Gods of the Nation: You worship the God of Longevity, I worship the King of Hell!

Chapter 84 I will defy fate and change the destiny of the Plague Department!
"call--!!!"

The gale, solid as a physical force, pressed down upon us!
Lu Chen stumbled, nearly being thrown off the "cliff" by the immense force!
"As expected of one of the Eight True Gods!"

He was deeply shaken, his heart pounding with shock.

The sheer aura emanating from his appearance alone far surpasses that of his brother, the God of Wealth.

And this... is the result of being heavily suppressed by the Heavenly Dao.

If the real person were to descend, it would be unimaginable!
I'm afraid the sky will really collapse and the earth will shatter, and the stars and moon will lose their light!

At this moment, he looked up at the star lord, just like a mayfly gazing at the blue sky!
So small as to be insignificant!
Lu Chen was only momentarily distracted before regaining his composure, clasping his hands in a respectful bow, and saying, "Disciple Lu Chen pays respects to the Plague Emperor Haotian!"

The emperor remained silent, while the surrounding sea of ​​poison surged with undercurrents.

With time running out and the task heavy, Lu Chen didn't waste any words and went straight to the point, analyzing the situation in front of the Plague Emperor: "Star Lord, the Plague Department has fallen to this state today. On the surface, it's because its incense offerings have ceased, but the root cause is simply that mortals 'only know that you bring disaster, but don't know that you can stop it.' You, a dignified deity in charge of the eight departments of plague, have been so stigmatized that no one dares to worship you. This is the crux of the problem!"

"Wow—"

The once turbulent, dark green poisonous sea instantly became calm, as if smoothed out by an invisible hand.

Lu Chen remained expressionless and continued, "Therefore, I have devised three strategies that may break this deadlock!"

"Oh?" The Plague Emperor let out a soft exclamation, as if his interest had been piqued.

Lu Chen held up one finger: "First, to remove the stigma, we must rebuild the image of the [Plague Department] as a powerful force."

Ordinary people fear plagues, but they fear even more that plagues will get out of control.

As a righteous deity in Heaven, it is inconvenient for you to directly intervene in the human world.

Why not use the hands of ordinary people to make them understand that you are the 'controller' of the disaster, not simply the 'perpetrator'?

This is the first step in breaking the stigma!
The second step is precise incense offering!

Don't be greedy, seek stability!

As a righteous deity of the Heavenly Court, you have your own area of ​​expertise.

There's no need to be fixated on universal worship; just focus on three types of people.

The first category: the people in areas with high incidence of plague. They urgently need to stop the epidemic. If they know that the Star Lord can not only cure the plague, but also eliminate the disease, they will sincerely worship him.

The second category: can infiltrate hospitals and pharmacies, presenting a brand-new image of helping the world.

The third category: local government officials. Fearing the impact of the epidemic on people's livelihoods, they could take the lead in public awareness campaigns, dispel stigma, and encourage people to continue their religious activities.

“Only paper!”

The Plague Emperor snorted coldly.

"Do you really think that only you could come up with such a shallow idea? Rome wasn't built in a day. I've tried everything you've said over the years. If it were useful, why wait until today!"

You're being far too presumptuous!

Lu Chen smiled slightly, still respectfully saying, "Star Lord, please wait, I haven't finished speaking."

"You don't have much time, so please speak quickly."

The enormous, fragrant aroma that stretched across the heavens and earth was burning and shrinking at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Lu Chen cursed inwardly, "This incense stick is so thick and long, it burns faster than a twelve-cylinder engine!"

In just a short while, a third of the incense stick had already burned.

He raised his head and spoke loudly, neither humble nor arrogant: "Others may not be able to do this, but I will! I will definitely succeed! I will make the incense offerings in the Underworld increase a thousandfold, ten thousandfold! I have never relied on coercion, but on making mortals understand the value of 'the Underworld in charge of reincarnation'!"
Star Lord, you are in charge of the plagues of the Three Realms, you should understand.

Fear does not equate to not making offerings.

People also fear the Dragon King, yet they kneel and beg for rain during droughts;

They were also wary of the mountain god, yet they offered sincere prayers when entering the mountain.

