388: Chapter 376 Divine Wrath, Worship It

NH Coastline.

The seaside, including the distant mountain ranges, originally belonged to an uninhabited area. It wasn't because secret facilities were established here that prohibited civilians from approaching, but because it was truly remote, lacked roads, and had no scenic value, so it was naturally neglected.

However, times have changed.

The Mountain Gate entrance is located on the coast. To facilitate contact between the two sides, the Chinese government spared no expense in carving out a base in the mountains and building a spacecraft workshop here.

Construction required transporting large quantities of materials, so the roads naturally had to be smooth and accessible. An asphalt road leading to the nearest city and cutting through the mountain range was thus completed.

Thanks to the highway, the lucky draw event held by the bureau chief last year not only caused a sensation online but also allowed a large number of interested civilians to attend.

As the saying goes, "If you want to be rich, build roads first." The bureau chief sighed that this saying was true; this road was now coming in very handy again.

After the engineers stationed at the base surveyed Pillar Mountain, they concluded that building a safe and secure mountain road would take at least six months.

This was even the result of the policy giving the green light all the way and resources being tilted regardless of cost.

At the time, the bureau chief had a bit of a headache.

If the god-worshiping activities over there were in full swing while his road construction would take half a year, how could that work?

After thinking it over, the bureau chief proposed a solution—prepare for both scenarios.

First, build a cable car system that doesn't prioritize aesthetics but is safe enough, just to open up the path for worshiping the god. As for the mountain road, it could be built slowly.

The engineers said this would be easy to handle and guaranteed completion of the task in one month.

On the day the project was approved, the construction team arrived by truck, rested for a while, and picked up their tools to start work.

At the same time, the bureau chief published the statue of god worshiping event on the official website of the Special Investigation Bureau. He didn't mention what could be gained, only emphasizing that the statue of god was something brought out by the Mountain Gate.

This statement was clever and had many benefits.

First, by wearing the cloak of the Mountain Gate, latent criminals would be deterred by the extraordinary reputation and wouldn't dare to easily use the name of the statue of god to commit fraud. Then, with the extraordinary endorsing the statue of god, the bureau chief didn't have to worry about how to gain the trust of the public as quickly as possible.

The facts were indeed so.

Before the cable car system was even finished, the beach was already crowded with enthusiastic civilians.

They arrived early and could only wait on the spot.

The bureau chief had prepared some temporary board rooms for the civilians to stay in, but it was far from enough to satisfy the terrifying number of people. Fortunately, everyone had expected this, and they had stuffed tents in the trunks of their cars.

Where there are many people, there are business opportunities. Smart vendors smelled the scent of money, drove over one after another, and set up stalls next to the residential area that the civilians had spontaneously formed.

The bureau chief was happy, saving himself the time of helping the civilians transport daily necessities, and the pedestrian street that had been idle since the last lucky draw event could also be restarted.

He sent a few Soldiers to guide the vendors to settle into the commercial area—which was actually just an open space paved with cement, with areas of equal size divided by white lines on the ground.

People woke up early, watched the construction progress of the cable car system by the sea, and then went to the commercial area for breakfast. They wandered around in the morning and occasionally went for a swim in the sea. After lunch and a nap in the afternoon, they could look forward to the beautiful starry sky after nightfall.

The wilderness far from the city indeed had many inconveniences.

Mosquito bites, no water or electricity, and inability to see a doctor in time when sick, but it also had its own unique beauty.

For example, the sky not obscured by smog.

After the sun set and disappeared below the horizon, darkness enveloped the earth, followed by the rising moon. The bright moonlight was hazy like light gauze, sprinkling onto the beach and onto every face on the beach.

Some families of three sat cross-legged, some stood alone with their hands in their pockets, and others snuggled with their partners, while the waves surged along the beach.

A month passed like this, and amid the cheers of people crawling out of their tents and facing the sea, the cable car system was completed.

"Don't push or crowd, line up properly. The statue of god won't run away, take it one by one!" The bureau chief was worried about a stampede and stood on a wooden platform that had been urgently built, holding a megaphone to direct the crowd.

"Is that the chief of the Special Investigation Bureau?" In the long queue, someone caught a glimpse of the person on the wooden platform, and after looking carefully twice, shouted in surprise.

The bureau chief looked proud; I still have some fame. He immediately restrained himself; No, I must maintain the official demeanor.

He cleared his throat: "Group photos and such will have to wait for later..."

"If we find the bureau chief, we can find Team Leader Luo. Hurry and ask!"

"Bureau Chief, Bureau Chief, where did Team Leader Luo go? Why don't we see her? I want to take a picture with her!"

The bureau chief's face was as dark as the bottom of a pot: "Team Leader Luo has been grounded by me."

"Ah?" Everyone looked blank.

"Prepare to board the carriage, six people per car, don't squeeze!"

