Li Qingwu's eyes gradually widened. He shifted his gaze from the Archdeacon to Teresa – and back again.
"Huh? Teresa? Saint? Are you sure you're not mistaken?" he finally exhaled, stunned by what was happening.
"Impudence! How dare you speak to the Archdeacon like that! You..."
But the missionary standing nearby, who had barely managed to exclaim, was stopped by a hand gesture. The Archdeacon gently lowered his palm, looking at Li Qingwu with surprising warmth.
"The family of a saint should be honored," he said quietly. "Come with me. We can talk more thoroughly in a more secluded place."
He made an inviting gesture and led Li Qingwu deeper into the Cathedral of the Ecclesiarchy.
Soon they entered a guest room. The furnishings were modest: several rough wooden benches and a low tea table in the center.
The Archdeacon looked at Li Qingwu again. His gaze remained just as soft, and a friendly smile played on his face.
Li Qingwu even felt uneasy from this ostentatious benevolence. If not for his age, he would have suspected that this holy man had some questionable intentions towards him.
"Sir, you are indeed Sister Teresa's relative," the Archdeacon began. "I feel a pure soul in you. How about joining us? To be closer to the God-Emperor, to heed His teachings!"
Li Qingwu was taken aback. What the hell? They just met – and this old man is already inviting him "into the system"?
The Ecclesiarchy in the Imperium of Man was a colossal force. It had its own Shrine Worlds, and its branches and temples existed on almost every Imperial planet.
It had its own warships, the armed forces of the Ecclesiarchy, and even its own administrative hierarchy, independent of the Imperium's institutions.
So joining the Ecclesiarchy was almost like getting a position in the state structure.
Li Qingwu shook his head. If it were another Imperial organization, he might have thought about it: career growth, connections, benefits. But the church... no, thank you.
Religion itself is always a bit crazy, and especially in this insane universe.
Moreover, within the Ecclesiarchy, there were plenty of cults and sects that interpreted the Imperial Truth differently. Internal feuds between orders were ruthless.
One wrong word – and you'd be declared a heretic. Or you'd lose a political struggle within an order – and you'd be sent to the rack.
He refused, but immediately asked: "Archdeacon, why do you call Teresa a saint?"
The title of saint is not an organizational formality. It is a title usually awarded posthumously for great deeds or long-term righteousness.
A living canonization is a very rare, almost impossible event. Only those who have accomplished something beyond human capabilities are awarded such a title.
But even in the world of Warhammer 40k, this is not always a good sign. Too much fame attracts misfortune. For an ordinary girl like Teresa, this could turn into a tragedy.
The Archdeacon smiled gently: "Actually, Sister Teresa is not yet a true saint. But she has already shown the traits of a saint, and I am only striving to help her reveal this path."
Li Qingwu's eyebrows furrowed. "Forgive my directness, Archdeacon, but Teresa is an ordinary girl. What makes you think there is anything divine in her?"
The Archdeacon looked at her with warmth and conviction: "Because she has an impeccably pure soul! Never before have I seen such purity. Sometimes I feel the radiance of the Emperor Himself in her. Undoubtedly, He has turned His gaze upon her."
He squinted. "And you, sir, are no less than her: your soul is also as transparent as the morning dew. Only those who pray to the Emperor day and night can be so protected by His light."
Li Qingwu involuntarily winced. He remembered how during their last visit he saw an exhausted Teresa and, pitying her, gave her everything he had, including the sacred pancakes.
Yes, this Archdeacon can apparently sense the Emperor's psychic power itself. So he's not just another church parasite, but a truly gifted person. This was alarming.
He would have to be more careful in the future when distributing "holy" things. For example, when selling grapes or drinks – holy alcohol should now be diluted. It would be too much if someone figured out the sources of their power.
Having considered every word, Li Qingwu replied: "Merciful Father, please understand: Sister Teresa is a simple girl. She has a family – parents and a brother, they are waiting for her at home. Won't it be too heavy for a sixteen-year-old girl to bear the title of saint?"
The Archdeacon became serious. He looked at the bewildered Teresa, who sat between them. "Sir, I understand your concern. But I have served the God-Emperor for sixty years. I see that there is a special seed in Teresa. With proper upbringing, she is capable of achieving something great, unattainable for ordinary people."
Li Qingwu just sighed. He knew that Teresa was a completely ordinary mortal, who had simply eaten a holy pancake once.
He was about to argue again when Teresa suddenly raised her head and quietly said: "Uncle, I've thought it all over. I want to accept the Archdeacon's guidance and follow his will."
Li Qingwu frowned. There was no fear or doubt in her eyes – only steel resolve.
He understood her. The girl had survived the death of her family, found herself within strange walls, all alone. Her soul was tormented by pain, longing, fear. And now she was offered meaning, purpose, strength – could she refuse?
Of course not. She grabbed hope with both hands. She wanted to become strong so that she would never again allow fate to destroy everything she held dear.
Li Qingwu took a deep breath, exhaled, and, leaning forward, placed his hand on her shoulder.
Well, if both agree – so be it. Teresa wants to catch her own destiny, even risking her life. And he, Li Qingwu, isn't he doing the same?
Conspiracies with rebels, assassinations of POS officers, bribery of Ulyan officials – all this was punishable by execution without trial.
So what right did he have to teach someone to live more safely?