Once they understand that "offering to you can bring peace," their fear will naturally turn into reverence.

And reverence is the most solid foundation for the continuation of incense offerings!

"Still just empty talk!"

"This is no empty talk!" Lu Chen retorted decisively. "Star Lord may not know, but Madam Zheng's husband is a renowned former governor of Jiang Province, holding a high position and great power. Even though he has now stepped down, he still enjoys immense prestige in the province. If Star Lord is willing to show leniency and spare Madam Zheng's life, I will certainly plead with Elder Zheng to intervene and do my utmost to clear Star Lord's name and help him dispel his stigma."

Once Jiang Province succeeds, the rest of the country will surely follow suit. At that time, it will spread like wildfire, an inevitable trend. Would the Star Lord still worry that the name of "plague god" cannot be removed?
Furthermore, the disciple has lofty aspirations and will surely build a temple in the future.

Since other temples dare not worship the Star Lord.

I'll provide it!
From the day I, the Lu family, established this temple, I, your disciple, pledged that it would be the day the immortals of the Plague Department would take over!
Furthermore, this disciple intends to enter the Dao through the plague!
I've heard that the Star Lord is skilled at making plague pills that can cure all epidemics in the world!
Other pharmacies and clinics disliked the plague pill because of its bad luck.

As long as the Star Lord is willing to lend a helping hand!
This disciple is willing to shoulder all such merits!
When the news spreads, it will be like the underworld.

Why worry about not having pilgrims?

After all, we are all mortals; who can avoid getting sick?
Since this illness is under the control of the Star Lord!

Why not make use of such a unique advantage?
Moreover, among the eight departments of the Heavenly Court, the Plague Department and the Smallpox Department are in charge of epidemics.

The Star Lord could simply let the acne-prone areas draw the fire.

My [Plague Department] will reap the benefits from the rear.

Isn't it beautiful?

In any case, the "pimple area" and the "plague area" are of the same origin.

They spread disease!

We treat the sick and save lives!

Therefore, the disciple asserted that it would not be more than one generation later.

My [Plague Department] will surely turn the tide!
"To gather endless offerings from the mortal realm!"

Lu Chen's words were forceful and resounding.

At this moment, the waves on the sea of ​​poison collided, becoming increasingly turbulent and intense.

Unlike before, the two towering waves collided and tore at each other, seemingly reflecting the intense turmoil in the heart of the Plague Emperor.

Seeing this, Lu Chen's confidence soared.

Before invoking the gods, he played two roles in his study and repeatedly rehearsed the moves!
Almost every possible solution was practiced several times.

This led to the current well-defined and methodical plan.

Opening a medical clinic was also an unexpected and ingenious solution discovered after numerous deductions.

To put it simply, the Plague Department both inflicts plague and averts disaster.

This is a classic case of "using both carrot and stick" and "entrapment"!
With such favorable conditions, Lu Chen keenly sensed the enormous opportunities hidden within.

After all... who would complain about having too much money?

While the business of selling ghost money is lucrative, one shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket.

If things change in the underworld one day, I won't even have a way out.

Why not seize this opportunity amidst the risk!
After all, even a "newly rich" person needs assets of one billion.

Further progress in the future will inevitably require even more resources.

If this [Plague Healing Hall] can be established, it will definitely be a significant asset in the future!

It's not too difficult to implement; the key is recruiting and training!

Lu Chen took a deep breath, giving the Plague Emperor no time to ponder, and continued to press his advantage: "Star Lord, this disciple has a question: There are thousands of races in our mortal realm, does the Plague Department only target humans with its plague?"

"Absurd! In the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man, whether mortals, immortals, gods, ghosts, living beings, or the dead, even a stubborn rock, my [Plague Department] can infect it with Stone Plague!"

"That's wonderful, Star Lord! It turns out that my Plague Department is full of treasures!"

"A treasure trove from head to toe?" The Plague Emperor was clearly taken aback.

"Star Lord, I have another question: Does our Plague Department have a fixed number of plagues to distribute each year, just like the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, who have a fixed amount of rain every year?"

