Yinlan City, Part 13

Su Qing, relying on the intelligence she gathered and her talent for telling bold-faced lies, successfully muddled through the “Who is the Undercover Agent” segment without a hitch.

But not everyone had her good fortune. Soon, six undercover agents were exposed, whimpering “It’s a miscarriage of justice!” as they were forcibly dragged away.

Soon after, agonizing screams of extreme pain and fear emanated from the back hall. These screams lasted a few moments, then completely ceased, making the silence in the main hall even more eerie.

The leader of the Abyssal Void made his appearance at this moment.

Everyone involved in the demonic cult trade had a keen sense of discretion in their actions.

The leader of the Abyssal Void also wore a black robe, but he did not conceal his face with secret arts. Instead, he openly revealed a common, square-jawed face.

There was no need to wonder; this face, and even his voice, were fake.

Perhaps if his outer skin were peeled off, many more fake faces would appear beneath, like a face-changing act.

The main hall, originally dimly lit and gloomy, was now illuminated by many flickering candles, appearing both quiet and eerie.

Fortunately, the space was very large, accommodating up to five hundred disciples without feeling crowded.

At the very front was a high platform, on which was painted the emblem of the Abyssal Void: a purplish-black crack resembling an eye.

Before the assembly began, there was the customary speech, which meant the leader’s address, as if leaders would die without it.

Since Su Qing was an undercover agent, she naturally didn’t act like a show-off or attempt to give a speech. She quietly hid among the black-robed figures, holding her breath and minimizing her presence.

The leader stepped onto the high platform. He cleared his throat, his voice hoarse, “These days, my brothers and sisters have truly suffered.”

“I know there are rumors outside, saying that our Abyssal Void is as timid as a mouse, only doing good deeds, charity, and living at the whim of others, without any of the arrogance of a demonic cult known for its decisive killings. They say we don’t deserve the name ‘demonic cult,’ that we’re merely a charity organization. Even some loyal believers have left us because of this, which is truly regrettable.”

“Insult, what a great insult!”

“But do they think these things will dampen our morale? I tell everyone here, no! Even those who betrayed me, who betrayed the Abyssal Void, they not only received no punishment, I even gave each of them a million spirit stones.”

“Because I give a million to everyone who betrays me, then those who are loyal to me in the future will be worth hundreds of millions. This is why nine out of ten demonic cults fall, but only our Abyssal Void is a phoenix—!”

After the leader’s impassioned speech, the disciples all seemed extremely agitated, eager to roll up their sleeves and get to work immediately. Even Su Qing inexplicably felt the urge to clap in rhythm.

If it weren’t for the lingering screams of the recently executed undercover agents in her ears, she might have fallen for his grand promises too.

Whether others were satisfied or not, the leader himself was very pleased after his speech.

He ended his speech, still not having had his fill, and began asking people from various strongholds to report on their mission progress.

After the leader confirmed that the required blessed sachets and specially made incense for the ritual were all prepared, especially when he learned that the Yan family garrison’s attention had been drawn away by the Lotus Fire Cult and they were searching the entire city for the Lotus Fire Cult’s traces, he nodded in satisfaction. “Very good, it seems this ritual assembly can proceed smoothly.”

He raised his hands, his wide sleeves spreading like bat wings, “Let us all partake in the blood sacrifice!”

The disciples below responded in unison, “Partake in the blood sacrifice!”

Su Qing also shouted along, “Partake in the blood sacrifice.”

She already understood that this Abyssal Void intended to use the blood of the entire city’s population as a catalyst on the day of the ritual to awaken something.

Although she didn’t know exactly what it was, it must be an extremely precious magical artifact that could enhance the Abyssal Void’s power, which was why they had secretly planned and orchestrated this for many years.

But what exactly it was, she still needed to investigate further and report.

After the leader had enough of his leadership, he brought up another important agenda item for this assembly.

Yinlan City was a gathering place for various factions and numerous powers.

A slight carelessness could lead to many undercover agents infiltrating their ranks.

Even familiar acquaintances could suddenly be replaced one day, revealing their true identities at a critical moment and sabotaging things, which would be irreversible.

The leader of the Abyssal Void was a tolerant and very cautious person.

