A priest in North America, what the hell is the Demon Gate system?

Good morning, America! Young man, there's no need to...

At seven o'clock in the morning, the opening theme music of Lancaster County local television station would play precisely on the town's radios, including the church.

Li Ang lay slumped over his desk, his face pressed against the spread-out materials, all of which were local histories and legends.

He hasn't been sleeping well lately.

The words that kept appearing in my notebook, the mysterious claws, and that mirror-like space kept swirling in my mind; how could I possibly sleep well?

"Depend on..."

Li Ang rubbed his eyes and propped himself up.

The office was the same as always, with sunlight squeezing in through the gaps in the blinds, illuminating the dust floating in the air.

The oak desk is an old piece from the last century. The legs are a bit wobbly, but the tabletop is polished and shiny, with a few dents from cigarette butts on the edge.

The documents were piled up in a mess, with a payment reminder from the parish at the top, circled several times in red pen.

The radio was still crackling on. Last night, Li Ang listened to American horror stories here and fell asleep while listening.

Shaking his head, Li Ang had a sudden thought and brought up the system.

【Li Ang】

[Sect Status: Outer Sect Outpost Steward]

[Cultivation Level: Qi Refining Level 1]

[Mana: 1]

[Constitution: 2]

[Divine Consciousness: 3]

[Magic Item: Low-Grade Soul Banner]

[Contribution Points: 15]

[Sect Assessment Countdown: 82 days]

[Current Outpost Incense Offerings: 1200]

[Current Outstanding Debt: 6000]

"Donations have increased quite a bit recently," Li Ang said with a smile.

The number has increased from 400 to 1200. It seems that the news about the exorcism has spread. That's the good thing about small towns, or rather, that's the bad thing – the whole town knows about even the smallest things.

My contribution points have also increased significantly, and I've been attending Masses and confessions much more often in the last few days.

The countdown to the sect's end has decreased by three days, now it's 82 days.

Li Ang couldn't help but recall General Davis's line from the legendary RTS StarCraft 2 co-op mode: "The pressure is mounting..."

Thinking of this, Li Ang touched the inner pocket of the priest's coat. On one side was Andrew's notebook, and on the other side was the revolver called "Holy Judgment".

The "Holy Judgment" is currently loaded with three bullets, which Li Ang obtained by gritting his teeth. The bullets are beautiful, each with fine textures, as if they were made of special materials.

The radio was still on, and the female host was broadcasting in an excited tone.

"Next Monday is Remembrance Day, and we're connecting with our correspondent Donnie at Walmart in Lancaster County for further coverage."

"Thanks for the call, Kate. This is Donnie. All Stars and Stripes related products in Walmart are sold out right now. The patriotism of the residents is at an all-time high."

Upon hearing this, the female host's voice became even more excited: "Indeed, under the leadership of the great President Trump, American manufacturing has made a comeback, and the products produced are already in short supply!"

"Uh, excuse me, Kate, from what I've seen, all the products so far are made in CHIN..."

Donnie's words were abruptly cut off, replaced by a passionate speech from the female host, Kate:

"OK! Thanks to Donnie for the coverage. Now let's listen to the President's speech again, MAGA!"

"Such freedom of speech," Li Ang remarked.

He wanted a cup of coffee, but found the coffee box was already empty, so he could only sit back down in his chair and turn on the computer that was still using a GT710.

This thing runs so slowly it makes you want to smash your keyboard. It took three minutes to boot up, and it's probably slower than 99% of computers in the country.

As soon as I logged into my email, a new email popped up.

From: Administrative Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

[Subject: Guidance Notice Regarding Memorial Day Parish Activities]

Li Ang clicked on it.

To the parish priests:

"Memorial Day is an important patriotic holiday in America and a crucial opportunity for the Church to demonstrate its care for the community and spread the Lord's word. All parishes are requested to organize memorial masses, patriotic hymn performances, and fundraising events..."

A whole host of specific requirements followed. The national flag had to be displayed, a veteran representative had to speak, and a donation box had to be prepared.

Finally, it was emphasized that "event photos should be uploaded to the parish's shared folder within three days, as they will be used as a reference for the annual assessment."

"Evaluation... what a load of crap," Li Ang muttered.