"So what if... even if it exists?!"

"That would be even better! What the Star Lord is worried about is that if everyone worships you as the God of Medicine, it will be difficult to complete the quota for spreading plague."

Actually, there's no need for that. In the future, the Star Lord can send plague messengers to pay more attention to the wicked and evil people in the human world. It wouldn't hurt to bring more plagues on such people; on the contrary, it would be a good deed.

If the quota is not met, I still have a way to break this deadlock!

With little time left, Lu Chen stopped being coy and unleashed his final trump card: "For example, today I am going to subdue demons and monsters and sweep away ghosts and demons. I humbly request the Star Lord to bestow the power of plague. When those demons and monsters see me, won't they be as if they have seen a plague god?"
All the disciple needs to do is unleash the plague magic, and the demons will fall in droves!

It's incredibly efficient!

After all, looking at the eight departments of Heaven, if we talk about the extent of the damage, if my Plague Department claims to be second, who dares to claim to be first! At that time, what ominous meaning will the plague have?
Those martial arts practitioners will surely flock to it and compete to offer sacrifices to my [Plague Department]!
At that time, they will gain merit, the star lord will receive the reward, and the people will enjoy peace.

What do you think of this three-pronged strategy, Star Lord?

“Wow——!!”

Upon hearing this, the colliding waves on the sea of ​​poison suddenly intensified, creating a deafening roar!
The Plague Emperor was clearly shocked. After a long while, he spoke, his tone tinged with surprise: "You lad, you really are... resourceful! How did you come up with such a method?"

Lu Chen chuckled: "I merely adapted the characteristics of the Plague Department to the local conditions and made some minor adjustments. Things in this world cannot be bound by appearances. Everything has two sides; fortune and misfortune are interdependent, and advantages and disadvantages are mutually reinforcing."

As the old saying goes: there is no such thing as garbage in this world, only resources in the wrong place.

The same applies to plagues; it all depends on how people use them.

If used improperly, it is an ominous and malevolent force; if used properly, it becomes a powerful tool and a blessing!
Perhaps one day, my "Plague Department" will no longer be called the "Plague Department," but rather the "Blessing Department"—that wouldn't be out of the question!

"Hahaha!"

Between heaven and earth, divine laughter resounded, echoing in all directions.

"What a quick-witted lad! No wonder even that little underworld immortal, Yama, fell for your tricks."

Lu Chen scratched his head: "Star Lord, your disciple is not only eloquent, but has also achieved real results, hasn't he?"

In short, all of the above can be summarized into three points.

Firstly: Remove the stigma of "Plague Department".

Secondly: to build temples and sculpt gold statues for the deities of the Plague Department, to perform good deeds, and to gather incense offerings!
Thirdly: Transforming the plague into something miraculous, turning the plague into a tool, and opening up a new path to enlightenment!

Seeing that the incense stick was about to burn out, Lu Chen didn't waste any time and immediately pressed for the final order: "May I ask, Star Lord, can my three heaven-defying techniques... change the fate of the Plague Department?!"

These words, like the resounding toll of a bell, were a wake-up call.

The shockwave brought the entire toxic sea to a standstill, and the waves subsided!

However, after a moment of silence, a soft, ambiguous laugh was heard.

"Young man, don't be so smug. Although you are eloquent, you are still a little lacking."

"Still a little short?" Lu Chen thought to himself, "Damn it!" He had already implemented the plan, and this Plague Emperor was still not satisfied?
"Since you are so confident, are you willing to dedicate yourself to the path and make a promise?"

"promise?"

"Excellent. You are willing to become a servant of the Plague Department, helping us to resolve this predicament of a thousand-year-old lack of incense offerings? Rest assured, I will not treat you unfairly. What the Underworld can give you, I will give you a hundredfold. If anyone causes you trouble in the future, the Plague Department will not be a pushover within the Three Realms!"

i wipe...

Does this mean... I've officially gotten on the good side of the Plague Emperor?

Lu Chen was shocked, but after a moment's thought, he realized it was within his expectations.