Therefore, he wanted to use this assembly to find absolutely reliable disciples to act with him on the day of the ritual.

If necessary, he would even share certain powers and even internal secrets of the cult with them.

At this, Su Qing felt a little interested. If she could infiltrate the demonic cult and become a small leader, wouldn’t she gain first-hand intelligence?

Coupled with the Yan family army’s inside-outside coordination, this matter should be resolved with minimal casualties.

Besides, she had never been a demonic cult leader before.

Since demonic cults didn’t do good deeds, their storage bags should probably be quite rich.

Ye Mingshi’s heart also surged. She knew that the Abyssal Void’s infiltration into Yinlan City was definitely for the demonic bone.

If she could gain the leader’s trust, she could definitely subtly inquire about the whereabouts of the demonic bone.

Blood Thorns listened, a sarcastic smile under her cloak. She knew the nature of demonic cult members; they were probably using some sinister methods to select people.

Indeed, evil and demons were inseparable.

Just as she expected, the leader spoke, “I have seen the loyalty of all of you to the Abyssal Void, and I am very moved. But unfortunately, time is urgent, and not every disciple will have a chance. How about we use the Dao Heart Vow as a criterion for judgment?”

He smiled slightly, a hint of ruthlessness in his ordinary face, “I will use your Dao Heart Vows as the basis for choosing my left and right-hand men.”

Once a Dao Heart Vow was made, it would automatically form a layer of restraint on a cultivator.

If the Dao Heart Vow was violated, it would likely go against the Heavenly Dao, making it highly probable to suffer cultivation deviation and ultimately perish during future cultivation.

Using the Dao Heart Vow as a criterion for judgment was truly ruthless.

At this, the disciples below were somewhat speechless. The leader, however, spoke in a benevolent tone, “What? You all claim boundless loyalty to the Abyssal Void, but this loyalty makes you not even dare to make a vow?”

He flicked his sleeve, not in a hurry, adopting a composed posture, but meticulously observing everyone’s reactions in the hall.

Soon, a disciple eager to advance was the first to speak, “I am willing to make a Dao Heart Vow, swearing upon my lifespan! If I ever do anything that offends the Abyssal Void, I shall lose forty years of life!”

After this person spoke, he felt a binding force instantly establish itself, making his face solemn.

A Qi Refining cultivator could at most live around 120 years.

To immediately offer forty years meant the person was resolute.

The leader smiled slightly, “Good. Anyone else?”

[Infinite good articles, all on Jinjiang Literature City]

Someone started competing, shouting, “I’m willing to lose fifty years of life!”

“I swear to live and die with the Abyssal Void! If I violate this oath, let my cultivation be hindered and lead to cultivation deviation!”

“Let me be betrayed by all, a lonely individual!”

This oath was very clever.

It was well known that half of those in demonic cults were people who had been betrayed by all, and because their profession had no future, they generally ended up as lonely individuals. This was purely a Dao Heart Vow made to fill a quota.

Ye Mingshi really wanted to make an oath like ‘if I violate this oath, let both my parents die,’ since she had nothing in terms of family ties anyway.

But both parents dying was just the basic level for a demonic cult member; almost all had tragic childhoods and broken families. Now, bringing it up alone wouldn’t be impressive enough.

But if she were to make an oath about her lifespan, she didn’t have much life left anyway due to suppressing her innate demonic bone. What if she truly only had fifty years left to live, wouldn’t she die on the spot right after speaking?

How could that be? If she wanted to die, why would she come here?

Blood Thorns also remained silent.

She already lived a life on the edge, constantly facing danger.

To further entangle herself in an unfavorable fate would truly be asking to die young.

How much money the Heavenly Secret Alliance paid her was not worth her risking her life like this; she would never make a disadvantageous Dao Heart Vow.

But two people present had a great advantage.

One was Su Qing herself.

Her body and soul were not from this world.

Unless she truly believed it, the vows she made would not be bound by the Heavenly Dao.

Although making casual vows felt like setting a flag, if too many flags were set, she would become the flag itself.

The other person was Jiang Xiaocao.

After the rest of the demonic cult members finished their vows, he stepped forward and said, “I swear to live and die with the Abyssal Void. If I violate this oath, I will cease to be human.”

