Chapter 489: The Great Evil Resembling Good
Heading north, what greeted Lu Heng and his companions was a desolate and bleak scene, interspersed with pockets of liveliness.
The desolate and bleak ones were the mortal beings who migrated away from their hometowns.
"And the bustling and prosperous ones were the cultivators who gathered here in accordance with the decrees of the Heavenly Court," Lu Heng thought to himself.
In the vast territories of the Youxiong Country and the Kingdom of All Demons, a large number of cultivators have now gathered. On the side of Youxiong Country, celestial radiance and divine brilliance permeate the air, with floating celestial boats, flying islands, and various peculiar Magical Tools emanating dazzling light. Numerous righteous cultivators await the day of the final assault.
On the other end of the national border, however, a different scene unfolds.
The surging demonic aura almost shrouds the sky, resembling a pitch-black curtain stretching across the northern lands. Countless ferocious and wicked creatures, along with terrifying demons, float and sink within the tidal wave of dark energy. From time to time, eerie and chilling roars echo for miles, captivating the hearts and souls of those who hear them.
In response to the onslaught from the Heavenly Court, the Arctic Skyark Palace also deployed a large number of demonic cultivators to fortify the border.
The terrifying momentum of the conflict between righteousness and wickedness, like a volcano on the verge of eruption, signifies that the imminent battle is about to commence.
Even the passing trio, including Lu Heng, couldn't help but cast a sidelong glance at the overwhelming divine radiance and almost world-shrouding scale of the surging demonic aura.
However, upon crossing the borders of the Kingdom of All Demons and stepping into this land overrun by vicious demons, Lu Heng and his companions gradually began to notice peculiar occurrences.
Within the soundless gliding of stealthy light, the Candle Dragon looked down upon the surging demonic creatures below and furrowed its brow, remarking, "Something seems amiss…"
The perplexity of the Candle Dragon, as well as the bewilderment shared by Lu Heng and Jiu Mie.
Upon entering the borders of the Kingdom of All Demons, they could clearly discern that as they faced the continuously gathering righteous cultivators to the south, the demonic forces, who should have been fully committed, appeared to be constantly reallocating manpower back to the north.
Although from the outside, it appears that demonic forces are constantly gathering and the demonic aura is billowing along the national borders. But if one were to truly venture inside and explore, it would be quite easy to notice certain irregularities.
However, those demonic forces that are constantly heading north possess formidable strength but are scarce in number. Additionally, there is a continuous influx of a large number of ordinary-level demonic soldiers moving south from the north. Therefore, it is difficult to detect the abnormal movements of this group of demons.
If it were not for the superior abilities and insights of Lu Heng and his two companions, it would be impossible to discern the abnormal movements of this demonic army below.
Within the escaping light, Jiu Mie pondered, "Could there be some calamity occurring in the north? Why are the movements of the demonic soldiers so peculiar?"
The three individuals exchanged perplexed glances, each sharing a sense of confusion.
With a flicker of thought in Lu Heng's mind, the speed of the escaping light increased even further.
The Kingdom of All Demons, with its vast territory, practically dominates the entire northern region. Originally composed of the Blue Hill Country, which had a leaning towards the righteous path, and the Arctic Skyark Palace, which had a leaning towards the demonic path. However, the Kingdom of All Demons had transformed into a paradise for the myriad of demons ever since the ruler of the Blue Hill Country was slain by Sun Yan.
Upon the vast expanse of the terrestrial realm, malevolent forces run rampant. However, in stark contrast emerges a thriving and bustling realm of mortal inhabitants.
The Arctic Skyark Palace, located within the Kingdom of All Demons, supported numerous human dynasties and dispatched a substantial number of demons to dominate the mountains, lands, and rivers in a manner of sacred offering and divine governance. By harnessing the magic of the demons and the powers of the mountain, land, and river deities, they safeguarded the peace, harmony, and abundant harvests of the region year after year.
However, in contrast to this, it entailed the obligatory annual offering of live human blood from various countries, cities, and towns.
