CHAPTER 353: CHAPTER 232: TEMPLE, DIVINE SUCCESSOR, AND DIVINE CANON

Speaking of this, Emmerich emphasized his tone: "Leader, it is well known among the people that you are favored by the Divine. Ever since you led the team to the banks of the Kupa River, the river, which used to flood every rainy season in past years, has not caused the same troubles this year. Even the swamps of Validosi have shrunk slightly..."

"The Danu Goddess is the Source of Water. Seas and rivers alike are under her dominion, so naturally, she would not allow the Kupa River to harm the tribe of her offspring..."

Maximus rubbed his chin thoughtfully, savoring the implications behind Emmerich’s words, weighing the pros and cons, without speaking.

Observing Maximus’s expression, Emmerich continued softly: "I consulted with some official tribesmen from Rome and learned that Roman temples have a position called the ’High Priest,’ which is specifically held by descendants of the Divine. These individuals are deeply revered by Roman citizens, and all major rituals must be presided over by them..."

"I think our tribe could also establish a High Priest position, and you, the offspring of the Danu Goddess, would be the most fitting person to assume it!"

Maximus pinched his chin harder. He was moved by the suggestion but fully aware: the reason Emmerich proposed this idea wasn’t purely for his benefit. It was also because of Maximus’s high prestige in the tribe, which could suppress dissent and exert strong influence over the tribesmen. This would facilitate the Celtic Deities taking root within the tribe. If all went as planned, it would be a win-win situation—but mutual gain was not Maximus’s ultimate goal.

Without revealing his thoughts, Maximus asked, "You claim I am the offspring of the Danu Goddess. But I possess neither the mighty strength to vanquish a hundred foes nor the extraordinary divine power to perform miracles. I can fall ill, and I would die if struck by an enemy’s blade. Even I do not believe I could be the offspring of the Danu Goddess, so the tribesmen surely won’t believe it either..."

After speaking, Maximus spread his hands and shrugged, waiting for the Druid’s reasonable explanation.

Emmerich was well-prepared for this. Confidently, he replied, "The Danu Goddess and the other gods reside in the distant realm of Tirnanog (the Divine Kingdom of Danu). They rarely descend to the mortal world, for when they do, their divine power is greatly restricted, and the impurities of the human realm corrupt their divinity, leading to their fall.

Therefore, when the Danu Goddess wishes to aid humanity, she often sends the soul of her offspring to be born into the body of a mortal woman, becoming a mortal child. The memories of the Divine Kingdom are forgotten, and through trials and effort, they gradually grow into human heroes, accomplish great deeds, and upon death, their souls return to the Divine Kingdom..."

"Emmerich, I have always valued you, but I did not expect to underestimate you. You are an exceptionally talented Druid!" Maximus exclaimed in admiration, though inwardly he thought: These priests, monks, and mystics are all charlatans—masters of persuasion! But that’s actually a good thing!

Maximus coughed lightly, then adopted a solemn expression: "From what you’ve said, I see now that it’s quite possible I am the offspring of the Danu Goddess in the human world...

However, this matter should not be publicized immediately. We must avoid confusing the thoughts of the tribesmen. You should gradually, like spring rain nourishing wheat, let the tribesmen come to accept it little by little..."

"Leader, I understand. I will find a way to handle this matter properly!" Emmerich answered earnestly and added, "Leader, I mentioned earlier that I do not know the appearance of the Danu Goddess, but as her offspring, you must have an impression. Therefore, the statue of the Danu Goddess should be personally designed by you!"

This guy has convinced himself as well... Maximus almost chuckled at the suggestion but froze when he realized this task indeed suited him best.

In his former life, Maximus had worked as a graphic designer, and the banner he had designed for the Nix Tribe had already left a profound impression on the tribesmen. Perhaps for that reason, Emmerich had indirectly proposed this request.

A benevolent, compassionate goddess capable of converting hearts—there were plenty of ideas in his mind. Surely, the resulting image would astonish the entire tribe. Smiling faintly, Maximus said, "Alright, I’ll take care of this. Besides the Danu Goddess, which other deity’s temple do you plan to build?"

"Leader, I want to first complete the temple for the Danu Goddess. Once the tribesmen have accepted her existence and are willing to venerate her, I’ll consider other deities..."

"Very good. Your prudent approach eases my concern. Transforming human thought is far harder than reconstructing a house or even an entire tribe. It must be done gradually." Maximus offered his approval but then remembered something: "How do you plan to construct the Danu Goddess Temple?"

"I haven’t thought it through yet," Emmerich admitted frankly.

After all, Emmerich, having primarily worshipped the Holy Stone and Sacred Forest, found it difficult to imagine the structure of Greek and Roman temples based solely on the testimonies of Nix’s official tribesmen.

