Chapter 4241: Avarice
As greed took over, the unreasonable request became reasonable in the crowdâs mind. They knew that robbing him was impossible, given their power. The duo was the only chance.
âFinality is a gift from heaven. Sharing it with the world is an immeasurable contribution to humanity.â Vastsea spoke: âFellow Daoist, this choice of yours can prosper Sword Continent for years to come. Youâll be the most celebrated figure in history.â
The vajra also chimed in, acting as if he cared about others: âRight, if I had it, I would share it with everyone. Thatâs our responsibility, a way to strengthen the legacy of the sword dao in our continent.â
They changed the narrative and sounded like masters wanting the best for mankind. After all, it would be improper for overlords like them to demand Li Qiyeâs personal item. Big shots like them couldnât act like bandits.
On the other hand, shifting the narrative into helping Sword Continent made it acceptable and actually boosted their reputation. The end result was the same; only the justification was different.
âSenior Vajra is too kind.â An expert loudly shouted: âYes, Finality Scripture should be public knowledge for the sake of our continent.â
âThatâs right.â Cheers erupted as others repeated the same sentiment.
âFinality should belong to everyone, not a single person! It is the source of all the sword dao so anyone who attempts to monopolize it will be the enemy!â
âYouâre perfectly right! Anyone who attempts to monopolize the scripture is the enemy!â
It didnât take long for them to claim that Li Qiyeâs scripture was public property.
âHow pitiful.â Li Qiye looked at them and said: âGreed is driving you all crazy and clouding your conscience. Cultivating ten thousand years hasnât been enough to cure stupidity.â
He then turned his sight towards Vastsea and Earthraiser, still with a smile on his face: âThe so-called overlords are nothing more than sordid merchants, utterly disappointing.â
The duo turned red after the insult but refrained from acting out. They already had a plan and it was going perfectly.
As for the rowdy crowd, embarrassment turned into rage.
âLi Qiye, your greed is disgraceful and detrimental to society!â One expert shouted.
âYour path will lead to certain destruction, be smart and hand Finality over or you will die without a grave!â One more shrieked.
âEveryone in the world wonât let this stand!â Li Qiye became the enemy in no time at all.
He smiled and gazed at the greedy cultivators then said: âIs that so? Doesnât sound bad at all. Come, I donât mind killing anyone who harbors this thought.â
âKill him!â An offended cultivator shouted.
âKill him!â The crowd chanted as if wanting to cut him to pieces.
Of course, they might be screaming for blood but none was stupid enough to actually attack Li Qiye. They knew that only the overlords had a chance of subduing him.
âIf you insist on being stubborn, Fellow Daoist, then I shall put my old bones to good use for the sake of Sword Continent.â Earthraiser said: âI hope youâll share the scripture because it belongs to the entire continent.â
âYes, Sea Emperor believes in the same ideal and will support you, Brother.â The venerable found that the time was right and added: âWhoever stands by our side will be given a copy of Finality Scripture.â
Hearts started beating faster right away. Everyone knew that it was impossible to learn or memorize the scripture in a short time. However, to have access to a copy? This was akin to possessing all nine sword dao.
Greed already had a firm grasp on them so it became even more irresistible.
âSun-moon School stands with Sea Emperor and Nine-wheel in our aspiration to improve Sword Continent.â A sect master stepped forward and said.
âBenevolence will lend our strength to the continent.â A golem ancestor joined in.
âAquatic Kingdom stands with Sea Emperor and Nine-wheel!â An old king loudly declared.
Numerous sects revealed their attitude and chose the side of Sea Emperor and Nine-wheel. They wanted a piece of the pie - a copy of Finality.
Meanwhile, the neutral parties exchanged glances. They would be lying to themselves if they claim to not want a copy.
However, this was a blatant robbery, an immoral and despicable act. Some of them didnât wish to get their hands dirty.
âSword Temple stands with the young noble. Get through me first before thinking about Finality.â Everlasting Sword God declared.
Her voice wasnât loud but everyone heard her clearly. The third overlord had taken the side of Li Qiye.
âHallowed City is on your side, Young Noble.â Hallowed City Lord calmly stated.
âYou have our swords, Young Noble.â Tie Jian spoke on behalf of the sword ground. Ling Jian didnât oppose this either.
âWooden Sword Kingdom is at your command, Young Noble.â Poplar Paragon laughed heartily.
âThe same with Armament Mountain.â Shi Yingxue revealed her stance.
âCount us in as well.â Nine-sun Sword Saint spoke for Virtuous School.
âWe humbly ask for the chance to contribute.â Flame Valley Lord also picked Li Qiyeâs side.
âHeaven Silkworm obeys you, Young Noble.â Dong Ling stepped forward and said.
A rift appeared in Sword Continent between two powerful factions - the alliance of Sea Emperor and Nine-wheel versus Li Qiye and his followers.