Chapter 144

Of course, to deal with those high-ranking officials, you need a pretext.

After all, his efforts to reform the Panxing Sect could be considered reasonable and well-founded. But if he were to barge into the General Headquarters or the Three Families without any justification, and make a bloodbath, then he would truly be no different from a murderous maniac.

It does sound really cool, and it's his usual approach when playing Dynasty Warriors or roguelike games, but Wu might not actually be happy about it.

Hmm... It's okay. He can first take the time to have Pan Xing teach him to earn gold coins, and then he can also plant some people in the world of sorcery. As long as he finds a weakness in the higher-ups' attempts to seduce him, he can take action in a legitimate way.

Fortunately, given the power of the "dishwashing tea," none of the leaders and their subordinates who were purged from within dared to resist.

Some of those taken away were still grimacing, their mouths full of blisters that hadn't completely healed.

Ayako Sakami's excuse was quite righteous.

—Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for the Panxing Sect?

You're willing, huh? Okay, let's call the police and take him away.

Unwilling? Shouldn't you be the most devout follower of the Panxing Cult? I've really misjudged you. You're not worthy of being a member of the Panxing Cult at all. Call the police and have them taken away.

This move immediately put the entire leadership of the Panxing Sect in a state of panic, fearing that the hammer of righteousness would fall on their heads.

They were too guilty.

Those in high positions have all done something wrong to some extent—the only difference is how bad the impact is.

Yuqu Kazuma didn't arrest everyone at once; he first sent those with clear evidence to prison, thus giving the Panxing Sect a good reputation.

As for those petty thieves who happened to be in a legal gray area, Kazuma Hagoromo was spared for the time being.

He needs someone to do the work for him.

However, these escapees will soon regret that they were better off in prison—at least prison is kind and considerate, and it cares about their physical and mental health, comparable to living in a single cell for retirement.

After capturing a group of people, Kazuma Hatake took the opportunity to introduce a new direction for development to his followers.

Those who wish to leave the Panxing Cult will have all their previous donations returned in full.

Those who do not leave the Panxing Sect will be given a legal and formal labor contract and will be paid a salary higher than the market rate.

He would also show leniency to those who were willing to return all the wealth they had amassed through corruption.

Kazuma Hagoromo didn't need to do any of this himself. As the Holy Son, he only needed to stay in the most luxurious, office-like hall of the [House of the Star Child] and issue orders, and someone would carry them out.

After these basic reforms were nearly completed, Kazuma Hatori asked Ayako Sakami to notify the remaining leaders to come over, as he wanted to hold a meeting.

Those who received the message were shocked and felt a bitter taste in their mouths, blisters in their mouths, and trembling in their legs.

Even psychologically, a conditioned reflex of "I must go to the toilet" immediately formed.

But they dared not not come.

Because there are still some people who want to come but can't.

They're all so obedient now, they probably won't be invited for tea again... right?

Soon, these people discovered—

This terrifying Holy Son is better off being invited for tea.

"I have decided to focus the future development of Panxing Sect on non-profit business (religion) and animal husbandry (agriculture)."

Kazuma Hatori put down the documents in his hand and announced to the group of managers below who were as docile as quails.

These people immediately echoed the Holy Son's wise opinion, not offering even a single objection.

While the assistance from the pot-washing tea company was certainly crucial, they also genuinely supported the development plan.

The old methods of making quick money are no longer viable, so naturally we have to find a new way to make money.

As a legitimate religious organization, Panxingjiao is completely exempt from taxes when conducting religious activities, making it an orthodox and mainstream choice.

As for the aquaculture business, although the agricultural association, a behemoth, is indirectly monopolizing the industry and suppressing farmers who oppose them, the Panxing Sect also has connections to smooth things over, so it is impossible for them to be exploited.

Once agricultural associations stop interfering, farming becomes a very profitable business.

Thinking about the money they could still make in the future, these people's expressions relaxed considerably, and they could even smile and nod to each other, celebrating that they had kept their positions.

Kazuma Hatori waited until they finished celebrating before continuing.

"The Panxing Sect possesses a considerable amount of land and manpower, which we can make good use of."

