Becoming evil makes you ten times stronger, but becoming a demon gives you hundredfold strength

The Divine Martial King, the Crown Prince of Great Wu, excelled in both the literary and martial arts and was admired for his intelligence and valor. Known as the second unrivaled figure in the world, he swept through the lands with his Square Sky Halberd, unmatched by any, the stabilizing pillar of Great Wu.

Many said that after the ailing Emperor of Great Wu passed away, this prince would revitalize Great Wu. Of course, he was not without flaws; his actions could be quite tyrannical.
Continue your saga on empire

For example, he was domineering and would not change his mind once a decision was made.

For example, he favored the nobility, placing great importance on lineage.

For example, he knew how to appease the military. If he was dissatisfied with the provisions and forced labor provided by the locals when his armies passed through, he would allow his men to plunder directly, enlisting the entire city's population into forced labor. The resulting tragedies left piles of bones like mountains.

"People from the capital have come. They told us to quickly prepare adequate food, wealth, and forced labor. Of course, hand over the silver quickly, too. They'll help communicate with the higher-ups; there might still be room for negotiation. The Divine Martial King might not necessarily pass through our land."

Wang Fugui's face was filled with distress. Those people, having been well-fed by Meng Yu, were now exploiting him in a time of crisis. Everyone knew that once the Divine Martial King set his mind to something, not even nine oxen could pull him back.

Wang Fugui hadn't read history books and didn't know that a military campaign could easily lead to disasters, but he understood the misery of those conscripted into forced labor. Men might have a chance to survive if they fought bravely, provided they were chosen as the vanguard and not worked to death. As for the women conscripted, often just a few days of torment led to their deaths.

"Understood. What exactly did those people say?"

Meng Yu asked.

"They said that the Divine Martial King is not an unreasonable man. Plus, your contributions of provisions these past years have served the state well. As long as you prepare enough food, silver, and forced labor, perhaps the Divine Martial King will be pleased. It would be a great service, and the Imperial Court will certainly not skimp on rewards. You might even rise high in the ranks. This is both a crisis and a challenge; I hope we can grasp it."

"Hmm, I understand. The money that needs to be spent, spend it now. Tell those people my bottom line is that I have silver and food here, but as for forced labor, I have none. I promised the people below that they would live and work in peace, not be sent to their deaths."

"My lord?"

Wang Fugui looked up, his eyes brimming with tears.

Being conscripted into the army's forced labor was the worst form of suffering. His family, being small landowners, had been cared for by a middle-aged couple who treated him exceedingly well.

However, when the Imperial Court's army passed through, they spent their entire fortune to avoid complete ruin, but the family's dozen or so hired hands and servants, including the middle-aged couple, were conscripted. The man, assigned to transport food, worked for two months until he vomited blood and died from exhaustion. The woman was sent to the laundry room and died after two weeks, her body covered in bruises.

"Also, tell the people below to get moving. Anyone who can wield a weapon should pick it up. Organize troops, train an army, and carry out Plan One that we established before!"

"My lord?"

"I've made my decision. Carry it out."

"Yes, my lord."

Wang Fugui responded with great respect.

Plan One meant a rapid expansion of the army. Although he was quite aware that the lord's decision was not proper—last year, when it was prime time for a revolt, cooperating with the Fragrance Cult in the north and south would have been a better option than confronting the triumphant army returning from Jiangnan at the peak of its ferocity.

At this time, the proper course should have been to lay low, preserve strength, and wait for a chance to rise again.

But he also knew his lord was the kind of person who, once resolved, was immovable.

"Right, contact Su Qingqing and ask if she has any suggestions?"

Su Qingqing, female, the top expert of Great Wu and the National Teacher, had reached an extraordinary level of Qi Cultivation at the seventh layer. She was a good person.

She was likely to be an expert dispatched to the Great Wu Minor World by the Upper Realm. On ordinary days in Great Wu, she engaged in a variety of activities such as slacking off, sleeping, or gardening. She didn't deal with the Imperial Court or the dignitaries, nor did she oppress men or bully women. She lived with another disciple at Bai Yun Temple, both being virtuous women.

These pieces of information were secretly observed by Meng Yu while he spied for two months from a perilous peak far from the mundane world at Bai Yun Temple.

While observing only part of a greater whole might not always yield accurate conclusions, seeing the two women cultivate so tranquilly and not requiring Great Wu to collect Spirit Stones for them, nor seeking male or female servants, struck Meng Yu as odd.

They also needed Spirit Stones for their cultivation but did not allow anyone from Great Wu to collect them, nor did they use money to buy them. When necessary, they would simply take out Spirit Stones or various Spirit Fruits and Vegetables from their Storage Bags.

This also indicated that their seniors, in addition to being very strict, were also very indulgent towards them.

Qi Cultivation at the seventh grade, in a place where an Innate Expert could dominate an area, was invincible. Yet two Female Cultivators abided by the law, never stole or robbed, and even refused to use gold and silver to buy Spirit Stones!

This suggests that their elders are understanding and sympathetic to the people's hearts. They may not know about the catastrophes brought about by the Granary Tribute and forced cricket fights, yet they are aware that the pursuit of one object could wreak havoc on countless families.

