Seized by the System

A few minutes later, the Eastern Pharos’ light shined down onto the plaza.

Everyone looked up and watched as he descended slowly without an expression on his face. The crowd went dead silent immediately.

Tianjing Fawang and Tian Zhu both cast expectant glances towards the person that had just arrived, hoping that he would support themselves.

The System spoke, “Mr. Multi-Millionaire Host, we’re in such a complex situation now. I think it would be better if you went out to persuade them instead…”

Fang Ning nonchalantly answered, “Hmm, this time around, just do what I say. You’ll soon be a year old, so its about time you learned to deal with complicated relationships humans have on your own.”

The System answered, “Oh, you do have a point, Rich-man Host… No, are you trying to slack off again?”

Fang Ning replied confidently, “I’m not slacking off, I’m just scared of death. In the message sent by Zheng Dao, it said that the Demonic Energy entered Tian Zhu’s body and possessed her extremely gifted fetus. If I go out instead of you, what if the Demonic Energy realizes I’m even more gifted and possessed my spiritual sense instead?”

The System retorted frankly, “Oh, I understand. You’re brilliant, Mr. Rich Boss, so just hide in here and don’t come out no matter what. From what I can perceive, you are indeed much more gifted than Tian Zhu’s fetus by quite a lot.”

Fang Ning was quite satisfied, “How promising, I’ll tell you what should be done.”

Fang Ning could only say the first four letters of his plan before the System interrupted him, “I understand. As expected of your conventional way of doing things, Mr. Rich Boss.”

Fang Ning was speechless, ‘Ah, my tricks can’t be used to bluff this idiot anymore. I suppose it’s time for me to come up with new weapons.’

Vigilante A walked forwards slowly, each step landing onto the ground with a loud “dong”; it was as if he was stepping on everyone’s hearts.

Nobody dared to even breathe. Such steady and powerful steps, who would be able to replicate it?

They watched Vigilante A approached Tianjing Fawang and Tian Zhu. His gaze swept across the pair quickly before he calmly said, “Since the Demonic Energy has already entered your body, then what would dispelling or extracting the Demonic Energy have to do with the fetus? The innocent are always innocent.”

Hearing this, hot tears immediately welled in Tian Zhu’s eyes as she was greatly touched.

Vigilante A really was a great hero, an outstanding champion, with an amazing sense of responsibility.

The first time her gaze had landed on him that fateful day, she was filled with a sense of trust.

It was very different from the feeling Ren Ruofeng gave her. It was obvious that Vigilante A was a person with an unwavering resolve and a just way of doing things. As long he kept his integrity, this person would be the best support to have during a crisis.

This current moment was proof enough.

Tianjing Fawang shook his head at what he heard and laughed bitterly. “However, please remember that the understanding we that walk the path of Buddhism have towards Demonic Energy isn’t as shallow as you think, great hero, since we are skilled at converting demons into saints. If dispelling Demonic Energy was as simple as how you put it, then why would I have to insist on getting the help of someone else or by going against the justice of nature?

“The Demonic Energy within the fetus of this pregnant women is something out of the ordinary—it contains a bit of the Heavenly Order of this realm. I’m afraid even the Bodhisattva himself would find a hard time dispelling it.

“Even if we force it and it disappears temporarily, there will still be endless disastrous consequences. Once the fetus is born, the Demonic Energy will definitely regenerate. When that time comes around, I’m afraid we will have to pay a high price.”

Everyone was shocked at this revelation. Was this Demonic Energy actually that powerful? It even involved the Heavenly Order, and even the Bodhisattva himself would be helpless against this?

Vigilante A mused, “If that’s the case, then I’ll just invite the Bodhisattva Spirit King here and ask him what he thinks about all this.”

Tianjing Fawang could only laugh bitterly; it was not like he did not know the Bodhisattva Spirit King’s true nature, so if the Bodhisattva Spirit King could handle this, then why would he still be here getting a headache about the entire situation? He could just invite the Bodhisattva Spirit King here himself.

A few moments later, having received the invitation, Bodhisattva Spirit King materialized out of nothing in the middle of the plaza.

The passers-by that had gathered to watch the excitement were in awe at what had just happened.

“As expected of the Bodhisattva, even the entrance was otherworldly.”

“I know what you mean. Although having a flying sword would be cool, but this skill seems more practical.”

Spirit King Bodhisattva paid the comments of the passers-by no heed. He glanced at Tian Zhu before his eyebrows furrowed similarly to how Tianjing Fawang looked just now; as expected of a pair of monks from the same sect.

Vigilante A asked, “Bodhisattva? Do you have any ways to go about it?”

Spirit King Bodhisattva calmly replied, “Just like what Fawang said, the Demonic Energy contains the Heavenly Order of this realm. Even if Fawang and I are able to dispel of it temporarily, we won’t be able to subdue it permanently. It will definitely regenerate sooner or later.

