Pei Guang followed Green Hibiscus into a secluded courtyard. When they arrived, someone blocked the doorway, as if to prevent Pei Guang from leaving. Pei Guang glanced further inside and noticed several people frantically writing, copying something.
Among those writing, Pei Guang spotted a Cloud Knight. Impressed, he thought to himself, "Goodness, if this Cloud Knight truly seeks immortality, it's blatant betrayal."
And if this knight wasn't undercover… well, Pei Guang could only shake his head in astonishment.
Arriving at the designated location, Pei Guang observed the small courtyard and the people gathering around. He asked calmly, "Here? How do I obtain immortality? Is it something you eat?"
"Don't worry. The Sanctus Medicus is merciful; I won't harm a devoted 'Filth-Taker' like you," the man assured him. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am a member of the Disciples of the Sanctus Medicus. Earlier, I couldn't reveal my identity in Exalting Sanctum, but you, my friend, are different. I can sense you're unlike the others."
As an outsider who had spoken reverently of the Abundance Aeon, Pei Guang's piety was unmistakable. He had never encountered anyone more devout than him, apart from his own leader. The way Pei Guang had spoken of "the Father" made it seem like he truly believed.
Pei Guang nodded, "I see. So, does this mean you have a method for granting eternal life?"
Green Hibiscus shook his head, "Of course! But only if you pass our trials. Only those who prove themselves can attain the chance for eternal life."
Pei Guang nodded in approval, "Good, good! So, if I pass your trials, you'll give me the opportunity to gain immortality?"
Green Hibiscus replied, "Precisely! Do you see the chaos on the Xianzhou? That's our doing. Trust me, the Xianzhou will eventually belong to the followers of Sanctus Medicus."
Pei Guang responded, "I see! Together, we shall reach a new world. But speaking of which, do I need to meet our leader?"
Green Hibiscus shook his head. "No need. We operate with a flat structure; each section works independently. This way, even if we're discovered, any losses are minimal."
Pei Guang's expression grew serious. He'd thought this was just an ordinary side quest where he'd go along, say a few pious-sounding phrases, and gather some intel. But from that comment, it seemed like these people were involved in more than he'd anticipated. Based on their conversation, they genuinely believed in the Aeon of Abundance and sought to obtain its power.
In other words, these people might be the masterminds behind the chaos in Xianzhou. Pei Guang's initial interest in the quest started to wane. In his mind, this was just a side quest designed to provide background on the story.
What's that? Infiltrate and rise to the top? If he were on his own, he'd be interested. But he'd rather go exploring with March 7th and the others. Besides, Jing Yuan was a strategist! And that means one thing: this organization was probably infiltrated. Just look at the Cloud Knight over there, hard at work copying documents—if a Cloud Knight could infiltrate this easily, Jing Yuan must already have a sense of what was happening here.
Besides, if this guy had an elixir formula, it was probably the reward for this side quest, revealing the truth. Normally, a game would require infiltrating, gaining trust, and finally acquiring the formula. But in a free world like this, Pei Guang thought sticking to the conventional approach would waste his freedom to act.
The reward is the formula either way, so why not go straight to the point?
With this in mind, Pei Guang decided there was no need to keep this small branch of the organization intact. Even if he destroyed the formula, Pei Guang was confident that Jing Yuan already had it. After all, the General wasn't a strategist in name only; his wisdom had been evident back at the Ten-Lords Commission.
While Green Hibiscus was busy extolling the virtues of joining the Sanctus Medicus' secret cult, Pei Guang interrupted him, "Hold on! I need to prepare."
Green Hibiscus looked intrigued, "Oh? Are you ready to join us?"
Pei Guang nodded, "Not quite—just preparing, but…"
Pei Guang walked toward the door. The guards stepped in to block him, and Green Hibiscus frowned, "What are you doing, little brother? Now that you're here, you won't be leaving. Don't even think about it. You're unarmed and scrawny; you couldn't possibly take us on. Be sensible and stay. Given your devotion to the Sanctus Medicus, I can lower the difficulty of your trial a bit."
Pei Guang replied, "Since I took on this quest, I never intended to let it go unfinished. But I'm not planning to follow every step of the storyline. By the way, have you all attained immortality already? And if I don't want it, will you kill me?"
Green Hibiscus responded, "Pass the trial, and you'll gain immortality. But if you're thinking of leaving? Knowing of our existence leaves you only two options: join or die."
Pei Guang's eyes gleamed with excitement, "Really? So, I join and get the elixir; refuse, and it's death?"
Green Hibiscus looked puzzled. He could swear that the once-devout Pei Guang was suddenly acting a bit… strange?
Pei Guang exclaimed, "Fantastic!"
Seeing Pei Guang's enthusiastic expression, Green Hibiscus assumed he was overjoyed at joining their group. But in the next moment, he witnessed something that made his hair stand on end.
Pei Guang pulled out a strange wooden sword. Though it looked like an ordinary wooden blade, it radiated an intense killing intent. Before anyone could react, Pei Guang donned his trash can lid, took the cover from a crate, and swiftly struck down the person next to him with two quick slices, severing their limbs.
"He's trying to escape! Stop him!" Green Hibiscus commanded his men, but Pei Guang showed no intention of running. Standing by the doorway, he grinned, "I think it's my line—nobody leaves! Those in the pavilion should be taken alive; those outside… well, they don't need to make it out."
Pei Guang released his Herta Puppets and mass-produced Svarog units. Herta Puppet No. 1 received the order with a glint of satisfaction, pulling out a large hammer with glee.
Herta Puppet No. 1: "Got it~"
She had finally received a mission that seemed normal—after all those hours of endless coffee runs, cart-pulling, and bedtime stories for Pei Guang, she was thrilled to be assigned something that involved actual fighting.
However, before engaging, Green Hibiscus snarled, "You're no follower of the Merciful Medicus! Who are you really?"