Chapter 13-14

Chapter 13: The Demon Seed

On the other side, Bishop Darryl, having left the Enlightenment Sect's building, had already seated himself in a luxury sedan. The car was fully enclosed, with specially made glass ensuring a clear view outside, while the exterior remained oblivious to the inside scenes.

"Head back to the company," said the ordinary-looking Bishop Darryl, his voice now starkly different, unmistakably Bruce's voice.

As the sedan drove off the main road, his bones and muscles seemed to come alive, moving with a sensitivity and precision that soon restored his stature and appearance to their original form.

Merely subtle changes in skin tone, facial features, and physique were enough for Bruce, whose power was gradually returning, to transform into almost a completely different person.

Indeed, the so-called Enlightenment was entirely Bruce's creation. Realizing the potent influence of religion in this world, he conceived this idea. After mobilizing vast resources, he first established the bishopric in New York.

Of course, that's not how they presented themselves to the outside world. In their public narrative, Enlightenment had gradually originated since the 18th century, only recently expanding its scale—a process involving a whole set of designs and packaging.

The multitude of sects is a unique phenomenon in America. Although the vast majority of Americans are Christians, other religions also coexist due to historical reasons. As is well-known, America is a nation of immigrants. A significant portion of those who traveled thousands of miles to the American continent did so to escape religious control in their home countries. They arrived full of hope, seeking freedom on new land.

This original aspiration naturally evolved into a preference for religion. Everyone who had suffered oppression strived to declare themselves free and sovereign individuals. Thus, they advocated for the freedom to choose their religious beliefs, places of worship, and modes of worship, rather than conforming to past authorities.

This is why the founding fathers of America established religious freedom in law from the outset. The First Amendment explicitly prohibits the establishment of a national religion, forbidding Congress from making laws that restrict the free exercise of religion and preventing federal and state interference in religious organizations and activities. Every American in each state enjoys the same freedom of religion. Immigrants brought their native religious practices and sects to America, creating many denominations, many of which have branched out, with the number of sects rapidly increasing.

Religion for Americans is not just a belief but has permeated every aspect of American life.

An American joining a religious organization gains a certain social identity and status, recognizing their place in the social community, which brings comfort and justification.

In many social groups, a non-believer might face criticism, viewed as eccentric and unapproachable. Thus, despite the legal freedom to believe or not believe in religion, this freedom is often countered by a societal bias towards religion. In other words, it's better to believe in something, as that's more likable than having no beliefs at all.

Candidates attempting to enter government through elections also strive to demonstrate their religious devotion to win people's favor and garner more votes. As mentioned earlier, it's to the extent that American presidents or presidential candidates invariably conclude public speeches with "God bless America," highlighting the influence of religion.

However, how much one truly believes can vary. As times evolve, a variety of bizarre ideas and trends emerge, leading to increasingly diverse and peculiar choices in religion or denominations.

Don't be surprised to see jazz, modern dance, contemporary art, folk music, folk dance, poetry, drama, slideshows, movies, or even rock music in church activities. While this certainly angers traditionalists, many believers are enthusiastic about these changes. They no longer have to sit through long sermons of pastors monotonously repeating clichés or listen to centuries-old music.

In modern America, the most notable feature is the coexistence of a multitude of religious sects, with at least over 300 different religious denominations and more than 200,000 local religious groups. Even more astonishing is that there are over 1,000 cult organizations, making the country a veritable "Kingdom of Cults."

Branch Davidians, Concerned Christians, Church Universal and Triumphant, Peoples Temple, Heaven's Gate—the list is endless. From the mass suicide of 900 Peoples Temple followers to the Heaven's Gate believers who thought the place for extraterrestrial life was paradise, you can find all sorts of bizarre sects in American history.

Even in the 21st century, don't be surprised if you hear about a sect practicing a form of polygamy with one man and a dozen women, as those women often join voluntarily. In such sects, often without TV or internet, these women have been successfully brainwashed, willingly living in this alternative mini-society. The government usually turns a blind eye as long as they don't cause trouble.

