Chapter 56: Temple of the New Age
The golden sun gently peeked over the horizon, casting radiant beams of warmth across the City of Everglow. A soft breeze rustled the vibrant leaves, carrying with it the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers. In the heart of the city, inside his modest yet elegant residence, Ye Caiqian slowly opened his eyes, awakening from a tranquil meditation.
Yesterday's revelation still resonated profoundly in his consciousness. He now existed as a divine being, a deity whose very presence would alter humanity's future path. Yet, despite this transformative shift, Ye Caiqian found himself drawn to simple, familiar comforts. Rising from his meditation cushion, he donned a comfortable robe and stepped outside, savoring the familiar sights and sounds of the waking city.
Walking toward the great hall, he noticed citizens already bustling through the streets. His ascension had sparked unprecedented joy, a palpable excitement spreading through every corner of the empire. Children played energetically, merchants opened their shops enthusiastically, and workers set about their daily tasks with renewed vigor.
A quiet smile touched Ye Caiqian's lips as he absorbed these moments of ordinary yet profound human life. He silently renewed his resolve—his ascension to divinity would always be anchored in the love and well-being of these people.
When he arrived at the grand council hall, he paused momentarily at the entrance. The grand doors opened smoothly, revealing an animated gathering of elders, scholars, influential leaders, and his beloved family members. Everyone seemed deeply engrossed in a lively debate. Ye Caiqian watched quietly, amused and touched by their enthusiastic discussions.
"Since our beloved Ye Caiqian has ascended, our calendars should reflect this historic event!" an elder passionately insisted. "We must mark this era clearly, for generations yet unborn to recognize our god's significance!"
Another elder nodded firmly. "Yes, it will be a strong symbol of unity and a constant reminder of the progress humanity has made. A new era requires a new starting point."
Ye Caiqian observed the debate quietly, noting the sincere devotion and pride evident in their words. He approached gently, his arrival immediately silencing the bustling hall. Elders rose respectfully, while his family smiled warmly in greeting.
"Good morning," Ye Caiqian greeted calmly, his voice resonating gently, "please, continue. Your discussion is meaningful, and I wish to hear your opinions fully."
After a brief silence, the eldest among them, Elder Yu, spoke reverently, "Esteemed Ye Caiqian, we were discussing a celebration to honor your ascension. We wish to reset our calendar from the moment you became our deity, marking it as Year One of a new era."
Ye Caiqian listened thoughtfully, aware of how impactful such a decision could be. He calmly replied, "You honor me greatly. However, I wish humanity to grow confidently. I will not influence this decision directly. You should decide collectively, as it is the people's will that must be reflected."
His words inspired quiet murmurs of appreciation. Elders and scholars exchanged glances, realizing Ye Caiqian's gentle encouragement toward independence and collaboration. The decision would indeed be theirs—reflecting humanity's shared choice rather than divine imposition.
The discussion quickly resumed with renewed enthusiasm, with many voicing passionate arguments in favor. After a thorough and careful dialogue, the decision was finally unanimous. They would reset the calendar from Ye Caiqian's ascension, marking it as the "Era of Everglow."
Satisfied smiles filled the room. Now, with one great matter settled, the elders turned their attention toward another equally significant question.
"We must build the first temple dedicated to our god," Elder Yu declared solemnly. "A temple worthy of humanity's greatest deity."
At this, everyone began suggesting various locations—cities of wealth and prominence, trade centers, spiritual sites. The debate grew louder and more passionate.
Ye Caiqian watched with quiet patience, observing carefully as voices rose and fell. After a lengthy discussion with no conclusion, a gentle yet authoritative voice spoke clearly above the rest.
"I suggest the City of Beginning."
Everyone fell silent instantly. It was Ye Caiqian's mother who had spoken, her expression calm and serene. She continued gently, "This city is his birthplace, the cradle from which humanity's greatest hero emerged. There is no place more fitting to house our god's temple."