The cable car on the line slid slowly over. The two families of six at the front of the line seemed to be friends and happened to fit in one car.

Under the guidance of the staff, they stepped into the carriage and then headed to the top of Pillar Mountain.

The restless children couldn't stay still, kneeling on the seats with their faces pressed against the glass, looking down at the sea.

There was the Mountain Gate here, and also a god. The parents were worried that the children's mischief would anger both, so they quickly pulled them into their arms.

The cable car wasn't very fast, and there was still some time before reaching the top of the mountain. The parents had nothing to do and started chatting with each other.

"I saw on the official website of the Special Investigation Bureau that sincerity leads to efficacy. I don't know if it's true or false."

"Since they said so, it probably isn't fake, but it's definitely not the same as the gods in our understanding."

"What do you mean?"

"Usually, when people go to worship gods, isn't it all about seeking wealth or peace? They actually know it's probably not going to work; otherwise, why go to work? Just go to the temple every day. But this is different. This is a real god, so you can't just make wishes randomly."

"How so?"

"If you wish for wealth, the statue of god might not only not satisfy it, but might even get angry."

"Then what kind of wish is appropriate?"

"Didn't the Special Investigation Bureau say that the statue of god won't leave? We can make small wishes first. If it's really effective, then consider others."

"Makes sense!"

The cable car reached the top of the mountain amidst the chatter of the two families, and they quickly got off.

The top of the mountain hadn't had many facilities built, looking like a pristine wilderness. There were weeds and gravel by their feet, a few sparse trees in the distance, and a few bare rocks by the trees.

The bureau chief had arranged for staff to guide the way at the top of the mountain.

He walked towards the six people: "See those trees? The statue of god is behind them."

"Thank you."

After thanking him, the parents each held their children's hands and walked over.

Not knowing if this god cared about various rules, for the sake of safety, they still followed common sense, trying to slow their pace and lower their voices when speaking, as if whispering.

"Speaking of which, this isn't Buddha nor a famous god from ancient China. What posture should we use to worship?"

The parent next to them shook their head: "The Special Investigation Bureau didn't explain. Let's just worship normally."

The six people passed through the sparse woods and saw the faceless statue of god standing on the ground at a glance.

"Mom, why doesn't it have a mouth?"

"Shh! Don't talk nonsense!"

Perhaps worried that the child's unintentional words would offend the statue of god, their bowing posture was exceptionally standard, and their foreheads hit the stone slab with a loud thud.

Straightening up, they stared at the statue of god with anticipation, but after waiting for a long time, nothing unusual happened.

The statue of god was as quiet as usual, as if it were really just an ordinary stone, not emitting any light.

"What now?" After waiting for a while, someone felt suspicious and turned to ask the parent next to them.

"I don't know..." Their expression also showed confusion, and they answered hesitantly.

Footsteps came from behind; it was the tourists from the second cable car.

Their eyes lit up: "Go to the side and see if others have a reaction."

"And if they do?"

"Then it means our sincerity is lacking."

The six stood up and moved a short distance away, watching the six people from the second batch finish their worship.

The result was no different from their own.

With the same confusion, they stood with the first batch of six, looking at the third batch of tourists.

This scene repeated, batch after batch, until the open space was crowded with people, and there was no place left for anyone else.

"It doesn't work?"

Once this was said, the quiet crowd immediately started discussing.

"Did the Special Investigation Bureau make a mistake? Is this not something from the Mountain Gate?"

"Probably not. I came here during the lucky draw. The gate of the Mountain Gate is nearby. Would the Special Investigation Bureau dare to lie to our faces?"

"Then where is the problem?"

"Are our wishes too excessive?"

Everyone thought about it; it wasn't impossible!

"What wishes did you make?" The person who spoke didn't wait for others to respond and continued, "Everyone, don't hide anything. Be honest and find the problem. I'll set an example. My wish is to be financially free."

With someone setting the example, the crowd was no longer shy and told their stories one by one.

"I hope my business will be more prosperous next year."

"I want a child."

"I hope my mom's cancer will be cured."

"I hope my wife is Mai Sakurajima."

Huh?

The high-spirited atmosphere suddenly froze, and eyes gathered on the young man who spoke last.

A tourist who was also a young person understood ACG culture and beat his chest in regret: "Why didn't I think of this wish!"

Those who were older and unfamiliar with ACG culture, but also staring at him, couldn't help but advise: "Young man, liking Japanese people isn't wrong, but forcing it is not right."

He was a bit embarrassed and defended himself: "Didn't you say to be honest?"

"You are too honest."

"Eh~ overpraise, wait—"

"BOOM—" A thunderclap suddenly sounded above everyone's heads, the loud noise almost deafening their ears.

In a daze, the young man patted his ears, trying to alleviate the tinnitus: "What's going—"

"BOOM—"

Thunder exploded again. Without giving anyone time to react, dark clouds seemed to be slapped out by someone, instantly covering the sky for ten thousand miles.

