Muzan: My daughter can't be that weak!

"A ghost, a ghost—!!!"

Matsui finally came to her senses and let out a scream.

He scrambled backward, trying to escape the room.

He watched as Douma's newly grown head turned towards him, still bearing that compassionate smile. His fear reached its peak, and he frantically crawled toward the paper door, tears streaming down his face.

"Oh dear, please don't disturb the worshippers outside. Everyone is trying their best to live, and hearing your voice is bound to make them uncomfortable~"

Doma stood up, gracefully dusted off his clothes, and slowly walked to Matsui, who was slumped on the ground, blocking his way.

"Since you've seen it... then you must have a connection with the Pure Land."

"Besides, haven't you been constantly praying for help, wanting to escape the suffering of this world? Even if you were given money, you would still spend it all. Only going to the Pure Land can solve your problem! As the leader of the religion, it is only right to fulfill the devout wishes of your followers!"

He leaned down, reached out, and easily grabbed Matsui's neck.

Matsui didn't even have time to struggle before a crisp sound rang out, and the terror in his eyes was frozen in time forever.

Doma carried the limp corpse back to the cushion.

Looking at Matsui's face, contorted with fear, he paused for a moment, a rare occurrence for him.

After all, they are his followers, even though they are full of lies.

"Alright, since you prayed before..."

He muttered to himself, then opened his mouth.

The only sound during eating was the faint sound of swallowing.

A moment later, Douma licked his lips, sighed contentedly, a smile appearing on his face, and whispered to the empty cushion:

"Now you can get rid of all your troubles and... achieve immortality with me. You won't have to worry about money anymore, and you won't have to make up lies about your parents' life and death anymore. What a perfect ending!"

Just then, hurried footsteps and Endo's anxious voice came from outside the paper door:

"Master, are you there?"

Endo practically ran over.

Izumi, who had been guarding the door, rushed over to report that Matsui, the gambler from down the mountain, had returned.

Upon hearing this, Endo almost dropped the ledger he was checking.

This Matsui is a notorious scoundrel and gambler in the area. He lost everything last time and came to the Blissful Church crying and complaining. I don't know how he managed to trick this evil spirit into giving him a large sum of money!

That sum of money was enough for an ordinary family to live comfortably for several years, and Endo felt his heart bleed whenever he thought about it.

He later subtly reminded Doma that Matsui was of questionable character and his words might not be credible, and that giving him money would be like throwing good money after bad.

To everyone's surprise, Doma looked at him with moved eyes, his seven-colored eyes wide, and covered his mouth with his fan, saying:

"Mr. Endo is so thoughtful. However, Mr. Matsui said he lost his money and is desperate. As the leader of the cult, it is only right that he helps believers in distress! Money is just an external thing, Mr. Endo, you don't need to worry about it so much. We should have a compassionate heart~"

Endo was so angry he almost suffered internal injuries, but he dared not retaliate.

So when he heard that Matsui was coming again, Endo forgot all his academic duties and immediately dropped his account book and rushed over.

We absolutely cannot let this spendthrift... no, we absolutely cannot let this scoundrel swindle the Blissful Sect's money again!

Money, money, money! The money of the Blissful Sect doesn't just come from thin air!

Those were all accumulated through his painstaking efforts and maneuvering!

"Eh? What brings you here, Mr. Endo?"

Douma had already tidied his clothes, opened the paper door, and looked puzzled.

Mr. Endo cherishes his life very much, and unless it's something important, he would never go near his room on his own initiative.

Is there something urgent this time?

Endo took a breath and quickly scanned the room.

Neat cushions, flickering candlelight, and wafting incense...

No one is empty.

What about Matsui?

Did Quanzi see it wrong?

Or have they already left?

"Is Mr. Endo looking for someone?"

Seeing his gaze wander, Doma asked him considerately, with a gentle smile on his face.

Endo was jolted back to reality by his question, and a cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.

Blinded by the financial crisis, only now did he belatedly realize:

I actually dared to barge into the room doorway so recklessly, even though I knew the other party was a man-eating demon!

He quickly forced an even more respectful, even slightly obsequious, smile, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His mind raced, and he began to fabricate reasons on the spot:

"Um...hehe, Your Excellency, you flatter me. Actually, it's like this...I suddenly remembered some recent church affairs arrangements, and Endo didn't dare to delay, so I came here without warning..."

He spoke with such seriousness, as if there were some truly urgent accounting problem.

Doma blinked, seemingly accepting his explanation, and his smile returned to its bright state.

"I see, Mr. Endo is truly dedicated! However, you can decide those trivial matters yourself, Mr. Endo. I have faith in your abilities! After all, the Paradise Cult owes its current success to Mr. Endo!"

Endo: "..."

He chuckled dryly in agreement, while inwardly praying that Matsui, that bastard, hadn't gotten the money.

"Oh, right," Doma tapped his chin lightly with his fan and said to Endo, who had already turned to leave, "Mr. Endo, could you please have a maid bring over the next waiting believer later?"

"Mr. Matsui has gone to paradise. I'm sure he's very happy now, free from all worries!"

Paradise...

Endo certainly understood what those four words meant to Doma.

Matsui, that scoundrel and gambler, is gone forever.

The money... is safe.

This eased his nerves slightly, but then a wave of fear surged up his spine.

Just now... I actually rushed over without thinking because I was worried about losing money!

If... if I had run a little faster, pushed open the door a little more quickly, I would have stumbled upon this evil spirit having a meal...

If the evil spirit wasn't full yet, or was in a bad mood because its meal was disturbed...

Endo's forehead instantly broke out in a cold sweat, and goosebumps rose on his skin.

Calm down! You must calm down!

I absolutely, positively must not act so impulsively over money next time!

Money is just an external thing!

Survival is the most important thing! Survival is the most important thing!

"...Yes, Your Excellency. I will make the arrangements immediately."

"It is Mr. Matsui's blessing to be guided to the Pure Land by the Master. May he find true peace in the afterlife."

Having said that, he maintained his slightly bowed posture, but his steps were quicker than when he came, and he swiftly retreated from the corridor.

Only when he could no longer feel that gaze did he dare to straighten up slightly and exhale the breath that had been stuck in his chest.