C5 Conference

Upon hearing the remark, Xing Yun didn't show any signs of irritation; instead, he began to applaud.

"You..." Ling Ji was even more bewildered.

In her nearly a thousand years of life, she had never encountered someone as enigmatic as Xing Yun, who seemed to make even Exalted beings appear childlike in his presence.

Xing Yun offered his praise, "Had you simply surrendered to me, I might not have held you in high regard."

Ling Ji's character and integrity had earned Xing Yun's approval. Such a person was truly fit to be his subordinate.

Strength? He was more than capable of aiding his subordinates in enhancing theirs. And if that failed, he was ready to step in and handle matters personally!

"Now, I have just one question for you: Do you truly believe I am as feeble as the rumors suggest? If your answer is yes, I will let you leave this instant without posing any threat to you. I won't retract the healing power within you, even if you decide to seek vengeance against me in the future."

"What? You're willing to let me go?!" Ling Ji exclaimed in astonishment.

Had he lost his mind? He was aware of her desire for revenge, yet he was prepared to set her free?

She was certain that Xing Yun was a man of his word.

Xing Yun declared with pride, "Yes, if you leave this place, I, Xing Yun, will not give you a second glance. Naturally, you're welcome to seek revenge later, and Gu Yan will serve as a warning of what awaits you."

Ling Ji fell silent, her shoulders shaking intensely as she grappled with her inner turmoil.

Eventually, Ling Ji regained her composure, her voice barely above a whisper, "And if I say no and refuse to submit?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Xing Yun replied, "Then you shall remain here to heal your spirit. I'll give you all the time you need until you're ready to pledge your loyalty. You're free to leave whenever you choose."

Overwhelmed by emotion, Ling Ji's voice quivered as she responded, "Very well! I seem to have no place in this world anyway. I'm curious to see for myself what kind of person you truly are!"

Xing Yun nodded and said, "Agreed, but I do hope you won't keep me waiting too long. Otherwise, you might find yourself unremarkable among my followers. Until then, consider this place your home."

Xing Yun vanished in an instant, leaving the area enveloped in a sudden stillness.

"Home?"

Ling Ji whispered to herself before collapsing to her knees, weeping uncontrollably, "Oh, vast heavens, why have you forsaken me?"

She cried into her hands, her heart aching with sorrow as memories of the past flooded her mind.

A millennium ago, she too was a scion of a noble house in the Empyrean.

In the Empyrean, a family that stood for a century was invariably descended from Exalted beings.

Tragically, her family's Exalted ancestor had passed away two millennia ago, having reached the end of his days. By her time, the family had already withered, bereft of talent.

Yet, as the brilliant daughter of the family head, she was the most likely to ascend to the Exalted realm and the beacon of hope for her family's resurgence.

Sadly, at the tender age of twelve, her family was ambushed by foes. Only she survived, sent away by her father's desperate sacrifice.

Since then, she wandered the Infinite Cosmos, on a relentless quest for vengeance. Under the tutelage of a grandmotherly figure, she rose to the God-Emperor state over six hundred years.

Her master had mobilized the strength of their entire sect to venture into the Empyrean, plotting vengeance. But a treacherous fellow disciple, envious of Ling Ji, betrayed them. Their sect was decimated by their adversaries once more, and Ling Ji herself narrowly escaped total destruction, saved only by her master's sacrifice of her soul's essence.

After four centuries in the minor Plane of Shadowlands, she finally encountered Gu Yan, a host with an exceptional Martial Meridian, offering a glimmer of hope for her soul's recovery and her quest for revenge. Despite knowing Gu Yan's intentions were for her beauty and support, she harbored no regrets—it was both for gratitude and retribution.

Yet, just as Gu Yan was coming into his own, Xing Yun struck him down, severing her last thread of hope for vengeance.

"I am cursed as the Heavenly Evil Lone Star..."

In the wake of Gu Yan's demise, Ling Ji had nearly succumbed to despair, never anticipating that Xing Yun would seek her out.

Surrender? That was out of the question. She couldn't betray her own heart; to do so would make her no different from the treacherous Senior Sister she despised.

Besides, she was a God-Emperor. How could she possibly surrender to a youth who was merely at the Profound Vein level?

Regardless of the pressure and feelings Xing Yun imposed on her, Ling Ji was now reluctant to journey with anyone else, burdening them with her presence—let alone surrender to Xing Yun, the very person who had slain Gu Yan.

"What should I do?" Ling Ji wondered, slumped on the ground, her knees drawn to her chest as she wept silently.

She had to cling to life, driven by the blood feud between her sect and her family. This was her greatest torment.

Suddenly, numerous transparent barriers materialized around her, each displaying images from Xing Yun's room.

Through these barriers, Ling Ji could see the outside world, just as Xing Yun did.

"What is he up to now?" Ling Ji mused, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected development. Xing Yun's voice then filled the air, "Just watch as I, Xing Yun, forge a grand empire here. You will come to understand who truly deserves your loyalty."

"How tedious," Ling Ji muttered, her previous sorrow giving way to indifference. She turned her head away and fell silent, her heart gradually settling as she began to explore her surroundings.

She had to acknowledge that Xing Yun had subtly influenced her—a God-Emperor—shaping her emotions without her realizing it.

Upon returning to his room, Xing Yun no longer troubled Ling Ji. He had full awareness of the Voidlands within his sea of consciousness and could monitor everything happening there, with the ability to come and go as he pleased.