So, Bruce even wonders if he's being too conservative. Compared to his counterparts in these cults, the Enlightenment Sect seems pure as a little white flower. At least, their so-called enlightenment coaching genuinely strengthens the soul, greatly benefiting the recipients, although most ordinary people couldn't achieve this on their own without the guidance of these demon priests. Yet, many still fail to sense the fluctuations of the soul's magnetic field.

Only with Bruce personally taking charge can everyone be ensured to feel it. However, this is just a temporary measure. As the demon legion grows, he believes the spark of Enlightenment will soon ignite a wildfire across regions.

"My lord, why waste your precious energy on these insignificant humans?" Gus asked with a puzzled expression, carefully questioning, the longer he spent with Bruce, the more he was impressed by his master's plans and thoughts, eager to grasp more of his intentions.

"Don't get hung up on superficial power, Gus." Bruce was willing to satisfy his subordinate's thirst for knowledge, as he always felt the lack of capable hands to execute his plans, far behind his own needs.

"In human society, these individuals can play a far more significant role than it appears. Even the smallest entity can exert a power beyond imagination when their numbers reach a certain scale. Through Enlightenment, we can pull people from all walks of life, industries, and fields—politicians, businessmen, police officers, lawyers, workers, stars. They engage in writing, teaching, artistic creation, house building, stock trading, hedge fund management, business operations, new technology inventions... Wherever there are people, we can expand. When every corner of the world has our people, whatever we wish to do will become much easier."

"Moreover, to welcome a bright future, people's concepts must gradually adapt to us, right?" Bruce took the cigar Gus respectfully offered, lighting it and taking a leisurely puff.

Gus clearly understood his meaning, his face breaking into a cruel yet somewhat stiff smile.

Indeed, more important than recruiting these people was to subtly spread the teachings of Enlightenment. On the surface, it appears entirely benevolent, actively guiding humanity to improve and elevate themselves. But on a deeper level, it's about planting a seed in their minds:

Humanity itself needs to evolve and elevate.

Gradually, when someone offers some external force, even if it looks a bit odd, unconventional, or even frightening, those who have embraced the concept of evolution will be less resistant.

It's like boiling a frog in warm water, needing to heat it slowly, bit by bit, without rushing.

To make this pot of warm water more enticing, Bruce has mobilized a vast amount of resources to gather talents from psychology, history, politics, economics, humanities, theology, and other fields for extensive research. He personally oversaw the initial determination of Enlightenment's doctrines and core ideas: spiritual freedom, self-improvement.

In a sense, Enlightenment will essentially be a multinational corporation selling a product. But instead of a tangible item, it sells an idea: spiritual freedom and self-improvement—a concept that is elusive but inherently very American, more popular in this era than ever before, akin to a form of psychotherapy.

Americans have always longed to fully heal their physiological, mental, and spiritual deficiencies. Enlightenment promises to fulfill their wishes, perfecting humanity and improving human society. It will be a transformed, powerful sect promising healing to its followers, with an unparalleled advantage over those sects that merely babble and sell nebulous ideas: the demon priests' soul magnetic field, or what is publicly called enlightenment coaching.

This magical method, which allows believers to feel transformed from the inside out immediately, is undoubtedly a miracle that people dream of and will fervently support.

Because the most believable lies are those that are ninety percent true and ten percent false—within this enlightenment dream, self-improvement is real, but the deepest impact, the final transformation, does it still qualify as human

? That's a matter of opinion.

Anyway, Bruce doesn't care. In his vision, as Enlightenment gradually expands its influence, those so-called cults will be sidelined, and even mainstream religions will struggle to compete. So, it's up to these charlatans and experts to perfect the doctrine and strengthen the mental guidance.

To quickly break new ground, Bruce even suggested offering the sect's various resources at cost price. That is, he never planned to profit from the sect. However, unexpectedly, the believers who tasted the benefits eagerly and generously donated to the sect. This gave Bruce more confidence, seeing that Enlightenment was far more popular than imagined.

Another new seed buried in the dark, fertile soil, how far could it be from blooming into a dazzling demon flower?

