Chapter 25: The So-Called Inhuman
"Are the inhumans related to my human race? Where can I find this inhuman being?"
Qiao Mu was completely confused by Wang Songhe's words.
Before meeting Wang Songhe, he thought that the inhuman group capable of defeating the Martial Saint might be a fierce fighting race with three heads and six arms.
After all, the Martial Saint was too powerful.
Whether it was from Qiao Canxue's mouth or from this mysterious bandit Wang Songhe, the Martial Saint was a martial arts giant who was terrifyingly strong.
Now, it seems that the beings who can defeat the Martial Saint are not what Qiao Mu imagined.
"Brother Qiao, this is not the place to talk. Follow me."
As Wang Songhe coughed up blood, he led Qiao Mu forward, seeming to be in poor physical condition.
Qiao Mu thought that Wang Songhe would take him to a secret room to talk, but unexpectedly, they walked to the central Taoist temple in the mountain stronghold.
The Taoist temple was already in a state of decay, with walls full of mottled marks. The courtyard was filled with pots and pans, clearly taken over by the bandits.
The various halls and pavilions of the Taoist temple had also become the bandits' makeshift shelters.
Only the main hall, where the statues were enshrined, was an exception.
Compared to other parts of the Taoist temple, the main hall was much neater. Although the altar and other objects were old and broken, there was not much dust, indicating regular cleaning.
Behind the altar was a statue of a tall immortal in flowing white robes, holding a wooden staff, with a plaque that read "Immortal Qingmu."
Just as Qiao Mu entered, a middle-aged couple also came in and respectfully knelt and worshipped in front of the altar, lighting three incense sticks.
When they saw Wang Songhe enter, the middle-aged couple smiled and greeted him before leaving.
"Doesn't this place look more like an ordinary mountain village than a bandit's den?" Qiao Mu felt that something was off about the scene.
Although Wang Songhe considered himself a mountain bandit, the things he did might be closer to the rebellion at the end of the ancient dynasty.
However, he was a bit strange. Wang Songhe just talked when he talked. Why did he come to this Taoist temple to talk?
Wang Songhe closed the front door of the main hall, leaving only him and Qiao Mu in the hall. It was quiet inside, with only the lingering smoke of three incense sticks.
At this moment, he finally spoke up and continued, "This so-called unhuman is actually not a big secret, it's just something that those who know prefer to keep to themselves."
"The unhuman beings are not only related to our human race, but they also have the same appearance as us. We can communicate with them without any difficulties as we share a common language."
"Then, what makes these 'unhuman' beings different?" Qiao Mu frowned.
Wang Songhe pressed his chest and said coldly:
"The difference lies in their hearts."
"The unhumans possess a tremendous power that surpasses warriors, and they willingly, from the depths of their hearts, separate themselves from ordinary folks."
"Of course, the unhuman don't refer to themselves as unhuman."
"The term 'so-called unhuman' is just a deceptive phrase used by the imperial court to deceive the senses."
Qiao Mu understood immediately.
Wang Songhe continued, "The extraordinary beings are truly remarkable. They possess great power and have long lifespans. Once their existence is acknowledged by the world, they are often revered and worshipped, like beacons in the eyes of ordinary people."
"And this is only the surface." Wang Songhe said solemnly.
"The mountain on top of the heads of the world is the Great Yan Imperial Court, and above the Great Yan Imperial Court is the mountain of extraordinary beings."
"For decades, the oppressive government policies and taxes imposed by the imperial court were a result of the war against inhumans that the Martial Saint lost."
"The inhuman beings tower above us, the human race, and don't regard us as their equals. We, the human race, are merely viewed as resources and possessions in the eyes of the inhuman."
"They raise a large number of humans as laborers for mining, farming, and cultivation. These laborers are also believers and followers who, in addition to their work, must worship them."
"From birth to death, from soul to body, humans are providing resources and value to the unhumans, without even realizing it!"
"The unhumans may appear dazzling and unmatched in their strength, but within every pore of their bodies flows the fresh blood of mortals!"
What capitalists... Qiao Mu listened and furrowed his brows tightly.
In his past life, he had been a worker who earned his living, so when Wang Songhe said so much, he felt a strong sense of identification and started getting angry.
But these words... he vaguely thought of something, but couldn't figure it out upon careful consideration.
"So, what are these unhuman beings you're talking about?" Qiao Mu asked again.
Wang Songhe remained silent, standing with his back turned to him.
Qiao Mu repeated the question, but Wang Songhe remained indifferent.
The atmosphere reached this point, and just as Qiao Mu was about to complain, suddenly his heart fluttered.
Wang Songhe didn't keep it a secret, he gave the answer from the beginning, but Qiao Mu ignored it.
During the conversation just now, Wang Songhe never faced him, but kept his gaze on a spot in the main hall.
Qiao Mu followed Wang Songhe's gaze and saw a statue behind the offering table. It was Immortal Qingmu holding a wooden staff, looking down emotionlessly at them.
A flash of insight came to his mind.
The so-called "unhuman" that Wang Songhe mentioned were alchemists, cultivators, and their ultimate goal - immortals!
Immortals are high and mighty! Immortals are merciless!
Immortals raise human servants to cultivate spiritual plants, tend spiritual fields, and gather the power of belief from followers. They see ordinary people as resources!
From birth to death, followers provide their power of belief and labor in mining spiritual ores. They are resources in the hands of immortals throughout their lives.
"Who is the Martial Saint fighting against..."
Qiao Mu only realized the terrifying aspect of Martial Saint afterwards.
While others pursue immortality, he trains in martial arts and becomes the second best martial artist in the world, dubbing himself as the Martial Saint.
Qiao Mu suddenly realized something.
Even though Martial Saint is at least able to become Martial Saint, what about him?
After practicing the Iron Crotch Skill for eight years, did he just find out about this world of immortal heroes?
"Wait, if there are immortal gods in this world, then..."
Suddenly, a thought flashed through Qiao Mu's mind, his heartbeat instantly quickened, and his breath started to accelerate too.
He took a step forward, getting closer and closer to the towering statue of Immortal Qingmu.
With a racing heart, the things he wanted to do made him incredibly excited just by imagining them.
At this moment.
Qiao Mu's adventurous spirit burned brightly!
If there were immortals in this world, if they were heartless, treating the people as mere dogs...
Qiao Mu leaped up, astonishing Wang Songhe, and boldly jumped onto the altar, standing shoulder to shoulder with the statue of Immortal Qingmu.
"Brother Qiao Lin, this is...," Wang Songhe was shocked by this sudden change, unable to react.
Suddenly, Qiao Mu shouted loudly:
"We are born free, no one can look down on us!"
With a loud shout, he threw a powerful punch towards the statue of Immortal Qingmu.