The sky darkened as if night had fallen. The sea, which had been calm just minutes ago, now stirred up monstrous waves, viciously slapping against the wall of Pillar Mountain. The splashed seawater even turned into raindrops, falling on everyone's heads.

No one needed to explain; everyone understood at the same time that the god was angry.

The god's anger stirred the sea, as if to drown the madmen who dared to offend the god.

Lightning roared continuously in the sky, the bright light reflecting the faces of mortals filled with fear.

The bureau chief, who was at the seaside, discovered the abnormality and hurriedly called the top of the mountain to ask the staff for the reason, and whether anyone had recklessly touched the statue of god.

The staff's reply came quickly.

Although the wind was howling at the top of the mountain, the bureau chief heard it clearly—the tourists had not been disrespectful to the statue of god; they were just gathered on the side chatting after worshiping.

It wasn't disrespect. The bureau chief panicked, not knowing how to solve the scene that looked like the end of the world.

He looked up and shouted at the Kunpeng, but the Kunpeng seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep, waving its fins unconsciously, without any response.

The bureau chief was confused. Coming back to his senses, he saw Pillar Mountain swaying under the impact of the waves and gritted his teeth, intending to risk taking the cable car to the top of the mountain to direct the evacuation of the crowd.

He was the highest person in charge on the scene and could not sit by and watch the civilians lose their lives.

Just as he ran to the edge of the cable car, Immortal Xu's voice entered his ears.

"Worship it."

Worship it?

Right, right!

The bureau chief turned and rushed back to the wooden platform, grabbed the phone, and contacted the top of the mountain.

"Quick! Worship the statue of god!"

Dropping the phone, he looked at Pillar Mountain, which was already tilting in the sea.

It was too late to go up the mountain now. He hoped they would react quickly and be able to...

The bureau chief suddenly widened his eyes.

The dark clouds in the sky dissipated in an instant, the surging waves gradually receded, the sunlight sprinkled back onto the world, and the sea returned to calm.

And the tilted Pillar Mountain seemed to have an invisible giant hand straightening it, slowly righting the mountain body and standing tall in the sea.

On the top of the mountain.

People knelt down on the spot. The panic hadn't dissipated and still shrouded their hearts.

For a long time, no more strong winds or waves attacked. The yellowish sea under the sun looked peaceful, and they finally calmed down.

Only the young man was scared out of his wits, sitting paralyzed on the ground, muttering to himself with dull eyes: "Not to that extent, right? Just fantasizing about Mai Sakurajima, and causing such a big scene?"

"Everyone!" A staff member ran over from a distance, "The cable car system is not damaged. Go down the mountain immediately."

The order was given by the bureau chief.

Although the crisis seemed to have passed, who could guarantee that it wouldn't happen again?

The tourists clearly had the same concerns in their hearts. Under the guidance of the staff, they queued up to board the cable cars and all returned to the beach.

Confirming that there was no one on the top of the mountain, the bureau chief immediately arranged for Soldiers to count the number of people.

"Report, the count is complete, everyone is here!"

"Okay, go get busy."

The bureau chief wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, sat back on the wooden chair, and panted heavily.

Scared me to death, fortunately, nothing happened.

"Bureau Chief!" Lin Miao and Yue Ruo arrived late, running from a distance.

The bureau chief took a deep breath, feeling his breath become a little smoother, and walked down the wooden stairs to the sand: "Why did you two run here?"

"Why?" Yue Ruo pointed to the troop transport vehicle by the woods, "To bring people to help."

The bureau chief's legs were still trembling. The two of them stepped forward, each supporting an arm. Lin Miao asked: "What exactly happened? I thought a tsunami was coming."

The bureau chief pushed them away and waved his hand to indicate he was fine: "It would be better if it were a tsunami."

Then he told the story. After listening, the two were surprised: "You mean the movement just now was caused by the statue of god?"

"Otherwise?" The bureau chief rubbed his legs, "Immortal Xu reminded me to worship the statue of god, and after I did, the wind, waves, and lightning all disappeared."

"So Immortal Xu knew the ability of the statue of god? Then why didn't he remind us earlier?"

"A reminder might not necessarily attract attention. Xu felt that seeing is believing is the only way to be profound."

The three turned around. Immortal Xu in white stood on the sand.

"Immortal Xu." The bureau chief greeted him, and with lingering fear, said, "Profound is indeed profound, it's just a bit too profound."

"If it were really going to cause a disaster, Xu would have acted."

No wonder Immortal Xu reminded me in time; he had been watching from the shadows.

The bureau chief felt grateful and quickly asked: "What should we do later? Can the worship of the god continue? Or should we pause for a while?"

"It can continue, but the urgent matter for you is them."

In the curious gaze of the three, Immortal Xu raised his hand and pointed at the crowd gathered on the beach.