The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

On the book's cover, the words "Heavenly Phenomenon Scripture" stood out conspicuously.

Heavenly Phase?

Chen Fang's mind buzzed for a moment.

Instantly, he recalled the words that appeared on a piece of paper revealed after Fang Mei burned Tan Yandong's notebook.

Back then, he thought "Heavenly Phase" might be someone's name.

Who would have thought that "Heavenly Phase" was actually related to a book?

Could it be just a coincidence?

Is the "Heavenly Phase" from Tan Yandong's notebook entirely different from this "Heavenly Phase"?

In a flash.

Chen Fang's thoughts raced a thousand times.

Then.

He opened the book.

Once again, he was stunned.

A line on the title page read: "May all people in the world be free from suffering and quickly attain bliss — Lin Run."

Lin Run?

The name appeared on the piece of paper that was burned before.

This time, Chen Fang was sure.

The "Heavenly Phase" on this book and the "Heavenly Phase" hidden in Tan Yandong's notebook meant the same thing.

He continued flipping through the pages.

The contents before him were quite bizarre.

Though claimed to be a religious scripture, much of it lacked logic.

Allegedly a text on "enlightenment," yet it was filled with religious doctrines.

The more he read, the more Chen Fang believed this book was likely some cult's tool to deceive people.

"What is this?"

Chen Fang asked.

Mei Yiru said, "This book is a recent popular internal scripture of the Heavenly Appearance Sect. Quite a few people in governmental departments secretly practice it, and it has spread quite widely."

"Heavenly Appearance Sect? Why haven't I heard of it?"

Chen Fang asked.

Mei Yiru chuckled.

Said, "We're staunch materialists, naturally immune to such scriptures. Only people like Ye Fuqiang would believe in these absurd texts."

"So is this Heavenly Appearance Sect prevalent in Jiuhai Province?"

Chen Fang asked.

Mei Yiru frowned and thought for a moment, then said, "Not really, it's not as common in our Jiuhai Province, but it seems more serious in the neighboring Yong'an Province. You're from Yong'an, so you know that place is more... more traditional, so naturally these kinds of books spread more easily. Oh, I remember, I heard someone say the founder of the Heavenly Appearance Sect, Lin Run, is also from Yong'an, your hometown."

Lin Run? Heavenly Appearance Sect?

To be honest, these words held no sway over Chen Fang's heart.

But in reality, it was different.

These were the words Chen Fang had seen in Tan Yandong's notebook.

And Jiang Chuo had been trying to obtain that notebook.

The secrets hidden within.

Forced Chen Fang to be suspicious.

"Boss, what's the matter?"

Seeing Chen Fang's serious expression, Mei Yiru asked with curiosity.

Chen Fang didn't hear at first; Mei Yiru repeated herself. He then snapped back to reality and said, "I'm fine, just reminded of other things. You know so much about this Heavenly Appearance Sect because someone around you practices it?"

Mei Yiru nodded.

Said, "I have a neighbor who's a follower, goes on and on about practicing ten sessions a day, saying that after ten years, they'll ascend to the Heavenly Phenomenon Realm, with endless food and drink, and indulgence forever..."

"Do you know where these people usually practice?"

Chen Fang asked again.

Mei Yiru nodded and said, "I know. Once she insisted on taking me with her; I refused, but I know where it is, and I know their gatherings are always held at midnight."

"Alright, I'm giving you an assignment. Arrange a visit for me tonight to listen in once."

Mei Yiru paused.

Her eyes scrutinized Chen Fang with some suspicion.

"What's wrong?"

Chen Fang asked when he saw her look.

Mei Yiru waved her hand, saying, "Boss, I just didn't expect that you'd be interested in such a thing."

"Interested? I'm concerned there might be issues lurking here."

"Even if there are issues, it's something for National Security or the Anti-religious Bureau to handle, right? What does this have to do with the Disciplinary Committee?"

"Just arrange it as I asked."

Chen Fang said impatiently.

Mei Yiru curled her lips.

Said, "I can arrange it, but when are you going to repay the favor you owe me?"

"What do I owe you?"

"It's... it's about that day outside the Shanghu District Public Security Bureau, when you asked... you asked me for... a favor."

Mei Yiru's face blushed deeply.

Chen Fang scratched his head and asked, "What did I ask you for? I don't remember."

"You... you..."

Mei Yiru wanted to say but hesitated.

After a long pause, she waved her hand, saying, "Forget it, forget it, never mind if you don't remember..."

Hearing this, Chen Fang burst into laughter.

Said, "Come on, there's no one else here, why so shy? I only wanted to have some fun with you. If you help me with this, I'll make sure you're richly rewarded. How about double the favor in return?"

Mei Yiru's face turned red.

She smiled and nodded, then happily turned and left.

Around eleven-thirty that night.

Chen Fang met with Mei Yiru as planned.

When getting out of the car.

There was a modestly dressed elderly woman standing beside Mei Yiru.

This person was the neighbor Mei Yiru had mentioned earlier.

"Auntie Wang, this is him; he's coming to your gathering with me tonight."

Mei Yiru pointed at Chen Fang and said.

Auntie Wang looked Chen Fang up and down.

Frowned and asked, "Yiru, who's this young man?"

Chen Fang was quick and immediately wrapped his arm around Mei Yiru's waist, saying, "Auntie, let me introduce myself, I'm Chen Fang, Yiru's boyfriend."

Upon hearing he was the boyfriend.

Auntie Wang's face split into a joyful grin.

Of course.

Mei Yiru's face also showed a hint of surprise, then she shyly nodded and said, "Yes, Auntie Wang, he's my boyfriend."

"Chen Fang! What a good name, I'll call you Ah Fang. Ah Fang, our Yiru is a good girl, just... just hasn't been very lucky. Now that she finally has a boyfriend, I'm happy for her too."

Auntie Wang excitedly grabbed Chen Fang's hand and said.

Indeed.

A close identity.

Makes it easier to bridge the gap between two people.

Chen Fang's trick worked quickly.

"Young man, one more question, why did you decide to join our Heavenly Appearance Sect?"

It was evident that Auntie Wang was still quite cautious.

As Mei Yiru was thinking of how to respond.

Chen Fang said, "Auntie, I won't hide the truth. My mom isn't doing well lately, been to all sizes of hospitals and nothing helped, then I heard the Heavenly Appearance Sect is amazing, so I thought to give it a try. If it works, I'd like my mom to learn too..."