Reincarnated as the Death Spider Queen, sacrificing Bibi Dong at the start.

Chapter 77 Violence is merely a means, not an end.

Chapter 77 Violence is merely a means, not an end.

"Even?"

Bibi Dong seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world. Her chest heaved with anger, and she didn't even care about her hands being restrained. She sneered, "Nan Feng, is your skin reinforced by a city wall?"

"You've been the one causing trouble from beginning to end. You were the one acting like a lunatic, constantly shifting your mind and grinding my trust into dust! And in the end, you inexplicably got angry first, making it seem like I owe you something!"

"Now you're telling me we're even? How are we even?"

"Wrong, wrong, wrong! It's all my fault!"

Seeing that things were going badly, Nan Feng immediately shook his head vigorously, his attitude so sincere he almost wanted to tear his heart out to show her: "It's all my fault! I was being unreasonable, I was ungrateful!"

"Tell me! What do you want me to do if you can calm down? I'll go through fire and water for you, and I'll do whatever you say! Even if you frown, I'm your son!"

Bibi Dong glared at him fiercely, too lazy to listen to his oath, and wanted to turn her back to him so she wouldn't have to see him or be bothered by him.

Although Nan Feng's clone possessed less soul power than his original body, its strength was astonishing. Coupled with its persistent, shameless nature, it gave her no chance to turn the tables, clinging to her like a giant koala.

Bibi Dong was so angry that she simply closed her eyes.

Out of sight, out of mind.

However, just two seconds after she closed her eyes, she felt a warm breath on her face, and it seemed that the guy was getting closer again.

She suddenly opened her eyes.

Sure enough, Nan Feng's handsome face was right in front of her, his two heterochromatic eyes blinking and staring at her expectantly.

Through the connection at the depths of her soul, Bibi Dong could clearly sense that intense guilt, that ingratiating feeling, and that trace of—

—The panic of being pushed away again.

That feeling was so real.

But Bibi Dong couldn't help but feel a little doubtful: Is this really not acting?

"call----"

Bibi Dong let out a long breath, forcibly suppressing the irritation in her heart.

Now is not the time to dwell on these things. We can put matters of the heart aside; that mess is urgent.

"Alright, stop playing the victim."

Bibi Dong said coldly, "Since you know you're wrong, then use that energy on something worthwhile."

"You should think about how to clean up this mess first."

"As you wish, the Spirit Hall has already extended invitations to the entire continent's spirit master community. There are only three days left before the delegations from the seven major sects and the two great empires arrive in Spirit City."

"How are we going to explain this three days from now?"

"The Spirit Hall just launched a war of annihilation against the Clear Sky Sect, and then the Clear Sky Sect turned around and joined the Spirit Hall? If word got out, what would the outside world think? They'd probably think we were putting on a show, making a fool of everyone!"

"And what I just said, that's the most fatal thing."

A hint of worry flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes: "That old bastard Jin E will definitely not let this opportunity pass. He will definitely incite the emotions of those Spirit Hall members who suffered heavy casualties in the war."

"They've lost loved ones and friends, and now they're expected to work with a murderer? They will never accept the Clear Sky Sect!"

"If Tang Xiao is isolated in the Elder Hall and the people of the Haotian Sect are ostracized below, the conflict between the two sides will intensify, and an internal strife could erupt at any time!"

"To abandon the Spirit Hall's foundation and the hearts and minds of its people for the sake of the Clear Sky Sect, which is disloyal and could turn against them at any moment?"

Bibi Dong demanded, "What exactly do you want to do?"

"Nan Feng, you need to understand this: while the Spirit Hall's Soul Masters may not be as powerful as top-tier sects like the Clear Sky Sect in terms of high-end combat strength, the Spirit Hall isn't always at war!"

"The world of Soul Masters isn't just about fighting and killing; those are just last resorts."

"To govern the world of Soul Masters and maintain order, we rely on the hearts of the people and on the rules!"

"Only knowing how to violently suppress and kill is something only barbaric places like Slaughter City do!"

Looking at Bibi Dong, who was holding him with a worried expression, Nan Feng's expression suddenly became somewhat strange.

"No—Dong'er, do you have some misunderstanding about the meaning of the words 'fighting and killing'?"

"Although I often say I want to kill this person or wipe out that person, and I can be quite scary when I get emotional, think back carefully: when have I ever actually just indiscriminately killing people?"

Nan Feng released one hand and used his fingers to give her an example: "When we attacked the Min clan, my order was to capture them alive as much as possible, and not to harm that old white bird."

When dealing with an offensive force, I primarily focus on intimidation, minimizing bloodshed.

