Chapter 654

Chapter 654: Expulsion from Humanity

“So you both really dislike True Spirits this much? Then why pretend so hypocritically, filtering potential clients?”

Tiankai responded mildly, simply feeling a bit curious.

“What does liking or disliking matter? It’s all business. Can you stop working just because you dislike it?”

Zuo Ming shrugged.

“Business? Do you need so much money for cultivation? Also, teacher, do you want to repair your soul’s injuries?”

Tiankai looked at Nan Xi.

“Young people, you don’t understand. The more you live, the more you can feel your limits—your lifespan, environment, oppression from higher-ups, and the limitations of your own talents. These feel like countless chains, binding your entire being and leaving you unable to move…”

Zuo Ming lamented.

So, you don’t plan to live as a human anymore?

Everyone looked at Zuo Ming and then at Nan Xi with that gaze.

“There’s no doubt, just as you think, so I have given up on being human. How can one break through layers of confinement and reach the peak while remaining human?”

Zuo Ming smiled.

“Now I see. There are always countless excuses to violate the heavenly rules.”

Tiankai said.

Xie Jinglun nodded as well; these were all excuses.

Although Zuo Ming hadn’t explicitly stated it, his philosophy was to reach the peak no matter what, even if it meant causing countless families to suffer.

He couldn’t counter the so-called higher-ups with a blade but instead chose to sink into corruption, which said everything.

“What about you, teacher?”

“Living a few more years is always good. However, since I’ve been exposed, I don’t want to experience the pains of hell again.”

Nan Xi shrugged and said.

A hundred years in prison, with her soul burning like fuel without cease. After escaping, she had erased all memories of that time, leaving only the scars of her soul.

Just mentioning hell made the despair and madness surge from the depths of her soul, making it clear to her that she could never walk that path again.

She and Zuo Ming both looked pale, revealing an expression of deathly silence.

“Soul poison?”

The expressions of those around changed slightly.

Under the restrictions of the Dao Artifact, the sinner’s powers were nullified, making even suicide impossible; taking poison was also ineffective.

Even soul poison could only reduce vitality to freezing levels or disturb memories to avoid being probed about the past.

Nan Xi and Zuo Ming destroyed evidence, not out of brotherly loyalty, but purely to cover deeper secrets and to avoid enduring the pain of being pushed into hell, preemptively rendering themselves useless.

“Useless. Your memory cores have already been copied. Now, whether you live or die won’t affect the final memory judgment. No matter how many times you die, you will be restored to your original state.”

Dao Artifact wielder Yan Feng said lightly.

“Such thorough preparation! You actually backed up the memory core in advance, not allowing me to die at all. Where did I reveal any flaws?”

Zuo Ming showed an extremely ugly expression.

What did the deaths of the eight seats have to do with him?

Why would the Dao Artifact wielder who came for the deaths of the eight seats have evidence against him and activate the memory core copying?

As a level six researcher, he operated an immensely large business, and both he and his organization placed great importance on protecting his memories.

He would not be unaware of ordinary memory core copying. In other words, the opponent adopted a very high-level memory reading that could bypass all his defenses. The energy expended for this was one thing, but why did they believe they were involved in a greater secret?

They had already gathered a substantial amount of evidence against him and should have understood his background and the forces he was part of. Why was there still doubt that they would go so far as to use high-level memory core copying?

“Let me make this very clear. Simply put, you, like King Yu, belong to the Divine Court. The reason King Yu died was that he was ordered to assassinate Qing Liu Sheng. Unfortunately, the members of the Bicu World protected the area, and all three of the assassins died and had their memories reviewed.”

“Sadly, in their memories, your figure appeared. I did not come here to investigate the truth behind King Yu’s death; I came purely for you and your accomplices. Naturally, I must prioritize capturing all of you within the Bicu World research institute.”

Yan Feng conjured a phantom book in his hand, its pages flipping as countless memories from Zuo Ming and Nan Xi flashed by. Immediately, the expressions of the onlooking researchers changed drastically; they were enveloped by the laws of the Dao Artifact, sealing their powers.

“You must know what crimes you committed; I don’t need to elaborate.”

Some people felt as if their hearts had turned to ash.

They fell hopelessly to their knees.

The Dao Artifact in mid-air could directly determine guilt. The Red Heaven race might avoid capture for violating heavenly rules, but once caught, there was no room for rebuttal.

Can’t read minds?

Need evidence?

