Please, Young Master, Slay the Demon!
Chapter 489 - 67: Offering Prisoners (Request for monthly votes!)_1

Chapter 489: Chapter 67: Offering Prisoners (Request for monthly votes!)_1

"I heard you saved a poisoned city patrol last night?" The Regent Leader asked Chu Liang with a chuckle as he entered the residence early in the morning.

"Honestly, I didn’t have much confidence. I just happened to be there, so I thought I should give it a try," Chu Liang replied.

"You did well," the Regent Leader complimented, "If someone had died here in the Regent Residence, our reputation would have inevitably suffered."

They’re lumping me in with them...

Chu Liang kept his grumbles to himself. I haven’t collected a penny of salary from you.

Jiang Yuebai stood shoulder to shoulder with Chu Liang.

She had to report the Black Pine Ridge incident she had previously investigated to the Regent Leader, since she was officially handling the case on behalf of the Regent Residence.

"Such an event..." Upon hearing her explanation, the Regent Leader’s face took on a serious look. The drastic extermination of a major power was by no means a small matter. Nothing this horrendous had happened in the Nine States for a long time.

The last incident of this magnitude had occurred more than a decade ago with the extermination of the Jiang family. Of course, the Jiang family had been far more influential than Black Pine Ridge, and their demise had been horrifyingly catastrophic.

Upon recalling this, the old man glanced at Jiang Yuebai but chose not to mention it. Instead, he said, "The actual circumstances remain murky, and the hidden details need to be verified. Miss Jiang, your ability to swiftly capture key points demonstrates exceptional talent. Would you consider working at my Regent Residence for a while for some hands-on experience?"

Chu Liang laughed when he heard this.

This old man never misses an opportunity to recruit people.

"Let’s talk about it after Chu Liang’s case is resolved," Jiang Yuebai replied nonchalantly.

"The matter should be resolved soon. After this incident, the Red River Sect should also realize that this case is not simple, and will likely no longer blame him for it," the Regent Leader said. "In a few days, even if we can’t follow up on this, he should be able to leave."

Well, that’s good news.

Upon hearing this, Chu Liang cheerfully said, "I have been greatly enlightened by the teachings of the Regent Leader these few days. I’ll miss this place when I leave."

"After you finish representing Shu Mountain in the Immortal Sect Convention, you’re welcome to stay as long as you wish," said the Regent Leader. "Life in Yu Capital City will be much more lively than at the remote Immortal Sects, which is perfect for young people like you."

"Indeed," Chu Liang glanced outside, "It’s been quite noisy since early morning. It’s not a holiday today, so I wonder what they are celebrating."

"Tomorrow is the day when the Eastern Sea General will parade the prisoners into Yu City. The inhabitants of the city are already preparing to line the streets in welcome," the Regent Leader explained. "Following that, there will be a grand court meeting in the palace, which I will attend. I’ll leave you to handle today’s documents. Just leave them here when you’re done, and I’ll review them when I return."

"..." Chu Liang responded with a beaming smile, while internally, things were in turmoil. "Sure," he said.

"Don’t worry," the Regent Leader chuckled, "These past few days’ work won’t have been for nothing. Here, I’ve got something for you."

With that, he flicked his wrist sending two streaks of light towards them.

Chu Liang and Jiang Yuebai each caught a piece of half jade of the same design. The jade was warm and glossy, imbued with a rich spirituality. It was undoubtedly a magic artifact.

"What is this?" Chu Liang asked.

"This is called a Soul Crystal. The thoughts of the two holders can be transmitted through the space inside the crystal, regardless of the distance that separates them," the Regent Leader explained, "It’s a perfect gift for you two."

"Soul Crystal..." Jiang Yuebai repeated the name, her gaze slightly lowered.

Chu Liang, on the other hand, was nonchalant. He casually stuffed the jade into his pocket, his face adorned with a warm, innocent smile. "You really shouldn’t have."

...

After the matter was sorted, Jiang Yuebai left to return to her base.

After seeing her off, Chu Liang continued with his tasks within the Regent Residence. Now that he had received some benefits, his work attitude had changed completely.

