The conversation with Bailu deeply hurt March 7th.
Seeing the stream's chat only added to her distress!
Although opening the chat felt like kicking someone when they're down, as a good sister from the Astral Express Crew, Stelle still took the moment to comfort March 7th.
"It's okay, March."
"You also emerged from Six Forms Ice, just like her."
"Without parents, similar to Bailu's situation."
"In that case, it might not have been truly hurtful after all."
"Thank you, you're really good at comforting people." A hint of tears could be heard in March 7th's voice.
Little Gui circled around them thoughtfully.
Bailu was busy attending to patients nearby, seemingly only making a brief appearance with no further related plot developments immediately following.
Suddenly, they encountered an NPC named Dahao.
"Pardon me, young lady, please stay for a moment," Dahao said. "Your timely intervention earlier saved both the citizens of Exalting Sanctum and the Draconic Lady from peril."
"The Draconic Lady from the Alchemy Commission, Lady Bailu," he clarified.
"That child sounds quite significant, judging by your address," March 7th remarked, surprised.
Dahao didn't continue discussing Bailu but shifted the topic abruptly. "I heard from my friend at the Sky-Faring Commission that the General has invited several guests specifically to address the troubles above Luofu. It seems you must be those individuals."
"If you don't mind, I hope you could spare some time to visit the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery for a discussion. There's trouble brewing beneath the Exalting Sanctum sky eye that we should address..."
After the conversation ended, a game notification popped up:
[Adventure Quest: Viperous Birds, Enduring Peril - Accepted]
"An adventure quest?" Little Gui glanced at it.
"Why did we suddenly receive a side quest? How am I supposed to attend Kafka's interrogation and find time to visit the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery?"
As he spoke, Little Gui prepared to switch the quest tracker to the Trailblazing mission.
Suddenly, dazzling gift animations flooded the live stream chat window!
[[Cat Petter 8190] gifted Streamer Little Gui Zi with 5 Listening Storms! Message: [Stream the side quest first!]
[[Cat Petter 8190] gifted Streamer Little Gui Zi with 5 Super Star Ferries! Message: [Check out the dangers lurking in the Exalting Sanctum!]
Guinaifen was taken aback.
Initially, Guinaifen instinctively expressed her gratitude.
However, she still felt somewhat hesitant. After all, many viewers were eager to see the progress of the main storyline and the outcome of Kafka's interrogation.
The gift effects once again flooded the screen!
[Pit Nut Hunter gifted Streamer Little Gui Zi 10 Star Path Tickets! Message: [Listen to my buddy Cat Lover!]
[Does Bailu's Foot Smell gifted Streamer Little Gui Zi 15 Exclusive Star Path Tickets! Message: [Do the side quest first (chag), I'm more concerned about what trouble lurks near my doorstep.]
Seeing this barrage of gifts, Guinaifen clapped her hands excitedly.
"Aiya, dear family, we're on the same page!"
"We must definitely tackle this side quest first! The safety of Exalting Sanctum takes precedence!"
"As they say—'Public safety comes first!'"
"I'm getting started right away, Little Gui fans!"
Inside the star ferry, March 7th was not pleased when she saw Little Gui intending to head straight for the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery.
"No, Little Gui, I've been waiting to see the results!"
"You need some principles! Don't change your stance just because of a few gifts!"
However, these messages quickly vanished amidst a deluge of comments.
Only two sporadic replies came her way:
"No ticket, yet you still have the nerve to make demands?"
"Not from around here? Easy for you to stay aloof, huh?"
March 7th promptly responded, "How am I staying aloof?! Isn't it all for your General Jingyuan!"
But this time, no one answered her at all.
Fuming, March 7th opened her wallet, ready to top up and argue with those commenters till the bitter end.
"Forget it, March," Dan Heng interjected beside her. "I too want to know what hidden dangers lurk within Luofu."
"Kafka is merely an unpredictable external threat, after all."
"In this incident, there seems to be another force within Luofu that's been plotting for quite some time."
Upon hearing this, Tingyun, who was piloting the star ferry ahead, glanced back at Dan Heng through the rear-view mirror.
Could they be on the verge of discovering the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus? she wondered silently. Damn this game—can't even give me a moment's rest.
Outside the vehicle window, the Tree of Foundation remained dormant, showing no signs of growth.
Phantylia, deeply dissatisfied, muttered, "Pawn of Abundance, you're moving far too slowly!"
Tingyun increased the star ferry's power, driving full speed towards their destination.
Old Yang glanced up at Tingyun and keenly sensed the star ferry accelerating.
"Perhaps Miss Tingyun heard about the danger looming over Luofu and is feeling quite anxious," he thought to himself.
In Little Gui's live stream, they had arrived as scheduled at the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery.
Initially, it was assumed that only hidden Demonic Yin Bodies were present within the Exalting Sanctum. However, unexpectedly:
After handing over the item "[Unsent Letter Home]" they found earlier, Dahao, drenched in sweat, summoned General Jing Yuan's chief strategist, Qing Zhu.
Qing Zhu was considered a prominent figure in Luofu.