These live human blood offerings are distributed among scattered demonic cultivators according to the rules set by the Arctic Skyark Palace at various levels.
Under the dominion of the demons, there was no need for armies to exist even in the largest realms of these human kingdoms. This is because the Arctic Skyark Palace prohibited the shedding of mortal blood and any form of warfare between nations was strictly forbidden.
The duty of the monarchs is to uphold the stability of the dynasty, find ways to increase the population of the subjects, and ensure an ample supply of blood offerings annually.
During the era when Nine Phoenix ruled over the Arctic Skyark Palace, the demons established their dominion over mortals, compelling them to provide a significant amount of blood offerings on a regular basis. However, under the leadership of Sun Yan, who ascended to the Arctic Skyark Palace, this form of dominance became even more profound.
Various demons of all sizes are dispatched to different locations according to their ranks, transforming into deity-like figures, ensuring that mortals experience favorable weather conditions and are spared from calamity. This allows them to live in peace each year, prosper, and propagate their offspring. The demons stationed in these locations can also claim a portion of the blood offerings provided by mortals each year, indulging themselves in pleasure and furthering their own spiritual cultivation.
Exceptionally gifted mortals are sent to the Arctic Skyark Palace to be instructed in cultivation methods, becoming cultivators, and once they achieve proficiency, they become the blood nourishment for top-notch demons.
In order to maintain the stability of his rule, Sun Yan established exceedingly strict laws to punish the demons who indiscriminately slaughtered mortals. Simultaneously, he also devised a meticulous "blood tax law" to ensure the maximum acquisition of blood nourishment from mortals, while guaranteeing the continuous prosperity and flourishing of the human kingdoms.
Therefore, as Lu Heng and his companions journeyed northward, they were astonished to witness a land of prosperity and a paradise on Earth.
These mortals who live under the rule of demons not only live happily, but can even be described as carefree. Here, mortals are well-provided for in terms of clothing and food, with a flourishing population, and there are no grievances or human calamities that occur.
To prevent infighting among mortals, the Arctic Skyark Palace established exceedingly strict laws to protect the majority of mortals, to the extent that the privileged dare not act recklessly, and criminals dare not appear.
Wherever Lu Heng and his two companions went, there were no lost trails, and doors were left open at night. Every household was prosperous and contented, with music and dancing in harmony.
This group of mortals, who have lived for generations under the rule of demons, no longer perceive the annual offering of blood nourishment to the demons as something dreadful. Under the deliberate guidance of the Arctic Skyark Palace, all the mortals fervently worship the demons.
Even the most lively annual celebrations and grand gatherings involve offering blood nourishment from various cities and towns, as well as the selection of sacrificial victims.
During those few days, every household adorned their homes with lights and decorations, while the streets teemed with crowds of people. The wanderers who had gone out on their journeys returned home one after another, reuniting with their families. Everyone anxiously and eagerly awaited the "Ascending to Immortality" list that would be announced on the final day. If a family member was chosen, mortals not only lacked fear and despair, but also celebrated with excitement. The chosen ones felt proud and joyful, while their relatives and friends reveled in their glory, proudly proclaiming the news everywhere.
When Lu Heng and his companions entered the Kingdom of All Demons, they happened to encounter the day when the Arctic Skyark Palace selected blood nourishment. They witnessed firsthand the enthusiastic and lively scene as mortals celebrated the selection of their loved ones as offerings.
Upon the clouds, Jiu Mie clasped his hands together and murmured, "Amitabha, Amitabha…"
The Candle Dragon cast a sidelong glance at Lu Heng and said, "Friend Lu Heng, your two disciples are truly remarkable talents. Their abilities and talents surpass yours by a significant margin…"
Amidst the dazzling fireworks bursting and ascending in the sky, Lu Heng smiled bitterly and said, "In this moment, I am even unsure whether I should scold him or praise him… sigh… such a fine line between great evil and apparent goodness, it's difficult to judge…"
