In the darkness, more than a dozen pairs of eyes gleamed with an eerie light, like vipers concealed in a cavern. More than a dozen pairs of eyes stared intently at the Branch Master, waiting for him to speak.
Just then, the lazily seated Branch Master spoke. His voice was hoarse, sounding as though he had not spoken in decades, and every word carried tremendous weight.
"Why hasn't anyone lit the lamps?"
A demonic cult deacon respectfully replied, "Branch Master, have you forgotten? During the last meeting, you mentioned attending a conference with upper management and praised the incredible atmosphere there, saying our Yanjiang Branch lacked the proper Demonic Cult vibe.
"I thought it over and realized you were right. Our Yanjiang Branch ranks dead last among all the branches, and perhaps this is the very reason why.
"I figured, don't the storybooks always say our Demonic Cult loves scheming and plotting in dark, gloomy places? So I deliberately told the servants not to light any lamps.
"And truth be told, keeping the lights off really does set the mood for doing evil."
Evidently, this deacon possessed a remarkably clear self-awareness, knowing full well that the Demonic Cult was no place for good deeds.
The Branch Master fell silent for a long time, pondering whether this deacon was dropping subtle hints about wanting to leave the cult. Or hinting that the Yanjiang Branch had not received a stipend raise in ages? Or perhaps hinting that the cult should buy insurance for its members?
It probably wasn't about quitting the cult.
The fellow had always been diligent in doing evil, without making any distinction between friend and foe. He committed wicked deeds outside, and inside the cult, he sabotaged his own comrades. He was, without a doubt, a bad egg through and through.
Nor was it about raising their stipends.
The cult's monthly stipends were pegged to local government revenues—three times what the local officials made, which was already quite high. Yanjiang Commandery was an out-of-the-way, minor commandery; the Yanjiang Branch's stipend could hardly match headquarters.
And it certainly wasn't about buying insurance. Most Demonic Cult members had no heirs, so if they bought insurance, who would the payout go to?
Besides, the Falling Coin Chamber of Commerce wouldn't let the Demonic Cult buy insurance anyway. If they sold personal accident insurance to the Demonic Cult, the cultists were confident they could fleece the chamber until not even their underwear was left.
"Light the lamps first."
"Understood."
The deacon blew a breath, and specks of flame drifted onto the lamp basins, igniting the wicks. Instantly, the entire hall was illuminated.
The Branch Master spoke again: "You've all probably heard more or less about the rumors regarding Little Qin. Put an end to the gossip, lest we make fools of ourselves in front of outsiders.
"Little Qin's moral character is plain for all to see: doing evil, breaking the law, and stopping at no wickedness. If caught by the authorities, beheading would be getting off easy. This is ample proof that Little Qin's character aligns with our Demonic Cult's tenets.
"As for claims that Little Qin belongs to the righteous path, that's utter nonsense. Anyone capable of joining our Demonic Cult has passed the Cult Master's trial.
"The Cult Master evaluated him as having 'demonic nature steeped into his very bones.' The esteemed Cult Master's judgment could never be wrong."
Qin Yuanhao bowed deeply. "The Branch Master is wise."
Qin Yuanhao felt somewhat relieved. He resolved that the moment he got back, he would slaughter the bastard who spread those rumors!
The Branch Master did not mention Qin Yuanhao's matter any further. Saying even those few words was already doing him a favor for the sake of the chair Qin Yuanhao had gifted him earlier.
"The reason I summoned everyone today is that headquarters has issued an assignment."
The Branch Master paused before continuing, "Headquarters requires all regions to recruit new disciples for the Demonic Cult."
Qin Yuanhao and the others were taken aback. They hadn't expected this. The Demonic Cult had not conducted a large-scale recruitment in thirty years; over the past three decades, people had joined solely through personal recommendations.
For instance, Qin Yuanhao had tried to recruit the tiger demon, but unfortunately, the tiger demon obstinately clung to Mount Song and refused to join the cult.
"You should all be aware of the discourse surrounding the Golden Age. For a century now, geniuses have been rising, and famed experts might be defeated by unknown youths. Countless previously undiscovered ruins and grotto-heavens are resurfacing. This is a grand era where opportunity and challenge coexist.
