Reaper of the Martial World

Book 8: Chapter 142: Balance- (2.2)

The evil path was not like the devil path. The devil path sounded grating on the ears, but it was no more likely for a person to be evil if they followed this path as opposed to the ‘accepted’ conventional path. However, the evil path was different. This was a path that necessitated cruelty in exchange for power, and very often, that cruelty was forcibly aimed toward the innocent.

At the same time, Dyon was aware that he wasn’t a saint.

Had he committed any atrocious acts? The answer was no. But, had he helped facilitate some of those acts? The answer was unfortunately yes.

Look at the Mortal Network. It seemed like a space created with the purest of intentions, a space that would bring about a new era of the martial world. However, when Dyon created it, he knew well the kind of depraved, disgusting deeds that would likely begin to permeate its deeper inner workings.

How did Dyon know this? Because he was aware that this occurred even in his mortal realm. Things like sex trafficking and slave trades were all likely being aided by his Mortal Network as he stood here. Yet, he accepted that and moved forward anyway.

Of course, there was a massive difference between Dyon and Jasmine. Dyon had no intention of continuing to allow this problem to fester while Jasmine likely believed this was her only path in life.

‘Which is more important?’ Dyon thought to himself, not shifting his gaze away from Jasmine. ‘My moral code? Or the future of my alliance?’

This opportunity here is likely the easiest time Dyon would have bringing a quadrant under his wing.

All he had to do was rely on Amphorae and the sentinels to kill the elders of the Mist Clan, then Jasmine could take true control of the Water Mist Quadrant. After the Mist Clan couldn’t provide anymore protection, it was impossible for Anabella to continue hiding, which would allow Ri to become a Legatee of their Sect.

Within the next few ten thousand years, Ri would definitely take the mantle of Palace Master and the Water Mist Quadrant would officially become a territory of the Sacharro Clan.

It seemed so simple, so within his grasp. It was right there…

He’d have to fight untold battles to claim the Golden Flame quadrant. He was nowhere near ready to challenge the Ragnor, Pakal, Uidah and Beast Alliance Clans. The 99 universes had a depth Dyon had yet to see through.

By all rights, this was his first true chance to take a quadrant for his own…

“You will receive 5% of the mined resources of Dark Ocean and also receive my services as a soon to be Planet Lord for the next ten years. As long as you provide the material within the ten year period, and the pill is not of the evil path, I will concoct it for you.”

“…” Jasmine looked toward Dyon. “… That weakness, that moral code… It will kill you one day. The correct choice would have been to take my head, here and now. In fact, maybe you should refine into a corpse puppet and truly make the Water Mist Sect your own. But, your heart is weak.”

“Is that so?” Dyon responded emotionlessly. “I happen to think it’s the direct opposite.”

Dyon turned to leave. “Taking control of this Sect would have been the easy choice. Letting you walk away from the palm of my hand is what’s difficult.”

Though Amphorae didn’t agree with Dyon’s choice, she remained silent.

If you met an evil person, but you could turn them into a puppet who slaved for good for the remainder of their life, shouldn’t you take it? Even if Jasmine was evil, did it matter if Dyon took away her will from her?

“… Seeking out power in exchange for your own soul will always be the easiest route. There’s no reform for someone who’s sold their soul.”

Though Dyon didn’t see it, the flash in Jasmine’s eye was far fiercer when she heard these words.

“Some things are relative.” Jasmine said softly. “For a person without a moral compass, it is easier to choose the path of evil. However, for those with one, it’s harder.

“Your view of the world is still too black and white, though I don’t blame you considering your youth.”

Dyon’s footsteps paused. Maybe she was right. Maybe his views really were too one dimensional.

If the lives of his wives were on the line, and his only option was the evil path, would he still be able to stand on his moral high horse? In that case, wouldn’t it be incredibly difficult for him to choose the evil path? But wouldn’t he still choose it anyway?

“Interesting.” Dyon looked up toward the Palace’s ceiling. “Then you tell me. If I could cleanse you of your evil path right now, would you take that opportunity?

“Your cultivation would fall. If you were lucky, you’d stay within the dao realm, if you were unlucky, you’d become a mere celestial. In addition, you’d become a slave. Maybe not in contract, but you’d definitely become too weak to defy my orders.

“Would you be able to give up all of that power? Right here and right now?”

Dyon’s eyes turned back toward Jasmine, their golden hue and emerald flecks shining fiercely.

Jasmine trembled. ‘Is this what he wanted to ask from the beginning?’