Chapter 1378 - 1043: Before Departure

Chapter 1378: Chapter 1043: Before Departure

The elder wandered in amazement within the greenhouse, cradling an infant in swaddling clothes, discovering that the once faint gray-black had completely faded away, transforming into pure white.

Under the blessing of the Soloist, the tainted Source Substance once again purified after being refined by the Mystic Ritual, even some slightly mutated young Snake-men have returned to normal.

Huai Shi himself felt refreshed, the oppressive state brought by days of intense battle and the subtle damage within his Soul had all vanished.

There was a new harvest above the control of Divine Nature.

To be honest, this was a child blessing ceremony that is so commonplace and almost industry-forming for the Soloist, yet it was his first time using it.

He simply had no experience like this.

Only after coming to his senses did he uncontrollably begin to ponder: Since the Soloist’s blessing and baptism are equivalent, then... does this mean he just became the Godfather of hundreds of Snake-men?

In other words, these newly-born Snake-men are already part of the Bahamut Sect’s informal believers?

In a daze, he involuntarily trembled slightly, as if feeling an approving gaze cast from the Abyss, so profound.

And then, a cyan light suddenly appeared overhead.

The flickering light condensed into the virtual shadow of a scale, fading away once more.

"What was that?"

Huai Shi looked up in astonishment, yet before he even clearly saw it, he heard the endless sound of kneeling and bowing.

The greenhouse fell into silence, all the Snake-men were already prostrating on the ground, worshipping devoutly. It startled Huai Shi nearly to jumping: "What’s going on?"

"It’s a blessing! Mr. Huai Shi!"

The elder prostrated in ecstasy, his eyes fixed on Huai Shi, almost bulging out: "You’ve garnered the favor of the Mother of Mercy and Cruelty!

The Eternal Ring has specifically descended a blessing for you!"

[Emblem of Verdancy]

Considered a prestigious existence among Snake-men, tantamount to the status of a Crowned under the Eternal Ring’s command!

Unless it’s the High Priest and chieftains of large settlements, those warriors who have experienced countless battles, otherwise it’s nearly impossible to receive the Ruler’s favor...

Then why was it suddenly given to him?

Huai Shi scratched his head.

Only half understanding.

After pondering for a long time, he suddenly realized—this wave, did he just get recognized as a small midwife in the production brigade and receive a certificate?

That’s possible?

But he has been given the certificate, and feels embarrassed to refuse it.

After all, it’s an honorary title, having it is better than not. Plus, having this even allows the employment fees to be discounted... That’s delightful!

After assisting the elder in bestowing blessings and prayers one by one upon the newborn Snake-man infants, Huai Shi left the underground greenhouse.

On the street outside the door, huge lizards were now emitting deep calls, already laden with various sized boxes and packages.

Within the settlement, everyone was hastily packing their belongings.

A bustling convoy was gradually taking shape.

After undergoing the Metamorphosis Ritual and the Soloist’s blessing, Evergreen Village now prepares to embark on the arduous path of migration.

All newly hatched infants and young Snake-men were also under the protection of the female Snake-men, carefully sent to the rear of the convoy for safe keeping.

The blessing Huai Shi brought significantly reduced the pressures of their migration.

After all, compared to the already hatched young ones, unhatched eggs are the most fragile, easily perishing under the harsh jolts and temperature swings of the journey.

And the first convoy to scout the road already departed yesterday.

Apart from the Snake-men engaged by Huai Shi, the large group will also depart in the next few days.

"They’re leaving already?"

Huai Shi gazed at the swirling dust, "Such speed."

"In a few months, the tax officials and legion of the Fallen Country will arrive." The elder said: "Relying solely on us, it’s difficult to bear the harsh blood tax."

Being called a blood tax is not something gentle and bright like donating blood.

Periodically, the legion from the Fallen Country will sweep and patrol the areas within reach. The cycles are uncertain depending on circumstances and location.

Whether a century, a decade, or just a few months...

Settlements encountered have only two choices: either subserviently submit and surrender taxes, or futilely resist and face destruction.

Unless a survival-impossible harsh area, escape is nearly impossible, yet even in Hell such harsh places are inevitably occupied by some terrifying entity or residual disaster.

To survive, one must submit to a greater power.

Not only the Withered King, other larger and more forceful rulers also have various territories and regularly collected taxes.

The Thunder Sea requires a vast number of slaves for endless labor, the Rotting Dragon periodically demands mutations, Paradise of Bliss is more straightforward, taking everything, leaving not a blade of grass, all used to satisfy the Eternal God’s hunger...

By comparison, the Withered King is already remarkably merciful.

He only demands blood.

More accurately, life.

Offering one’s life to the dominion symbolizing death.

Everywhere the Fallen Country’s legion traverses, the tax officials, skilled in calculation, will draft an exact standard able to sustain steady collection, where the optimal treatment is merely taking three out of ten.

Beyond that, the most common is half of life.

Either join the Withered King’s legion, offering life to the Fallen Country, eternal service, unrelenting until death. Or offer life-representing blood and Source Substance, fulfilling the needs of the Fallen Country.