Chapter 14: Lasker Medical Research Awards

In Manhattan, New York City, the Hotel Le Faucigny Conference Center was abuzz with excitement. The flash of cameras and thunderous applause filled the room.

"Thank you! Thank you, everyone!"

"My dear and respected Chair, President, members of the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation jury, esteemed Nobel laureates and Lasker Award winners, distinguished President of the American Medical Association, ladies and gentlemen,"

Bruce, dressed in a meticulously tailored bespoke suit, stood confidently at the podium. Before him, the conference center was packed to the brim with members of the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, honorary committee members, and experts from the American medical and pharmaceutical fields.

Since June, numerous papers and findings co-authored by "Samson Bell" and "Bruce Lee" were published in authoritative medical journals such as Nature Science, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. Following the release of Vilda, a myriad of medical awards began extending their olive branches to them.

Initially, Bruce hadn't intended to co-author these works, but Samson Bell, perhaps feeling that Bruce had contributed more significantly, insisted on joint authorship for nominations and publications. Eventually, Bruce saw this as an opportunity to build his academic prestige, avoiding criticism for lack of experience.

However, to avoid hassle and potential attacks, Bruce let Samson or staff members accept most awards on his behalf. But the significance of today's award, and the explicit request for Bruce's personal attendance to deliver an acceptance speech, especially since the ceremony was in New York, persuaded him to attend graciously.

The Lasker Medical Research Awards, established in 1946, is a top honor in physiology and medicine, second only to the Nobel Prize in these fields. The awards recognize outstanding contributions by scientists, physicians, and public servants in medicine. Initially comprising Basic Medical Research, Clinical Medical Research, and Public Service Awards, a Special Achievement Award was later added, with the first two specifically for scientists.

Bruce and Samson were jointly nominated and won the Clinical Medical Research Award.

Typically, over half of the Lasker Basic Medical Research awardees go on to win Nobel Prizes within a few years, with nearly a 20% chance for Clinical Medical Research awardees, earning it the moniker "America's Nobels."

However, Bruce knew his chances for a Nobel were slim, given the foundation of Vilda's development was largely based on theoretical demon pharmacology.

"The Nobel Prize focuses on the verification and application of research findings, requiring years for nomination, so there's no rush," Bruce thought.

"I am deeply honored to share this prestigious Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award with my mentor, Dr. Samson Bell, one of the most revered awards in biomedical science," Bruce said, turning to smile and wave at Samson Bell standing beside him, who responded with enthusiastic applause.

"Dr. Bell has already spoken extensively about our research. I would like to discuss what receiving such a high honor means to me, as a newcomer to the field of medical science," Bruce said earnestly, holding the gold-plated Samothrace Victory statue, symbolizing triumph over disease and death, engraved with his and Samson Bell's names.

"To be frank, I don't think I deserve this award."

The room buzzed with murmurs as Bruce paused, his statement of unworthiness, though expected to show humility, was unusually direct. Even Samson Bell looked surprised and puzzled.

"Why do I say this? Because my achievements are built on the shoulders of giants. The real transformation of these findings into reality was done by my mentor, Dr. Samson Bell. At best, I only assisted, with most of my work lacking true innovation or foresight. Dr. Bell, my respected mentor and friend, insisted on including me among the awardees," Bruce said, turning to embrace Samson Bell warmly, prompting another round of applause.

"In all honesty, I should be embarrassed to accept this award. But, out of respect for the Foundation's sincere invitation, I shamelessly stand before you. Yes, if I win, I might be the youngest ever Lasker Medical Research Awards recipient—that's why I'm here."

Back at the podium, Bruce's youthful demeanor, combined with his candid speech and genuine smile, endeared him to the audience, sparking laughter with his playful gesture.

"I believe the pioneers of biology and medicine, the philanthropists Albert Lasker and his wife Mary Woodard Lasker who established the Lasker Medical Research Awards, share the same sincere and optimistic hope for this award as everyone here and myself. That is—to encourage more people to join this field, more workers in biology and medicine to strive to conquer the diseases plaguing humanity, and to alleviate the suffering of more patients."