["The Yaoshi Secret Transmission is an organization that venerates the Merciful Medicus as its true faith and law, and 'Disciples of Floral Reverence' is how we followers refer to ourselves."]
["To obtain the method of longevity, one must first become a Disciple of Floral Reverence. However, becoming one requires passing some minor trials."]
["At this point, Green Hibiscus's originally serious expression changed, replaced by a relaxed smile: 'Please understand, as the Yaoshi Secret Transmission has gradually grown, it has also attracted the attention of those followers of the Aeons of the Hunt. If we are not this careful, the consequences would be unthinkable.'"]
[Everyone who wants to join the Yaoshi Secret Transmission must undergo trials, including that Cloud Knight.]
["What can I get from the Medicus?" Stelle asked.]
["Every race yearns for the Merciful Medicus's grace and healing," Green Hibiscus said with a laugh. "The Foxians seek healing for their mere three hundred years of life, the Vidyadhara seek healing from the suffering of reincarnation and extinction... while the Xianzhou natives seek healing from the torment of Mara—though we believe it is not torment, but more like a gift of evolution."]
["Returning to your question, the Medicus can heal your short-life species' aging, sickness, and death, just as He has done for the Xianzhou natives."]
["All that is sought shall be obtained. The Merciful Medicus is broad-minded and would never easily refuse anyone's prayers."]
——
Demon Slayer World.
"The Aeon of Abundance can actually accomplish such things... Then, can the 'disease' that prevents me from overcoming the sun also be cured?"
"If He can even cure death, what is there that He cannot do? I don't ask for anything else, I only wish to walk under the sunlight... For an Aeon, this request isn't too much, is it?"
Inside the Infinity Castle, a bold idea rose in Muzan Kibutsuji's heart.
"During this time, I will pray to the Aeon of Abundance for blessings." Muzan's vertical pupils merely glanced lightly at the several Upper Moons not far away, and instantly, immense pressure forced them to their knees, unable to lift their heads.
"You useless trash, for a thousand years you haven't found even a trace of the Blue Spider Lily... I truly don't know what purpose your lives serve." Muzan let out a cold "tsk," and then the Upper Moons felt the pressure on their backs increase even more, almost enough to break their necks.
"You will maintain this kneeling worship posture... I must let the Merciful Medicus know of my sincerity."
"...Yes, Master."
Akaza was sweating profusely, countless thoughts instantly surging within him.
On one hand, he hoped the Aeon of Abundance would bestow blessings upon all demons, so that their only weakness would be overcome.
But on the other hand, he didn't want the Aeon to grant wish so recklessly. The purpose of all demons' existence was to help Master find the Spider Lily and overcome sunlight... Once that goal was achieved, their lives would become worthless.
...A feeling of powerless despair almost enveloped Akaza entirely.
"Maintain a pious posture. Do not let me see any unusual movements from you." Muzan's icy voice came down from the top of the Infinity Castle.
Though he said this, Muzan himself had no intention of kneeling at all. He found a comfortable spot and sat down gracefully, holding a glass of red wine, quietly awaiting the blessings of the Aeon of Abundance.
——
["Don't worry, our Yaoshi Secret Transmission's entry trial won't be too difficult either."]
[Green Hibiscus took out a small booklet from his robe and said with a slight smile, "Just copy this volume 'The Thousand-Armed Merciful Medicus's Scripture on Saving the World' five hundred times. Once the brothers and sisters are convinced of your sincerity, we can make you a Disciple of Floral Reverence."]
["This is our Yaoshi Secret Transmission's foundational scripture. You must copy it with a pious heart... It's best if you can memorize it too."]
"Five hundred times...!"
Stark was already reaching for the axe on his back: "Rather than copying, I think it'd be faster to just send him to the afterlife."
Sein silently lit a cigarette and said, "I don't know if the Aeon of Abundance is legitimate, but this Yaoshi Secret Transmission is definitely not legitimate. These kinds of organizations that require complex trials for entry only do so because what they believe in can't see the light... That's why they set up so many hurdles."
"Then, Sein, is there any threshold for you monks to believe in the Goddess?" Stark asked.
"There is no threshold. As long as your heart is pious, that's enough." Sein exhaled a long puff of smoke and gently tapped his chest with his thumb. "The Goddess will see everyone's heart. There's no need for such cumbersome things to prove it."
——
["Of course, this is only the first step. After becoming a Disciple of Floral Reverence, you will still have to pass many other trials."]
[More trials? Stelle resisted the impulse to grab her baseball bat and give him a good whack, forcing a smile on her face: "Will you provide me with a pen?"]
[Green Hibiscus patted his chest proudly: "Don't worry, it's all prepared for you. Traditional Xianzhou ink, brush, paper, and inkstone. Smooth writing, ergonomic design, you won't feel tired even after copying fifty thousand times."]
[Who would have thought this guy could be so considerate... Stelle picked up the brush and began copying. Just after finishing one copy, she noticed the Cloud Knight making hand signals to her.]
[Stelle turned her head and asked quietly: "What is it?"]
["Let me copy the rest for you. You keep watch for me."]
[After saying this, the Cloud Knight snatched the brush from Stelle's hand. Taking advantage of the fact that the guarding Disciple wasn't paying attention, he wrote furiously, finishing the remaining scripture in almost the blink of an eye.]
[In just a moment, the Cloud Knight was rubbing his shoulder and sighing: "Alright, alright, finally finished copying... I recognize you, you're Stelle! General Jing Yuan's honored guest!"]
[After a brief inquiry, it turned out this Cloud Knight was also undercover. He had gone through considerable effort to make them believe in his sincerity to join the Yaoshi Secret Transmission.]
["Dressed like that, you're bound to be suspicious," Stelle said, feeling speechless. This Cloud Knight didn't seem very bright.]
["Hey, I figured that an evil organization like this, when developing its network, would probably hope its members could infiltrate and influence the ranks of the law enforcement. So I came in my armor. This is called thoroughly understanding the user's needs."]
[Stelle scratched her head, suddenly feeling that what he said made quite a bit of sense.]
[...Could he actually be a genius?]
"Pfft, The Xianzhou Luofu truly has an endless supply of talent."
Keqing burst out laughing, finding this Cloud Knight soldier far too amusing.
As the Yuheng of The Seven, this type of subordinate was her favorite. They had their own ideas, would take initiative to find work to do, and required no micromanagement from her.
"Why did this big brother choose to be a military personnel? He seems very suited for civil service!" Yanfei nearby couldn't help but express a desire to nurture his talent.
"Perhaps laying down the pen to take up the sword was his ideal?" Keqing said with a slight smile. "It's rare to see such clever thinking. I quite admire him."