These women all had hoarse and gravelly voices. Even though they wore thick black robes, the robes couldn’t conceal the rich scent of decay wafting from their bodies. Seeing them kneel down, Qin Yu suddenly understood why You Qi pleaded for mercy on their behalf. He came to a decision.
“After having been trapped here for 100,000 years, struggling on the precipice of life and death, it is the Demonic Path that owes you. So, I will allow you all the freedom to make your own choice. If you aren’t willing to continue suffering living, then you can scatter yourselves in the world. For those that wish to continue living, then the Holy Palace will provide you with puppet bodies.”
As his voice fell, there was a sudden storm of weeping and sobbing in the hall. The sharp and shrill cries were a catharsis of pent up emotions.
They had waited 100,000 years, waiting for these words. They weren’t wrong; they had just been innocently dragged into this.
The women pulled back their hoods, revealing withered corpse-like faces. Tears of blood flowed out from their empty eye sockets, looking especially striking on their dried up flesh. “Your Highness, I ask you to give us your gift so that we can be freed as soon as possible!”
“We beg Your Highness to grant us your gift!”
Qin Yu glanced at each of their faces. These women had ferocious and horrendous appearances, but he could imagine that 100,000 years ago, all of them were as beautiful as flowers. For them to end up in such a situation, just whose wrong was it? And who should they seek to settle this debt?
To them, this world was nothing but a living hell. Perhaps only by dying, their ashes returning to the earth, could they truly be freed from this purgatory.
You Qi’s eyes reddened. She welcomed Qin Yu’s gaze and gently nodded. “Your Highness, please release the shackles from their bodies.”
Qin Yu took a deep breath. He straightened himself and took out the Holy Son Seal, presenting it high. “Today, with my status as the Holy Son, I pardon you all. From here on out, your life and death are your own, not to be restrained by the Holy Palace!”
Hum –
The golden seal gently shivered and an invisible wave instantly spread out. The faint traces of imprisoning strength scattered from their bodies. Bright and warm smiles lit up the ugly and fierce faces of these women. They bowed one last time, and then their bodies moved no more.
A gust of wind came from nowhere, blowing across their bodies. Then, like sculptures that had weathered down for countless years, these bodies disintegrated into the wind.
In the blink of an eye, in this hall, besides several people, there was only powder on the floor.
Qin Yu suddenly felt dispirited, as if his heart had been filled with something heavy. He waved his hand and said, “The puppet bodies will soon be sent to the Holy Palace. After today, all of you will obey You Qi’s instructions. You may leave now.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Several women stood up. Their deep gazes paused on Qin Yu for a moment before they lowered their heads and left the hall.
You Qi softly said, “Every time a new Holy Monarch appears, they will follow the old customs and heavily populate their harem. These women might have touched the glory of the Holy Monarch, but this isn’t what they hoped or wished for. From then on, their life was no longer theirs to control. Your Highness, to give them the choice to decide their final life or death is already the greatest show of respect to them. Even if they fade between the heavens and earth, I’m sure that each and every one of them was grateful towards you.”
Qin Yu felt his shoulders become even heavier as he heard this. He forced a smile, saying, “There is no one here, so why are you speaking to me like a stranger? Between you and me, there is simply no need to care about any so-called status.”
You Qi shook her head, “Your Highness is already the Holy Son. Soon, you will succeed the throne of the Holy Monarch. Since I am staying in the Holy Palace, I need to adhere to customs and the difference in standing, otherwise how will anyone else be respectful to you?” Her eyes were calm and firm. “Your Highness, I hope no matter when it is, you can maintain a final sliver of charity and kindness in your heart like today. I don’t want you to become a stranger just because your status, influence, or cultivation has changed.”
Seeing her serious look, Qin Yu welcomed her gaze. He earnestly nodded, “Although there might be endless slaughters in the future, I will always maintain a bottom line…You Qi, thank you!”
To be the one who controlled his strength and not be controlled by his strength…these words were something that only those closest to him would ever say.
You Qi chuckled and bowed. “Your Highness, you have now obtained the Holy Son Seal. So, please leave the Holy Palace and receive the respects of the Demonic Path.” She drew back into the shadows. “I will be here waiting for the day you become the Holy Monarch.”
