I was a charlatan in India

Although the main force behind the rumors has gone into hiding, the streets of Varanasi are not quiet.

These previously undisclosed, shady anecdotes became perfect topics for gossip on the streets.

Strangely enough, these scandals did not worsen Surrey's reputation; instead, they garnered sympathy from many people in the lower classes.

After all, those who pay attention to Surya must have some understanding of the power system.

In their view, command and execution are indeed two separate parts.

Perhaps Surrey's intentions were good, but his subordinates carried them out poorly.

You can even hear conversations like this occasionally.

"Sigh, young master Surrey has it tough too."

"Yes, he even gave us a tax reduction before!"

"Perhaps the heavy taxes of the past were escalated at each level to become what they are today."

"They even organized a ball game for us! I heard that ever since His Majesty Ashoka implemented that damned benevolent rule, other cities haven't had any entertainment for a long time!"

"Yes, sometimes I really feel sorry for Young Master Suliye when he has these subordinates..."

Even the divinity returned to Shenhe was unusually compassionate and tolerant.

It's a ghost story.

Shenhe's knowledge is currently limited, and he indeed cannot understand the logic behind this.

He only felt mocked.

Haha, even the commoners are feeling sorry for their masters who live in luxury. My Varanasi is truly a land of outstanding people and resources!

Thank goodness I stopped being human!

In reality, this is a humble self-preservation instinct of socialized beings, and it's really not human nature's fault.

When you can't challenge authority, admitting that the top of the system is good, but the execution is bad, is far more reassuring than admitting that the whole system is rotten.

Escaping may be shameful, but it can be useful.

that's nice!

Meanwhile, the scoundrels that Surrey had met also quietly infiltrated the gossip circle.

The traces left behind by the enemy, whether intentional or unintentional, still have some functioning.

They stood out starkly as their colleagues fell silent.

With a little effort, you can find your target.

Simply spend half a day at the market observing who talks about rumors with excessive enthusiasm and always tries to steer the conversation in a certain direction; the target will automatically emerge.

Because even if ordinary people hear rumors, they will only treat them as topics of conversation after dinner.

Unlike these people, they don't spend their time wandering around crowded places, taking every opportunity to spread their message.

It's just too conspicuous.

"Have you heard about that new cult...?"

The two lowlifes exchanged a glance.

That's him! Let's go!

They walked over.

"Yeah, I originally wanted to get in and get a spot, so I even memorized their scripture."

"I never expected that the guard dog would bring back a message..."

"They actually forbid it!"

He looked like he wanted to join the religious order but couldn't.

Mahata has already investigated, and of the rumors spread by the enemy, only the one about registering for benefits has been confirmed.

Using this as a pretext to approach the enemy is obviously very appropriate.

Sure enough, the man's eyes lit up, as if he had found a kindred spirit.

"Yes, I recited the scriptures for three days and made offerings, but the gatekeeper dog said I wasn't sincere!"

"Damn it, so what if it's not enough!"

There are supervisors in their line of work.

To prevent them from taking the tips for nothing and doing a sloppy job, the supervisors would occasionally disguise themselves as interested passersby to test them.

If anyone fails to properly incite others, their entire month's bonus will be deducted.

Therefore, they are enthusiastic towards everyone.

It's not so bad to have someone whipping you to keep you in check.

Fulfilling!

With just a few words, these lowlifes figured out the enemy's core logic.

It's nothing more than inciting hatred between different social classes.

It's a cliché, but it works.

But Shenhe River doesn't feel romantic enough.

So, in just two days, the rumors took a bizarre turn.

but……

"Mahayana! What do you mean?!"

Surrey kicked the door open with a bang and roared menacingly.

"What do you mean I'm bewitched by an evil spirit and plan to sacrifice myself in Varanasi to regain my former glory?!"

Mahata was slightly taken aback.

This is definitely not their version.

The evil spirit was fabricated by Shenhe.

This divine messenger seemed to have very limited respect for the Great Heaven, which was similar to his attitude towards the Buddha.

As for the restoration of its former glory and the sacrifice to Varanasi, Mahada did not know where they came from.

"This evil spirit..."

He braced himself and tried to explain.

"Evil spirits don't matter!"

Surya grabbed Maha's hand and placed it on his waist.

"Feel it, do I need a boost? Huh!?"

"There's all sorts of nonsense going around on the streets these days, you..."

Mahata actually squeezed them, then withdrew his hands, clasped them together, and said earnestly.

"Amitabha Buddha, Lord Surya is strong and powerful, much stronger than this humble monk."

Surya froze on the spot after being pinched.

You know, sincerity is a sharp knife.

Surrey was speechless at this blunt confirmation, his anger rising in his chest, his face turning red.

You know what, these masters who live in luxury can actually be quite adorable sometimes.

Even Shenhe found this puzzling.

While the idea of ​​regaining its former glory is indeed true, it wasn't something he made up.

His and Mahata's initial plan was to first guide the rumor towards evil spirits, turning it into a mysterious mythical story so that it would fall apart on its own.

Keep an eye on those who spread rumors, see who their contacts are, and trace them all down to catch them in one fell swoop.

This plan is feasible, however...

It seems the enemy is escalating their tactics?

That doesn't make sense!

Moreover, this attempt to revive his former glory seemed to align with his actions, which made Shenhe quite wary.

Could it be that the other party's information channels involve some kind of supernatural power?

It really is.

A monastery outside Varanasi.

Two people are standing side by side.

A hooded robe, black with red trim, embroidered with incomplete animal skin patterns.

"Prophet, the rumors have already spread."

The man on the left hesitated slightly: "However, isn't this content a bit too vulgar?"

"I'm afraid... it will be difficult to sway the wise man."

"Master, please be careful with your words."

The man known as the prophet had completely white pupils, as if he were blind.

"This is not a rumor, but a warning from God."

"The oracle I heard was crystal clear: an evil spirit is usurping God's glory, and even... even..."

The prophet dared not continue.

The oracle he heard was...

The other party even created a father for the Lord.

The prophet is devout.

He felt that he was probably crazy to have such hallucinations.

No, it must be that this blasphemous fellow used some evil trick to make him hear such nonsense.

Even retelling this content is a sin.

He could only attribute it to auditory hallucinations caused by interference from evil spirits.

Therefore, the prophet only told the leader that Shenhe was an evil spirit and that the other party was using evil magic to help Surya regain its former glory.

That way, even if he makes a mistake, he can recover.

Perhaps...?

He devoutly believed that he had indeed filtered out the unclean noises and grasped the essence of the oracle.

After the leader gave instructions and his subordinates relayed the message, adding embellishments, the current version was formed.

"This rumor... well, it's just a rumor, but it's not very effective."

The cult leader frowned.

"Those guys with no faith are talking about it with great relish, but not many people actually believe it."

"We must find other ways to destroy this Mahakala cult."

The prophet nodded.

"Yes, we must not let them distort the glory of God."

"in addition……"

He turned around and looked towards Varanasi, a city not far away.

That city was completely unfamiliar to the prophet and the leader.

"We must also reclaim our order."