The Red Heaven Dao Artifact is a tool of rules that can directly ask both soul and body, forcing them to answer whether they had violated heavenly laws. Once a cultivator is suspected, everything is already over, especially as memories are read directly, uncovering evidence of guilt!

“This is what scholars from the five major schools are like; it’s truly ironic.”

Dao Artifact wielder Yan Feng scanned those who were not locked by the Dao Artifact.

They were nearly few and far between.

Breaking the law represented enormous profit; otherwise, why would anyone risk it?

The vast majority of researchers here willingly assisted Zuo Ming due to personal gain, and without exception had committed numerous violations regarding True Spirits.

Most of them collaborated in research and trade-offs, receiving ample rewards in money and status.

“What’s wrong with being a scholar? What’s wrong with wanting to survive? You bastards divide the spirit energy of heaven and earth, blocking the path of cultivation, forcing us to watch ourselves grow old day by day, waiting for death in agony. I ask, why can’t we live a few hundred years longer?”

“Because you are superior beings, the personal guards of the Divine Empress?”

A middle-aged man suddenly spoke up from the crowd, drawing everyone’s attention, his gaze filled with astonishment, shock, and… intrigue.

He mocked the Dao Artifact wielder, clearly preparing to add more years to his sentence. Since the Red Heaven realm could thoroughly investigate the situation from the beginning and with the Dao Artifact directly restricting the criminals, there was no fear of resistance. The sentencing essentially only allowed for increases and not reductions, with no talk of balancing police resources.

One could say, committing a crime meant paying a price greater than the crime itself, with the extent depending on the situation, allowing for fluctuations.

“Heh, a bunch of softies!”

Fu Duozhu lifted his head, darkly smiling, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with disdain.

The crimes they had committed couldn’t even be repaid by death, so what if the fluctuations were to be dealt with? It would merely mean dying in an even uglier fashion!

Thus, Fu Duozhu would not swallow his anger, directly retorting with mockery.

This was a well-known contradiction; the spirit energy in the Red Heaven realm had been exhausted, and the vast majority of people had lost the chance to cultivate, merely watching others live long and carefree lives.

Staying in the Bicu World to research True Spirits was no different.

The Bicu World lacked spirit energy and could not cultivate, making it equivalent to exile.

In short,

His words were bold!

On the side, Yun Ye and the others enjoyed the drama, fully engrossed in the unfolding events. What? You ask what thoughts they had?

Naturally, they had no thoughts at all!

Such matters were for fools to involve themselves in. They were students from Zixue Academy, exceptional individuals whose emotional and intellectual quotients could not be low.

If they were not familiar with someone, discussing politics was simply a way to show indifference.

Dao Artifact wielder Yan Feng maintained an expressionless face as he read various memories. Upon hearing these words, he turned his gaze toward Fu Duozhu, his hollow, pitch-black eyes unnerving Fu Duozhu somewhat, but he quickly returned the gaze. Were they not all about to die? Was there no need to be defiant?

In this current era, with the Dao Artifact’s restraints, no matter how high the cultivation level, one could not release their aura to harm others. The days of directly erasing souls with a glance at one’s status were long gone. Even the strongest Dao Artifact wielders had to follow the rules set by heavenly laws.

Dao Artifact wielder Yan Feng spoke: “Interesting. What gives you the right to attend Zixue Academy? What gives you the right to stay in the Bicu World as a researcher? Is it because you consider yourself superior?”

“Exactly, it’s because I am superior. If I weren’t capable and well-connected, how would I even have the chance to enter Zixue Academy, a chance that could change my fate?”

“You lack self-awareness. After making quick money for so many years, has your intelligence diminished?”

Yan Feng asked and answered his own question, leaving Fu Duozhu with no face to save.

“You’re full of nonsense!”

“You’re just changing the subject!”

“Yes, my family’s situation is certainly better than most ordinary beings, but even if I am superior, does that mean I don’t have the right to criticize the current state of Red Heaven?”

“It’s true that you don’t provide ordinary beings with a way out. If there were truly a path for advancement, why would I violate heavenly laws and end up where I am today?!”

Fu Duozhu roared.

“Foolish.”

In response, Yan Feng only waved his hand, enforcing the rules of the Dao Artifact to directly silence Fu Duozhu.

Fu Duozhu struggled in a fit of rage, trying to speak further, but no sound came out at all.

Even lip-reading couldn’t decipher Fu Duozhu’s words, which were broken and disconnected.

Most researchers looked at Fu Duozhu with emotionless faces, neither despising him nor agreeing with his statements.

