"So, you are our ancestor, Jiang Li. This unworthy descendent is honored to meet you." Stunned by the sudden reappearance of Jiang Li, the Clan Leader of the Jiangs reflected on his previous fervent discussions about "the power of faith" at Yuan Wuxing's home, causing him deep embarrassment. However, he quickly collected himself, cast his shame aside, and knelt in reverence.
Jiang Li only smiled without a word.
"Our ancestor often reminisces about their childhood spent with you, claiming it was the happiest time of their life. They said you were kind-hearted, always ready to lend a hand to the needy."
"Our ancestor admitted their reckless youth, often causing you trouble. Every time they thought about it, they would feel incredibly embarrassed. They wished they could apologize to you in person, but afraid they might not live long enough to see you again. You always put the world before your own kin, never prioritizing family, making it difficult to see you."
"Under the influence of the Heart Demon, our ancestor fell into the demonic path, resorting to shortcuts to extend their lifespan!"
The clan leader was weeping profusely, speaking earnestly, loathing himself for not being able to show Jiang Li his sincerity physically. The onlookers were deeply moved, and they concluded that Jiang Yixing's decision to practice dark magic to cope with his struggle was understandable and forgivable. It was impossible to balance public and private matters perfectly. Jiang Li, as the Human Emperor, had devoted himself to the people, unavoidably neglecting his own clan.
It was such a pity that Jiang Yixing never got a chance to say "I'm sorry."
Yuan Wuxing wore a strange expression, finding the scene eerily familiar.
"As descendants of Jiang Yixing, we are also your descendants. With such a respected elder as the Human Emperor in our lineage, we dare not tarnish your reputation. Other than our ancestor falling into dark magic, we have not committed any wrongdoings. We've made an effort to form alliances and gather wealth, using these connections and wealth to establish and expand Qingcheng into a great city. This much is known by everyone in Qingcheng!"
The people of Qingcheng silently nodded. They had heard from their elders that the Jiang family's efforts were integral to Qingcheng's prosperity.
Although Qingcheng was named a city in the past, it was barely recognized as one. After all, what kind of city didn't even have a single Golden Core cultivator?
When people from other places argued with those from Qingcheng, they often referred to Qingcheng people as uncultured country folk.
Today, Qingcheng has made a name for itself among the major cities throughout Tianqing Prefecture. Now, people from Qingcheng walk tall and proud everywhere. Anyone meeting them would oftentimes say, "You're from Qingcheng? Impressive."
"We see ourselves as part of the Imperial Palace. We're always striving to meet the standards of the Imperial Palace. We just want to make sure that the Jiang family doesn't cause any embarrassment for the Imperial Palace and you!"
"Ancestor Jiang Li, on behalf of the Jiang family, I would like to ask: Can we become a part of the Imperial Palace?"
The clan leader looked up at Jiang Li with a hopeful gaze. Those around silently wished they could take Jiang Li's place and say, "Yes."
Jiang Li nodded slightly and said lightly, "Dream on."
"For the 72 legendary Human Emperors exhibited in the Imperial Palace, none of them brought their clan into the palace, let alone allowed a whole clan to join the palace. How would I, Jiang Li, be so gracious as to let the Jiang family enter the Imperial Palace?"
"But you're the most powerful Human Emperor. Nobody would say anything if you took the lead." The clan leader quickly argued.
People around nodded in agreement. Indeed, as the most powerful being, Jiang Li was not arrogant or abusive. Instead, he was almost too modest. There were many cultivators at the Nascent Soul Stage who acted more frivolously than Jiang Li himself. They broke rules and customs as they pleased, for instance, abducting the bride at a wedding, or robbing wildly after an auction, claiming these outrageous actions were the privileges of the strong.
If Jiang Li wished to add the Jiang family to the Imperial Palace, people would probably just shrug it off and not oppose it.
Someone in the crowd shouted out, "Human Emperor Jiang, please let the Jiang family join the Imperial Palace!"
These words sparked a wave of agreement, with people starting to chant, "The Jiang family should join the Imperial Palace!" Especially the people from Qingcheng, they yelled the loudest.
The parents who lost their children, however, opposed but their voices seemed too insignificant at this moment.
A pair of furious parents questioned the crowd, "The Jiang family practiced dark magic by consuming children! How can such a clan qualify to join the Imperial Palace?"
The queried person sneered and replied, "Not to mention that the Jiang ancestor, Jiang Yixing, was a man of loyalty and righteousness, he was only temporarily misled. Look at the contributions made by the Jiang family these last three hundred years. They've expanded Qingcheng, given the locals a safe home, enriched the cultural atmosphere, and brought more spiritual treasures than any other places. Many cultivators have benefited from it. Don't these merits outweigh the sins of practicing dark magic? Don't you have any sense of collective solidarity?"
The parents fell silent at a loss for suitable retort.
Similar conversations were happening everywhere, and Jiang Li heard each and every one of them.
Jiang Li floated ten feet above the ground, gathering his energy to speak so that everyone could hear him.
Jiang Li, chuckling, said, "I heard every word you said. Well put, particularly the point suggesting 'these merits could surely offset the sin of practicing dark magic'. Let's not discuss the details just yet, but the argument itself seems quite reasonable."
The man who had spoken earlier was initially thrilled, puffing out his chest with pride upon receiving the Human Emperor's praise. It would be the honor of a lifetime. But the following words from Jiang Li quickly wiped out his smile.
"I never thought I would hear such an argument in my lifetime. Ji Zhi, perhaps we should consider introducing an intelligence tax in Zhou to enhance the national treasury."
Emperor Ji Zhi of Zhou, nodded in agreement, "Jiang, you make a valid point. We'll put this matter on the agenda for the three lords to discuss."
The man's face turned incredibly red as he defended himself, "Rewards should match actions, and merits should offset demerits. What's wrong with that?"
Whether merits could offset demerits was a matter of contention. The man couldn't believe that Jiang Li could provide a definitive answer.
Yet, while others might find it challenging, this was a simple question for Jiang Li.
An overwhelming pressure swept over the crowd like a storm, biting cold. With a mere flicker of thought, an invisible force grasped the man's collar, pulling him to Jiang Li's side.
Jiang Li tightened his grip on the man's throat, laughing coldly, "I've thwarted invasions by Heavenly Demons three times, saved the Nine Provinces three times. In other words, I'm the reason you're still alive. So, it's perfectly normal for me to wipe you all out. Nobody should harbor any resentment!"
"Let...let me go..." The man struggled in vain.
"Why should I? I've saved you three times. Why can't you just let me kill you in peace? Where is your sense of collective solidarity? Your death would make me happy. Don't you have any spirit of sacrifice?" Jiang Li remained unmoved. His eyes held no trace of compassion, only boundless arrogance and cruelty.
"Let...let me go..." The man struggled, regretting his own words terribly.
The spectators were reminded of the old days when Jiang Li was not known for his mercy. Before becoming the Human Emperor, he was renowned for creating a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood!
The Sea of Blood and Mountain of Corpses, Jiang the butcher!