Something has changed.

It's different now.

In recent days, many followers in the East District Central City have felt, more or less, that something isn't quite right.

It's like returning from a long business trip and suddenly not quite understanding the company's atmosphere, or coming back to school after a major illness, unsure of the class dynamics...

Though everything on the street remains the same, and the hymns in the Holy Hall are still loud and clear, the keen-eyed can subtly sense a slight difference...

When people meet, they're still as warm and polite as usual, and conversations remain courteous and decorous. But why do some people's smiles and gazes carry an inexplicable detachment and alienation, and occasionally, when looking at others, convey a sense of joy and ease, and even... relief and sympathy?

So strange, as if something good has happened?

Yet I'm the only one left in the dark.

"It's so strange, I feel like everyone's been avoiding me lately."

"What? That's such a ridiculous thought."

"Last night, I felt your tone was strange when you answered the phone."

"I was listening to the sacrificial preachings in the Holy Hall, caught a bit of a cold, sorry about that."

"Where's Joanna?"

"She's there too, um, we were at the mutual aid meeting listening to the lecture, and afterwards, we went running to exercise... Breathing hard is normal, we do work up a sweat."

"A mutual aid meeting, huh, I haven't participated yet, can you bring me along?"

"Ah, ah? Well, um, maybe next time. Speaking of which, how's work lately, still envious?"

The hesitant girl changed the topic quickly, and the simple young man chuckled, taking out the opera tickets he had a hard time snagging, inviting her as they descended the steps of the Holy Hall together.

A wonderful time was about to begin.

Unfortunately, a voice came from behind.

"Don't forget about the afternoon prayer time."

The kindly sacrificial at the door reminded with a smile, and the girl instantly realized it, apologetically saying, "Sorry, I might..."

"No, no problem, next time is fine too!"

The young man forced a smile, standing there despondently, watching as the girl and sacrificial walked into the Holy Hall, disappearing around the corner.

For a long time, unwilling to leave.

Such scenes, more or less, are happening everywhere. There's something strange about it, but if viewed with straightforward thoughts, what problem remains?

Everything has gotten better, hasn't it?

Everyone has become much more devout, there are more smiles in the streets and alleys, and the whole city is filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Even those previously negligent about holy matters have begun to listen to the sacrificial's teachings.

Yet, for some reason, the streets and alleys have seen an increase in idlers, sneaking glances around with ambiguous and strange smiles, waiting for like-minded individuals to enter the secluded alleys, exchanging thick wads of atonement tickets for a small package, slipping it into their pockets, and rushing eagerly back home.

Beneath this peaceful daily life, few have noticed the invisible tides rising, expanding, and spreading in the shadows.

When everyone guarding the gates let a little more water through than they thought was cautious, the gathering downstream will form a chilling torrent...

"—Our holy matters are thriving!"

At the end of the month, during the summary meeting of the Eastern District, the Archbishop couldn't suppress his ecstatic dance as he looked at the data gathered from each Holy Hall, and the final report.

"It's a miracle, simply a miracle!"

The Archbishop, over eighty, was so excited his face turned red, and his rapid breathing made one wonder if he'd collapse in the meeting room the next moment—but who could remain composed in the face of such dramatic progress and results?

Over the years, as the oldest district, faith growth in the Eastern District had become conservative, even occasionally declining, and had consistently ranked at the bottom of the four major districts.

Who would have thought that in just a short month, the growth in faith would break records and reach new heights!

Even if the growth in each Holy Hall wasn't exaggerated, when combined, it increased by an unbelievable eighty-nine percent compared to last month's faith contribution!

Surging! Increasing dramatically! Completely increased! Pray, pray, pray, pray, pray!

The Archbishop laughed up to the sky, his face full of radiance: with such terrifying growth, who can oppose or defeat it?

If this momentum continues, surpassing the other districts by the end of the year isn't just a dream! By then, wouldn't he be at the top, enjoying the honor of the Holy God's blessing?!

However, amidst the laughter, he suddenly sensed something was off. Returning to his senses, he realized the meeting room was eerily quiet, with everyone frozen like wooden statues.

"Hmm? Why is no one speaking?"

"..."

In the awkward and rigid silence, the Main Priests below blankly stared at the wall charts, their previously reserved and superior smiles, as if certain of victory, frozen on their faces.

Unbelievable.

Especially the six Main Priests with the most exaggerated growth, after a moment of shock and astonishment, suddenly seemed to understand something, unable to suppress their angry glares at each other...

—[Damn, you opened too?!]

In the instant of eye contact, faces changed color from flushed to livid, like a traffic light—how come you're involved too!

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