The two women had a leisurely life and would occasionally talk about the situation of their sect. The sect was named Moon-Watching Sect and had a Golden Core Sect Leader along with four or five Foundation Establishments. The Golden Core ancestor treated everyone very well, but her nature was too soft. Within the sect, everyone got along harmoniously, living off farming and gardening. Unbeknownst to outsiders, countless people longed to join the Moon-Watching Sect because once inside, although the various resources might not suffice, Spirit Fruits and Vegetables were assuredly provided. If anyone's Cultivation Technique was incompatible, the Sect Leader would even recommend them to other sects and so on.

Indeed, they also cared deeply about the country and its people. They had been stationed in Great Wu for over twenty years, witnessing the world in chaos and the people struggling to survive. They wished to intervene, but the Golden Core Sect Leader warned them that the Imperial Court was a cesspool where anyone trying to make a difference would end up suffocated by its stench. As for the rise of a new ruler, are you sure you want to see half of the population die?

Thus, the two women took refuge in Bai Yun Temple. Apart from occasionally killing some extremely evil demons in Jianghu and showing up during the annual ceremonies to honour heaven and earth, they spent the rest of their time obediently within Bai Yun Temple!

Meng Yu observed them for two months and learned a lot. Their behaviour left Meng Yu feeling bemused. What kind of Holy Mother Sect was this? It was morally superior to that of the Immortal Sects by several magnitudes!

Meng Yu even suspected that the two women might actually be aware of his presence and were putting on an act for him.

However, on second thought, he was the best Qi Refinement Realm cultivator in the Immortal Sect, and his skills in Breath Concealment Technique and Hidden Skills had reached the pinnacle. How could such an incident occur in a First Grade Minor World?

In this world, he was the truly invincible one!

After observing for two months, Meng Yu left Bai Yun Temple, feeling utterly disillusioned. This Moon-Watching Sect was literally the Holy Mother Sect!

Later, Su Qingqing crossed paths with Meng Yu once more. In the second year of Meng Yu's arrival, the Jiangnan Fragrant Sect rebelled, and Su Qingqing accompanied an Imperial envoy to meet with Meng Yu. She was a very beautiful and gentle woman, with a very pleasant demeanor.

She did not reveal her identity, nor did she use her power to suppress Meng Yu. Upon hearing Meng Yu's expressions of loyalty and patriotism, she breathed a sigh of relief. In a private meeting, after revealing her identity, she patted her chest and assured Meng Yu that as long as he did not rebel, cause mass suffering, or commit wrongdoings, she would provide him with protection in the future. Plus, if he cultivated diligently, there would be a great opportunity waiting for him in about ten years, among other things.

Then, she left Meng Yu two large bags. One contained Spirit Fruits and Vegetables, and the other was also filled with Spirit Fruits and Vegetables, all of First Grade quality!

You, a Seventh Stage Qi Cultivator, are giving presents to me, who appears to be a Third Stage Qi Cultivator, trying to bribe me in private?

Meng Yu felt his temples throbbing at the moment. What kind of Holy Mother Sect was this? Toiling away in the Upper Realm, farming and selling produce like common grocers, and yet to be so naively generous. I know you appreciate my talent, a Third Grade Qi Cultivator in a First Grade world, rare for his dual cultivation of both law and martial arts, but where are the so-called trials and tribulations of the sect?

You're actually offering unsolicited gifts!

Without any dignity, Meng Yu bowed his head and swore allegiance, telling her of his life's wanderings and lack of a worthy master until he met the beautiful Sister Su. Feeling a deep connection, he was willing...

Su Qingqing declined, without mentioning the Moon-Watching Sect or taking disciples, simply hoping that Meng Yu would prioritize the well-being of the masses and avoid rashly wielding weapons. She admired Meng Yu's approach and asked him not to refuse.

Though these items were valuable, compared to Meng Yu taking in so many refugees, they were inconsequential. She even hinted that a certain important figure looked favorably upon Meng Yu's actions and hoped he would continue.

After Su Qingqing departed, Meng Yu was dumbfounded. He didn't eat any of the two bags of Spirit Fruits and Vegetables, worried they might conceal something, and instead gave some to the newcomers seeking his shelter. They became increasingly loyal, their skills improved significantly, and they all praised Meng Yu highly. Also, after several inspections, Meng Yu found no issues with the Spirit Fruits and Vegetables!

This was beyond comprehension!

Then, half a year later, the women sent another bag!

Red radishes, dewy and fresh; white radishes, pure and white. Lovely Spirit Fruits and Vegetables were laid out before Meng Yu, but he dared not eat them. It was just too much!

After all, something felt off to Meng Yu. How could there be such a Holy Mother? And it seemed the entire sect was full of Holy Mothers!

He couldn't bear the idea of eating those white and red radishes they sent!

Meng Yu wasn't a rabbit!

Then, after another half-year, they sent another bag!

Will they ever be done with it?

Therefore, Meng Yu decided to spy on them again. But this time, fearing he might be followed, he first robbed the Immortal Sect before heading straight to the foot of Bai Yun Temple's mountain. He climbed the mountain cautiously, preparing all manner of defenses, and became the lurking peeper, observing them for another two months.

Watching them cultivate, slack off, keyboard warrioring, sleep, and eat Spirit Fruits and Vegetables... Why was their cultivation so simple and dull?

Why were they born in Rome?

In the end, Meng Yu left with a twitch of his mouth.

The Moon-Watching Sect was definitely toxic!