Chapter Forty-Five: Broken Beyond Mending? An Unexpected Turn

As Shi Yi screamed in madness, Shi Zitong stepped forward as well, kneeling before Chen Xing and kowtowing repeatedly in silence. He knew that even if everyone present joined forces, they would stand no chance against the man before them; his own lineage was finished.

Yet, even if every last member of his line were to die, he could not bear to see his son descend into madness, nor his wife's soul left in torment. Powerless, all he could do was kowtow over and over, even if their lives were forfeit, for he could not bear to witness his wife and son suffer, since he was the one closest to them in the world!

As Shi Yi spiraled into madness, and Shi Zitong remained silent, his forehead already bloodied from kneeling, Shi Hao stood aside in silence. Jin Ling, the others, and even the Willow God all looked on with cold detachment. It was not that they were heartless, but in their long lives, they had witnessed countless tragedies more pitiful than this; such a scene could no longer stir their hearts to pity.

Suddenly, a young woman’s voice quietly spoke: “Actually, they are rather pitiful. Why not…spare them, just this once?”

Though her words were nearly inaudible, everyone present possessed profound cultivation and heard her clearly. All turned to look, and there stood a figure in blazing red—a lovely young woman: Fire Ling’er.

Seeing everyone’s gaze fall upon her, including the Human Emperor, the Martial King, and Shi Zitong, whose eyes brimmed with gratitude, Fire Ling’er flushed red and quickly turned away, only to meet the descending gaze of Chen Xing. His eyes glimmered with amusement, and perhaps a hint of approval that none but she could detect.

Her face grew even redder, but this time she did not shrink away. In a huff, she protested, “It's true! These people can’t possibly threaten our Little One any longer. Master, why must you torment them so? If you really wanted them dead, Brother Yuan or Grandpa Shi could easily destroy them.”

Hearing Fire Ling’er address him as ‘Master,’ Chen Xing could only smile helplessly. Indeed! In time, this girl would marry Shi Hao, so it was only natural for her to call him such.

But the others’ faces all changed at her words. They were all eminent figures in their own right, yet in this girl’s words, they were so utterly insignificant. Still, in front of Chen Xing, none dared protest, and their faces grew flushed with embarrassment.

Seeing their expressions, Chen Xing offered no explanation. He shook his head at the little girl and said, “Little one, do you truly understand how cruelly Little One was hurt all those years ago?”

Fire Ling’er, upon hearing Chen Xing’s question, shed her earlier brazenness and grew solemn. “I have long known. But I also know that, with Master’s love these years, Little One no longer dwells on those things. If not for this calamity, how would he have ever met Master?”

Chen Xing was momentarily stunned and glanced over at Shi Hao. Shi Hao nodded, murmuring, “I can see that my father and grandfather still care for the Martial King’s estate. They never truly wished to destroy it. I only came here to fulfill Master’s command from years ago—to wipe out Shi Yi’s branch. I never intended to bring ruin to the estate itself.”

Chen Xing felt at a loss. In the end, it seemed he alone had to play the villain. Was this how the story was supposed to go? Where was the ruthless, decisive Desolate Heaven Emperor? Had he spoiled him beyond repair?

Then, upon reflection, it all made sense: he had rescued Shi Hao’s family, found him a worthy wife, and let him spend his childhood in the idyllic Stone Village. Whatever hatred he once had had long since faded. Most importantly, he had arranged for several nearly invincible guardians to watch over him—how could he expect him to be ruthless now? Had he truly pampered the boy into uselessness? Chen Xing was left dumbfounded.

He sighed helplessly and patted the youngster on the head, saying nothing more. Then, turning to the Human Emperor and the others, who still watched him intently, he snapped, “What are you staring at? Don’t believe what my disciple’s… er, what Ling’er said? Here in these Eight Desolations of the lower realm, several among them could crush you all with a single palm, and you still dare defy them? Do you have a death wish?”

The crowd stared, stupefied. The once-aloof, godlike figure had, in a moment, revealed himself to be… well, such a character! It was hard to accept.

They might have doubted Fire Ling’er’s words, but coming from him, they had no choice but to believe. Remembering how they had just contemplated capturing or even killing this man, many turned pale with fear and felt incredibly fortunate.

Many glanced at Shi Ziling and his son with envy. They remembered well that among those who could annihilate the Eight Desolations was ‘Fifteenth Uncle,’ capable, it seemed, of destroying it all with a single motion. Their hearts were a mix of jealousy and dread.

In truth, both Chen Xing and Fire Ling’er had exaggerated—the likes of Shi Zhongtian could certainly defeat them, but as for crushing the Eight Desolations with a single palm… that was pure fantasy.

Attention shifted once more to Shi Yi and his mother. Shi Yi now knelt before his mother, weeping bitterly, yet unable to touch her; she looked on in desperation, her lips trembling as if to comfort him, but no sound emerged.

The sight shook many to their core. As cultivators, they had long ceased to fear death, and pity was a rare emotion after so many years. Shi Yi and his mother had committed unforgivable crimes, yet their bond as mother and son moved many to sorrow.

With a sigh, seeing the look of compassion on Fire Ling'er and the others’ faces, Chen Xing resigned himself to playing the villain. Best to end this swiftly—there were things yet to be done. Ah, what a miserable fate!

He cleared his throat, his expression growing stern as all eyes turned to him. Chen Xing addressed the crowd, “No matter what, one must pay for one’s misdeeds. Spider Venerable!”

The Spider Venerable, who had been trying his hardest to remain unnoticed, shuddered and hurried forward to bow. “Senior! What are your orders?” he asked, anxiety gnawing at his heart.

Chen Xing gazed off into the distant sky, his voice icy. “This matter does not concern you, but by taking Shi Yi as your disciple, you are already entangled in it. Now I give you a chance to atone: for three days, you are to lead the people of Demon Spirit Lake in guarding the ordinary citizens of the Stone Kingdom. Will you do it?”

No one noticed that as Chen Xing looked skyward, the silent Willow God did as well, a flicker of worry passing over her face.

Spider Venerable was utterly bewildered—what did this mean? Chen Xing offered no explanation, but with a wave of his hand, a vast shadow swept from the horizon, shrinking rapidly as it approached, until it was no larger than a bowl in his palm. He tossed it to the Spider Venerable and said coolly, “I don’t care what methods you use—within three days, there must be no chaos among the people of the Stone Kingdom. You know the consequences otherwise.”

Staring at the bowl-sized object in his hands, the Spider Venerable finally cried out, “Demon Spirit Lake! This is Demon Spirit Lake!” The crowd was shocked—what kind of power was this, to summon the mighty Demon Spirit Lake in an instant and shrink it to the size of a bowl?

As they marveled, the Spider Venerable’s delighted voice rang out, “This… this Demon Spirit Lake has become a treasure that can change its size!”

When he recognized the lake, he’d sent a wisp of divine sense inside, worried for those living within. To his surprise, none inside were aware anything had changed, and the lake itself had become a precious artifact. Filled with joy, he hurried before Chen Xing and respectfully declared, “Rest assured, Senior. Within three days, I will protect the people here.” Bowing deeply, he turned and departed.

While the crowd still envied the Spider Venerable’s new treasure, Chen Xing turned to the Human Emperor. “I had hoped you would be the one to settle this, but some unexpected events occurred. I ask that you deploy your experts to guard every place you can for the next three days. As for the reason, do not ask.”

With that, Chen Xing shook his head, helpless at heart. He had acted with utmost caution, yet it had come to this after all.