In the heart of the Holy Sanctuary, Xu Feng stood before the grand colosseum-like structure where the crazed and rumored sacred baptism would take place. The building's architectural magnificence reflected the divine nature of the ritual about to unfold.
As he entered the Colosseum, Xu Feng marveled at the interior, adorned with intricate patterns and radiant symbols.
A sense of anticipation and reverence filled the air. The Colosseum's design seemed to channel the divine energy that permeated the Holy Sanctuary.
At the center of the colosseum stood the Baptismal Altar, a platform bathed in a soft, celestial glow. This was the focal point of the sacred ritual, and only a select few players had ever set foot on this hallowed ground.
With each step forward, Xu Feng felt a surge of mana coursing through him, resonating with the divine energy of the Holy Sanctuary. The buffs from the Sanctuary enhanced his senses and awareness, preparing him for the transformative experience that awaited.
'It really isn't an exaggeration when those players said they wished they could remain here forever.' Xu Feng felt like he was connected with every fiber of his muscles, allowing him to transcend beyond the mortal bound.
As Xu Feng approached the Baptismal Altar, an NPC clad in ethereal robes appeared. This NPC, known as the Guardian of the Sanctuary, exuded a dignified aura. Their eyes gleamed with otherworldly wisdom, and a sense of purpose radiated from their being.
Although there wasn't any hostility, Xu Feng was suffocating from the pressure the Guardian emitted.
"What is the reason for your appearance here, adventurer?" The Guardian of the Sanctuary asked in a somewhat autonomous tone.
"Greetings, respectable Guardian of the Sanctuary. I wished to be baptized by the Baptismal Atlar." Xu Feng bowed his head slightly and said respectfully.
He dared not to show any hint of disrespect toward the guardian. The guardian in front of him could easily swat him away like a fly.
The NPCs might not have much intelligence early on, but they could still discern hostile and non-hostile entities.
And if they felt threatened or disgusted, then they would act upon such desire and make a move.
The players in the past were ignorant of this and decided to troll around, only to end up regretting their actions. Being killed by an NPC was anything but fun, especially when the NPC were nobles or held a certain reputation in the area.
Losing experience and dropping a level was considered a blessing. The worst case scenario was to be thrown in prison based in real-time, essentially crippling them from being able to game for that certain amount of time.
The guardian here was not only a noble but also held a high reputation. Thus, Xu Feng had to put on his most respectful and solemn expression.
"The Baptismal Atlar is off-limits to outsiders." The Guardian of the Sanctuary responded.
But before Xu Feng could be despaired or disheartened at the response, the Guardian of the Sanctuary continued his words.
"However, seeing how you have the permission of the Divine God, you are permitted to enter for 10 minutes only."
The Divine God that was spoken about was referred to as the System that the players knew.
To players, the System was the interface and the main connection for them to be in the Divine World. However, to the NPC, it was the Divine God, a domineering figure that managed the world they were in.
"Thank you for your generosity," Xu Feng quickly gave his thanks.
He was truly gambling on whether or not he was able to be baptized, given that it would have given him a tremendous boost— a boost even better than a Class Change.
Thus, he was inwardly exhilarated that he was actually able to do so.
'I truly have to thank that idiotic bragging player for sharing such precious information. Otherwise, I wouldn't have such an advantage.' Xu Feng once again praised that player for their great generosity.
If that player had known this event would occur, then he would have definitely beaten the crap out of himself for bragging so much.
Alas, it was a little too late, and Xu Feng was going to reap all the benefits for himself.
Having gained permission to enter, the Guardian of the Sanctuary sidestepped a bit to make way for him.
"Remember, the time limit is 10 minutes. If you are not out by then, there will be punishment." The Guardian warned.
Xu Feng nodded his head. He would definitely keep that in mind and ensure that he would be out by then.
As for trying to test the Guardian's patience and staying longer than 10 minutes, an amateur might do it, but definitely not him.
Walking toward the secretive area, Xu Feng was greeted by a large pool filled with glistening crystal water. Naturally, the liquid in the pool was anything but simple.
Although he had never experienced what baptism was, he knew this glistening crystal water was able to awaken his potential to an unimaginable height.
Taking a step forward, he swallowed a mouthful of saliva. It wasn't because of nervousness, but because of excitement.
"I've always been envious of those lucky bastards, but who would have thought I would become those lucky bastards one day." He mumbled, trembling in place.
As much as he wanted to jump straight into the pool and enjoy the baptism, Xu Feng knew it couldn't be that simple. After all, there was quite a bit of information regarding the pool in the Baptismal Altar in the past.
The time needed to be baptized varied from person to person. Some could be easily done in a matter of seconds whereas some would be done in minutes.
The crux of the matter was how willing the person was going to go, meaning he needed to embrace all the pain without cowering to restructure his body. Overall, it depended on the will of the person to be baptized.
Breathing deeply, Xu Feng soon controlled his breathing, immersing himself to become one with nature. His eyes remained closed for a few seconds, and by the time he reopened them, there was only calmness and determination in them.
"Let's do this," he uttered, diving into the pool without any hesitation.