NOVEL NEXT Chapter 512: Beneath the Tide
It seemed as though invisible flames were burning.
Throughout the entire Eastern District, the secret currents that were once hidden from view seemed to be boiling up gradually, bubbling with a faint sound that echoed in everyone's ears. Initially hard to detect, it eventually became difficult to ignore.
The idle gossip circulating in the Holy Hall, the secretive and isolated mutual aid societies, the once unremarkable individuals who even hovered on the edge of danger but now suddenly soared above everyone else, becoming exceptionally faithful, the mysterious smiles on the faces of the priests, the covert transactions in alleyways, and even the legendary goods on the black market that had price but no supply...
The inexplicable words uttered after drunkenness, the smug smiles or mockery, and even the subtle hints and sharing among friends and family.
At first, it was merely rumors, but the rumors seemed to become increasingly clearer.
Until by chance or active pursuit, the final tendril of fog was dispelled, and finally one touched upon the magical power spreading more widely.
"Have you heard? It's something really good."
"Holy Seal? Aren't the Holy Seals everywhere? Do you want one? I'll give you two... Different? Why..."
"I heard from the Main Priest, these are recent discoveries from Sky City. As long as you carry this, you can..."
"Is this that Holy Seal?"
"You're wrong. I heard that young devotee, who was once steadfast in faith, suddenly lost faith for years, and both his eyes were entirely gouged out... Yes, and guess what? A wisp of the Holy Spirit's will actually resided within his Holy Seal, and after receiving offerings for several years, it has now awakened. Otherwise, how did he rejoin the choir overnight?"
"Nonsense! You guys are talking about heresy! I, I will absolutely never use it!"
"Just this? It looks no different from other Holy Seals."
"You'll know when you wear it!"
"This is too expensive, I can't... wait, let me think... I got it, give me... two, no, three!"
"No rush, let's see how the wind blows first."
"Why is it so expensive?! Before it was only..."
"Limited supply, it won't be this price tomorrow!"
"Hey, has everyone heard? The Sacrifice Great Cathedral is already distributing them. Yes, hurry up, go, join the prayer meeting. Long-time devotees can even get it for free!"
In just a few days, the barely perceptible wind had blown throughout the Eastern District, becoming increasingly intense.
No matter how firm one was at the start, once people got involved, the bottom line began to gradually break through.
Especially as sunk costs increased, peers progressed, personal status wavered, and even the temptation brought by growing faith... it gradually heated up.
What started like a leisurely post-meal stroll turned into a marathon sprint.
Besides, if everyone else is using it, why shouldn't I?
Believers thought, if the Main Priest gave it to me, it can't be fake, right? Main Priests thought, if others dare to use it like this, it must be okay, right?
Moreover, I use it just a little; if anything happens, it won't trace back to me! Maybe there's a risk, yes, you're right, but why not have some fun before the storm hits?
Caught in a frenzy, clinging to luck, or perhaps ready from the start to push others into the Border Prison, everyone eagerly joined in this feast.
Some Main Priests, vying for advantage, even began secretly distributing this mysterious gift to the believers worshiping in the Holy Hall.
And even provided techniques—if you think your prayers aren't fast enough, then carry more!
Pray, child, pray!
Day prayers, night prayers, pray every day! You pray, I pray, let's pray together!
In prayer, you'll find beauty and wealth! The more you pray, the closer to Heaven, the more divine grace you receive!
Starting today, become a full-time prayer practitioner, praying across roads, breaking through the firmament!
Look, the holy day is near, the beloved service is near!
Just pray, only pray. Prayer is the only truth in this world, prayer is the most precious risk a believer can offer to the gods.
Prayer...
is the only value you cattle and sheep have!
In the midst of frenzied joy, the entire Eastern District was gradually filled with a fanatical atmosphere, with prayers resounding twenty-four hours a day.
Prostrate believers covered the earth, and the praises of holy songs shrouded the sky.
Points of light like stars rose from above the Holy Hall, drifting between heaven and earth, transformed into gradually swift torrents, drifting towards Sky City...
And there on the street, in front of the Holy Hall, an old man, vomiting blood, knelt on the ground, struggling to crawl toward the Holy Hall, still constantly praying and praising, the Holy Seals around his neck gleaming brightly.
All passersby couldn't help but stop in their tracks, staring in shock, encouraging and shouting in admiration, praising this devout faith and asceticism.
Until, within a blissful smile, the last bit of self in the old man burned away before the great door, his face dissolved, completely turned into an empty shell.
Everyone suddenly surged forward, exclaiming joyfully in admiration, surrounding him, reaching out to touch this admirable sacrifice and risk, sharing in the divine grace, even fighting over the clothes on the old man's back.
"Are they mad?"
From afar, Yan Fei's expression twitched again and again, struggling with an uncontrollable urge to go on a killing spree, but unable to understand the instigators behind this ignorant fanaticism.