He emphasized seriously, “I will not be human for all eternity.”

After so many pledges about lifespan, it was rare to hear something so fresh and unconventional, even so ruthless as to choose to not be human for all eternity.

The leader’s eyes lit up.

[Infinite good articles, all on Jinjiang Literature City]

He called him forward a step and asked, “If you’re not human, what will you be?”

The leader’s original intention was to close any loopholes in his vow. If he wasn’t human and aimed to become an immortal, wouldn’t that be taking advantage of both sides?

Jiang Xiaocao said decisively, “I’ll be grass.”

The leader pressed, “What kind of grass?”

What if it was some spirit plant or spirit grass that could transform into a human? Wouldn’t that also benefit him?

Jiang Xiaocao explained, “Just the most ordinary grass, found everywhere on the ground.”

[Infinite good articles, all on Jinjiang Literature City]

The leader clapped his hands and laughed heartily, repeating “Good!” three times. “Good, good, good! I truly didn’t misjudge you. For the Abyssal Void, you are even willing to be trampled upon by thousands of people, a humble blade of grass. Excellent! You are our Abyssal Void’s most loyal believer!”

Seeing this, Su Qing, unwilling to be outdone, stepped forward and said, “Leader, being a blade of grass is nothing; it’s neither painful nor itchy. I swear to live and die with the Abyssal Void. If I violate this oath, I will die right now. If I ever do anything that offends the Abyssal Void, forget eternal life, I won’t even have a next life.”

After Su Qing spoke, she felt nothing at all.

Things she didn’t genuinely believe had no right to become her inner demons; it was that simple a principle.

At these words, all the disciples present were greatly shaken.

Even the Sword School’s small team was secretly alarmed.

Bai Ying thought: ‘They’ve gone mad, both of them.’

Hua Ling was also very worried: ‘Su Qing and Jiang Xiaocao, this is playing too big! How can one casually make such a Dao Heart Vow?!’

Gu Zimou, meanwhile, thought: ‘Su Qing made the vow but is fine, either it means she’s a traitor, or it means heaven has eyes. She’s definitely not a traitor, so heaven must have opened its eyes. In that case, maybe I should make one too. I’ll make a ruthless one, just be fertilizer in my next life.’

Jiang Shuyi’s eyes widened: ‘No wonder they’re the same age; she’s almost a senior sister. Look at this audacity, amazing.’

Jiang Xiaocao suddenly looked over, his brows slightly furrowed, showing a hint of worry.

But Su Qing deliberately adopted a hostile posture, clearly intending to compete with him.

The leader sighed deeply.

Their Abyssal Void had generally poor benefits, working overtime day and night, with no welfare to speak of.

Leaders exploited subordinates, subordinates often defied superiors, and colleagues frequently killed each other. He never expected to cultivate these two simpletons.

This day, the Abyssal Void, having endured wind and frost and countless tribulations, finally welcomed two of its loyal believers.

The leader said with satisfaction, “You two are both good disciples of the Abyssal Void. There’s no need to argue further.”

He laughed heartily, “Since it’s left and right arms, then it must be two people.”

He pointed at Jiang Xiaocao and said, “Left arm,” then looked at Su Qing, “Right arm.”

“From this moment on, you two will follow me closely and act according to my commands!”

The assembly ended, and everyone else quietly left, except for Su Qing and Jiang Xiaocao, who were kept behind.

The leader, having gone through the Dao Heart Vow round, already trusted them greatly.

He said directly, “Honestly, I have been preparing this ritual for nearly three years; there are no oversights left. I am confident it can proceed smoothly. However, there is one thing I am always worried about. As the saying goes, ‘Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.'”

“What I worry about most is the Yan family army. Although Yan Chi has left Yinlan City, I always feel that something is amiss. Therefore, I need your help. You are the most loyal disciples of the Abyssal Void. If I can’t even trust you, then I truly have no one else to rely on.”

Su Qing listened to his words, already feeling a bad premonition in her heart.

The leader seemed to be able to read minds, saying confidently, “I want to send you two to the Yan family army as undercover agents, to gather information on their movements for me. Success or failure hinges on this one action. Do you have the confidence to accomplish this?”