Back then, he also joined in on the trend and claimed to be an "FFF" honorary member, often joking about it.

But he never really believed in the so-called "FFF" heretic trial philosophy, nor was he loyal to the organization or sect.

Of course not!

An online organization created for fun, no one would actually believe it’s real, right?

"You’re right, but I need to emphasize that when the Cowherding Sect was first established, most of its members were just following the joke..."

Huang Qing didn’t deny Chen Ba’s claim, because it’s true; the Cowherding Sect started as a humorous organization. Neither the Sect Leader nor the High Priest took it seriously.

Times have changed, though!

Over time, the Cowherding Sect has evolved from a joking organization into a legitimate sect where like-minded people gather for comfort.

Of course!

No matter how it transforms, the inherent humor of the organization remains, so its guidelines and teachings are still seen as amusing by outsiders.

Previously, everyone said the humorous guidelines or teachings just for fun; no one took them seriously, let alone adhered to them.

But now, that’s changed!

"I’ve heard of it, but didn’t expect it to be so abstract," Chen Ba frowned.

He really couldn’t understand.

If it’s purely for fun, then the Cowherding Sect followers aren’t the problem. It’s just finding enjoyment online, where anything can be said or done.

But if they genuinely believe in it, truly accepting the teachings or philosophy, then it’s a bit puzzling.

Why?

Chen Ba has seriously looked at the Cowherding Sect’s core teachings or missionary philosophy, which include "cowherding as a form of cultivation," and he doesn’t find anything special about it.

In other words, he thinks it’s complete nonsense. Back when Kun Kun was unmarried, who knows what craziness was in his head to make up such ridiculous ideas.

The key is, do people actually believe in this?

Your Sect Leader admitted it’s all fabricated nonsense, yet there are actual followers convinced it’s not fake?

"It’s not about disbelief..."

Yang Dong entered the office holding a coffee, raised his eyebrow, and said, "Is it possible that everyone knows it’s fake?"

"Believing in the Cowherding Sect is merely a way to find some spiritual comfort in this fast-paced, high-pressure era?"

Followers of the Cowherding Sect believe that connecting with nature relaxes the soul, and activities like cowherding and grass-cutting are spiritual practices that bring one close to the "pure" state of birth.

This rhetoric is repeated by every Cowherding Sect follower.

Once or twice it’s harmless, but after repeating it hundreds or thousands of times, their intention for fun fades, and they start to ponder if this is true cultivation?

"Stop, stop, hold on!"

Chen Ba couldn’t listen any longer and quickly stopped the discussion: "Weren’t we talking about the instant sell-out of ten thousand ox figurines? How did we suddenly start discussing the rationality of Cowherding Sect’s teachings?"

"I mentioned it’s the reason!"

Huang Qing spread his hands and said, "The Cowherding Sect’s teachings are gaining more and more recognition, which is why ten thousand related items sold out instantly."

It’s not that complicated!

The Cowherding Sect originated from the Cold Window Study Simulator game, but has long transcended the game, and followers are no longer limited to players.

In short, it’s a large community, so it’s not difficult to understand why a limited edition of ten thousand Old Huang ox figurines would sell out quickly.

"It makes sense."

"What I truly don’t understand is, the cowherding activities organized by Cowherding Sect followers seem quite popular now?"

Yang Dong scratched his head and said, "I came across a news report; apparently, an elementary school organized a rural visit experience for students to appreciate their fortunate lives."

"And their teacher happened to be a dedicated Cold Window Study Simulator player, arranging cowherding and grass-cutting activities... The news was praised by parents and teachers across regions!"

"Praised?"

"Yes, praised!"

Yang Dong nodded to confirm he wasn’t mistaken, adding, "Then there was an unexpected online trend of taking kids to the countryside or their hometown to experience cowherding, grass-cutting, and farm work."

This is the good work of the Cowherding Sect!

They’re not only staying close to nature and enjoying cowherding and grass-cutting activities, but also recommending and promoting them to others.

While that isn’t the main point, the main point is that people actually believe in the Cowherding Sect’s influence, especially parents and teachers who genuinely see it as an excellent educational method for children.

Chen Ba: "..."

Although he finds it very abstract, he must admit that these sect followers have genuinely accomplished something good this time, and it’s not a bad thing.

Allowing those pampered city kids to experience cowherding and grass-cutting like rural children isn’t inherently negative.

Just be careful!

During this process, it’s enough to realize how hard-earned happy life is, but definitely don’t believe the weird uncles and aunts claiming "cowherding is a form of cultivation..."

What a sin!

These Cowherding Sect followers probably feel the Cold Window Study Simulator game has cooled down, making it difficult to recruit new comrades online, so they’ve expanded to the real world!

The most infuriating part is they’re targeting elementary and middle school students?

Truly despicable!

Chen Ba became angrier the more he thought about it, even feeling this is why the Cowherding Sect kept a low profile for so long, seemingly not causing trouble.

He thought they had finally become well-behaved after being suppressed.

However, who knew these troublemakers opened a second front, causing havoc in the real world!

"Hold on..."

Just as he was about to order a full-scale apprehension of Cowherding Sect members and label the sect as a "cult" in Tianba Community, Chen Ba suddenly realized something.

So he quickly asked Yang Dong, "If the Cowherding Sect can cause so much trouble, what about the GuMua Sect, Dubhe Sacred Land, and Merit Cultivators?"

Almost forgot.

Tianba Community, a chaotic game community filled with all kinds of demons, isn’t just home to the Cowherding Sect.

There are numerous player organizations with weird and wonderful ideologies also active in Tianba Community, sometimes clashing due to missionary activities, resulting in forum chaos.

If the almost defunct Cowherding Sect can cause such trouble, wouldn’t other player groups or organizations create similar chaos?

"No, it’s not like that!"

Yang Dong shook his head and said, "I haven’t heard of any trouble from other player organizations, but..."

Upon hearing the first half of the sentence, Chen Ba’s tense nerves immediately relaxed, but before long, they tightened again when he heard the word "but."

"But what?"

"There’s a rumor, though its truth is uncertain, but it’s quite alarming!"

Yang Dong smiled and said, "Word has it that a real estate company in Jiang City developed a new project, which was popular in the pre-sale stage but later faced a funding crisis, supposedly leaving it abandoned..."

"Hmm?"

Chen Ba felt puzzled. What does this news have to do with their discussion topic? Real or fake, it doesn’t seem related to Tianba Studio.

A failed real estate project isn’t especially new... ugh!

As if realizing something, Chen Ba’s expression stiffened as he looked at Yang Dong, questioning word by word, "Are you telling me some GuMua Sect players bought homes in this project?"

"Seems so..." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Yang Dong coughed and explained, "Many players have posted in the community, but the truth is still uncertain. One point is, the reason why these GuMua Sect players bought homes in the project is quite special."

"What reason?"

"That’s because the project’s name is Tianba Manor!"

Chen Ba: "..."

It’s one thing to use this project to scam players in a game, but how can people use it to scam money in real life?

Bad news!

Players won’t actually believe he built the property, will they?