While Fu Duozhu spoke the truth, his claims did not hold up.

First of all, he gained admission to Zixue Academy precisely because of his extraordinary background; his innate talent was extremely high, surpassing 99% of ordinary beings.

He could rely solely on talent and his current family background, but he was unable to fully realize this path, so he criticized everything, finding ways to keep moving forward.

Secondly, while the Bicu World may not be suitable for cultivation, it was a world outside the Red Heaven realm, and the effects of the span of heaven laws were not the same.

In the Red Heaven realm, Fu Duozhu might only live for one hundred years, but in the Bicu World, he could live for one hundred fifty years.

Is the Bicu World exile?

How many people wish to be exiled beyond the Red Heaven realm?

He himself was an upper-class person, a beneficiary of the rules, showing no intention of seeking fortune for ordinary beings, letting countless people die solely for his own longevity…

With just one person dead, all his reasons would collapse, let alone countless others.

No matter how decayed the Celestial Empire was, how could he possibly speak for the masses?

He truly personified the elite class, always wanting more, forever believing he stood on the side of righteousness, and consistently boasting that he represented the vast majority.

“Traitors of the Celestial Empire, disregarding heavenly laws, and using others as resources to get to where you are today—if you have no substance, just go to hell and talk among yourselves.”

“Everything ends here!”

Yan Feng did not regard the people before him as human.

Though hard to hear, he spoke candidly; the moment some committed offenses against heavenly laws, they ceased to be human and were expelled from humanity.

This wasn’t petty theft or fighting; it was the betrayal of the human race, committing the great sin of recklessly trading, using, and exploiting citizens recognized by heavenly laws.

The function of criminal law and civil law was different; it did not aim to reform but purely to punish the offenders.

Even the idea of receiving compensation from criminals was expressly forbidden by the original heavenly laws drafted by Yun Ye, to avoid the classic dilemma of “the dead have died, while the living must continue living.”

It wasn’t that victims couldn’t receive compensation; it was just that this compensation would come from the Celestial Empire.

For failures in taxpayer protection…

It was only natural to spend some money, right?

Yun Ye certainly felt it was normal.

The Celestial Empire wielded such immense power; it was impossible to bear no responsibility. Surely, no one would hire someone to kill their entire family for profit, right?

Well, even if such a situation could somehow escape Dao Artifact supervision, Yun Ye would still accept it. If they were willing to kill their entire family for money, it was clear how decayed and hopeless the Celestial Empire had become; if there were any chance to live well, it would be unnecessary to do so.

These regulations ensured that a sinner remained a sinner; even high-level cultivators could not escape punishment, maximizing the deterrent effect on potential crimes and securing justice for the victims. Such individuals would be directly expelled from humanity within the Red Heaven realm, losing all legal rights.

However, times were changing; many in the current Red Heaven realm felt the punishments were too severe and wished to seek revisions.

“President, Tiankai, today has truly broadened my horizons; a level six researcher, a teacher from Zixue Academy, numerous elite researchers…”

“Knowing a person’s face doesn’t mean knowing their heart. The school has its reasons. Reality is not a fairy tale. There’s so much we haven’t seen; we can always break through our cognitive limits!”

Xie Jinglun sighed.

“Do you care about that? I’m more concerned about the death of Seat Eight. You do realize the significance of this Seat, right? Every seat in the student council has the potential to open heaven and earth and expand the influence of the Red Heaven realm. The fact that he was given orders to assassinate the president and failed—who do you think it was from among the experts of the Heavenly Curtain?”

Tiankai said.

“Indeed, it seems we unknowingly escaped a calamity; those were three True Beings, individuals who would be revered as true sages in ancient times! Let alone Seat Eight, who possessed the potential to open heaven and earth, with unmatched combat power. We should thank the member from the Heavenly Curtain who protected us!”

“I’ve always heard that the Heavenly Curtain is everywhere, even the multiverse might not be able to evade their notice. It’s surprising that we actually ran into them; what luck!”

Xie Jinglun expressed profound relief.

This was a formidable organization within the Celestial Empire; it could not be unknown.

Many cultivators would choose to join the Heavenly Curtain or other official organizations after graduating in four years, naturally ensuring they learned about it in advance. In terms of treatment and status, the best choice in the Red Heaven realm was undoubtedly the Divine Army, followed by Celestial Officials, and then significant organizations like the Heavenly Curtain, continuously becoming a hot topic each year.

