Chapter 100: The Divine Kingdom's Ritual of Refinement

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Huang Bao drank several cups in succession but still could not extract any information from Su Ye.

“What exactly did you say to the demon sect's chief? Why is there no sign of any disturbance?” Huang Bao pressed again. “Could it be that our disguise is really that good?”

As a demon suppressor, his instincts told him that the unfathomable sect leader could not be fooled by mere words. Even if he did not strike them down, he would not simply pretend not to hear. The demon cult members throughout the city still carried out their daily activities. Even if they were only pretending, they would at least act afraid of the demon suppression agency’s investigation. Such a situation now was especially suspicious.

“Let's drink to that. We talked a bit about alchemy,” Su Ye replied. Though he respected Huang Bao, who taught him his skills, given Huang Bao’s rank, knowing too many inside details would be more harmful than helpful.

“Alchemy has such miraculous powers!” Huang Bao realized Su Ye would not be candid and ceased further questioning. “What are your plans for your next move?”

“Tonight, I will go meet the city gate soldier who delivered the tea,” Su Ye said straightforwardly.

“Why meet him?” Huang Bao was growing more familiar with Su Ye and increasingly curious—why was his name on the list of those chosen by destiny? This question shone with an irresistible light, compelling further inquiry.

“There’s an old saying: everyone has their ways, and tricksters have their tricks,” Su Ye leaned forward and lowered his voice. “The heavier a person's worldly desires, the stronger their craving for silver coins.”

“You mean...” Huang Bao deliberately left a pause to gauge Su Ye’s intent.

“When the salary no longer covers expenses, one naturally begins searching for money elsewhere,” Su Ye’s eyes sparkled. “The city gate officials monopolize the underground black market’s silver... where else would those soldiers go?”

Huang Bao straightened, focusing intently on Su Ye. He could see clearly yet not see fully.

“Even I can’t tell now if you’re fit to be a demon suppressor,” Su Ye said, raising his cup to clink with Huang Bao’s.

A radiant smile appeared on his face. “Being a demon suppressor and leaving a name in history is too difficult... If I had to choose, I’d choose to be a savior.”

“To be remembered in history, to have a separate family genealogy, to have temples built in your honor, and to achieve nirvana and immortality...”

Huang Bao licked his lips, as if truly envisioning the scene Su Ye described, full of longing.

“I want to be a savior too.”

Su Ye tapped his knuckles lightly on the table and chuckled.

“Everyone can be a savior. If you don’t believe me, you can learn about a performer named Hua Hong...”

Before Huang Bao’s puzzled gaze could meet his words, Su Ye rose, waving off casually. “See you later.”

———

The small restaurant’s quality was clearly inferior to the renowned taverns in the city. The owner could not serve the finest Drunken Immortal Wine. Eight home-style dishes accompanied by several jars of carefully brewed Daughter’s Red wine were already a rare indulgence.

“Mr. Su, you’ve already climbed to a high position above our commander; I didn’t expect you’d still smile upon a lowly person like me,” the soldier said, his eyes reddening slightly.

The soldier was only at the Primordial Spirit realm and could ride a sword through the wind but possessed little real power. To dream of gaining favor from an alchemist and then see it happen before his eyes naturally stirred his emotions. Being esteemed by others was an honor. Many people never escape their nets throughout their lives.

“I suffered hardships in my childhood and understand your difficulties,” Su Ye picked up a wine jar and poured into the soldier’s bowl. “Sleeping outdoors, roaming day after day around that little patch outside the city gate.”

“Brother, your words almost make me cry,” the soldier hastened to say, “It really wasn’t as hard as you say.”

“Compared to an alchemist?”

The soldier fell silent, then admitted, “Compared to you, it’s truly unbearable.”

Su Ye raised his bowl and clinked it with the soldier’s.

“Comparing yourself to others only brings frustration. If you want to live happily, don’t compare yourself to others.”

“Do you have any defects?” The soldier suddenly realized he might have offended Su Ye and hurriedly explained, “I didn’t mean to be rude, it’s just...”

Su Ye waved his hand with a smile. “We’re brothers, no harm done. My partner is ill and needs regular medicine. That’s why I began learning alchemy.”

Hearing this, the soldier felt not comforted but rather more guilty.

Su Ye was a master at reading people’s minds. Joy made success easier, but when someone was down, it was even easier to achieve one’s goals.

“Every family has its own difficulties; things may seem glamorous... but when you shake it off, it’s just a pool of bitterness,” the soldier sighed with feeling.

Su Ye was surprised. “From what you say, you don’t seem crude... So why choose to be a city gate soldier in You Ruo City?”

“My wife developed a heart illness after giving birth and needs constant medication.”

Su Ye turned his head and called loudly, “Waiter!”

A young man in a simple blue jacket and black trousers hurried over and bowed. “Guest, your orders?”

“Bring a food box and pack several of the house’s signature dishes.”

“Right away.” The waiter quickly left the private room to fetch the box from the kitchen.

“You needn’t do this,” the soldier’s voice choked.

Su Ye knew well that sincerity was more powerful than any trick. No matter what information he sought, the soldier would not refuse.

———

The soldier’s home was quite simple. Opening a small door just taller than a person, a few steps led to the main room. The stove inside was smaller than a typical farmhouse’s. Three Pure Ones’ portraits hung on the northern wall.

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An incense burner on the table scattered a few ashes.

The more powerless one felt, the more one believed in the divine.

A soft voice came from the bedroom: “Dunzi, is that you back?”

The soldier carrying the food box smiled from his heart: “It’s me.”

Su Ye listened to the couple’s conversation, gazing at the tidy northern wall and the neatly pinned portraits.

The strange sensation from the day he encountered the demon god’s image enveloped his body and spirit.

Based on the mysterious Qimen Dunjia technique, a magic art quietly took shape in his awareness like countless rivers converging into the sea.

The soldier, nicknamed Dunzi, returned to the narrow central parlor and smiled bashfully.

“My wife is disabled and asked me to thank you on her behalf.”

Su Ye turned and smiled.

“I should be the one thanking you.”

Dunzi scratched his head in puzzlement.

“You treated me to food and drink, brought meals to my wife and children. Why should I be the one to thank you?”

“You taught me something.”

“Did I?” Dunzi was confused.

Su Ye tugged his sleeve and led him outside the room, whispering.

“Do you know who is spreading the demon sect’s teachings and recruiting followers?”

Dunzi’s pupils suddenly contracted, terror washing over his face.

He looked at Su Ye, seeing the warm smile like spring sunshine.

Recalling the night’s events, though he knew Su Ye was deliberately approaching him, he could not resist the respect and sincerity he felt.

“The person is called Zhu Zan. His public identity is a private tutor,” Dunzi lowered his head, unwilling to meet Su Ye’s gaze.

It was not fear but the friendship with Zhu Zan and sympathy for the evil that kept him from looking directly at the bright young man.

Su Ye raised his head and looked up at the distant night sky.

The stars filled the heavens like an inverted Milky Way.

In eighteen years, he had seen this magnificent scene countless times.

Yet never before had it stirred his soul like now.

The newly comprehended magic art would be used to shatter the evil doctrines that led people astray.

In his mind, a resounding name arose:

Divine Kingdom Sacrificial Alchemy.

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