"The Five Great Immortal Sects, Supreme Sects, and First-Rank Sects are brimming with emerging prodigies. Dual spiritual roots, once rare, are now ubiquitous. If these prodigies are allowed to truly come of age, there will be no point in vying for this Golden Age.
"If we want to contest it, now is our only chance!
"Seize the opportunity, and one can transform into a dragon upon meeting the rain, soaring across the nine heavens to attain unfettered immortality!
"However, opportunities are not so easily seized. The damned Great Xia Dynasty and the Five Great Immortal Sects have intensified their crackdown on us, causing many of our fellow cultivators to fall.
"If we wish to secure a foothold in this Golden Age, we must expand our Demonic Cult's ranks. The Four Great Demonic Cults have already reached a consensus on this matter.
"What you must do is utilize your respective channels to spread the news of our recruitment drive, gathering all demonic cultivators and anyone interested in joining our Demonic Cult from Yanjiang Commandery and neighboring commanderies and counties."
Someone expressed concern, "With recruitment on such a massive scale, won't it give the righteous path an opening to infiltrate our Demonic Cult?"
He was not the only one; many present harbored the same doubt.
The Demonic Cult already survived on eggshells. If several righteous undercover agents popped up, their situation would be perilous.
The Branch Master shook his head. "This recruitment is organized by the Cult Master using supreme divine abilities. It is utterly impossible for members of the righteous path to pass the trial his esteemed self has established."
The voices of doubt vanished, replaced by boundless fervor.
To the members of the Demonic Cult, the Cult Master was an omnipotent being, the very sky above the cult, who would surely lead their Immortal Cult to glory!
...
After the meeting adjourned, Qin Yuanhao immediately mobilized his connections to uncover who was trying to frame him.
Through various channels, he eventually traced the source back to a small tavern.
"That guest was eight feet tall, eight feet wide, with a face full of pockmarks—a burly man who looked like he could devour three children in a single meal," the tavernkeeper gestured, having an extremely deep impression of Lu Yang.
Based on the description, Qin Yuanhao soon drew a portrait that looked entirely different from the real Lu Yang.
Back then, Lu Yang and the other two had disguised themselves before entering the tavern to spread rumors.
Qin Yuanhao's expression turned frigid. To dare spread rumors when he looked so conspicuous—did he think Qin Yuanhao was an easy target?
It was late at night, and the Great Xia Dynasty had no curfew. Qin Yuanhao sat by the street with a gang of his lackeys, eating barbecue: pork skewers, beef skewers, roasted lamb leg, roasted chicken claws, roasted chicken legs, roasted pork skin, roasted beef backstrap, roasted beef hoof tendon, roasted river shrimp, tender roasted fatty kidneys, roasted chives, roasted potatoes, roasted eggplant, roasted moist tofu...
The skewers were tender, generously portioned, and richly seasoned. Brushed with a dark, glistening secret sauce and seared over charcoal embers, they gave off an enticing aroma, sizzling with dripping oil.
Pork threaded onto long bamboo skewers was roasted over a large brazier; the fatty meat was delightfully sticky without feeling greasy, while the lean meat was rich and savory.
The lamb leg was roasted in a tandoor-style pit oven, combining baking and braising for even heat, perfectly charred yet tender, bursting with delicious flavor.
The chicken claws were first braised in spiced brine and then grilled, boasting tendon, skin, and cartilage for a rich texture that was utterly satisfying to chew.
The raw-grilled chicken feet demanded precise heat control so moisture and fat would not be overly depleted, striking an ideal balance of flavor and texture among skin, meat, tendon, and bone.
Potatoes were braised, roasted, and smoked, paired with special-recipe soy sauce, crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, smooth and mealy on the tongue.
The group ate until their faces shone with grease.
Once they had eaten and drunk their fill, Qin Yuanhao haughtily directed his lackeys, "You lot, go! Search the entire city for these people! If you can't find them, don't bother coming back!"
"Yes, Big Brother!" the lackeys chorused, scattering in all directions.
Having finished his skewers, Qin Yuanhao was thoroughly satisfied and temporarily set aside thoughts of those annoying rumor-mongers. At the same time, he completely failed to notice Lu Yang lurking beneath the ground.
Few people ever paid attention to what lay underfoot, and Qin Yuanhao was no exception.
Chapter 53