“It’s fortunate to be protected, but being targeted isn’t lucky. I hope we won’t become people like Zuo Ming in the future.”

“The world is difficult, Jinglun. For the sake of longevity, how far can you go?”

Yun Ye patted Xie Jinglun on the shoulder.

“……”

Xie Jinglun suddenly fell silent; this question was indeed difficult to answer. If asked whether he wanted to attain immortality, he naturally desired it, but what would his answer be if it meant getting his hands dirty?

He was quite unwilling.

Yet, thinking about his own death made him hesitate.

“Ah, the double dilemma of life and death is truly more challenging than choosing between saving a girlfriend or a mother. The latter is just a hypothetical, but life and death are essential paths.”

Xie Jinglun sighed deeply, abandoning his thoughts; he really couldn’t keep going. The more he thought, the more terrified he became. Who truly wishes to die?

…

Before taking the criminal away, Dao Artifact wielder Yan Feng glanced at Yun Ye, as if examining him.

Yun Ye was fortunate this time; he happened to be saved by the Heavenly Curtain.

To an ordinary person, it might seem advisable for Yun Ye not to leave the Red Heaven realm carelessly.

After all, the outer heavens had no Dao artifacts to prevent assassination; any situation or person could launch an attack, making it nearly impossible to defend against. The best choice was to stay as close to Red Heaven as possible.

Given Yan Feng’s personality, he would likely remind anyone else, but this Qing Liu Sheng before him truly failed to pique his interest in conversation.

As a Dao Artifact wielder, he couldn’t easily see through the student’s Daoist Robe!

This item was equal in level to his own treasures, otherwise, it would be difficult to penetrate his perception. Given the strength of this Daoist Robe, even if considered weak, a True Being might struggle to breach its defense; it was a defensive treasure.

Just having entered school and already wearing a treasure—its significance was crystal clear.

Worrying for someone with such a prominent background was truly a sign of having too much time on one’s hands.

As Yan Feng led Zuo Ming and others away, the research institute quickly emptied out by more than half, leaving the remaining people with lingering fear, yet it was hard to suppress their excitement.

Except for the newcomers, those remaining had weathered many storms; simply by not colluding with the wicked, they could expect to rise a few levels in this research institute. Both their treatment and prospects suddenly looked bright.

What great news it was! After Zuo Ming and others left, they instead eagerly organized a banquet, even inviting Yun Ye and others to celebrate; their guts were remarkable.

Yun Ye and his companions politely declined, only taking Aifina with them as they returned directly to Red Heaven.

…

In the Bicu World,

A silver-haired girl crouched between the rocks, waiting for a flying dragon.

Dragon blood was a precious substance, said to have a chance of allowing Shimmering Fairies to gain a trace of it, evolving into dragon-blooded Shimmering Wings.

Mirialia had accumulated too little and could not see how to proceed further, so she decided to try her hand at dragon-slaying.

At least this was a real path; the Dragon-Slaying Sword Saint had gained dragon blood after slaying a dragon, further evolving in strength and talent to enter the Sacred Realm. Though her improvement might be minor now, it offered a hope for progress.

“Roar!!!”

A long cry echoed as the Bloodfire Dragon’s figure flashed by, gracefully approaching.

Mirialia gripped her sword; her silver magical wings spread wide as she struck with astonishing speed, piercing the skies.

Having stepped into the extraordinary realm, her power was impressive; with one swing, she shattered the Bloodfire Dragon…

A scale!

Boom!

The Bloodfire Dragon swung its tail and sent Mirialia flying, crashing through several mountain peaks before finally stopping.

As a True Spirit originating from the Red Heaven realm, the Bloodfire Dragon, even without spirit energy nurturing it, could still possess life force, though it was far less powerful than it had been in the Red Heaven realm. Compared to Shimmering Fairies, it still held overwhelming advantages.

“Slaying a dragon isn’t that easy…”

Mirialia murmured to herself as she crawled out from the rubble. Suddenly, she turned her head to see an old man in black robes standing nearby, causing her hair to stand on end; she hadn’t sensed him at all!

“Mirialia Arelano, as a recognized True Spirit, you are qualified to join major organizations in Red Heaven and even explore the multiverse.”

“You want to grow stronger, right? Have you heard of the human race’s Eye of Supervision, which covers the multiverse like a Red Heaven shroud?”

“Your potential is quite good. Join the Heavenly Curtain, and you will have the opportunity to showcase your talents and continue progressing.”