Volume One, Chapter 114: Pingshui Town (Part 2)

Qin Yu's mind raced, unsure which story to fabricate. The man saw her hesitation and immediately understood.

“Miss, don’t worry! You can trust the Buddha Master of our Pingshui Town—he’ll definitely cure your family!” The man spoke with such conviction, he nearly thumped his chest in assurance.

But Qin Yu glanced at his scrawny, protruding ribs and thought: best if he doesn't, or he might break a bone.

A hundred questions swirled in Qin Yu’s mind, though her expression remained flawless.

“The master doesn’t even know my family’s illness—how can he cure them?”

“If you’ve come to Pingshui Town seeking a way to survive, what else could it be but cancer?” the man replied.

Qin Yu’s round, doe-like eyes widened. She nodded fervently. “Yes, yes, exactly!”

Suddenly, the man’s enthusiasm faded. He rubbed his fingertips together in front of Qin Yu. “But if you want to live, Miss, it depends on how sincere you are.”

Qin Yu lowered her gaze, her eyes cool and clear. Yet she pretended to fumble in her pockets. “Uncle, I left in a hurry and didn’t bring any cash.”

Prepared for this, the man immediately pulled out two payment QR codes from his stiff, filthy jacket pocket.

“WeChat or Alipay—whichever you prefer.”

Qin Yu took out her phone and scanned.

“WeChat received: ten thousand yuan.” The confirmation chimed from behind her.

Now the man broke into a broad grin. “My name is Qiao Sheng. When you join, just give them my name—you’ll benefit!”

Qin Yu listened to these oddly familiar lines and gave him a look.

“Join? Join what? I came here to get treatment for my family.”

“Miss, you only ask because you don’t know how wonderful joining is! Once you join, you’ll see for yourself!”

Qin Yu frowned, about to probe further.

Qiao Sheng halted his steps and led her to a mud-brick house. “The Buddha Master has rules: all outsiders who wish to join must eat vegetarian and chant sutras for three days. However…”

Qin Yu nodded respectfully. “I understand, of course, that’s only right.”

Qiao Sheng: ???

“If you’re willing to do that, Miss…”

“Not only am I willing, but I’ll prove my devotion through action!” Qin Yu cut him off again.

Qiao Sheng started to rub his hands in anticipation, but hearing this, he quietly stopped himself.

He forced a smile, almost grinding his teeth. “You really are a filial daughter, Miss!”

Qin Yu touched her earlobe sheepishly. “Not at all, it’s just what any junior should do.”

Qiao Sheng: …

Does she really think I’m praising her?

[Laughter: “Master, interrupt the spell right now!”]

[“Getting ten thousand out of my wife is the peak of your life, understand?”]

[“Look at Qiao Sheng awkwardly rubbing his hands—hilarious!”]

“So, what are the benefits of joining?” Qin Yu inquired.

“Let me put it this way! We have a man in town, Wang Wu. Six months ago, he was diagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer. Doctors said he had only three months to live! But after joining under the Buddha Master’s guidance, he’s now full of life and doing just fine!” Qiao Sheng declared.

[“Isn’t this just a blatant medical scam?”]

[“I think so too. Everyone in this town seems off.”]

[“They all look so thin, as if something’s drained all their life energy.”]

[“Don’t make it sound so creepy. I think this is just a straightforward scam.”]

Qin Yu asked skeptically, “Couldn’t it have been a misdiagnosis?”

Qiao Sheng seemed offended by her doubt, his gaunt face falling. “Impossible! We all witnessed the Buddha Master pray to the heavens to relieve Wang Wu’s suffering!”

“You saw it yourselves?”

“The Buddha Master holds a blessing ceremony for every new member each month. He personally ascends to the gods, then channels divine light into the members! The Buddha Master is the god of Pingshui Town! Without him, we’d all be dead by now!”

Whenever Qiao Sheng mentioned the Buddha Master, fervent devotion shone on his face.

Seeing that his mind was beyond saving, Qin Yu didn’t argue further.

Resting her chin on her hand, she pondered: What exactly is this ‘Buddha’ after? Is it really just about amassing wealth?

Qiao Sheng’s house was not far from the village entrance. Glancing toward a patch of thick, black smoke within the village, Qin Yu asked, “What’s that place over there?”