Qi Yingxuan was surprised to find that Chu Liang’s efficiency, which had already impressed him, has now almost doubled! Chu Liang’s relentless speed even astonished the Regent Leader, who was no stranger to prodigies.

"Ha ha," he chuckled, "If you keep this up, I reckon I could hand over the position of Regent Leader to you without any problem."

All Chu Liang did was respond with a smile: "That would come at a different price."

The reason for his all-out effort was to finish his current tasks as soon as possible and excitedly take up the Soul Crystal.

When he projected his divine sense item, he was greeted with a space filled with rippling waves of jade green.

Operating this item was similar to the Soul Summoning Order he had acquired before, but it was more high-end, and he used it with ease. As soon as his thoughts fluttered, holographic text began to appear within the space.

[Chu Liang]: "Have you arrived? Get some rest first when you get there. There’s no need to rush, take care of yourself."

[Jiang Yuebai]: "I’m here, busy, we’ll talk later."

[Chu Liang]: "..."

Knowing that Senior Sister Jiang was busy, Chu Liang didn’t want to disturb her anymore. Instead, he aimlessly wandered around the Regent Residence. He wasn’t supposed to leave the main gate, but no one was keeping an eye on him, so he could take in the view apart from outside.

The area where the Regent Residence was located was near the Imperial City and was generally avoided by ordinary citizens. The broad main street in front of the gate was often empty and only filled with officials’ carriages during court meetings.

Today, however, there were countless people bustling about outside the gate, setting up something with fervor. It was most likely the preparations to welcome the Eastern Sea General’s parade, mentioned by the Regent Leader earlier.

This was a significant event for the Yu Dynasty, and Chu Liang had heard plenty about it at the banquets these past few days.

The situation in the Eastern Sea had always been complicated. This time, the prisoners being presented hailed from Roupu, an island country from the Eastern Sea.

Although the Nine States were mainly under the Yu Dynasty, the Human Clan constituted more than one nation. There were alone 36 countries in the Western Regions, and even after numerous wars and conflicts over hundreds of years, their number had only increased. The four seas—east, south, west, north—were riddled with countless island nations, with some nearly as large as one of the Nine States.

All Human Clan nations recognized the Yu Dynasty as the suzerain, paying tribute to it annually. Conversely, the Yu Dynasty also offered protection to its vassal states in times of disasters and calamities.

Everything was peaceful to begin with.

The rise of Fuyao Country caused the instability in the Eastern Sea.

Fuyao Country originated from a group of local residents who were still living a primitive lifestyle two thousand years ago, eating raw meat and drinking blood. But the climate there was mild, the land was fertile, and it was rich in spiritual energy. Whenever Nine States was engulfed in war, a large number of refugees would flee across the sea to this place.

Over time, they integrated with the local people and established their kingdom. Over a thousand years ago, the residents of sixteen islands jointly planned to establish their own country and naturally intended to submit and tribute to the King of their time.

Fuyao Country, with its sixteen islands, had the largest land size comparable to a state, and the lands of the united islands were even more extensive. It would overtake the King’s Kingdom and become the largest Human Clan country out there. Hence, the King’s court was wary of this, and did not agree to the united islands forming a country, only allowing them to establish dispersed nations.

This was against the wishes of the islands. After decades of efforts, they finally found a powerful backer for themselves.

Penglai.

Although the Immortal Sects had close ties with the Nine States Kingdom, they supported not just this great kingdom, but the entire Human Clan. They would even purposely aid some smaller countries to prevent the King’s power from becoming excessively concentrated.

For instance, the Heavenly King Sect of the Nine Heavens Immortal Sect, Misty Mountain Immortal, Endless Sword Sect, and the Night Blade Sect from the Ten Lands... all had closely associated nations supporting them at the back.

After all, the admiration these small countries could offer was something that a powerful kingdom could not give.

The islands of Fuyao promised to regard the Penglai Upper Sect as the state religion. All resources and talents would be made available for Penglai Upper Sect’s disposal and several other conditions were made to adopt the rules of Penglai as their own.

As they wanted, their devotion won the strong support of Penglai, culminating in the successful establishment of Fuyao Country.

Over the thousand years that followed, both parties upheld the principle of "benevolent father, filial son".