His initial aim was to compel the remnant soul within the ring using the power of the Spire of the Infinite. Yet, upon discovering Ling Ji's commendable character and realizing she was not one to be coerced, he genuinely considered recruiting her. Given Ling Ji's disposition, he knew it would take time.

"In this world, there is nothing I, Xing Yun, cannot accomplish."

With his resolve firm, Xing Yun left the Keep and wandered the streets as dusk fell.

The Keep was currently understaffed, and Xing Yun knew he had to step in. He needed to safeguard the city while getting a grasp on the current state of affairs.

Upon entering a tavern, Xing Yun had barely taken his seat when he overheard the patrons discussing his recent confrontation with Gu Yan.

"This City Lord is truly heartless and brutal. With a single blow, he obliterated that challenger, Gu Yan, into nothingness!"

"He killed a man who was merely seeking justice for the saintess. I fear the saintess of the Order of the Celestial Veil will not take this lightly when she hears of it."

At a nearby table, several mercenaries shook their heads in disbelief, making throat-slitting gestures and smirking mockingly.

It was common knowledge that the saintesses of the Order of the Celestial Veil were selected from among the common people and were destined to become formidable figures who would command respect across the Shadowlands.

As Xing Yun listened to the scattered conversations, he couldn't help but shake his head. These people were only scratching the surface, failing to mention Gu Yan's slaughter of the Keep's guards.

Human nature is such that few delve into the truth. They prefer to rely on gossip and outcomes, exaggerating details to stir up trouble.

In order to indulge in gossip and provoke controversy, they only need to claim the moral high ground—or erect a facade of virtue.

Undoubtedly, Xing Yun was now seen by many as a villain, awaiting retribution from the saintess of the Order of the Celestial Veil.

"If being evil is so simple, then I shall fulfill your expectations. Let those who oppose Xing Yun meet their end," Xing Yun said with a cold laugh, standing and departing. He tossed a few gold coins on the table as a tip.

Despite the precariousness of his situation, Xing Yun, who had faced countless life-and-death trials, harbored no fear.

Yet, courage alone is not enough; action is required. He was well aware that beneath the calm surface of Heavenly Luo City, tensions were brewing. He needed to act swiftly.

The following day, a full two hours before the scheduled time, Liang Zun and Lee Lang arrived at the main hall with their entourage, only to find Xing Yun already waiting.

"We apologize for keeping you waiting, my lord!" they exclaimed, kneeling promptly.

Xing Yun smiled and said, "No need for formalities. I mentioned the appointed time, but since you've arrived early, let's get down to business. Please, have a seat."

The group responded in unison, and then Liang Zun and Lee Lang, each with their followers, took their seats on opposite sides.

"Let's have an update on the financial and personnel status of Heavenly Luo City," Xing Yun commanded with gravity.

Lee Lang promptly rose, retrieving a well-prepared ledger from his robes. With a joyful expression, he reported, "Master, the city has a permanent population of 50,000 and a transient population of 115,000. Currently, we have 2,108 guards, including 300 above the fifth level of Martial Spirit and 1,000 below the second level. Within the household, there are 123 servants. The city's assets include three low-grade Black Crystals, 150,000 gold coins, and 10,000 dan of grain."

"Without considering levies, the grain will last a maximum of three months, and the gold coins will cover two months of expenses. With normal taxation and revenue from state-run enterprises, we can expect a surplus of 13,000 gold coins each month after purchasing necessary supplies and paying wages."

Black Crystals, imbued with Spiritual Qi, are a currency more prestigious than gold coins. One high-grade Black Crystal can be exchanged for a hundred mid-grade Black Crystals or ten thousand low-grade Black Crystals, with a single low-grade Black Crystal fetching at least ten thousand gold coins on the black market.

Lee Lang was particularly pleased, as this was the first time his master had proactively inquired about the intricate details of Heavenly Luo City.

After receiving a nod from Xing Yun, Lee Lang stepped back, and Liang Zun stood and bowed, "Master, there is unrest among the city's populace. Many warriors despise the Keep's governance, though they have yet to openly rebel. The Keep's guard once numbered four thousand, but now only a little over two thousand remain loyal to you..."

Xing Yun replied with a smile, "No matter, those who stay will not regret their decision. The real issue is the Keep's revenue. And now, I must focus on taxation—that's the primary concern."

"Master, that's a dangerous move!" Lee Lang interjected anxiously, "Raising taxes at this juncture could spark an uprising, with dire consequences we can't afford to face!"

Xing Yun's indiscretion with the saintess had already set hearts racing with fear. Now, to propose a tax hike? Such a move might provoke countless warriors to rise in rebellion and raze the Keep to the ground.

Xing Yun chuckled. "Is that what's troubling you?"

"Master, please reconsider!" Lee Lang, Liang Zun, and the rest fell to their knees, imploring him. They had only just pledged their undying loyalty to Xing Yun and did not wish to see his reign cut short by the backlash against a tyrannical governance.

Xing Yun stepped forward, lifting Lee Lang to his feet, and said with a reassuring smile, "My intention isn't to raise taxes, but to grant the city a permanent tax exemption."

"What?!" The shock was palpable among them.

While the mere thought of increased taxes had been alarming, the idea of a tax exemption was utterly astounding. But a permanent tax exemption? To them, it was like a thunderclap on a clear day!

Without taxes, how would the Keep sustain its existence and governance?