Brand New Life Online: Rise Of The Goddess Of Harvest - Chapter 1788: The Monastery

Chapter 1788: The Monastery

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“I was wondering if I could take on a ghostly form myself…” Elayne mused.

“Perhaps, if you learn our Cultivation Methods,” Blank replied. “Anyway, lastly, there’s the Cultivation of our Bodies. It complements our White Ghost Heart, but it also opens new possibilities. Our bodies are unique, formed from materialized ghostly essence and Nether. This allows us to assimilate and absorb elements and materials far more easily than other Races.”

“I see!” Elayne nodded eagerly.

“Our Bodies are called Ghostly Physiques,” Blank explained, briefly turning semi-transparent before solidifying again. “Other Races can attempt our methods, but most are designed specifically for us. However, some Undead—particularly Shadows and Ghosts—could try them. A few have succeeded.”

“Maybe with that method, we could help Dorothy get a proper physical body,” Elayne said. “She sometimes struggles to grasp things. Right, Sailor?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Sailor muttered, clearly uninterested. “Huh, so that’s the monastery? Wow.”

“Oh?” Elayne hadn’t noticed it before, but as she looked up the hill, the monastery came into view. Built entirely from white bricks, it bustled with people moving in and out. It was a striking sight. “Amazing. So that’s the monastery.”

From what Elayne recalled, a monastery was a religious complex where monks—or nuns in a convent—lived a communal life devoted to prayer, work, and spiritual growth, often isolated from secular society. These self-sufficient communities usually included a church, dormitories, dining halls, libraries, and sometimes farms or workshops. They served as centers for worship, learning, and cultural preservation.

She never imagined monasteries existed in the Netherworld, but it made sense. Each Noble Race worshipped their own gods, so important religious figures and their followers would naturally build such places to continue their devotion and guide others spiritually.

As they approached, Elayne noticed the monastery wasn’t limited to White Ghosts. Blue Ghostly Goblins mingled with various Undead—Skeletons, Ghosts, Zombies—and she even spotted a Shadow.

“Wow, there are people of all kinds here,” Elayne said. “The religion seems very open…”

“Yes, the White Mist Ghost Mother Religious Order does not discriminate,” Blank explained. “Anyone of any race can join and worship her. However, not many are permitted. The White Ghost Nobles who control the monasteries decide.”

“Oh…” Elayne’s enthusiasm dimmed.

“Those allowed usually pass rigorous tests or belong to the nobles or existing church members,” Blank continued.

“Then they don’t accept just anyone!” Sailor grumbled.

“They do, as long as the person reaches the gate without being stopped by guards,” Blank sighed. “It’s complicated. As you saw at the entrance, wild Undead are often captured or slain. They’re viewed as potential threats.”

“At the end of the day, Undead like us are treated as less than garbage…” Sailor clicked his tongue. “What a wonderful society you have.”

“…” Blank fell silent, gazing at the monastery for a moment. “It’s not as if I agree with my society or enjoy it. It’s simply the world I live in. I’m a merchant. Do you think I have the power to change it? I’m not so different from you. I just survive.”

“You certainly look the part with your grand mansion, servants, and luxuries! Really struggling, aren’t you?” Sailor spat on the ground, his buccaneer nature showing clearly.

“I’m sorry,” Elayne apologized for him again. “Sailor… please. At least behave inside the monastery.”

“…Okay,” Sailor sighed, mimicking zipping his lips.

“Well, we’re almost there,” Blank said. “As you can see, the monastery is open to any citizen. You’re free to enter with me. Good evening. I am Blank Velberth. I’ve brought these Undead to use a Class Changing Stone.”

The guard at the monastery gates eyed the Undead with curiosity but nodded and let them pass without a word or payment.

“Wooow!”

“It’s huge.”

Elayne and Mark gazed in awe at the interior. Multiple buildings surrounded a tall white tower, with hundreds of people of various races working together.

A large garden yielded what crops they could grow, and a ranch housed animals, though the garden was modest and poorly maintained.

“So how many roles are there in this religion?” Elayne asked.

“There are Priests of White Mist, Ghost Monks, and Nuns,” Blank explained. “Monks and Nuns handle daily tasks, while Priests lead and set rules. There’s also the White Ghost Religious Order School, where children learn under the Priests’ guidance. They can even train to become guards, soldiers, or the renowned White Mist Paladins.”

“Huh,” Elayne nodded, rubbing her chin. “So where’s the stone?”

“Over there. It seems quiet today,” Blank said, leading Elayne, Mark, and Sailor across the vast grounds to a grand building housing a massive floating blue crystal.

The crystal radiated rich divine power. Elayne sensed dozens of energy threads flowing from it. It felt like a divine gift—an ancient treasure placed here.

“It’s beautiful…” Elayne whispered. “I can’t believe they let people use it freely when it’s such a priceless artifact.”

“It’s because this treasure was granted by the System,” Blank explained. “The governing Priest formed a contract with the System, allowing them to keep the stone here as long as they offer it freely to anyone, regardless of origin.”

“So the System’s rules bind them,” Mark observed.

“Yes. That’s why many resent the System. It’s a power, an entity, or perhaps a god—no one knows for sure. But it has begun merging with our world and reality,” Blank said. “It governs many things now, bringing untold riches and opportunities alongside great threats. Some hate it for reviving the Demon Kings, while others appreciate the growth it offers to those once deemed untalented… like Undead. In the past, Undead couldn’t advance as quickly as they do now. That’s why they’re seen as greater threats and often… disposed of if they don’t belong to someone.”

“Oh yeah, blame it all on the System when the problem comes from somewhere else,” Sailor said. “If anything, the freaking System is just helping us tough it out here where you all try to—”

Before Sailor could finish, Elayne covered his mouth with mushrooms and moss, silencing him completely.

He tried to use his soul to speak, but Elayne touched it with her hand. Chains of cursed energy bound him instantly.

“Don’t.”

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