At the time, Penglai was not recognized as the first Immortal Sect, and Fuyao Country was a newborn calf. Both parties became increasingly stronger, complementing each other to perfection.

Today, the Penglai Upper Sect has been recognized as the First Immortal Sect for many years, and Fuyao Country dominates the Eastern Sea, reigning supremely within this region. Although it continues to submit and tribute to the Yu Dynasty, this has never changed.

But the fact that Fuyao Country does not openly revolt does not mean there’s no other movement.

Just over a decade ago, Roupu Country of the Eastern Sea announced that it would no longer submit to the Yu Dynasty and instead recognize Fuyao Country as its upper country.

Roupu Country, a small island in the Eastern Sea, is so small that it would be an insult to call it the size of a small pellet.

Considering the few fish it tributes each year, the Yu Dynasty barely took any notice. But what if, once this precedent is set, the neighboring affiliated countries follow suit?

The imperial court dispatched a substantial seventh realm entity as an envoy to interrogate. As an envoy... towards Roupu Country, a little place where once the interrogation fails, this substantial entity might just reveal the "General of the Eastern Conquest" label underneath his clothing, transforming into a conquering army.

Taking down a country single-handedly is not difficult.

However, when he arrived, the attitude of Roupu Country was also very sincere - with the vast ocean separating it from Nine States Land and it relying on Fuyao Country just a short boat ride away, their existence was completely dependent on Fuyao Country.

What else could they do if they did not listen to Fuyao Country?

The underlying message was no longer subtly conveyed - it was all according to Fuyao Country’s will.

The Yu Dynasty had anticipated this, but dealing with Fuyao Country was not as easy as dealing with Roupu Country. With Fuyao Country’s powerful soldiers and the support of Penglai at its back, they were not easy to take down.

As for Roupu Country...

Even if it was exterminated, sending troops to occupy it afterward wouldn’t be worth it. The value of their tribute in fish each year wouldn’t even cover the military expenses.

The matter of Roupu Country was temporarily set aside.

Of course, the struggle between the Yu Dynasty and Fuyao Country in the Eastern Sea escalated from there and has never stopped ever since.

Until recently when the news of the Demon God’s return spread throughout the Four Seas and Nine Continents. Hundreds of people from the border regions of the Western Regions fled inwardly, and even the citizens of some small Western Countries sought refuge in the Yu Dynasty. Confusion broke out within the Yu Dynasty, with frequent mysterious incidents, and public resentment began to rise throughout the country.

At such a time, nothing could divert this resentment and boost morale better than a foreign war.

Now, Roupu Country, the only one amongst the Four Seas and Nine Continents that did not tributize the Yu Dynasty, naturally came under the court’s scrutiny... laughter resounded throughout the court...

When Roupu Country stopped submitting over a decade ago, hardly any common citizens of the Yu Dynasty knew about it. After all, its impact on the life of the Yu Dynasty was just the absence of a fish on the tables of the nobility one day. Why would anyone care?

But under the intentional propaganda of the court, this matter became well-known within a few days, as if it had just happened. The issue of Roupu Country elevated to the height of a provocation against the majesty of the Yu Dynasty.

How dare this insignificant country do such a thing?

Outraged, His Majesty the Emperor raised his hand, appointing Wu Anmin as the General of the Eastern Sea. He led thirty thousand elite soldiers, ten warships, and several powerful individuals, marching grandly towards Roupu Country.

Roupu Country may be small, but its people were rather staunch.

We’re surrendering unconditionally right from the start. What can you do to us?

We even surrendered before your army arrived.

When the Eastern Sea General led the vast army to their shores, he saw a large number of Roupu Country citizens already kneeling on the beach under the leadership of their king. The civilians had already packed their belongings, all carrying a small bundle on their backs.

The few valuables such as gold, silver, and jewelry were put aside as the army’s military expenses. There was no need for seizure, everything of value was there.

Such sensible actions were heart-rending.

Wu Anmin didn’t even have the heart to take such military expenses. The people worked hard all year round to catch a few fish. What money could they earn? They might as well keep their money.

However, you all must follow me on a journey.

The Yu Dynasty is in need of a morale-boosting prisoners offering ceremony. Please bear the inconvenience for the time being.