National Guardian's Gone and We're Done

"The founder of the Bright Holy See was a deity,"

"also the one people often refer to as God. However, within the Bright Holy See,"

"they usually refer to this deity respectfully as the Light God."

At this point, Shu Gaolang paused for a moment,

as if gathering his thoughts, before adding, "It’s a long story. I was originally planning to give you a summary."

"No summary. I want to hear the whole story, in full detail."

Chu He said, his tone firm and unyielding, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Very well."

Shu Gaolang nodded helplessly and began his tale. "When the Light God was still an ordinary man,

he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and came into this world.

It is said that at the time of the Light God’s birth, a strange phenomenon occurred. Auspicious clouds filled the sky,

an Angel descended to announce the good news, and numerous shepherds came to worship. The scene was said to be absolutely breathtaking,

like a miracle manifesting in the mortal world.

When he reached the age of about thirty, he began to spread his philosophy of light throughout the world.

This process took a total of three years.

During these three years, through his words, his actions, and the miracles he repeatedly performed,

he attracted countless followers. These people gathered together,

forming the first iteration of the Bright Holy See.

However, fate took a sudden turn.

The Light God was later arrested, sentenced to death, and ultimately crucified on a Cross.

But what was astonishing was that,

three days later, he was resurrected. He even revealed his true form to his many followers,

before ascending to the heavens.

And so, the Bright Holy See was truly born and established in the world."

"Among the Light God’s many followers, twelve are the most famous.

The Bright Holy See possesses a mysterious scroll painting,

said to possess a miraculous and powerful energy.

This painting is titled The Last Supper and is now housed in the Bright Holy See’s Saint Hall of Gratitude.

The scene depicted is of the Light God having dinner with these twelve followers.

Suddenly, the Light God says, ’One of you has betrayed me.’

In that instant,

the faces of the followers show all kinds of different expressions—

some are terrified, some are enraged, and others are filled with suspicion.

The figures in that scene—whether their expressions are of terror, anger, or suspicion,

or their gestures, gazes, and postures—

are all depicted with exquisite detail, making them incredibly lifelike.

It is as if that single moment has been frozen in time forever.

One of those followers did indeed betray the Light God.

It is said he was tempted by Satan.

Satan took human form and gave that follower thirty Silver Coins,

and so, tempted by profit, the follower sold out the Light God."

"I actually have a picture of that painting saved."

As Shu Gaolang spoke,

he slowly pulled a phone from his somewhat worn-out pocket.

He skillfully tapped the screen, quickly opened his photo album,

searched carefully through his numerous photos, and finally found the image, which he then tapped to enlarge.

Then, he respectfully handed the phone to Chu He.

Chu He leaned forward slightly, took the phone, and fixed his gaze on the painting.

He saw that the image was accompanied by some related text.

The painting, The Last Supper,

is like an unfurled historical scroll, bearing endless mysteries and legends.

It measures 420 centimeters wide and 910 centimeters long,

its grand scale making it a masterpiece in the world of art.

In the painting, the twelve followers are either seated casually or standing solemnly, arranged on either side of the Light God.

The Light God himself sits alone in the very center,

his face illuminated by the bright, day-like window behind him, casting a radiant glow,

which makes him appear all the more solemn, majestic, and inviolably sacred.

The stark contrast with the background acts like an invisible Magic Power, cleverly drawing the viewer’s gaze,

causing them to involuntarily focus all of their attention on the Light God alone.

Beside the Light God, the restless disciples,

are like puppets whose strings have been plucked by fate.

Each person’s facial expression, shifting gaze, and subtle movements are unique.

This is especially true of the flustered traitor, whose elbow has inadvertently knocked over the salt cellar as his body instinctively recoils,

his face a mask of terror and unease,

his soul trembling in endless fear as his innermost secret is about to be mercilessly exposed.

The Light God’s body language is like a profound codex,

hiding an unknown secret.

His posture forms a perfect, regular triangle, his body upright and almost perfectly symmetrical,

but the gestures of his left and right hands are completely different.

His left hand is open gracefully, palm up, as if expressing acceptance and compassion.

His right hand, however, is decisively reaching downward, the taut muscles revealing a determined will.

The starkly different states of muscle tension in his two hands subtly hint at a hidden part of the story.

In truth, the Light God already knew who had betrayed him,

and the traitor was not on his left side, which represented forgiveness and redemption,

but hidden on his right, the side symbolizing judgment and damnation.

The creator of this painting was undoubtedly a master of human insight.

Through the delicate portrayal of the different figures’ body language, he perfectly showcased their distinct personalities,

and precisely conveyed their innermost psychological states and emotional turmoil.