"I have an idea," Maximus mused. "A temple for the Danu Goddess doesn’t necessarily have to take the form of a building. We can designate a hill for the goddess to inhabit...

This hill, lush with grass and trees, brimming with birds and fragrant flowers, holds a thriving oak grove that can serve as the Sacred Forest. Additionally, within the hill stands towering and unyielding stones to act as the Holy Stone. The statue of the Danu Goddess will sit atop, overlooking the tribe with a compassionate yet commanding presence—making people instinctively bow upon sight..."

Maximus merely adapted scenes from certain shrine sites he’d seen in his previous life. Yet Emmerich listened intently, his eyes sparkling.

Emmerich exclaimed enthusiastically, "This is brilliant! Truly brilliant! Leader, you are indeed the offspring of the Danu Goddess—your wisdom is unparalleled. Combining the Danu Goddess’s statue with the Holy Stone and Sacred Forest satisfies the needs of those Reserve Tribesmen who traditionally worship only stone and forest. It also allows tribesmen to immerse themselves in nature, tangibly experiencing the goddess’s majesty and benevolence. Leader, I will dedicate time to finding a suitable hill!"

"I will establish a Temple Department within the tribe to oversee all the tribe’s temples. You will serve as the first Chief Officer of the department.

Your immediate task is to find an appropriate hill and then construct the Danu Goddess Temple as I described. It shouldn’t cost too much and will require minimal manpower. The main efforts will be focused on carving and placing the goddess’s statue and arranging the Holy Stone and Sacred Forest layout...

Additionally, another crucial task for you is to compile the Divine Canon of the Danu Goddess! How was the Danu Goddess conceived? What powers does she have? What miracles has she performed? What blessings can she offer her followers? What virtues should her devotees strive to embody?..."

Maximus looked at him intently and spoke solemnly: "I understand that Druids have a tradition of transmitting rituals and teachings orally without writing them down. However, for the Nix Tribe, the Danu Goddess must have her own Divine Canon. The text should be simple and easy to understand, the stories vivid and engaging, and the philosophy should guide the tribesmen to righteousness...

Only in this way can people from different regions, those not born Celtic, be drawn in and gradually begin to believe. The whole tribe will become more united, compassionate, and forward-looking... This is the harmony between humanity and the Divine that our tribe seeks to achieve!"

"Harmony between humanity and the Divine..." Emmerich repeated the phrase several times before saying excitedly, "Leader, I understand. I will strive toward this goal!"

"And..." Maximus added meaningfully, "Be sure to include stories of the offspring of the Danu Goddess!"

"Leader, I will write them carefully and, like the spring rain, steadily and subtly lead the people to their realization..." Emmerich replied knowingly.

Maximus, unfazed, said nonchalantly, "Once the Danu Temple is completed, you shall serve as its Chief Priest."

"But what about my roles as Chief Officer of the Temple Department and the Medical Department—"

"You’ll give up both of those positions. From then on, you’ll devote yourself entirely to the affairs of the Danu Temple. If you do well and succeed in gaining widespread acceptance and veneration for the Danu Goddess, I’ll consider elevating her to be our tribe’s most important deity—just as Jupiter is for Rome and Zeus for Greece."

Emmerich was overwhelmed with excitement upon hearing this and said, "Leader, rest assured, I will do everything in my power to accomplish this task!"

"I look forward to your performance. It’s getting late, and I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t keep you any longer," Maximus said with a smile, signaling the end of their discussion.

However, not only did Emmerich remain seated, but he also said, "Leader, there is one more matter I am unsure if I should mention."

Seeing Emmerich’s strange expression, Maximus grew wary, "What is it?"

Emmerich composed himself and said seriously, "Leader, it’s not just the tension between the Skodisqi and the Pannonians among the Reserve Tribesmen. Even among the Skodisqi, despite the tribe saving their lives, there is still some resistance to fully integrating into the tribe and becoming one with it..."

Maximus nodded, "That is indeed a problem. After all, we are outsiders, and our culture and lifestyle differ from the Skodisqi. Gaining their full acceptance will take time—"

"But there is a way to significantly shorten that time."

"Oh?"

"The Skodisqi tribe’s former Great Chief, Hamsted, was known for his fairness and kindness to all his tribesmen and was deeply loved by them. He was also highly regarded among all Skodisqi tribes. Tragically, he was captured by the Pannonians, tortured, and ultimately burned alive in front of us...

The surviving Skodisqi deeply mourn his loss, and his only descendant, Florist Luscia, is part of our tribe. Since her recovery, she has become less shy. In the past few months, many Skodisqi Reserve Tribesmen have visited her at the hospital, expressing their longing for the late Great Chief.

At the same time, some official tribesmen receiving treatment in the hospital have started courting her, expressing their affection..."