Glancing at the direction she left in, Qin Yu suddenly said, “You Qi, on the day that I become the Holy Monarch, I will abandon the custom of filling a harem. Everyone can choose as they wish.” He wasn’t sure if she heard him or not. After waiting for several breaths of time and receiving no response, he suddenly smiled. Why speak now? They had plenty of time in the future.
He stood up and walked outside.
Today, when he left the Holy Palace, he would welcome the congratulations of all sides!
…
Although the Demonic Path’s small world had the word ‘small’ in it, the reality was that this was only in relative comparison to the entire Land of Divinity and Demons. In truth, the vastness of its area was comparable to that of a great empire. Otherwise it would have been impossible to contain the massive number of disciples that multiplied through the years.
In the southeast, the Nineren Mountain couldn’t be considered very tall or straight, but the forest environment was lush and green and many monster beasts lived here. It was because underneath his mountain region, there was a spirit vein branch.
Spirit veins were something born from the heavens and earth, capable of drawing in spiritual energy from all sides. It was especially beneficial in helping cultivators cultivate. To them, this could be called a paradise.
However, the Demonic Path small world’s cultivation environment far surpassed that of the outside world. Spirit veins were rare but they couldn’t be considered too precious. By expending some effort and arranging some treasures, one could form a spirit gathering array formation. Even if the effects couldn’t compare to a true spirit vein, it wasn’t too far off.
But even a mosquito still had a small amount of meat. The larger a family was, the more space they needed to spread out. If their family could obtain Nineren Mountain, then their surplus disciples would have another place to go.
Fang Changling pressed a finger down on a map. He turned around and asked, “Have you investigated which family this place belongs to?”
While the Fang Family was a new noble family, they still had several outstanding individuals appear amongst their ranks. Everyone could see that unless something disastrous occurred, the Fang Family would have a prosperous future. So, they were normally highly respected and communicated well with others.
This allowed the Fang Family to rapidly establish themselves in the Holy Land. Gradually, their daily conduct gained the flavor of a powerful and mighty family. If they didn’t know that most families who lived in this region had venerated statuses, they would have long since sent a messenger instead of being so discreet.
The steward walked out and respectfully bowed. “Reporting to master, we have already investigated the situation. The several spirit ponds at the back of Nineren Mountain are a part of the Herald City Ning Family’s industry. Many years ago, the Ning Family left the Holy Land and their industries were managed by their relatives. They returned some time ago and are gradually taking back control.”
Fang Changling frowned. “Herald City’s Ning Family?” He thought carefully but couldn’t come up with anything.
The steward tactfully said, “It isn’t strange if master doesn’t know of the Ning Family. They were very strong in their early years. A fierce character rose within their ranks so they were given the title of a noble family. Unfortunately for them, that person later became entangled with the Immortal Sect, and he didn’t have a good ending. The Ning Family declined as a result. Because they have several enemies in the Holy Land, they were worried that they would be plotted against so they left the Holy Land. But for some unknown reason, the Ning Family recently returned.”
Fang Changling was suddenly enlightened. So it was that family. That past commotion had caused a great ruckus, and anyone within the Demonic Path who had some qualifications would know about it.
A declining noble family wasn’t considered anything at all within the Holy Land. Fang Changling originally only had thoughts on Nineren Mountain, but now other things came to mind. Still, no matter how in decline they were, they were still a noble family. It wasn’t good to casually bully them. He needed to find an appropriate reason to avoid any troubles afterwards.
The steward was a close confidant who had followed beside his master for many years, so he naturally knew what sort of personality his master had. He calmly said, “Some years ago, the Huang Family from the Qilin Ridge joined our ranks. Their attitude has been respectful and they give offerings every year. I heard that recently they have been experiencing some troubles. It seems that they suffered some losses while they were fighting with the neighboring Shi Family.”
Fang Changling looked up. “Stop trying to speak circles around me. Hurry up and get to your point.”
The steward lightly slapped his cheek. “It was my mistake, please don’t be angry at me master! I have already sent people to investigate the situation. The reason that Huang Family suffered a loss is because the Shi Family has found a backer – a noble family that has just returned home.”
Fang Changling’s eyes brightened. “Ning Family! Hehe, this is just like a pillow being sent to you when you’re about to sleep! What an incredible coincidence!” He lightly coughed and pointed a finger in the direction of Herald City. “For better or worse, my Fang Family still has the dignity of a respected family. Since we have received their offerings, we naturally cannot disappoint them. Send a letter to the Huang Family. Tell them to not be afraid. Our family will be supporting them!”
