Chapter 622

Chapter 622: Blood and Honor

"How is it? I’ve been merciful, giving you plenty of time to decide," Master Hei Xu finally asked after a long pause, his tone unhurried.

The hundreds of cultivators exchanged uneasy glances. None wished to agree, yet none dared speak, terrified that a single misplaced word might earn them a fatal strike from Master Hei Xu’s Xuan Yuan Devil Whip. The gruesome deaths of Ling Mo Cheng and the others still burned fresh in their minds.

"Still undecided after the time it takes for an incense stick to burn? Then stop thinking. Since none of you wish to stay, I’ll send you all on your final journey," Master Hei Xu said, narrowing his eyes as a ripple of murderous intent instantly flooded the air.

The killing aura from an Ancestor at the pinnacle of the Nascent Soul stage was crushing, like a raging river drowning the hundreds of cultivators.

Among them were experts at the Fifth or Sixth Level of the Nascent Soul stage. Had they united, even Master Hei Xu’s Xuan Yuan Devil Whip and superior cultivation couldn’t have withstood their combined force.

But they would never join hands. None wanted to risk being the first target of the whip. Such was human selfishness—their inherent flaw. Thus, their defeat was inevitable.

"No, no! Master Hei Xu, you misunderstand! We’re honored to serve you. With your status and power, you’d never deceive us. Once we gather the treasures, you’ll surely share them, right?" An elderly man stepped forward, his voice meek. Though his cultivation had reached the Fourth Level of the Nascent Soul stage, he appeared far older than Master Hei Xu.

Of course, appearances meant little for someone like Master Hei Xu, who was over two centuries old—possibly older than the elder himself.

"Ah, it seems there’s still wisdom among you," Master Hei Xu replied coolly. Annihilating them all would be troublesome, even with the Xuan Yuan Devil Whip. A full-scale conflict with the three major powers wasn’t worth the hassle.

"Your foresight humbles us, Master. We now realize you intended for us to unite against the dangers of the Secret Vault. By following your lead, we can safely claim the treasures together. Forgive our earlier ignorance," the elder groveled, his tone sycophantic.

"At least you’ve grasped the truth. If there are no objections, we proceed," Master Hei Xu said, clasping his hands behind his back.

The cultivators exchanged glances before bowing in unison. "We obey your command, Master!"

The synchronized salute from hundreds—including members of the three major powers—was a grand spectacle.

Master Hei Xu smirked. He’d predicted this outcome. Having seen the fate of dissenters, none dared flee. Treasures and freedom paled against the value of survival.

"Good. Split into three teams and scour the Ice Tower’s seventh level. You’ll be rewarded," he declared, waving a hand.

"Yes!" came the thunderous reply.

Watching from afar, Ye Yun stood stunned. Having come from the Jin Kingdom, he’d expected the Great Qin Empire’s Nascent Soul Ancestors to possess unshakable pride. Surely not all would kneel!

Yet reality proved otherwise.

"Is this the dignity of Nascent Soul Ancestors? The famed ‘blood and honor’ of Great Qin’s cultivators?" Ye Yun muttered, struggling to believe his eyes.

"What’s strange about it?" The Ancestor of the Sword Path snorted. "Cultivation defies the heavens. What matters isn’t techniques or resources, but lifespan. Survive, and opportunities follow. A wretched life trumps a noble death—dead men can’t cultivate."

"Living without dignity is worse than death! How can they call themselves cultivators?" Ye Yun argued hotly. To him, these hundreds could easily overthrow Master Hei Xu if united.

But it never happened.

"You’ll understand when you’ve lived longer," the Ancestor replied dismissively.

Ye Yun’s fists clenched. Would he too one day kneel to survive?

Never.

To live without dignity wasn’t living at all. Cultivators battled heaven and earth to change their fates—how could they grovel? Even temporary submission was unacceptable. True cultivators kept their pride intact, no matter the pretense.

Ye Yun scanned the crowd, certain not all had truly surrendered. Some must still harbor defiance, crushed beneath helplessness.

Sensing his resolve, the Ancestor of the Sword Path smiled. "Never lose that fire, Ye Yun. Without dignity, one can’t defy destiny."

"I won’t," Ye Yun vowed. He’d never join those who traded pride for survival.

As Master Hei Xu’s group charged ahead to plunder the Ice Tower’s seventh level, Ye Yun turned away. With no clear treasure locations, distancing himself was wisest.

"Ye Yun," the Ancestor suddenly whispered urgently, "this space brims with spatial laws and icy essence. Focus—I sense something here, something vital to me…"

Ye Yun frowned, reaching out with his senses. Spatial and ice energies swirled faintly around him.

The seventh level surely held precious treasures. Beating Master Hei Xu to them could mean a breakthrough—a chance to grow stronger.