Chapter 7:
Chapter 7:
At these words, the crowd’s expressions turned somber and grim.
Carrying a demonic seed was a grave taboo, an act utterly intolerable in the human realm. Anyone found guilty of it was to be hunted down and eradicated without mercy.
Even Ying Shaoxuan’s face darkened as he grabbed Zhou Tong’s arm and swept it with divine light. Sure enough, a trace of demonic energy seeped from Zhou Tong’s palm.
This aura could only originate from a celestial demon, the natural enemy of humanity. These demons revealed in slaughtering and devouring humans, making them the sworn foes of the entire human race.
Upon seeing this, the crowd’s gaze toward Zhou Tong shifted completely, now filled with disdain and loathing. Some even looked as though they wished to tear him apart on the spot.
“So he’s just a demon spawn? To think I felt sorry for him earlier! What a waste of my sympathy!”
“Don’t insult dogs! A person tainted by demonic energy is worse than a beast—they should be killed immediately!”
“Hah… no wonder he grew so powerful. Turns out, he’d already succumbed to demonic influence. At his core, he’s still just worthless trash!”
Ying Shaoxuan’s gaze grew sharp as he locked eyes with Zhou Tong, his tone cold. “Are Mo Liusu’s claims true?”
“They are not!” Zhou Tong replied firmly, without hesitation.
“Still lying at this point? Truly shameless! With the evidence right here, no amount of denial will save you!”
Mo Liusu mocked Zhou Tong without reservation, determined to drive him into a corner.
“Exactly! For someone tainted by demonic energy, there’s nothing more to say—just one word: kill!”
“Kill him!”
“End him now!”
“We can’t let this demon spawn live! Who knows how many more lives he’ll ruin if he’s left alive!”
The crowd’s voices rose like a tidal wave, unanimously calling for Zhou Tong’s death. The presence of demonic energy was a line no one could tolerate, and those who willingly embraced it were fated to be exterminated.
“Wait! His body no longer contains the demonic seed!”
Ying Shaoxuan’s calm but heavy words silenced the uproar.
“What? That’s impossible!”
Many stood frozen in disbelief. The defining mark of demonic corruption was the presence of a demonic seed. Without it, how could Zhou Tong still be accused of being a demon?
“Regardless, his connection to the demonic race is undeniable. To be safe, it’s better to eliminate him,” someone suggested, garnering agreement from many.
“Root out all evil; it’s better to err on the side of caution than to let one slip through. That’s always been humanity’s stance toward demons.”
Ying Shaoxuan frowned and addressed Zhou Tong. “By the rules of the continent’s enforcers, unless a sect is willing to vouch for you, even if we spare your life, your cultivation will be permanently sealed, preventing you from ever practicing again. Can you find a sect willing to stand as your guarantor?”
At this, all eyes turned to the figure of Mo Liusu in the projection.
“Don’t look at me. The Azure Purity Sect is an upright sect. How could we possibly vouch for a demon spawn? You may deal with him as you see fit,” Mo Liusu said coldly, without a hint of emotion.
Tang Qi’s eyes glinted with mockery. What of Zhou Tong’s enlightenment? In the end, he was still destined for ruin. Tang Qi believed himself to be the true protagonist of fate.
“In that case, there’s nothing more to say.”
Ying Shaoxuan’s tone turned icy as he moved closer to Zhou Tong, raising his hand to seal his cultivation.
“Wait! We are willing to vouch for him!”
A melodious voice rang out, clear and soothing like a mountain spring, immediately captivating everyone.
The crowd parted, revealing a girl clad in crimson robes. Her appearance instantly drew all attention.
“It’s her!”
The crowd’s pupils constricted in recognition. This girl was clearly someone of significance.
She moved with a grace that was otherworldly, her bare, jade-like feet stepping on the ground without a speck of dust, each step leaving lotus flowers in her wake. Her beauty was breathtaking, carrying the charm of a future peerless beauty, exuding an irresistible allure.
“She’s from the Joyous Harmony Sect—You Cangyue!”
Someone murmured, identifying the girl. Many were familiar with her. In the last Hundred Sect Tournament, she had dominated, securing second place, second only to Zhou Tong himself.
The Joyous Harmony Sect, however, was notorious. Once a top-tier sect decades ago, it had suffered a rapid decline due to internal turmoil. Now, it only accepted female disciples and teetered on the brink of collapse.
From every angle, there seemed to be no reason for the Joyous Harmony Sect to vouch for Zhou Tong.
This unexpected twist not only saved Zhou Tong but also darkened Mo Liusu’s already frosty expression. Her plan to force Zhou Tong into submission had failed yet again.
“A demonic witch from an unruly sect—how can you possibly have the right to vouch for anyone?” Mo Liusu sneered, attempting to undermine the Joyous Harmony Sect’s credibility.
“Not convinced?”
You Cangyue’s gaze fell on Mo Liusu. “Shall I have my master pay you a visit?”
Her words sent chills through the crowd.
Though the Joyous Harmony Sect was in decline, its matriarch was still a figure of terror.
Decades ago, this woman had single-handedly caused chaos across the continent, wiping out numerous factions without anyone daring to oppose her.
It was rumored that she had exhausted her life force in those battles and didn’t have long to live. But even on her deathbed, no one dared provoke her.
“Enough. If the Joyous Harmony Sect is willing to vouch for Zhou Tong, then by the rules, we won’t make things difficult for him. But if any issues arise in the future, you will bear full responsibility,” Ying Shaoxuan declared before turning and leaving.
The other sect leaders, losing interest, also departed without sparing Zhou Tong another glance.
In the end, only Zhou Tong and You Cangyue remained.
Their gazes met, and a flicker of complex emotions appeared in Zhou Tong’s eyes.
If there was anyone he owed an apology to in his previous life, it was this mischievous girl standing before him.
“Little demoness…” Zhou Tong murmured softly.
To his surprise, she sneered coldly. In the next instant, a sword was drawn and pressed against his throat.
“Who gave you the right to call me that, you heartless man? Do you remember what you did to me during the Hundred Sect Tournament? You don’t deserve to speak my name!”
The crowd was stunned. Judging by the tension, these two clearly knew each other well—and not in a simple way.
Mo Liusu’s expression darkened once more. “So, you’ve been entangled with a demonic witch as well. Disgraceful! I made the right decision. A filthy man like you never deserved to be my disciple!”
Ignoring her entirely, Zhou Tong kept his focus on You Cangyue. “Why did you save me?”
“You’re so full of yourself. Did it ever occur to you that I saved you just so I could kill you myself?”
Her sneer deepened, and the blade pressed closer to his neck. Tang Qi, watching, was practically trembling with excitement.
“Kill him! Kill him now!” he shouted inwardly, his fists clenched.
“Any last words? Speak now, or forever hold your peace,” You Cangyue demanded, her actions leaving no doubt of her seriousness.
But Zhou Tong showed no fear. He looked at her calmly, his expression soft yet resolute.
“I’m sorry. I was wrong.”
These simple words struck like a thunderbolt, carrying immense weight.
You Cangyue froze, her cold exterior shattered. The sword in her hand slipped to the ground.
Meanwhile, in the Azure Purity Sect’s Judgement Hall, Mo Liusu’s icy aura surged violently.
That traitor! Even if he faced death, he wouldn’t bow to her—but before this “demonic witch,” he surrendered so easily!