was almost entirely siphoned off by Eden's small sun, becoming nourishment for himself.
To Eden, what belonged to the God-Emperor was his own.
As long as the God-Emperor didn't punish him, he would keep absorbing the faith energy.
Under these circumstances, the revival of the Ecclesiarchy had to happen quickly.
Eden informed Bishop Doni that the King's Court would send personnel to assist with the reconstruction of local churches and the erection of more statues of the God-Emperor.
They would also help the Ecclesiarchy recruit new members.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs would implement new policies, giving workers two days off per month as prayer days, during which they could visit the church to pray.
Was two days off a month too little?
That's a joke—right now, the Upper Hive was in shambles, with millions of citizens in dire need of resources.
Even Eden, the Governor, worked late into the night, his back aching from exhaustion.
Two days was already generous.
Any more than that, and even the hardest-working laborers wouldn't dare take so much time off.
Eden could only ensure the workers had enough food and reasonable working hours. Even if the work was tough, they wouldn't starve or work to death.
Having food to eat, rest days, and the opportunity to seek the God-Emperor's blessings at church—that was already a paradise-like life for the workers.
After the discussion, Bishop Doni was deeply grateful, personally escorting Eden to the cathedral door.
As he watched Eden's departing figure, tears welled up in his eyes, lingering in admiration:
"As expected, he truly is the most devout servant of the God-Emperor!"
(End of Chapter)
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