He explained, "To outsiders, this letter appears to be a joyful update from someone who has recovered from long-term illness. But upon closer examination, its contents violate the 'Ten Unforgivable Crimes,' constituting grave heresy."
"The title '[Benevolent Medicine King]' would never be uttered by any law-abiding citizen of our alliance."
"This is because it refers to Xianzhou's archenemy—the Fertility Star God, now known as the Plaguebringer of Longevity, the Yaoshi."
"The mannerisms displayed here remind me of an organization eradicated from Xianzhou for millennia...the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus."
With these words,
the chat erupted like a boiling pot!
"The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?!
"Holy shit! This morning, someone asked me if I desired eternal life. Thinking they were nuts, I just walked away. Now, could that person have been a follower of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"
"I've heard about this group! They supposedly poison patients under the guise of treating them, conducting all sorts of unethical experiments on unsuspecting victims!"
"Damn! That's terrifying, isn't it? Are there such anti-social organizations lurking near my home?"
"I'm too scared to go out now... seriously..."
Reading these comments, Guinaifen couldn't help but exclaim, "Friends! So you've also experienced similar incidents?"
"We outlanders on Xianzhou must prioritize our safety!"
In the background, Sushang's voice chimed in, "Don't worry, Little Gui. For the next few days, I'll be with you wherever you go."
"Even to the restroom, I'll keep watch!"
Due to the sudden revelation, Guinaifen had no choice but to take this side quest seriously.
Now it directly concerned the safety of Luofu's populace!
If only she could uncover the entire Disciples of Sanctus Medicus organization through this mission!
Within the Grand Divination Commission:
A serious expression crossed Fu Xuan's face as she watched the unfolding live stream content.
Initially, she had planned to accompany the Astral Express Crew to The Shackling Prison. However, upon witnessing this scene, her intended action abruptly gave way to composure.
"Currently, most of Luofu's military strength has been deployed to The Shackling Prison, including the General himself rushing over there."
"If even I were to leave, wouldn't Luofu become virtually defenseless?"
"Yes, yes, yes! This mission trigger couldn't have come at a better time!"
"The internal threat, undetectable even by this venerable one—these Disciples of Sanctus Medicus."
"This venerable one must uncover where exactly you're hiding!"
Without delay, Fu Xuan utilized Jing Yuan's command token to mobilize the remaining Cloud Knights within the city.
Once the true nature of the "Disciples of Sanctus Medicus" was revealed in the unfolding storyline, she would swiftly dispatch forces to suppress them and eliminate these aberrations once and for all!
Under the watchful eyes of Grand Diviner Fu Xuan and numerous Luofu players, Little Gui Zi continued advancing the quest "[Viperous Vulture, Longevity Boundless]" with meticulous attention.
Qing Zhu reported, "I've recently received intelligence suggesting that amidst the current chaos, someone near the Exalting Sanctum is attempting to sway outlanders. Perhaps you could start your investigation there? In fact, several months ago, I dispatched an undercover agent who made some headway."
"However, it seems our adversary grew suspicious... The spy has gone missing. I fear they may have been exposed."
"As a newcomer to Luofu and an outlander yourself, entrusting this task to you gives me greater confidence."
In the live stream, Guinaifen nodded thoughtfully. Turning around, she called out, "Shangshang, quick, come here!"
"We're going undercover to infiltrate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus!" She exclaimed, "It's time to put your cloud rider training to the test. Hurry up and give us some ideas!"
Sushang stepped into the camera frame, her expression turning serious upon hearing about the potential involvement of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus on Luofu. Gripping the game controller as if holding her own Void Sword, her gaze became resolute, almost as if summoning newfound determination!
Soon after, they found a peculiar individual lurking outside the Exalting Sanctum.
Outside the Exalting Sanctum, Sushang encountered a peculiar, enigmatic figure.
"Esteemed guest from afar, please wait. Do you yearn for eternal life?" the stranger asked.
[No.]
[Yes.]
[I yearn for power!]
Three options presented themselves. After considering briefly, Sushang chose the third one.
Then, addressing the camera, she explained, "In situations like this, directly expressing your desire for immortality often raises suspicion. We need to first portray ourselves as... uh... naive newcomers!"
Upon hearing her response, the stranger fell silent. After a moment, they suddenly exclaimed, "I understand now! You mean to say that you do indeed yearn for eternal life, right?! After all, living forever is a form of power itself!"
[No, I only yearn for pure power!]
"Erm..."
"You've got me confused, sis."
"Haha, you're quite intriguing. To be frank, here, I can only offer outlanders the chance for eternal life. However, perhaps joining the Antimatter Legion might suit you better."
"Before attaining absolute power, wouldn't you also wish to live forever?"
The stranger grew increasingly animated.
"But the Xianzhou Alliance doesn't care about the welfare of short-lived beings! They stubbornly forbid the glorious path to eternal life."
"My name is Greensea," she continued. "I came to Exalting Sanctum hoping to encounter kindred spirits like you, so we may embark together on the immortal journey toward Changsheng."
"What do you say? Let's go somewhere more suitable for discussing these matters."
Step one of going undercover—
Success!
Sushang discreetly flashed a victory sign with her fingers.
