Chapter 73 "Every man for himself, or the world will destroy him!" (Can be skipped)
Xiao Ming stepped out alone through the doors of the Magic Treasure Pavilion, which were brightly lit yet permeated with the invisible scent of gunpowder and desire.
The clamor and night glow of the market were left behind him. A cool evening breeze, carrying the distinct, fresh scent of mountain vegetation, washed over his face, ruffling the hair on his forehead and seemingly dispelling the superficial heat and human congestion brought about by the farce that had just occurred.
He did not immediately use an escape technique, choosing instead to stroll along the bluestone path leading toward the Sect.
The night had deepened; the sky was like fine dark blue velvet, dotted with sparse yet bright stars.
The silhouettes of distant mountain peaks appeared silent and majestic under the moonlight, while the spiritual plants nearby rustled softly in the night breeze. Everything felt tranquil and transcendent, worlds apart from the filth and strife within the Magic Treasure Pavilion and the market.
The evening breeze continued to brush against his cheeks, bringing a hint of chill and allowing his rapidly churning thoughts to gradually settle and clarify.
He was not born this "evil," enjoying the manipulation of human hearts and the pleasure of holding others' "possessions" and mutual affections in the palm of his hand.
When he first arrived in this world, he too had experienced brief moments of confusion and a longing for pure power.
But this world, this magnificent path known as "cultivation," had an underlying reality that was far from the carefree, transcendent, and righteous existence described in stories and legends.
The Law of the jungle, where the weak are prey to the strong, is etched into the very bones of this world.
Resources, Opportunity, Daoist traditions, Luck... every single one must be fought for, snatched, and schemed for.
The so-called righteous Sects appear glorious on the surface, emphasizing ethics and morality, but have the filth, the monopoly on resources, and the exclusion and suppression of dissent in the shadows ever been any less?
They are simply better at donning the cloak of "righteousness," disguising the bloodshed and filth more subtly, hiding it beneath high-sounding dogmas and sanctimonious faces.
As for the Demonic Path, it merely displays this cruel Law of survival more nakedly and directly.
"If one does not look out for oneself, Heaven and Earth will destroy them..." Xiao Ming repeated this eternal Law of survival in a low voice, his lips curling into an indifferent arc.
Here, kindness is weakness, naivety means death, and excessive trust often leads to a knife in the back.
If you do not scheme against others, others will scheme against you; if you do not seize the initiative, you can only become a stepping stone for others to ascend, or even be devoured until not even your bones remain.
Lu Ming's encounter today might seem like a "joke" and "backstabbing" orchestrated by him, Xiao Ming, but wasn't it also a microcosm of this cruel Law?
Did Lu Ming himself not harbor intentions of climbing the social ladder and betting on the future?
Was that female cultivator from Yin Yang Peak not also devoid of bottom lines for the sake of the Dao?
Even with Mo Qingzhu's "surrender," how much of it was mixed with the search for stronger protection and calculations for her own future?
In this massive, invisible arena, everyone wears a mask and brandishes sharp claws, driven by desire and survival, performing scenes that are either brilliant or clumsy.
Emotions, morality, and promises are often fragile and crumble in the face of sufficiently large interests or threats of life and death.
He, Xiao Ming, had simply seen through this earlier and more clearly than most, and... chose to actively adapt to, utilize, and even master this Law.
The System was his reliance, but this cold worldview was the cornerstone of his actions.
Plundering Opportunity, devouring growth, controlling hearts, enjoying the power and pleasure that followed... all of this was merely the way of survival and strength in accordance with the essence of this world.
As for whether the means are honorable or the process is immoral, what does that matter? Only the result can prove everything.
The evening breeze grew stronger, bringing a chill from the mountain peak.
Xiao Ming looked up, gazing at the vaguely visible silhouette of Holy Son Peak in the night. It was his temporary lair, and also the stage for the next "game" he was planning.
Mo Qingzhu must have arrived by now, full of anticipation, waiting for his "arrangements." And on Chi Lianer's side, there was still a nocturnal appointment...
He exhaled softly, the white mist rapidly dissipating in the cool night sky.
His eyes became deep and calm again, all outward emotions restrained.
This world is very cruel, and very real. And he, likes it very much.
Taking a step forward, his figure merged into the deeper night, walking unhurriedly toward the other side of Holy Son Peak.
The road ahead might be filled with thorns and hidden murderous intent, but for him, it was just one interesting game after another...