「 "The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus is a devout group, holding firm in their belief that Merciful Medicus is the one, ultimate faith. As followers, we refer to ourselves as disciples, dedicated to our cause."
"If you wish to gain the means to immortality, then you must become a disciple... but to become a disciple, you must first pass several small trials."
At this point, Green Hibiscus's originally serious expression changed, replaced by a relaxed smile.
"Please excuse me... Our expansion has unfortunately attracted the attention of those Devilish Archer followers. If we don't act cautiously like this, the consequences would be unimaginable."
Everyone who wishes to join the Sanctus Medicus must undergo trials, and that Cloud Knight is no exception.
"What can I get from Sanctus Medicus?" Stelle asked.
"Every species yearns for the favor and curing of Merciful Medicus, regardless of whether they have heard of the 『 Abundance 』or not." Green Hibiscus chuckled.
"Foxians yearn to cure themselves of their 300-year lifespan, The Vidyadhara yearn to cure themselves of the pain of reincarnation and lack of progeny… and As for Xianzhou natives— they long to cure themselves of the torture of becoming mara-struck state—though we believe it's not torment, but more like a gift of evolution."
"Returning to your question, the Sanctus Medicus can heal the aging, sickness, and death of you short-lived races, just as He did for the Xianzhou natives."
"Whatever is sought, shall be obtained. Merciful Medicus is magnanimous— they do not lightly refuse a prayer." 」
「 .....」
〜Demon Slayer World〜
In the Infinity Castle
"The Star God of 『 Abundance 』 can even do such things… then can my 'illness' of being unable to overcome the sun also be cured?"
"He can even cure death, what else can't He do? I don't ask for anything else, I just want to be able to walk in the sunlight… For an Star God, isn't this request not too much?"
Muzan Kibutsuji had a bold idea.
"During this time, I will pray to the Star God of 『 Abundance 』 for blessings."
Muzan's vertical pupils merely glanced at the Upper Rank demons not far away, and immediately, immense pressure forced them to their knees, unable to look up.
"You useless creatures, for a thousand years you haven't found a trace of the Blue Spider Lily… I truly don't know what meaning there is in your existence."
Muzan coldly "tsk"ed, and then the Upper Rank demons only felt the pressure on their backs intensify, almost breaking their necks.
"You will kneel in this posture… to let the Star God of 『 Abundance 』 know my sincerity."
"...Yes, My Lord."
Akaza was drenched in sweat, and countless thoughts surged in his heart.
On one hand, he hoped that the Star God of 『 Abundance 』 could bring blessings to all demons, so that their only weakness would also be overcome.
But on the other hand, he did not wish for the Star God to bestow blessings so casually. The purpose of all demons' existence was to help their Lord find the Blue Spider Lily and overcome the sun… but once this goal was achieved, their lives would be worthless.
...A sense of powerless despair almost enveloped Akaza's entire body.
"Maintain a devout posture, do not let me see any unusual movements from you."
Muzan's icy voice descended from the top of the Infinity Castle.
Despite saying this, Muzan himself had no intention of kneeling. He found a comfortable position and sat down elegantly, a glass of red wine in hand, quietly awaiting the Star God of 『 Abundance 』's blessings.
—
「 "Don't worry, the entry trials of our Sanctus Medicus won't be too difficult."
Green Hibiscus pulled out a small booklet from his Torso and smiled slightly.
"All you must do is transcribe this copy of 'Thousand-Handed Merciful Medicus' Salvation' five hundred times by hand. This will allow your brothers and sisters to trust your faith... and you to become a disciple.
"This scripture is central to the Disciples — you must maintain a pious heart during the transcription... it's best if you can memorize it too." 」
「 .....」
〜Frieren: Beyond Journey's End World〜
"Five hundred times...!"
Stark was already reaching for the axe behind him:
"Compared to copying books, I think it would be faster to let him die first."
Sein silently lit a cigarette and said,
"I don't know if the Star God of 『 Abundance 』 is legitimate, but this Sanctus Medicus is definitely not. Those entry processes that require complex trials are always because the beliefs are not meant to see the light of day… that's why they set up layers of trials."
"Then, Sein, do you monks have any thresholds for believing in the goddess?"
Stark asked.
"There are no thresholds, as long as your heart is devout."
Sein exhaled a long puff of smoke and gently poked his chest with his thumb,
"The goddess sees everyone's heart; there's no need for such complicated things to prove it."
—
「 "Of course, that's just the first step. Once you have become a disciple, you will undergo numerous others."
More trials? Stelle resisted the urge to grab a baseball bat and give him a good whack, forcing a smile onto her face: "Can I get a pen?"
Green Hibiscus patted his chest, proudly saying, "Don't worry, everything is prepared for you. Traditional Xianzhou brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, smooth writing, ergonomically designed, you won't feel tired even after copying fifty thousand times."
I didn't expect this guy to be quite thoughtful... Stelle picked up the pen and started copying. After just one round, she noticed that Cloud Knight gesturing to her.
Stelle turned her head and quietly asked, "What's up?"
"Listen carefully— I help you copy the text, you cover for me, and I get word out to the Seat of Divine Foresight..."
After the Cloud Knight finished speaking, he snatched the pen from Stelle's hand and, taking advantage of the disciples on duty not paying attention, wrote furiously. In just a few blinks of an eye, he had copied the remaining scriptures.
After a moment, the Cloud Knight rubbed his shoulders and sighed, "Alright, alright, finally finished… I know you— you're Stelle, General Jing Yuan's honored guest!"
After a brief inquiry, it was learned that this Cloud Knight was also here undercover, and had gone to great lengths to make them believe in his sincerity to join the Sanctus Medicus.
"Of course, they're bound to have their doubts when you're dressed like that..." Stelle said with a speechless expression, feeling that this Cloud Knight wasn't very bright.
"Hmph, I have my reasoning. Cults like this want to recruit people with influence in law and order — I wanted them to know I was a Cloud Knight! Always know your enemy..."
Stelle rubbed her head, suddenly feeling that what he said made a lot of sense.
...Could he really be a genius? 」
「 .....」
〜Genshin Impact World〜
"Pfft, the Luofu Xianzhou truly has a lot of talented people."
Keqing let out a chuckle, finding this Cloud Knight soldier quite amusing.
As the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, she usually liked this type of subordinate the most. They had their own ideas, actively sought out work to do, and didn't need her to worry at all.
"Why did this big brother go into military service? He's clearly very suitable for civil service!"
Yanfei, who was beside her, couldn't help but express her appreciation for his talent.
"Perhaps abandoning the pen for the sword is his ideal?"
Keqing smiled slightly.
"It's rare to find such ingenuity; I quite admire him."
—