Chapter 13: A Cult Gathering—Should We Report Them?

A message went out, and seeing the envy, jealousy, and resentment on the faces of those within the sect, Elder Li lifted his chin proudly, a triumphant gleam in his eyes.

He, the Grand Elder of the Bun Sect, the executor of the sect’s founding, must lead by example and bolster the sect’s reputation.

Sooner or later, his Bun Sect would conquer the entire Qingyuan Realm, ensuring everyone would savor these buns.

Elder Li was ready, steadfast and unwavering.

Meanwhile, Lu Wu, who had been playing on the “World Pass,” unknowingly drifted off to sleep.

When she awoke, dusk was settling in.

Yawning, she began preparing the items she would need for setting up her stall that evening.

The sunset spread over Little River Town, painting the sky with endless hues of orange, like a vast expanse of colorful cotton candy—truly breathtaking.

Today, many new faces appeared on Smoke Willow Street. They had all seen the message on the World Pass and, curious about the buns that were being hyped to the skies, had come to see for themselves.

They had expected a bustling food street but instead found brothels lining both sides. Many diners wore deep, contemplative expressions.

Could it be that the disciples of the Hehuan Sect had degenerated to using such bizarre gimmicks to attract customers?

Or perhaps the men here had been drained dry, forcing those enchantresses to expand their business outward.

“Is there really anything tasty here?” Xu Gu doubted aloud.

Since the advent of the World Pass, the major powers in the Qingyuan Realm had grown less hostile and more gossipy.

News traveled fast, and fresh stories popped up everywhere.

Xu Gu was a runner, hired to verify rumors.

Whenever ruins appeared somewhere, he was often employed to verify the truth.

Of course, those were big jobs. Usually, he handled smaller tasks, like fetching specialty local products for various bosses.

Today, he was hired by a young lady.

He didn’t know her background, but she was generous—paying him ten spirit stones for two buns, more valuable than the buns themselves.

On his first visit to Little River Town, Xu Gu hesitated as he looked at the crowded street.

Could they really be selling buns here?

Not some kind of cult gathering point?

Maybe he should report it.

As he seriously considered this possibility, he caught the chilling gaze of the person he had asked.

“Of course they’re good. Boss Lu’s skills are unmatched. Everyone who’s tried them says so,” said the man—a drunkard named Wang Changgui, the very first to taste the buns.

Since then, he had become a loyal fan of Boss Lu.

As an old customer, Wang Changgui would never allow anyone to question Boss Lu’s prowess.

“I’m telling you, Boss Lu’s buns are worth more than the finest elixirs. All that talk about dragon liver and phoenix gall? Ha! That’s all rubbish, no comparison at all.”

Wang Changgui’s praise was so fervent it was almost spitting, passionately explaining to Xu Gu. Yet the more he spoke, the more exaggerated Xu Gu felt it was.

Seeing Xu Gu’s wary look, Wang Changgui grew anxious.

“Hey, you don’t believe me? How about we make a bet? If Boss Lu’s buns aren’t tasty, I’ll give you a hundred spirit stones.”

“Of course, if I win, I won’t take your stones—I just want you to shout ‘Boss Lu’s buns are the best in the world,’ how about that?”

Confident in Boss Lu’s skills, Wang Changgui’s eyes sparkled with certainty.

Just wait, I’ll prove you wrong!

“Uh…” Xu Gu hesitated.

A hundred spirit stones was a considerable sum, enough to pay for several of his errands. Even if he lost, all he had to do was shout a phrase.

“Alright, I agree. But I’m here to buy on behalf of someone. These buns must be limited purchase, right? I won’t get to eat any myself.”

He was a man of principle; he wouldn’t touch what his boss wanted.

Wang Changgui’s face creased in displeasure at Xu Gu’s hesitation.

Determined to keep the bet alive, Wang Changgui made up his mind.

“Fine, I’ll give you one now. Try it first, then tell me.”

Giving away a bun for free before even tasting it made Wang Changgui ache inside, but for the Bun Sect, it was worth it.

“Alright, that’s fair.”

He said to Xu Gu.

Wang Changgui, as an outer disciple of the Bun Sect, had a hidden agenda.

He needed to spread word of Boss Lu’s culinary talents to gain entry into the sect’s inner circle.

He had heard the mysterious Grand Elder enjoyed Boss Lu’s handmade dishes daily.

That envy burned him up.

Wang Changgui vowed to climb over these shortsighted people’s shoulders, enter the sect’s high ranks, and receive Boss Lu’s culinary blessings.

“Alright, alright,” Xu Gu said, though his heart remained skeptical under Wang Changgui’s intense gaze.

He had read about cults using such zealous generosity to lure recruits in the early days.

But since the offer was so generous, he decided to observe a while longer.

Where there are people, there is always trouble.

Smoke Willow Street had seen a surge of visitors these days. The once spacious street was now packed tightly.

Some latecomers, learning from veteran customers that Boss Lu’s buns were limited in quantity and purchase per person, were unwilling to wait quietly.

After all, they were cultivators; when reason failed, they resorted to force—or so it seemed.

But no one could move.

A few outsiders initially refused to accept this and sought to start a fight.

Yet before they could act, an overwhelming spiritual pressure pinned them down completely.

That near-death sense warned them that any aggression would mean instant demise.

Here, a master stood guard.

Word spread quickly; these people dared not act rashly for fear of losing their lives.

One by one, they lined up properly in order.

Among them was a group of young children, boys and girls whispering softly, their faces radiant.

Many eyes were drawn to them because their faces bore blotchy marks.

Among them was Xiaohua.

A day had passed, and now, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Xiaohua held her head high with newfound confidence.

A closer look revealed the spots on her face had faded significantly.

According to predictions, after eating two more red bean buns today, the spots would vanish entirely.

Recalling her previous self-pity, Xiaohua felt guilty toward her mother.

Luckily, Boss Lu had appeared.

It was Boss Lu who saved her.

After all, those people said their poison could be cured, but the side effects—the spots on the face—were something they couldn’t remedy.

It was Boss Lu who allowed them to have a clean face and live with dignity.

To repay Boss Lu, she decided to join the Bun Sect. Her application was under review, but she was confident.

“Boss Lu is here, clear the way!”

A shout came from the street entrance, and the waiting crowd’s eyes lit up.

A path opened before Lu Wu.

Arriving, Lu Wu stared blankly at the exaggerated scene.

Had she come to the wrong place?

Or was this the grand leader’s inspection?

Everyone’s eyes shone so brightly on her; why was she so nervous?