Chapter 6 The Attitude Towards the State Religion

In the streets and alleys of Chu Province City.

Just as Zhang Huai had said, the news of Yun Bai passing the third floor of the Black Tower swept through every corner of Chu Province City like a hurricane.

“Have you heard? Yun Bai! That Yun Bai! He passed the third floor of the Black Tower!”

“Oh my god! The third floor?! How old is he? First Realm Mid-stage? How is that possible!”

“It's absolutely true! The rankings have been updated! On the 'Hidden Dragon Wind and Cloud Ranking', his name shot straight up from the very bottom! I heard it even caused a sensation over in the Holy City!”

“Heaven blesses our Chu Prefecture! After so many years, is a Genius who can shake the Holy City finally going to emerge!”

In the streets, alleys, teahouses, and taverns, everyone was discussing it excitedly.

Yun Bai's name was imbued with legendary color, becoming the new pride and symbol of Chu Province City.

Countless young Cultivators regarded him as an idol, their blood boiling with excitement.

Just walking down the street, one could feel that passionate atmosphere of shared pride.

...

...

...

In stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere of Chu Province City, the Chen family mansion was shrouded in gloom, so oppressive that it was suffocating.

Patriarch Chen Sheng sat in the main seat with an ashen face, and the several clan elders below him also had faces as dark as water.

Just moments ago, a squad of Cultivators wearing the law enforcement insignia of the State Religion Headquarters, led by an expressionless deacon, had forced their way into the Chen family residence. Producing an arrest warrant stamped with the official seal of the State Religion Headquarters, they dragged Chen Qiang straight out of the inner courtyard on charges of 'attempted deliberate murder of a key talent nurtured by the State Religion' and 'threatening the life and safety of his immediate family'!

Patriarch Chen Sheng had tried to stop them, only to receive a cold response: “This is an order directly handed down from the Holy City Headquarters! The evidence against Chen Qiang is ironclad and beyond doubt! If the Chen family has any objections, you may appeal to the Holy City, but the person must be taken away!”

“I was only deceived! This matter was already settled privately! On what grounds are you arresting me? You have no evidence!” Chen Qiang struggled and roared. “Where is your evidence?!”

As Chen Qiang was dragged away, his desperate wails and curses cut like knives into the hearts of every Chen family member.

“Patriarch! They... they are going too far!” A hot-tempered clan elder slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his beard and hair bristling. “Wasn't that matter already settled back then? General Yang Cang and Supervisor Zhou Shengtai were both present as witnesses!”

“Our Chen family paid a full three hundred thousand Spirit Stones! That kid Yun Bai accepted it himself, took the money, and didn't pursue it further! What is the meaning of bringing up old scores now?! Isn't this going back on their word?!”

Patriarch Chen Sheng frowned and cast a dissatisfied look at him. “Bringing up old scores? Humph! That was because back then, Yun Bai was just a Black-Grade Contractor with a bit of potential!”

“That three hundred thousand was to buy his personal agreement not to pursue it; that was a private settlement. But the current Yun Bai is a Genius who has shaken the Holy City, a future pillar of the State Religion, and a benchmark that must be established. The State Religion will naturally wipe away his past 'blemishes' completely. This is called official business!”

He looked around at everyone: “The higher-ups are now saying that the private settlement back then was non-compliant. It was the personal action of Yang Cang and Zhou Shengtai, and does not represent the stance of the State Religion. They now want to maintain the absolute authority and rights of the State Religion's Genius.”

“As the main culprit, Chen Qiang's attempt to murder Yun Bai and threaten his sister is backed by ironclad evidence and must be severely punished. As for that three hundred thousand... that is a private matter between us and Yun Bai, and has nothing to do with the State Religion's law enforcement!”

“Then, then let's go find Yun Bai!” another clan elder said anxiously. “Get the Spirit Stones back! Or, give him more compensation! Have him plead our case to the Holy City! Isn't he about to sign a Heaven-Grade Contract? His words must carry some weight, right?”

“Find him?” Patriarch Chen Sheng looked as if he had heard the world's biggest joke. “Go provoke him now? Do you think the Chen family isn't dying fast enough? He is currently the darling of the State Religion!”

“We run over there to ask for money now? Or ask him to plead for the enemy who almost killed him and his sister? Do you think the State Religion's blade isn't sharp enough, or that bald Supervisor Zhou Shengtai isn't ruthless enough? If we dare to go, believe it or not, tomorrow the Chen family will be accused of 'colluding with the Demon Race' and 'conspiring to murder a Genius of the State Religion,' and our entire clan will be executed?!”

He slumped back against his chair, seemingly aging ten years in an instant. “Accept defeat. Qiang'er... cannot be saved. The State Religion is killing the chicken to warn the monkey, using the blood of my Chen family to pave the way for their rising star. That three hundred thousand... just consider it thrown to the dogs!”

The State Religion's move was also a warning to everyone—what the consequences would be for touching their people, especially their geniuses!

A deathly silence fell over the hall.

The faces of all the Chen family members were filled with resentment, but even more so, a bone-deep helplessness when faced with the crushing weight of absolute power.

Before the massive machine of the State Religion, and before the immense value represented by Yun Bai, this rising star, their so-called family heritage and past 'private settlement' appeared incredibly pale and laughable.

Clearly, the Patriarch and elders of the Chen family were thinking about much more, considering the deeper implications reflected in this matter.

Finally, a clan elder spoke up, “Patriarch Chen Sheng, with the State Religion's current attitude, what do we do next...”

Patriarch Chen Sheng said, “Do it! We must do it, our Chen family has no way back! The victor becomes king, the loser is branded a bandit—this has been the truth since ancient times. As for Qiang'er's matter, it can only be said that he brought it upon himself.”

Chen Qiang's end quickly spread throughout Chu Province City.

With thunderous methods, the State Religion conducted a public trial. With ironclad evidence, he was sentenced to death, to be executed immediately!

This news was like a clap of thunder, causing a massive uproar in Chu Province City.

The already bustling flames of carnival were now ignited into a roaring blaze by this ladle of boiling oil.

The populace was extremely excited, clapping their hands in cheer and speaking highly of the State Religion's justice and integrity. They rejoiced that the Genius Yun Bai could finally rid himself of obstacles, as if it were their own victory.

However, in stark contrast to the jubilation of the populace, those who had once openly or secretly harbored hostility toward Yun Bai...

...felt as if they had fallen into an ice cellar at this moment, keeping silent like cicadas in winter, a chill inevitably rising up their spines. Li Pazi's fate had long been 'disposed of' by the Chen family themselves in an attempt to distance themselves from him.

And now, Chen Qiang's fate made everyone realize clearly what a painful price would be paid if they provoked a Genius whom the State Religion regarded as a rare treasure.

When Yun Bai learned of this news, there was no joy or sorrow on his face, only a trace of icy coldness flashing deep in his eyes.

“Brother?” Yun Qian looked at him with some worry.

Yun Bai gently patted his sister's hand, his tone flat. “It's fine. It's just evil bringing its own retribution.”

He knew in his heart that this was not just evil bringing its own retribution, but also the State Religion demonstrating its power to him, showing their high regard and protection for him, and completely severing his past troubles on his behalf.

This 'high regard' carried a bloody undertone, but it also made him realize more deeply that in this world, strength and status were the true protective amulets.