Chapter Twenty-Two: The Purification Envoy and the Medicine-Seeking Envoy (Request for Votes)

The original Church of Abundance began as grassroots relief organizations formed by those moved by Lu Chun’s actions, many of which were orchestrated by Herar to stir up public opinion. After Lu Chun achieved his goals, these relief groups did not disperse; instead, they were reorganized by Herar, refined of their dross, and transformed into the current Church of Abundance.

The membership consisted of people from all walks of life—nobles, commoners, and even slaves. Without exception, they were all individuals who had been directly or indirectly saved by the Apothecary. Having seen the hand that pulled them toward the light amidst the darkness, they could no longer tolerate the suffering of this world. They worshipped the God of Abundance and promoted the church's teachings through their actions, hoping to change this painful world.

Starting from Douling City, their numbers were initially small, but over time, much like a single ear of wheat yielding hundreds of grains, their ranks swelled rapidly. Eventually, there were two believers in almost every town. At first, various factions viewed this rapidly growing church with suspicion, but once they realized the Church of Abundance only performed good deeds without seeking political power, that wariness vanished. Many even began to help the church clear away obstacles. After all, what family did not have someone suffering from a grave illness? With the church’s profound backing, vast medical resources, and benevolent nature, many factions welcomed their arrival with open arms.

Within a short period, the number of uprisings by Sea God believers across the Douling Empire plummeted, with only a small remnant continuing their desperate resistance. These individuals were mostly low-born Spirit Masters who believed that their rise in social status was entirely due to the Sea God's mercy. Their faith was the most unyielding; they dismissed the goodwill of the Abundance believers and even branded the God of Abundance a divine enemy, viewing the believers as inherently sinful wretches. Holding such beliefs, they launched several attacks on the church's relief efforts, causing numerous tragedies.

Initially, the Church of Abundance did not retaliate, attempting instead to reason with the Sea God believers, until the first death occurred.

"May the God of Abundance have mercy! Sowing the seeds of abundance in this world of suffering brings harvest and health, yet not everyone is worthy of salvation! Those people are evil spirits! They are beyond saving and must be cleansed!"

Enraged, the Church of Abundance underwent its first internal schism. The "Cleansers of Filth" emerged—those who held medicinal herbs in their left hands and swords in their right—vowing to purge all who caused suffering. The other faction, those who continued the work of healing, became known as the "Seekers of Medicine." They did not seek medicine for themselves, but rather a cure for this filthy world, acting much like priests.

The two factions clashed in several major battles. Since neither side possessed high-level Spirit Masters, each engagement resulted in a stalemate with heavy casualties. Fearing involvement and the inevitable fallout, other factions could only watch as the situation escalated. The two churches came to view each other as mortal enemies that had to be eradicated.

The primary culprit behind all of this remained silent from start to finish.

The originally pristine marble floor had been completely dyed crimson, and the foul, bloody stench permeating the palace was enough to make one faint. Yet, the Emperor of Douling seemed as intoxicated as if he were savoring a fine, aromatic wine. Today was the day for blood-feeding; it was the third feeding since the Ginseng Fruit Tree had sprouted. After three cycles, the tree was no longer a seedling with a few scattered leaves on thin branches. It now stood three meters tall, lush and vibrant. However, what chilled the soul was the sight of a human face grown into the trunk—the face of a woman with delicate features, her eyes closed as if in deep sleep.

The Emperor of Douling seemed completely oblivious to this grotesque sight, staring at the face with deep, obsessive infatuation. Beside him, Lu Chun remarked, "Your Majesty, the Ginseng Fruit Tree will undergo three transformations: maturity, flowering, and fruiting."

"Good... very good!" The Emperor reluctantly tore his gaze away. Having spent so much time breathing the air around the tree, the wrinkles on his face had diminished, and his hair roots were showing signs of blackening, like a withered old tree sprouting new buds. Feeling himself growing younger by the day, the Emperor was filled with excitement. He laughed heartily, "This is all the merit of the State Preceptor. With you by my side, my heart is at ease! How shall I reward you?"

Staring intently at Lu Chun, the Emperor pondered for a moment before smiling, "Does the State Preceptor have a spouse? Even if you do, it matters not; even as a concubine, it would be a blessing for my children!"

Lu Chun’s eyes twitched. *My respected Majesty, why must you add "children" before "daughters"?*

Lu Chun declined politely, "I am still young, and the time is not yet right." This was the truth; at this point, Lu Chun’s current incarnation was only six years old, though his body had reached the appearance of an adult.

To the Emperor, this was merely an excuse, but he was not annoyed. Instead, he said, "Since the State Preceptor deems it inappropriate, let us change it. How about we make the Church of Abundance the state religion?" He believed he had seen through Lu Chun’s intent to spread the faith of the God of Abundance, and that this reward would surely strike at the heart of his desires.

Facing this reward, Lu Chun replied, "Then I thank Your Majesty."

"Hmm." The Emperor nodded in satisfaction and looked away. Seeing this, Lu Chun withdrew. As he closed the palace doors, he saw the Emperor muttering something, walking toward the Ginseng Fruit Tree in a daze.

*Bang.*

The great doors shut tight. Lu Chun left the palace, and as he stepped outside, he saw Herar waiting with his carriage. Lu Chun did not have his own coachman—not because he didn't want one, but because Herar had refused. "They are not worthy of smelling the farts of my God of Abundance!" Herar had declared with deep loathing. Lu Chun had been left speechless and, unable to deal with Herar, let him do as he pleased, which resulted in Herar becoming his coachman.

Seeing a noble Duke driving a carriage for someone—even if that person was the State Preceptor—left onlookers in shock. Those who loathed Lu Chun would curse Herar for having no shame, but Herar would only respond with a proud sneer, as if driving for Lu Chun were the greatest honor, leaving them with nothing more to say.

Watching the endless stream of people outside the carriage, Lu Chun suddenly said, "Turn right at the front and enter the alley."

Though he did not understand why, Herar obeyed. As they turned into the lane, Herar saw several figures standing ahead and shouted, "You lot in front! The State Preceptor is here—make way at once!"