The hall immediately filled with approving murmurs, her words resonating deeply. Ye Caiqian's gaze softened appreciatively toward his mother, touched profoundly by her heartfelt suggestion.
Soon, agreement became unanimous. The City of Beginning would indeed become the heart of humanity's faith—the sacred site of Ye Caiqian's temple. It would stand not only as a monument to their god but also as a beacon symbolizing humanity's collective unity and eternal progress.
With decisions finalized, excitement rose swiftly. The elders determined the grand celebration marking this new era would commence once the temple was completed. Preparations began immediately.
Ye Caiqian spent hours afterward carefully outlining details for construction, meticulously providing guidance on symbols, architecture, and layout. His divine intuition subtly informed each decision, ensuring that the temple would become both a spiritual sanctuary and a lasting testament to humanity's potential.
Soon afterward, leaving the elders and builders to their tasks, Ye Caiqian visited the renowned Academy of Beginning. The venerable institution had guided humanity from early ignorance toward enlightenment and knowledge. Its scholars eagerly greeted him, reverence clear in their eyes.
Gathered in the Academy's great hall, Ye Caiqian spoke clearly and passionately, "The Academy of Beginning has always served humanity's intellectual and spiritual growth. Now, as the City of Beginning becomes humanity's spiritual center, the Academy must rise even higher. It shall become our greatest research institute—dedicated not only to spiritual cultivation but to every facet of human civilization."
His words electrified those gathered, igniting passionate discussions about future developments—advanced agriculture, medical innovation, engineering breakthroughs, new spiritual techniques. Ideas flowed freely, scholars animatedly planning how best to pursue this grand vision.
Ye Caiqian quietly observed, satisfaction filling his heart. The Academy's transformation would guarantee humanity's future brilliance long after his departure. He gently reminded them, "Never restrict your imagination. Dare to dream, dare to discover, and humanity will reach unimagined heights."
Following this momentous day, the city rapidly blossomed with energetic preparations. Weeks slipped into months as architects designed grand blueprints, builders laid foundations, scholars researched innovations, and ordinary citizens eagerly assisted in countless ways. Humanity's enthusiasm was boundless, fueled by collective pride and a shared vision of a radiant future.
During construction, Ye Caiqian frequently wandered the growing temple site, guiding workers with gentle wisdom. Each stone laid, each pillar raised, resonated with deep meaning, symbolizing unity, progress, and boundless hope.
As the temple slowly took shape, its scale and magnificence surpassed all expectations. Built from pristine white marble, with elegant arches and graceful spires, it stood proudly upon a gentle hill overlooking the City of Beginning, visible for miles in every direction.
The temple's inner sanctum featured intricate carvings depicting scenes from humanity's early struggles, their triumphs, and profound moments of innovation—all inspired by Ye Caiqian's journey. Golden threads symbolizing destiny ran through these carvings, reflecting how Ye Caiqian's presence had forever altered humanity's fate.
As completion drew near, anticipation spread throughout every city, town, and village. Travelers arrived daily, eager to witness humanity's greatest architectural achievement and participate in celebrations marking their god's ascension.
On the final day of construction, Ye Caiqian stood quietly at the temple's threshold, his heart profoundly moved. This grand temple represented more than mere stone—it symbolized humanity's boundless potential, unity, and collective aspirations.
Gazing across the city, where joyous celebrations had begun, Ye Caiqian felt profound gratitude. His people had chosen their path, defined their own identity, and embraced their future confidently. This, he knew, was his truest success.
He whispered gently, almost prayerfully, "May this temple stand forever, a beacon guiding humanity through every age."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the temple in golden radiance, Ye Caiqian smiled softly. Tomorrow, humanity would celebrate a new era—a time of faith, unity, and boundless potential.
And Ye Caiqian, their god, would stand proudly beside them, guiding humanity gently yet firmly toward the dazzling future that awaited.
The age of the God of Humanity had begun, and its first steps were beautiful and profound.