After all, they took the initiative to invite me to talk.

It definitely has the intention of recruiting talented individuals.

Although... the reputation of this "Plague Department" is not good.

This disdain can also be heard in the myth of Juncai.

But the Plague Emperor was, after all, a commander-in-chief, a third-rank official in the Heavenly Court.

In comparison, the God of Wealth is a third-rank official, while Yama is only a mid-level official in the underworld, barely qualifying as a fourth-rank official.

This backer... he's got a damn strong backer!
Not a loss!

This is definitely a worthwhile investment!

Lu Chen immediately stopped hesitating, clasped his hands in a fist salute, bowed deeply, and knelt on one knee: "Disciple Lu Chen thanks Master for his kindness!!!"

The Plague Emperor's laughter rang out: "You're quite the clever one! It's just a pity that your method of offering is a bit strange, so I can't bestow any favor upon you."

Lu Chen hurriedly said, "Master, you are wise. This is a simple method of communication, which can only reach the ears of Heaven, but it is difficult to receive blessings."

"It's alright, then we'll reward you after this test is over."

"test?"

"Indeed. I have only granted you one chance, but I have not promised to immediately remove this deadly intent. At this moment, Madam Zheng's life or death is not in my hands, nor in the heavens, but in yours. I will later extract the [Karmic Calamity] from her body and combine it with the miasma to refine a magic weapon called the [Plague Cry Pearl].

Take this bead and use it to subdue demons or monsters.

"As long as the karmic burden is eliminated within seven days and vital energy is infused into Madam Zheng's body, the heavenly killing intent will naturally be resolved."

Lu Chen's pupils suddenly contracted.

"Remember, you only have seven days! After seven days, no matter what, you cannot escape the karmic consequences of this grand vow!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the world fell into a deathly silence.

When Lu Chen opened his eyes again, he found himself back in the study.

The stick of incense offered before us had just burned halfway down.

It was like a fleeting dream.

"Crack!"

The simple statue on the table shattered instantly, turning into ashes and disappearing without a trace.

"Damn, this Star Lord's chariot is indeed terrifying, and its spiritual sea dharma image is even more frightening. It was originally able to support three offerings, but it was exhausted after only half an incense stick's time!"

Lu Chen gasped.

Belatedly, I suddenly realized something was wrong.

"I was clearly trying to fool the Plague Emperor, but in the end, I've gotten myself caught up in it?"

A moment of stunned silence.

Lu Chen's pupils contracted: "That's right, Madam Zheng!"

He immediately pushed open the door and rushed out.

He had just run into the living room when...

suddenly……

Several extremely powerful auras, like a storm, locked onto him!

Lu Chen paused, looking in the direction of the terrifying aura.

The living room was now filled with people.

Including Mr. Zheng, there are a total of six people.

The five strangers among them were surrounded by spiritual energy, surging like an endless tide.

A fourth-rank spiritual practitioner?
No, this is... a fifth-rank!?

One of them possessed an even more flamboyant and violent spiritual energy fluctuation, as deep and boundless as the ocean.

Could it be—a sixth-grade spiritualist!?

Lu Chen felt a chill run down his spine, his hair standing on end.

Holy crap! What's going on?
How did they suddenly appear out of nowhere? Four fifth-rank officials and one sixth-rank official!

Under these gazes, Lu Chen felt as if he were being stared at by several prehistoric beasts, and he couldn't even lift his leg.

At this moment, the middle-aged man with the strongest spiritual energy also pointed and asked in confusion, "Elder Zheng, is this the one you were talking about..."

Zheng Changguo smiled slightly and nodded: "That's right! He is Mr. Lu who triggered the strange phenomenon!"

"Clang!"

Several people were also struck by lightning.

Their expressions froze, and they looked at each other in bewilderment.

"That scene just now was caused by this kid!?"

"But he's clearly... only a second-rank official!?"

　It's still a long chapter of four thousand words.

　　Because it's split into separate parts, reading it is unpleasant.

　　So I sent it all at once.

　　I'll try to write another chapter.

　　
　　
　
(End of this chapter)