At this moment, those usually indifferent black eyes were filled with kindness and concern when they looked at these middle-aged people around forty years old.

Stared at by that strange gaze, everyone's smiles froze.

"Making offerings at the temple, selling ema (votive plaques) and shinju (divine fortune slips), holding religious ceremonies, and renting out empty rooms in the temple to worshippers... these things that maintain the normal operation of the Panxing Sect can be left to ordinary believers."

Kazuma Hatori spoke at a measured pace, yet it conveyed an unspeakable terror to everyone, as if a guillotine were slowly falling on their necks.

"Therefore, the breeding part will be left to you to do yourself. Let's start with 16 hours of work a day. After all, we are just starting out and we can't reduce production. What do you all think? You can also experience the joy of labor."

Everyone present gaped open: "..."

What?! They're actually expected to grow their own vegetables and raise chickens?!

This terrifying young master of hell was even smiling at them!

"Wait a minute, 16 hours is a bit... a bit tough..."

As everyone frantically exchanged glances, they finally elected a representative to speak on their behalf, cautiously raising their hand.

Everyone: "…………"

What the hell is this guy doing? Is working 16 hours a day really the point? They'd be better off not even being allowed to set foot in the ground!

"Anything wrong? Tired?"

Kazuma Hatake casually remarked that he didn't think there was anything wrong with scheduling 16 hours a day.

"You have to endure more hardship while you're young so you'll get used to it when you're old."

It would be better to wait until they get older—like those old men from the Kamo family last week—before they start groaning and complaining about their backs after planting only a few vegetables each day, their hands trembling and their legs weak and unable to walk far, thus delaying his ability to earn gold coins.

"……ah?"

The group, whose average age was as high as forty, stared blankly at Kazuma Hagoromo.

Isn't this the kind of line they usually use to lecture their juniors?

But Kazuma Hatori did not give them another chance to defend themselves.

This is his personal fiefdom; he called these people over just to let them know, not to listen to their complaints.

"It's settled then. If anyone is unwilling, I can ask them to stay and have a couple of cups of tea before they leave."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, like chickens pecking at rice.

"Yes, yes."

"I have no objection. How could I possibly have an objection? Everything is up to His Majesty the Holy Son to arrange."

"Planting a few vegetable plots and raising a few chickens, I did that when I was a kid, hahaha."

"There's no reason why they're unwilling. It's just that kid Sanmura is ignorant and speaks recklessly."

Watching the group leave the temple with long, bitter faces, Ayako Sakura looked at Kazuma Hatori, her face already filled with numbness.

Making the leadership work 16 hours a day in the fields while ordinary members do easier work—this was the first time she'd ever heard of personnel arrangements like this…

"What's wrong? You want to go too?"

Kazuma Hagoromo had been stared at by her for too long, and when he looked up, he replied casually, which immediately earned him a frantic shake of his head from Ayako Sakami.

"They drank so many cups of my tea, so naturally they have to pay me back with interest."

That's several hundred gold coins.

Ayako Sakura gradually realized, "So that's how it is!"

Ayako Sakura couldn't understand how much those few cups of cheap tea that Kazuma Hatori had treated her to were worth, so she automatically replaced it with the idea that since they had been dishonest in the past and had taken so much stuff from the Panxing Sect, they should now atone for their crimes through labor reform.

No wonder that after all this commotion, the Holy Son's status and prestige among ordinary believers skyrocketed...!

During important ceremonies and events, as long as he is willing to appear—even if he is just sitting at the table—one can feel the fervor of the believers…

Hmm, wait a minute.

Ayako suddenly realized that Kazuma Hatori's clothes were too ordinary and not at all the treatment a holy child should receive.

"Why don't you... change your clothes?" she suggested. "Something more formal, preferably something related to religion, that would reflect your current status."

At the very least, they shouldn't wear uniforms that are typically worn by ordinary church members.

Upon hearing this, Kazuma Hatori glanced at her with a lingering look, and Ayako Sakemi immediately felt a little uneasy.

"...My clothes are still in the college dormitory, I haven't had time to get them back."

There was a hint of grievance in those words.

Those were all clothes that Wu bought for him!

Ayako Sakami: "..."