But at that moment—

[Ding! Daily sect quest triggered: Sect Talent Commemoration Day]

[Task Description: Prepare and complete the stronghold commemoration event within five days to expand the sect's influence]

The sect will rate the execution of activities based on their performance level (superior, average, or inferior).

[Reward for completing a superior item: +100 Contribution Points]

Li Ang's eyes lit up.

He remembered the most basic cultivation technique in the store, "Blood Demon Qi Technique," which required 110 contribution points.

100 contribution points! Adding that to the 15 I already have, that's 115, enough to exchange for a new cultivation technique!

Moreover, the "Blood Demon's Aura Technique" sounds like a very benevolent cultivation method, and I urgently need to improve my strength. This town is not as peaceful as I imagined.

And what if, if I mastered it, I could conjure fireballs like Old Demon Han? Even if I couldn't conjure fireballs, it would still save me some gas money.

"Let's do it!" Li Ang slammed his hand on the table.

The table leg wobbled.

He picked up the phone and dialed an internal number, which rang seven or eight times before being answered.

"Feed... Father Li?" Nia's voice was groggy, with a nasal tone from just waking up.

"Sisters, in the name of the Lord, take action!"

The call ended. Li Ang could picture Nia's current state—she was probably still wearing that white nightgown, her hair a mess, and maybe she was hugging a pillow.

In theory, nuns are supposed to get up early and practice asceticism, but this is America, and it's not that strict.

Five minutes later, the office door was pushed open.

Nia arrived, already changed into her nun's habit, but her hair wasn't completely combed, with a few strands of blonde hair sticking out from under her headscarf.

She was carrying a tray with two cups of coffee on it.

"Father, coffee." She placed a cup in front of Li Ang.

Li Ang picked up the glass and took a sip, his expression instantly changing: "What is this stuff? Why does it taste a bit sour?"

"Standard Americano instant coffee, found in the church's stock, three months past its expiration date."

Nia whispered, "But I've tried it, it shouldn't kill anyone..."

"Alright, it's better than nothing." Li Ang took another swig, put down his cup, and said calmly, "Let's get down to business."

He turned the computer screen toward Nia and pointed to the email.

"Regarding Memorial Day, I have made the following arrangements, Nia, please take note."

Nia was somewhat surprised: "Didn't you say before that we could just casually deal with these kinds of events...?"

"Ahem! The plan has changed." Li Ang didn't explain further, simply waving his hand and saying:

"In short, this time we must do it seriously and on a large scale. There are two themes for fundraising: one is to commemorate the fallen soldiers, and the other is to raise funds for the repair of the church roof."

"Roof repairs..." Nia recalled the $100,000 quote and asked with a slightly complicated expression, "Would anyone donate?"

"Why not give it a try? How will you know if you don't try?"

Li Ang opened the document and started typing, "You'll be in charge of the choir. Find the Catholic children in the town's schools and have them practice a few patriotic hymns, like 'God Bless America' or something. I'll contact the town government to apply for an activity permit."

Nia nodded, took out her notebook, and began to take notes.

"And church decorations," Li Ang continued, "We need to hang the national flag, the state flag, the military flag... We should have some in the warehouse, right?"

"Yes, we do have some, but they're all old, and..." Nia hesitated for a moment, "...the flags might not be big enough."

"How big is considered big?"

"The parish stipulates that the national flag used for official events must be at least 3x5 feet."

Li Ang thought for a moment: "How big is the one in the warehouse?"

"2x3...and the edges are torn."

"...Let's just leave it hanging for now, it's better than nothing." Li Ang rubbed his temples.

"We need to set up the fundraising booth at the church entrance. We also need to make flyers; I'll go to the print shop in town to ask about prices."

The two discussed for more than half an hour, going over all the details they could think of, and Nia filled two pages of her notebook with notes.

"That's about it," Li Ang said finally. "You go find the kids for rehearsal today, and I'll handle the paperwork."

"Yes, Father." Nia closed her notebook, stood up, and left.

Li Ang was left alone in the office again.

He looked at the to-do list on his computer screen and let out a long sigh.

One hundred contribution points... I'll give it my all for the cultivation technique!

At 10 a.m., Li Ang drove his RAV4 to the town government.

The town government building is a three-story building with red brick walls and white window frames. The American flag and the Pennsylvania state flag fly on the flagpole at the entrance.

There weren't many cars in the parking lot, so Li Ang found a spot near the entrance and parked.

