"Um..." Ning Linglong was conflicted, glancing at Li Kang from time to time in her hesitation.

"I’ll say it!" Li Kang cut in. "She’s bound by her sect’s teachings. Talking about this would feel like a betrayal for her. But for me, it’s no big deal!"

He thought for a moment before saying, "It’s actually quite complicated! Let me try to summarize..."

"Basically, the Captain’s Office controls the Body Refining Skill, and it’s pretty widespread... As for the others, any of the big-name religious organizations you’ve heard of! They each control their own unique Path of Cultivation."

"Natural Taoism has one, the God Worship Sect has one, Snow Mountain Buddhism has one, and so does Knowledge Confucianism..."

The other names were one thing, but hearing that the God Worship Sect also had a Path of Cultivation, Chu Bamboo found it utterly absurd.

’What do you call that? God is a Taoist immortal?’

’Oh, right. In the God Worship Sect’s mythology... there’s a theory that God is the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor is an immortal, so from that angle, it checks out.’

"So, ’The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao’ is actually a prayer for Natural Taoism! Or a ritual incantation?" Li Kang was uncertain as he spoke, glancing at Ning Linglong before continuing, "Anyway, as far as I know, chanting it is probably useless, right? It’s more like a catchphrase these days!"

"Actually, it is still a little useful," Ning Linglong said cautiously. But when she realized all eyes were on her, she quickly made a gesture as if zipping her lips, signaling she could say no more.

Chu Bamboo pondered for a moment. He was considering another question. ’If Natural Taoism has this kind of ritual incantation, then do Knowledge Confucianism, Snow Mountain Buddhism, and the other religions have their own ritual languages? Or catchphrases?’

"Of course!" Chu Bamboo was quickly relieved. ’Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism—one look at these names tells you they’re remnants of the pre-apocalypse civilization. If that’s the case, it’s perfectly reasonable that they would retain a large amount of knowledge and lore from that time.’

’Still, judging by Ning Linglong’s attitude, even if this knowledge has survived, they probably can’t interpret it. Otherwise, how could they mistake the opening of the Tao Te Ching for a ritual incantation?’

’Looks like I’ll have to make a point of investigating these sects in the future.’ A strange light glinted in Chu Bamboo’s eyes. He suspected that they might hold clues as to why the pre-apocalypse civilization fell. ’Unfortunately, the branches of these sects in Jinghai City don’t have that kind of information. I’m afraid I’ll have to go to the Celestial Capital, or even the Imperial Capital, to get answers.’

’I’ve been to the locations of pretty much all these sects in Jinghai City. I’ve even skimmed through many of their books... but I haven’t found anything profound, let alone any key information left over from the pre-apocalypse civilization...’

"Alright, now that that’s settled," Chu Bamboo said, stretching lazily. He suddenly thought of something and added, "Oh, right, I have to go back to the base this afternoon. You guys won’t be there, will you?"

Li Kang: "..."

Ning Linglong: "..."

The others: "..."

They had all pretty much guessed that Chu Bamboo was doing some shady things at the base. But now, he wasn’t even bothering to put on an act, was he?

"Wait!" Ning Linglong suddenly spoke up. "Are you sure you want to go off on your own?"

Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Look, so many of the union’s higher-ups are dead... If they were really killed by the major Factory Directors, then after the way you threatened and cornered them, what if they fly into a rage out of humiliation? Won’t they come after you next...?"

Ning Linglong didn’t finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear.

Chu Bamboo gave Ning Linglong a long look and said, "I know what I’m doing."

"He does," Li Kang stepped up to speak for Chu Bamboo, full of confidence. "Don’t worry. Barring any surprises, everything is going according to Ah Zhu’s plan!"

"To be blunt, even if news of Ah Zhu’s death suddenly surfaced, as long as I didn’t see him die with my own eyes, I’d suspect it was a fake rumor he started himself... all part of his grand design."

"...Is that right?" Although Ning Linglong was still worried, she thought back on everything that had happened and decided not to say anything more.

Chu Bamboo waved his hand and took his leave.

...

Third District.

The west side of the industrial zone.

A massive church stood here.

Its overall design was Western in style, yet it incongruously featured red bricks, archways, and glazed tiles. The architectural styles of East and West converged, creating a jarring sense of contradiction that somehow also possessed a unique beauty.

This was none other than the Third District Church of the God Worship Sect. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Many people in white robes were praying reverently. Their hands were pressed together, faces filled with piety as they mumbled their prayers.

Chu Bamboo: "..."

’I have to say, even their prayer style is a mix of East and West, huh?’

Chu Bamboo walked straight inside and soon spotted a nun.

The nun was in her forties or fifties. Her hair was graying and her face was lined with wrinkles, but her eyes were exceptionally clear.

"Sir!" The nun held out a hand, blocking Chu Bamboo from going any further. "If you’re here for Mass, please get in line!"

Chu Bamboo glanced at the long line and said to the nun, "I’m looking for Minister Zhang Hai."

The nun paused, taken aback.

"Just tell Zhang Hai my name," Chu Bamboo said after a brief pause. "Chu Bamboo. Or Mr. Zhu."

"Of course. Please wait a moment." Seeing how insistent he was, the nun realized he must be someone important and didn’t make any more trouble.

A few moments later.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed as Zhang Hai rushed out from inside the church. His face was beaming, and he was so hasty that one of his feet was only wearing a white sock...

’...’ Chu Bamboo’s mouth twitched. ’Is he really doing the whole "so eager to greet a guest he put his shoes on backwards" routine? He’s no Cao Cao.’

"Mr. Zhu! Mr. Zhu," Zhang Hai exclaimed, grabbing Chu Bamboo’s hand and shaking it vigorously, his face a mask of delighted surprise. "I never imagined you’d come looking for me... You came in person..."

"Ah, I’m so excited I don’t know what to say! Right, are you here to ask for our help? I’ve already heard about the shantytown redevelopment area..."

"Stop the act, Zhang Zihai," Chu Bamboo said, his expression cool and detached. "With your network, there’s no way you don’t know that I’ve already finished my negotiations with those major Factory Directors. In fact, you probably already know the specifics of our conversation, don’t you?"

Though phrased as a question, his last sentence was a statement of fact.

Zhang Hai: "...?"

’What is wrong with you? Why would you say something like that out in the open? I put on this big, welcoming show, you were supposed to exchange a few pleasantries, and then we could both go inside the church, happy as can be, and discuss whatever it is you wanted to discuss. Right?’

’Wait a minute!’

’...’Zhang Zihai’?’ His pupils contracted, his mind reeling. The smile on his face faltered for an instant before becoming brilliant once more. "You are absolutely right! Well... shall we go inside and chat?"