Moments later, a middle-aged demonspawn man appeared, his appearance comparable to Qian Ye’s, exuding an indescribable charm in his demeanor.
“Prince Pisces of the Abyssal Depths of the demonspawn. If you must find the person in charge of this war zone, then for now, it would be me,” Pisces said with a bitter smile.
Qian Ye felt a bit puzzled and replied, “I was just looking for the highest commander in this area.”
Pisces sighed, “It can only be me. Perhaps, you should look for the overall person in charge of the Parliament in the entire inner world.”
“Your attitude seems a bit odd.”
“Not at all. To be honest, I would rather give up my reputation, return to the Evernight, and court a few exotic beauties, drink some wine, and write more poetry, than meet you here. But since you specifically asked for me, as a member of a noble demonspawn family, for the sake of honor, I had no choice but to come out.”
Qian Ye hadn’t expected Pisces to be so blunt. He touched his own face, feeling that he wasn’t as terrifying as that.
Pisces, seeing Qian Ye’s thoughts, said helplessly, “Did the King of Lightlessness fall by your hand?”
“Yes. He betrayed the Blood Clan, and he had to pay the price.”
“Exactly. Even Medanzo has fallen, and I heard that Parocia was also severely injured by you, and his whereabouts are still unknown. So, why would I want to meet you? I am a poet, and my sword is better suited for duels against romantic rivals, not for killing on a filthy battlefield.”
Seeing the serious Pisces, Qian Ye was speechless. However, he naturally wouldn’t be swayed by Pisces’ words. Pisces was a prince, and although he was peculiar, his cultivation was still above Qian Ye’s.
Qian Ye spoke slowly, “I sought you out because I wanted to propose that this battle end here. We both withdraw, and for the next three days, there will be no more fighting. What do you think?”
Pisces asked, “Can you guarantee no more provocation?”
“Yes,” Qian Ye answered promptly.
This offensive on Artois had been costly, and they were certainly in no condition to attack again. With their small population and difficult reproduction, the loss of nearly a thousand warriors in one battle had left the three tribes severely weakened. It would take a hundred years to recover.
Pisces smiled, “It seems I really shouldn’t agree to this. But, since I have no interest in fighting, well, I can agree to the three days.”
“Will you hold to your word?” Qian Ye suddenly felt that this prince was a bit unreliable.
“The honor of a demonspawn prince is worth far more than three days. In fact, whether it’s three days or thirty, the outcome will be the same. You should understand this.” Pisces’ eyes showed a hint of pity.
Qian Ye asked, “Could you be more specific?”
“There’s no harm in telling you. The Parliament will ultimately prevail, and the reason is simple. Qian Ye, you are likely one of the greatest geniuses in history, perhaps even reaching the Sacred Mountain is not a dream. However, you are alone, how can you stand against the thousands of years of foundation of the Parliament? And your chosen allies, hah, I fear they will disappoint you. The one whom we all respected has already fallen in the Floating Island Battle.”
“Regardless, this is my choice.”
Pisces bowed, “Very well, then I wish you success.”
Qian Ye stood suspended in the air, watching as the Evernight forces retreated like a tide. The surviving Artois warriors gathered around, awaiting orders.
“Let’s return to the holy land first.”
On command, the Artois warriors collected the remains of their fallen, cremated them, and then retreated into the forest, heading back to the Holy Peak.
Qian Ye did not leave but remained suspended in the air, unmoving for a long time.
Finally, a voice sounded, “Are you still here, young friend, waiting for me?”
Qian Ye slowly turned, facing the middle-aged man who had appeared out of thin air. This man had a clear, elegant brow and a smile on his lips, but his eyes held no warmth, only a strange coldness and pride.
His aura was vast and boundless, and even Qian Ye felt as if he couldn’t see the bottom or reach the edges. Someone who could make Qian Ye feel this way was undoubtedly a king.
Qian Ye gave a formal bow according to imperial etiquette, “May I ask for your name?”
“Fang Shunxuan, I am known in the Empire as the King Dingxuan.”
“Long admired,” Qian Ye solemnly saluted.
King Dingxuan waved his sleeve with a smile, “We are not subordinates and are outside the realm, so there is no need for such formalities.”
“Agreed.” Seeing King Dingxuan’s subtle intention to keep distance, Qian Ye naturally did not try to ingratiate himself.
“Young friend, you have inflicted heavy damage on the Lord of Mesfield and slain the King of Lightlessness. Your achievements are commendable and rare. When the Empire rewards, you will surely have your share.”
Qian Ye shook his head, “I have no interest in rewards. How are Zining and Jundu doing?”
King Dingxuan stroked his beard, “One a new general, the other a new duke, they are doing well. The future of the Empire rests on their shoulders. Some say that after Xitan and Boqian, the Empire’s twin pillars are emerging.”
“Will they come here too?”
“That’s uncertain. The inner world is full of dangers, best suited for us old fellows. They are still young, and it might not be a good idea for them to enter. The Empire is rich in talent; there’s no need to risk our future pillars.”
King Dingxuan spoke with great composure, but Qian Ye, expressionless, suddenly said, “I assume you have already discovered the Evernight tower?”
King Dingxuan was slightly taken aback, but he didn’t want to lie, so he replied, “Yes.”
“If so, why don’t you act? Are you going to sit by and watch the Evernight build up here?”
“Matters of great importance require careful planning before action.”
Qian Ye stared at King Dingxuan, unblinking. King Dingxuan, with his formidable self-control, remained unperturbed.
After a moment, Qian Ye spoke first, “Have you ever considered that if the Evernight gains strength, and if Artois and I cannot resist, won’t the Empire have to intervene? Is it necessary to play mind games at this point?”
King Dingxuan’s smile remained, “Young friend, you misunderstand. My actions have always been impartial. If the time comes, I will not hesitate. From what I see, your combat power is astonishing. You fought two great lords, wounding one and killing the other, and there is no need for my interference.”
Qian Ye pointed to the burning pile of Artois warrior remains, “If you had acted earlier, they wouldn’t have had to die.”
“They are just barbarians, why care so much?”
“But—”
“Such beings, with hands and feet, are no different from beasts without enlightenment. Could it be, young friend, that you still consider them human?”
These words left Qian Ye speechless. A surge of frustration welled up in his chest, and it took him a moment to exhale, “The sages said, ‘Teach without discrimination.’ Even the Evernight Parliament views intelligent races as equals. Is the mighty Empire inferior to the dark races?”
“Young friend, you know the sages’ words. But, do you not know the Founder’s saying, ‘Those who are not of our kind, their hearts must differ?'”
Qian Ye had heard this many times. He scrutinized King Dingxuan’s unchanged smile and, after a moment, bowed, “If that is so, then I bid farewell.”
“Farewell,” King Dingxuan’s smile remained unchanged.
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