Chapter 31: No More Need for Compromise

【Heroic Spirit inheritance complete. Current synchronization with Su Er Daon: 47.6%, satisfaction: 31.9%.】

【Justice needs no waiting, nor can it be compromised — Su Er Daon】

【Private commission, 'Continuation of the Light of Law,' complete.】

【Perhaps it isn't the best, but without it things get rather troublesome — Su Er Daon】

【No executable missions remain. Submit settlement and end this Heroic Spirit possession early?】

Touching the magic book, Li En weighed the gains and losses.

In the end, he chose to refuse.

【Creature Level: Inferior Stone. Status: Strength 3 (13), Physique 4 (11), Agility 3 (6), Spirit 5 (16).】

The numbers in parentheses were temporary data — or rather, a falsified panel under external augmentation.

He needed power desperately right now. Without the Heroic Spirit possession, his combat ability wasn't merely reduced — it had plummeted straight to rock bottom, reverting overnight to its original form.

He knew that after completing the "commission," he should likely obtain clues to a new Heroic Spirit card, and might even get one directly.

And the period just after possessing a new Heroic Spirit card should be its most powerful moment.

"But that's unstable, and it's not something I can control right now."

Li En wasn't sure whether Su Er ranked among the strongest tier of Heroic Spirit cards, or somewhere in the middle — or even weak.

But when facing evil, facing this dark world, this justice that refused to compromise was still more effective, more trustworthy.

"Welcome, welcome."

Wearing the skin of a thug, Li En cheerfully opened the door, looked at Eugene, and put on a genuinely delighted smile.

That overly sincere welcome and smile even made the world-weary Eugene pause for a moment. He was a little surprised — could that fat pig-head have been telling the truth? Had he really become an idol among the lower ranks of the dock district?

Come to think of it, he had indeed built himself up from nothing, so being respected by these fellows was only natural, right?

"Mm."

Facing the "thug's" attentiveness, he responded pleasantly in turn, took off his coat, and handed it over.

"Where's Demon?" Suddenly, he was a bit displeased again.

What status did he have, and that little punk actually dared not come out to greet him!

Sometimes, those who lack something value it the most. Clearly, Li En's judgment was correct — Eugene was very much lacking in "respect," and placed great stock in "etiquette."

So what he needed most wasn't the surface-level fear, but closeness from the heart, and a worshipful degree of respect.

"Boss? He's in the back kitchen."

Eugene frowned, feeling a bit annoyed, but then he smiled again, because the "silly thug" continued.

"Boss is cooking personally. He said he wanted to host you specially, so he had to do it himself — the brothers couldn't stop him. Heh, don't worry, boss used to be a cook, his skills are famous."

Recalling Demon's background from the file, "Black Gold" Eugene nodded with satisfaction.

"He has a heart."

People of humble origins, once they rise, often treat their past identity as taboo. At least in Eugene's presence, no one dared mention his background as a cobbler's son. Those former neighbors of his, those who had once mocked him, had all since died from "accidents."

Eugene understood this mindset well. Seeing Demon disregard his status as gang boss and personally cook for him, he smiled once more.

"This way please, the banquet is already prepared. Boss said the goods have been brought over too." The thug, who looked a bit slow, hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"We've also prepared a table in the side hall, and arranged some entertainment. We hired some people from 'Eternal Melody' — perhaps this big brother would like to go relax as well."

Ever since "Leisurely Melody" became the hottest brothel in the dock district, all sorts of "Melodies" had become the favorite naming convention for the district's various "houses."

"Eternal Melody" was naturally not on par with the original, but it was a tier below — and for Demon to grit his teeth and hire them out was itself a measure of his sincerity.

"He truly has a heart." Sometimes, the attitude of attentive hospitality itself was more satisfying than comfortable treatment.

His own bodyguards weren't bad, but they did indeed enjoy this sort of thing.

Looking at Xier's expectant eyes, Eugene deliberated. Recalling that glittering red gemstone, hesitating even for an instant would be disrespect to his own life!

It's your own fault for not coming — if I don't share it with you, that's not my problem, right?

Greed often leads people to their doom, walking foolishly into traps even they recognize as stupid.

Lust strips away the most basic vigilance, letting the little brain control the big brain.

When a holy knight who should be practicing abstinence and cultivation comes up with such a vicious scheme, even Talia would have to sigh at how well-traveled he was, how much he had truly experienced.

And at this moment, smiling and nodding,

He was flattered into a state of utter comfort, and the treasure about to be his clouded all his reason. Floating on air, he sent his bodyguard off to the next room to find women.

"Tch, useless. Deserves to be someone's lackey his whole life."

Getting one less share naturally pleased him — he could even spit at Xier as the man hurried off.

Following the "silly thug's" directions, he walked into a small room, where, sure enough, steaming dishes had already been laid out across the table.

On it was also a bag. A red gemstone worth a fortune — and it was just left exposed like that!

In an instant, he lost his composure. How could Hero's Blood be treated like this? Uh, such a big bag — could there be other degradation materials inside too?!

He was overjoyed, but his expression grew even colder.

Now that the moment had truly arrived and he saw the treasure, he was in no hurry at all.

The meat was right before his eyes — who could possibly snatch it from his hands?

He found a seat, not too close, not too far — just right to see that bulging bag clearly.

"What's else inside? This shape looks like a horn... Right, that's a lizardman knight. Could he be walking the pseudo-dragon path? No wonder he's so powerful."

Eugene's mind was in turmoil, his eyes and thoughts filled with the priceless treasure before him. He even considered whether to switch his own evolution path to suit this rare material.

As long as he could advance one more step, living another twenty years shouldn't be a problem.

But he failed to notice that the honest-looking thug behind him, still busy flattering him, had also broken into a delighted smile.

"Chicken soup's here!"

The man arrived before he appeared — the sound came first. As the big door burst open, a stocky figure came in carrying a large pot.

That steaming broth with meat in it made anyone who saw it feel hungry.

The delicacies on the table also looked exquisite; this junior must have put his heart into it.

Just as Eugene showed a satisfied smile and began to ponder how to promote this junior, the figure behind him also smiled even more happily.

He, Li En, slowly and silently drew a long sword from the large vase by the wall, holding it firmly with one hand.

"Judgment of the Sin Domain."

The silently recited judgment would take effect in the next moment.

"Crash!"

But a second before, seeing Eugene arrive, overjoyed Damon "happened" to shake his hand, dropping the pot.

The hot soup splashed out, heading straight for Eugene; fortunately, the distance was a bit far, so only some splashes might reach him.

"How so careless..." He quickly stood up to dodge, his attention fully fixed on the front.

Behind him, however, came a low, pleased roar, along with silver light radiating in all directions.

"Evil-Cleaving Slash!"

Li En, filled with rage, swung his sword with all his might.

The humiliating scenes of repeatedly passing through the slave market flashed repeatedly in his mind; for this moment, he had waited far too long.

When the silver light finally fell, when the holy sword that slays evil could finally be swung...

"For those children, for the weak, for those treated as livestock..."

Free citizens queuing to become slaves, children snatched away, wives and daughters lured away by traps—there were far too many.

Human traffickers, gambling dens, brothels; those numb faces all pointed to the same target.

"Evil must be slain!"

Thus, the most perfect evil-slaying holy sword he had ever created was born.

Silver sword light soaked into the blade of the Sword of Courage; anger against injustice condensed into a holy sword of silver light.

The enemy was right before his eyes.

What was he waiting for? Swing the sword.

Justice no longer needs compromise.

In that instant when this strike could finally be unleashed, Li En felt such relief his face twisted.

"Die, scum!"

(End of this chapter)