Leo’s next destination was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is renowned worldwide for its mystique and sanctity.
Due to the intricate designs of history, Jerusalem has become a holy city for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, drawing countless devout followers who dream of visiting this place closest to heaven.
After arriving in Israel, Leo checked into a hotel for some rest, then rented an off-road vehicle to drive to Jerusalem.
By the afternoon, Salem City came into Leo’s view.
Before entering the city, he had to pass through a checkpoint.
Not wanting any trouble, Leo patiently queued up with other vehicles for inspection.
The inspection was quite thorough, involving both equipment checks and the assistance of military dogs.
The soldiers conducting the checks were fully armed and highly vigilant, ready to respond to any suspicious activity immediately.
After about ten minutes, it was Leo’s turn for inspection.
When the inspecting soldier saw Leo’s face, his stern expression softened a bit. He asked, “Are you Atrarian?”
“Yes,” Leo replied, taking out the passport and identification prepared by WONDER.
The officer didn’t take Leo’s passport or ID but said, “Sir, we don’t inspect Atrarian friends. Are you here for work in Jerusalem?”
Leo felt a surge of national pride at being an Atrarian.
Honestly, being respected abroad felt quite nice.
Leo smiled and replied, “Not for work, just here for tourism. I’ve heard so much about this holy place.”
“Jerusalem is indeed worth a visit. Enjoy your trip,” the officer said politely and signaled for the checkpoint to let him through.
“Thank you,” Leo said happily as he drove past the checkpoint.
Another ten minutes later, Leo slowed down as he entered Salem City.
After checking his map, Leo turned towards the eastern district.
In the eastern district, the most prominent feature was a massive stone gate.
The gate was grand and majestic, its weathered appearance revealing its historical significance.
This was the famous Damascus Gate, the Arab triumphal arch, where mostly Arabs resided nearby.
Jews would never pass through Damascus Gate; they used Jaffa Gate instead.
As Leo drove his off-road vehicle through Damascus Gate, a strong Arabian atmosphere greeted him.
Arab men in white robes and headscarves and women with black veils covering their faces were everywhere.
The surrounding architecture was also distinctive, with residential houses, churches, mosques, and cemeteries blending together and changing colors under the sunlight, creating a unique charm.
After passing through a narrow and bustling market, Leo first visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a Muslim holy site. He then climbed Temple Mount to see the Dome of the Rock Mosque and the rock where Prophet Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven.
Upon leaving the Dome of the Rock Mosque, Leo heard faint crying sounds and felt moved.
He had heard that the Wailing Wall, a sacred site for Judaism, was nearby. He decided to check it out.
Passing through a dim granite tunnel, Leo arrived at the Wailing Wall.
This towering remnant of the temple built by King Solomon bore deep historical marks-numerous green mosses and weeds grew resiliently on its weathered surface.
Many Jewish pilgrims knelt on the damp and dirty ground, crying loudly according to tradition as if recounting the centuries of suffering endured by the Tribes of Judah.
Leo noticed that many Jews inserted small notes into the cracks of the Wailing Wall after crying, their faces full of reverence.
It is said that inserting a note with one’s wishes into the Wailing Wall will bring God’s blessings.
These devout Jews seemed to firmly believe in this practice.
After visiting the Wailing Wall, Leo took a stroll around King David’s Tomb. As the founding ruler of The Kingdom of Judah, he deserved some respect.
However, apart from the well-preserved tomb and the iconic Star of David, there wasn’t much else that left an impression.
Around him, Jewish visitors were devout and joyful as they toured King David’s Tomb.
According to his map, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre wasn’t far from there.
Leo descended from Temple Mount and drove straight to the residential area.
After about five minutes of driving, Leo arrived at Via Dolorosa, said to be the path Jesus walked towards his crucifixion.
Leo parked his car by the roadside and walked from one end of Via Dolorosa to the other, hoping to follow in a saint’s footsteps and perhaps gain some insight.
Unfortunately, apart from stepping in some mud, he found nothing significant since this ancient road was quite dilapidated.
Shaking his head in frustration, Leo headed straight for his final destination-the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
During the day, Leo was both sightseeing and scouting. In the evening, House Lessane would meet him there.
Turning a corner, Leo saw the massive dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre piercing the sky before him.
Also known as the Church of Resurrection because it was built on Jesus’ tomb, it is considered the holiest of holy sites.
Leo looked up closely at its weathered yellow-brown walls that exuded an ancient aura. Walking through its grand entrance with other tourists felt like stepping back in time.
Soon enough, he found himself inside the church. The walls and ceilings were adorned with numerous ancient religious paintings depicting scenes like The Last Supper and Jesus Preaching. Despite their age, they remained vibrant and well-preserved.
Of course, Leo wasn’t there just for sightseeing; he was searching for clues about King Solomon’s treasure.
However, he found no leads or hints from The Star of Leah either.
As he ventured further inside, he reached a large chapel where monks and nuns were praying devoutly.
Holding Stars of David in one hand and Bibles in another created an atmosphere that was both sacred and solemn.
Interestingly enough though their attire suggested they belonged to various different denominations each distinct from one another many Western tourists who reached this point reverently made crosses over their chests while murmuring prayers towards an image depicting Jesus’ crucifixion on an altar ahead
Suddenly noticing a large signboard near altar beneath which lay an old worn-out stone slab many tourists knelt down reverently kissing it intrigued Leo approached carefully reading English description on signboard
Turns out this stone slab marked site where Jesus Christ was crucified those faint red stains were believed be his blood no wonder everyone seemed so devout religious power truly boundless even simple slab could become sacred relic