Returning to Gengxin City, Tuoba Xi came to greet him, kneeling on one knee. "My lord, our great victory is entirely thanks to you."
"Rise, Patriarch Tuoba." Tianlin lifted him and tapped his forehead. A stream of black light flowed from Tuoba Xi's brow into Tianlin's finger.
"My lord, this is…?" Feeling the Asura divine power vanish from within him, Tuoba Xi looked puzzled.
"You did very well—holding this city for a year, and marching last night right on time. A great merit. I've reclaimed the Asura death mark that limited your freedom. Between Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, I trust you now know how to choose. You don't need that restraint anymore. Bring your brother later; I'll remove his too." Tianlin smiled.
Tuoba Xi was overjoyed. "Thank you, my lord. I will remain loyal and never betray you."
The Asura death mark did enhance cultivation efficiency and made him stronger in battle, but it could take his life at any time—who could live with a sword hanging overhead?
And after witnessing Tianlin's strength and potential, he had no thought of betrayal. He believed the Seven Treasures' chances might even surpass the Spirit Empire's. He had chosen.
"My lord, the Holy Dragon Legion can march again at any time. I won't fail your trust."
Tianlin nodded. "Good. Rest one day. We march northwest tomorrow. Star Lou suffered heavy losses, and their only prince is in our hands. They won't dare act rashly for now."
Star Lou's cruel selection ensured an exceptional heir—but also a fatal flaw: if that heir had any mishap, the line ended.
Dai Weisi would be the key to restraining the Star Lou Empire. Unless Dai Tianjue wanted the crippled Dai Mubai as emperor, he'd have to value Dai Weisi's life.
But in a might-makes-right empire, installing a cripple would cause court defiance and military chaos. Dai Tianjue had no choice. Tianlin would wait for his envoys to negotiate.
In the dungeon, Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun had their soul power sealed and were confined together. Zhu Zhuqing volunteered to guard them.
…
"Zhuqing, here to kick us while we're down? No need. Last night you proved your strength. Even the Nether White Tiger couldn't handle your true Spirit Cat true body. You really have grown strong." Zhu Zhuyun sighed.
"I'm not here to kick you. With me guarding, you won't suffer." Zhu Zhuqing said, "As you said, all our grudges ended when I defeated you last night. I won't avenge your attempt on my life. I'm happy now, with many good friends—no hate."
"Don't worry. I asked Tianlin; he promised not to harm you. He just needs you to stay a while, then he'll release you."
"Heh. He wants to use us to make Father hesitate and not assault Gengxin City. A fine plan. I didn't expect Tuoba Xi to be his man. If I'm right, he has other plants inside Spirit Hall. Gengxin was just the start. Once he links them up, your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will formally enter the stage. Such ambition. Everyone watched the powerful Spirit Empire and again ignored the second-ranked Seven Treasures." Dai Weisi gave a self-deprecating smile.
"Ning Fengzhi and Jun Tianlin, those two old foxes—too good at lying low. Back then they quietly developed under Clear Sky Sect's shadow. Now they plot under the Spirit Empire. We've all been played. We really thought they only wanted self-preservation."
"Tianlin using you stems from Star Lou's policies. Dai Weisi, do you truly think the policy of siblings killing each other until one remains is good?" Zhu Zhuqing challenged. "Such a ruler is indeed brilliant and decisive, but lacks mercy. An empire that doesn't understand benevolent governance cannot unify the continent. Aside from the numbed natives used to your oppression, any nation you invade will resist to the death. That's what I learned over the years with Tianlin and Rongrong."
"You have changed a lot. Not just stronger—you speak principles well. But this isn't ours to change. The strong prey on the weak, survival of the fittest, imperial power supreme—these are Star Lou's most important, eternal state policies." Dai Weisi said stiffly.
"In that case, cling to your rotten policies and keep dreaming of unifying the continent." Seeing his inflexibility, Zhu Zhuqing lost interest and turned to leave.
"Wait, Zhuqing." Zhu Zhuyun called out. "Believe me, I wasn't always a ruthless sister. When you were very little, I held you, called you 'little sister,' and took you out to play. Do you remember?"
Zhu Zhuqing didn't turn back. "I remember. That's why I won't only remember grudges and forget kindness. Your later change was due to family pressure. But I won't become like you. The weight on my shoulders is gone; instead, I have a firm backing. So I will never kill you, sister."
Zhu Zhuyun smiled, relieved. "Thank you. I wish you happiness, little sister."
"It won't be long before we release you. Once you return to Star Lou, we needn't meet again. Farewell, sister." Zhu Zhuqing stepped out into the sunlight of dawn, a sweet smile on her face.
After today, she was truly free, to go wherever she wished.
"With Star Lou's grudges resolved, what's next?" came a voice behind her. Tianlin leaned against the wall.
"Hmm…" Zhu Zhuqing tapped her lips, thinking. "I'm not sure yet. But I don't want to be apart from everyone. You've all found paths to godhood, so I want to become a god too—and go to the God Realm with you."
Tianlin smiled. "Alright. When all this is over, Rongrong and I will help you seek a divine inheritance."
"Thanks! After a whole night, I'm starving. I heard the canteen's making braised fish. I have to hurry—Ma Hongjun is back and he likes to fight me for it. If I'm late, it'll be gone." Zhu Zhuqing left with a laugh. With her gloom lifted, she seemed far more cheerful.
A disciple of the Speed Clan arrived and reported, "Vice Sect Master, the Fire Dragon Douluo has awakened and wishes to see you."
"Good." Tianlin nodded and headed to the Fire Dragon Douluo's room. He wasn't a prisoner; Tianlin wouldn't lock him in a cell.
Opening the door and seeing Wu Zhao, Tianlin got straight to the point. "Have you decided? Your feelings about Star Lou… and your choice."
"Mm." The Fire Dragon Douluo said, "In Star Lou, I was just a hired hand. Unlike your Gu Rong, I never truly blended in because I fundamentally disapproved of their policies.
"And about your dominance-versus-benevolence—I've recognized my heart. I value the benevolent path. Its shortcomings are obvious, but as long as we work together to keep its unification efficiency from lagging behind dominance, its outcome is far better. Jun Tianlin, if you and Ning Fengzhi can persist on this road, I'm willing to lend a hand."
Tianlin was pleased.
"Excellent. Then welcome aboard, Fire Dragon Douluo."