Those super expensive casual clothes? She even felt a little heartbroken.

"As for the clothes, we'll talk about that later."

Kazuma Hatori shook his head, and the simple chat came to an end. Ayako Sakami had to continue to advance the next tasks.

—However, she did offer one point of advice.

He had to figure out a way to bring back the clothes that Wu had bought for him.

More importantly, he was already missing Wu terribly at that moment.

Should he directly arrange to meet someone at a certain place? That's a bit risky. If he gets caught, the jutsu world will convict him of being an accomplice.

Use the [Eight-Phase Wheel Card] to change your appearance and seek enlightenment?

That's a good idea. That way, even if someone sees it, there won't be any problem.

But Kazuma Hatori glanced at the currently installed card slots—Miri Kuroi, Riko Tennen, and Satoru Gojo.

These three people are definitely not suitable. He needs to think about whose identity to impersonate to meet Wu is the safest option.

Seeing that Hatori Kazuma was lost in thought, Sakura Ayako quietly approached the entrance to the prayer hall and was about to push the door open to leave—

"Woof woof woof woof!"

"Toramaru, don't run around like that!"

A figure darted around quickly, nimbly weaving through the corridor and around the feet of passersby. From every shout, you could tell it was incredibly happy.

Its owner chased after it relentlessly, but it took it for a playful moment during its walk. It happily squeezed through the crack in the open door of Ayako Sakami, ran a few steps further in, and met the gaze of Kazuma Hatori.

“…”

Kazuma Hatori fell silent.

…………

Are you in your dorm at 7 PM tonight?

Midway through the afternoon's practical course, Gojo Satoru's phone vibrated slightly; he had received this email.

Nanami Kento, who was randomly selected to spar with him, watched as his senior, who had seemed unusually uninterested in the fight, suddenly became highly motivated the moment he turned off his phone.

Nanami Kento: "Is there some good news?"

Gojo Satoru: "Heh heh, that's right, my favorite Mont Blanc has arrived with a notification that it's available for purchase!"

The fact that he ended with such an upbeat tone shows he was genuinely overjoyed.

Not only did Nanami Kento notice it, but Xia Youjie and Ieiri Shoko, who were talking to him later, were also able to easily detect the anomaly.

The only person who could make Gojo Satoru instantly transform from withered to blooming is that person.

"Is Kazuma coming back?"

Taking advantage of the fact that there were only the three of them, Xia Youjie quietly confirmed.

"That's right, so don't bother me tonight."

Gojo Satoru's azure eyes had narrowed into two cheerful crescent moons, and he even walked with a light, airy gait, his soft, pure white hair trembling with each step.

Ieiri Shoko raised her eyes and said, "Eh—cunning, you're only allowed to see him yourself."

Gojo Satoru smugly hummed, "That's Ichima keeping his promise to me."

Xia Youjie: "But did he say how to get into the college? Whose identity should he pretend to be? Although his card-shaped magical artifact can even simulate the aura of someone else's magical power, ordinary people also have magical power, and the college's barrier will still sound an alarm."

Shoko Ieiri: "Isshin's own curse power has also been highlighted... through enlightenment?"

After all, Gojo Satoru is still a student at the vocational high school, and he can freely enter the vocational high school without triggering an alarm.

"Wow, are there two of me looking in a mirror? That sounds great, so interesting!"

Gojo Satoru tapped his palm, his blue eyes shining brightly with anticipation.

And as he waited patiently in his dorm room, where a crack had been left in the door, until 7 p.m., anticipating seeing another version of himself push open the door and enter—

Squeak.

The bearing made a soft, short click, instantly raising Gojo Satoru's expectations to their maximum.

But what was reflected in those pale eyes was not him grasping the handle and pushing the door open completely.

Instead, it was a fluffy black Shiba Inu head, trying to pry the door open wider so that it could squeeze its whole body into the dormitory and stare at Gojo Satoru.

Gojo Satoru stared at the exceptionally cute black Shiba Inu.

Gojo Satoru's azure eyes widened in surprise.

Gojo Satoru gasped, his face filled with the unexpected shock of being struck by a huge surprise.

"Damn it, the enemy is too cunning—they actually came up with this trick to win my heart!"