"And then there were Serpent Spear, Porcupine, and a few others who disobeyed orders on the front lines. I did threaten to kill them. But it was just talk, just to establish my authority. Did I actually kill them?"

Nan Feng raised an eyebrow: "When did I ever become completely reliant on violence? Hasn't the core of my methods always been manipulating people's hearts and using power to intimidate them?"

"Violence is merely a means, not an end. I understand this better than anyone else."

Seeing that the suspicion in Bibi Dong's eyes had subsided slightly, Nan Feng continued, "As for the public pressure you're worried about, and that old bastard Jin E's instigation—"

Don't worry.

Nan Feng rested his chin on her shoulder again: "Didn't I tell you before? Just pin the blame for this war completely and flawlessly on those two deadbeats, Qian Xunji and Tang Hao."

"I've already written the script: Former Pope Qian Xunji and Tang Hao's personal grudges sparked a war that resulted in widespread suffering."

The current Pope, Her Majesty Bibi Dong, with a compassionate heart, could not bear to see the world of Soul Masters bleed profusely, so she overruled objections and magnanimously mediated the war.

"What is this? This is boundless love! This is a saint reincarnated!"

A cunning glint flashed in Nan Feng's eyes: "Within this framework of righteousness, anyone who dares to oppose the Clear Sky Sect's submission is attempting to prolong the war, wants to send more Soul Masters to their deaths, and is making an enemy of all Soul Masters who yearn for peace!"

"With this huge accusation being leveled, can that old fogey, Golden Crocodile, handle it?"

"Moreover, giving speeches, stirring up emotions, and manipulating public opinion are my specialties."

"At the conference, I will arrange for a group of my own people to blend in with the crowd beforehand."

"As soon as I open my mouth on stage and set the tone, these people will immediately take the lead in cheering, applauding, and being moved to tears."

"People have a herd mentality. When everyone around them is shouting 'The Pope is wise! Long live peace!', those who originally had opinions will also be swept up by this wave and shut up."

"Isn't it just about upholding a moral high ground?"

"This kind of thing is the cheapest wholesale commodity in the world, if you want it. As long as we strike first, seize the moral high ground, and shut everyone down."

"Any decent person knows when to shut up."

"As for those disgraceful ones who insist on jumping out to their deaths and becoming pawns for the Golden Crocodile—"

"That makes it even simpler."

"To kill the chicken and make an example of the monkey."

"In such circumstances, killing one or two criminals who disrupt the peace will not only not provoke a backlash, but will instead make your glorious image even more prominent."

"One must have the heart of a Bodhisattva, but also the methods of a Vajra."

"Isn't this what a ruler should be like?"

"As for those Soul Masters who died or were wounded in the war—"

Nan Feng casually toyed with a strand of Bibi Dong's hair: "Give them a bit more compensation to appease them, that'll be enough."

"The dead cannot be brought back to life, but the living still have to live their lives. For the vast majority of families of low-level Soul Masters, real gold Soul Coins in their hands are more likely to shut them up than vague notions of revenge."

Bibi Dong frowned slightly: "Money can solve part of the problem, but not everyone is a coward. There will always be some hot-blooded people or those who harbor deep hatred, and gold soul coins cannot fill their hatred."

"That makes it even simpler."

Nan Feng chuckled lightly, "Isn't the Soul Master world all about respecting the strong? Isn't it all about letting the fists do the talking?"

"Want revenge? Fine, I'll give them the chance."

"I could even make this an incredibly grand occasion."

"Just three days later, in front of all the sects in the world and the delegations of the two great empires, in the square in front of the Papal Palace."

"We can set up a platform for resolving grievances."

"If anyone feels they can't get over this hurdle in their heart, if anyone feels they absolutely must seek revenge against the Haotian Sect, then step forward."

"The Spirit Hall serves as the witness, and His Holiness the Pope serves as the notary."

"One-on-one."

"Let life and death be left to fate."

"If you dare to go on stage and win, you've avenged yourself, and I'll respect you as a man. I might even give you a promotion and a raise. If you lose, then you'll go down to join your loved ones, and that'll be the end of your life."

"Moreover, no matter the outcome, once he steps down, all grudges are wiped clean, and no one is allowed to bring up old scores again."

Bibi Dong paused for a moment, then understood Nan Feng's intention, her eyes becoming somewhat complicated: "You mean—"

"This is a screening process," Nan Feng said.

"Those who truly have guts, those who value hatred more than life itself, will stand up and fight. If they die, they die; that's their own choice, and they can't blame anyone else."

"And the rest—"