Guinaifen responded with a thumbs-up gesture.
Following Greensea's lead, they arrived at an elegantly furnished courtyard.
Apart from Greensea herself, several other members were present, including a Cloud Knight!
Greensea began, "Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am a sower, secretly trained by the Medicine King. It wasn't safe to reveal my identity earlier in Exalting Sanctum, but now I can confidently share this with you."
"The 'Disciples of Sanctus Medicus' is an organization dedicated to the teachings of the Benevolent Medicine King. As followers, we refer to ourselves as 'sowers'.
"To attain the secret of eternal life, one must become a sower. However, becoming a sower requires passing certain minor trials.
"Please bear with us... As the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus grow stronger, we have attracted the attention of those bow-wielding cultists. Without such caution, the consequences would be dire."
As a Cloud Knight, Sushang naturally inquired about the presence of another knight immediately.
"No need to worry about this cloud rider. He, like you, is undergoing his own trial."
"'All who seek shall surely find.' The Benevolent Medicine King's heart is vast and compassionate; he does not easily dismiss anyone's wishes. Consequently, our initiation trials for the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus are not overly challenging.
"All that's required is to copy this booklet, 'The Thousand Hands of the Benevolent Medicine King: Salvation,' five hundred times. This demonstrates your sincerity to your fellow brothers and sisters, allowing you to become a sower."
"Huh?"
"That's the test to join the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"
"Wow!"
"It seems so simple! Could I also seek eternal life this way?"
"Hey, watch your words—that's risky talk!"
"Good sir, please accompany me to the Realm-Keeping Commission."
"What?!"
"Copy it five hundred times?!"
Sushang's eyes widened.
She never anticipated that this undercover mission would be so challenging!
And just what was the content of this scripture?
"[At one moment, the Benevolent Medicine King, with myriad hands filled with compassion, traversed through realms accompanied by ninety-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine sowers. They gathered beneath Rahu, where he imparted teachings.]"
While she recognized most of the words, their combined meaning made absolutely no sense to her!
"At least this is within a game; if it were real life, I definitely couldn't complete it..."
[Your index finger feels slightly sore, and your shoulders are beginning to ache... But this is only the first iteration. Four hundred and ninety-nine more await you.]
This internal monologue perfectly mirrored Sushang's true predicament!
The immersion in this game was simply too intense!
Determined, she decided to give it a try—could she truly accomplish the feat of copying the text five hundred times within the game?
[Lowering your head, you tune out everything around you and quietly continue transcribing. The pain in your arm intensifies, but eventually, you finish the second iteration.]
["Yaowang Caihuai, Tree of Foundation thrives. Sowers unite, ascending to bliss." As you begin copying this phrase for the third time, it starts resonating within your heart.]
[The pain in your arm and fingers has subsided. Perhaps you've grown accustomed to it, or maybe they have simply gone numb. You smoothly complete the fourth iteration.]
[While copying for the fifth time, the cloud rider beside you can no longer contain his curiosity and quietly moves closer.]
"Stop copying! Stop already! Are you addicted to this?! Let me finish copying for you, and you keep watch!"
Upon hearing these words, Sushang keenly realizes:
This cloud rider is not ordinary!
He isn't a traitor but rather, like herself, an undercover agent!
"All right, all right, finally finished copying... I recognize you now, you're a Trailblazer! A distinguished guest of General Jing Yuan!"
"I'm a cloud rider from the Exalting Sanctum's garrison. Noticing that 'Greensea' was acting suspiciously and spreading heretical ideas, I decided to infiltrate," he explains.
"I didn't expect to be suspected right from the start... It took immense effort just to convince them I genuinely wanted to join the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus..."
"Let's make a deal: After you help me finish copying this scripture, you must cover for me while I go to the Seat of Divine Foresight to report our findings..."
By now, Greensea had secured the entrance.
Sushang understood that undercover missions carried inherent risks; one must commit fully to the path chosen. She had no intention of leaving prematurely.
She handed the completed scriptures, copied with the cloud rider's assistance, to Greensea.
This was merely the first step of the initiation trial.
"Don't worry, the second step is very straightforward and will conclude swiftly."
"Our principle within the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus is simple: we do not employ those we doubt, nor do we doubt those we employ. Therefore..."
"You two shall duel here. The survivor will officially become a sower."
With these words, the atmosphere instantly shifted!
"I was starting to waver, but these damned sowers truly aren't any good!"
"Poor Cloud Knight brother got dealt a rough hand."
"Woah! This courtyard looks so familiar! It's just like the one below my house! Let me open the curtains to show you guys!"
"Any updates from the scene?"
"What happened? Did you see any Disciples of Sanctus Medicus? Remember to take a photo."
After about half a minute, this streamer indeed uploaded a picture.
It was identical to the courtyard within the game!
However, with the gate tightly shut, it was impossible to discern any activity inside from outside.
[Bailu's Little Feet Smell?] chimed in again, "Can't see inside the courtyard, but I spotted numerous Cloud Knights hiding behind the star ferries parked downstairs!"
"How thrilling!"
"Investigate further! Keep reporting!"