Before getting out of the car, he checked the instrument panel and found that the fuel gauge was only a quarter full, meaning he would have to spend tens of yuan to refuel.

"They all say money is a bastard..." Li Ang sang.

Upon entering the building, the lobby was deserted, with only a receptionist knitting with her head down. Hearing footsteps, she looked up and adjusted her reading glasses.

"Hello, how can I help you?"

"I'm here to apply for an event permit," Li Ang said. "We'd like to hold an event in the front courtyard of St. Michael's Church next week for Remembrance Day."

"Oh, you must be Father Li. I've heard about you recently."

The aunt put down her sweater and pulled a form from under the counter. "Fill this out. The time, location, expected number of participants, and activity details... everything must be clearly written. The processing fee is fifty dollars, cash or check."

"Huh?! They charge a handling fee for this?!"

Li Ang was speechless, but he could only take the form, lean over the counter and start filling it out. There wasn't much to fill out, and he finished in less than a minute.

"Okay." Li Ang handed the form back and then took out his wallet.

He didn't have much cash in his wallet; he counted out fifty dollars, all crumpled banknotes.

Paying the fee was a bit painful; it would have cost a lot more for gas.

The auntie took the money, stamped the form, and issued a receipt.

"Someone will come to inspect the site within three business days, and if there are no problems, the permit will be sent to the church."

She said, "Remember to keep the venue clean. The town government will not be held responsible for any safety issues that arise during the event..."

Another bunch of terms and conditions, Li Ang was overwhelmed by them.

"I understand, I understand."

Stepping out of the town government building, the sunlight was a bit dazzling. Li Ang squinted and looked at the receipt in his hand.

Fifty dollars for a piece of paper.

"The constructed America..." He shook his head and walked towards the parking lot.

In the afternoon, when Li Ang returned to the church, Nia was already rehearsing with a group of children.

In the church hall, a dozen or so children aged seven or eight to twelve or thirteen stood in two rows, including little Jack, while Nia played an old-fashioned organ in front of them.

The piano playing was a little off-key, but the children sang with great enthusiasm.

"God bless America, land that I love..."

Li Ang leaned against the door and listened for a while. The children's voices were childish and a little off-key, but their eyes were unusually firm.

"There should be the sound of an eagle's cry here," Li Ang thought to himself.

Nia saw him, stopped playing the piano, and let the children rest for five minutes.

"Father, are the formalities complete?" she asked as she walked over.

"Yeah, fifty dollars gone," Li Ang said. "How's the kids' training going?"

"It's alright, but a few of them keep forgetting their lines."

Li Ang nodded, pondered for a moment while stroking his chin, and then said, "Sister Nia, why don't you teach them some folk songs too? There are already few Catholics in the town, so we'll teach them some different styles so that people don't think we're too rigid. '500 Miles' would be good."

Nia wiped the sweat from her cheeks: "Okay, Father Li. By the way, I found the flag. It is a bit small... and it has a torn corner."

She picked up a folded national flag from the chair next to her and unfolded it.

It is indeed 2x3 feet in size, with some wear on the edges and a thumb-sized hole in the lower left corner.

"Can this hole be repaired?" Li Ang asked.

"I'll give it a try, but I can't guarantee it will look good."

"Alright, it's better than nothing." Li Ang paused, then added, "Where's the donation box?"

"I made one out of a cardboard box, but it looks a bit...shabby."

Nia pointed to the corner of the wall. There was a cardboard box there with "Donation" written on it in marker.

Li Ang went over to take a look. The cardboard box contained photocopying paper, and the brand logo was printed on the side.

There's a slit at the top, big enough to slip some money in.

"It is a bit shabby."

Ignoring those matters, Li Ang returned to his office and began calculating other expenses.

-----------------

As evening fell, the children all went home. Nia was tidying up the organ, while Li Ang was in his office checking the purchasing list, which included ribbons, candles, and printed flyers...

As Li Ang was doing his accounts, he heard the sound of a car engine outside. He looked up and saw a police car parked in front of the church through the window.

The car door opened, and a middle-aged policeman stepped out. He looked a bit like Pearson from Red Dead Redemption. He was slightly overweight, wearing a white cowboy hat, and his uniform was tight. A bunch of equipment was hanging from his belt, and he was holding a half-eaten donut in his hand.

"Hey! Father Lee, are you there? This is Sheriff Bob!"