“The fetus is extremely gifted, seeing as it is the last direct descendant of a strong clan from the Upper Realm. I’m afraid there might be more mystical aspects, so ignoring it would be…”

As his words fell, he shook his head.

Hearing what had just been said, Tianjing Fawang immediately nodded his head in agreement and said, “How knowledgeable, Bodhisattva, what you had just mentioned was something that had slipped my mind completely. This fetus is one that belongs to a deceased clan from the Upper Realm, so we are unable to gauge just how gifted it actually is. Once it is born and possessed by Demonic Energy, the consequences are too dreadful to even think of.

“Female benefactor, we are not trying to alarm you by exaggerating our statements. However, the horrors this demon fetus is capable of isn’t something that you can imagine.”

Hearing this, Tian Zhu felt her heart drop. All those plans and schemes that she had come up with were all only for the fetus she was currently carrying.

She was unlike the people of this realm, as she was also from an extinct race from the Upper Realm. She knew just how scary the future would be, yet the humans were now only facing a small wave as compared to a great storm.

People who walked the path of the Bodhisattva knew just how scary a demon could be.

It was unlike ordinary sin, since it was akin to the kindly influence of a good teacher; slowly embedding its teachings into your mind through one issue after another as your perception shifted according to its wishes before you bloomed into an exotic flower…

One was the Tianjing Fawang, the other was the Spirit King Bodhisattva; both were people that walked the path of morality, and they had both made such conclusory statements.

She immediately felt like the entire weight of the sky above was crushing her. Was this retribution?

This child she was carrying was never allowed to exist in the first place, since the Celestial Swine Clan was supposed to have gone extinct. Did she really have to give up this child?

As a habitant of the Upper Realm, she of course knew just how scary demons could be; demons were capable of destroying cities and wiping out whole countries as wrecking utter havoc was merely a way for them to pass time. The multiple times demon lords had appeared, countless blood was shed before the True Dragon had appeared to subdue them.

Yet, and how about it?

She was not going to sacrifice her own child just because it might bring unforeseen risks in the future.

She immediately casted a hopeful glance at Vigilante A; if he agreed with what the monks had said, she would escape immediately.

The System muttered, “D*mn, even the Spirit King Bodhisattva has his hands tied. What do we do now? Mr. Rich Boss… the fetus has committed no sin, I can’t farm it.”

Fang Ning smiled and said, “So what? It still depends on you in the end. After all, this pair of saints that walk the path of Buddhism are saying so because they’re thinking of the common people. However, they might also be worried that they might not be able to handle the demon child once it grows up and wreaks havoc. Sir System, are you afraid of that happening too?”

The System replied, “I know what to say now… No, I know just how to act. My Reputation might just increase by a few hundred points this time.”

Fang Ning nodded his head in approval. “You learn fast.”

Hence, everyone listened intently as Vigilante A spoke calmly and expressionlessly from the middle of the plaza, “Demons, are they really so scary? In my Draconic Penitentiary, a War Demon from the Upper Realm is currently being held there and he is apparently a genius that only appears once every ten thousand years. Now, he’s also beating… he’s also in the process of turning over a new leaf and learning about love and justice.

“I never judge a person’s sins based on things that are predicted to happen. If they’re to be born or if they’re to be taught, they are allowed to do so. If they really stray down the wrong path, then they’ll just be locked up into my Draconic Penitentiary…”

His voice reverberated throughout the plaza and echoed into everyone’s ears.

“I never judge a person’s sins based on things that are predicted to happen…”

Tian Zhu was shaken to the core. Vigilante A’s words were powerful and firm, and they were filled with fearlessness as it seemed that he did not care about the demon fetus at all.

Everyone at the plaza was also greatly impacted by Vigilante A’s words.

Only the Eastern Pharos could say words of such conviction and power.

In their hearts, when the pair of Buddhist saints had come to conclude that the demon fetus would bring untold harm to the world, they had expected that Vigilante A, with his heroic demeanor, would definitely stop it from being born.

However, they had not expected that he would say such impartial and impactful words instead.

He was not wrong, however. If nothing has happened, how would one go about deciding another’s sin?

Even if it was the Demonic Energy itself, which was equivalent to an illegal weapon, the most that could be done was confiscation of the Demonic Energy. It would be wrong to kill the person bearing the Demonic Energy together with it…

With an existence of such a person, would they still have to worry about nobody exercising justice in this world?

Everyone’s gazes were locked onto the person in the middle of the plaza.

For a moment, his aura was overpowering. The Eastern Pharos who shined his light all around the world really lived up to his name!

‘Do the pair of Buddhist monks really agree with what Vigilante A had said?’ Some people were still in disbelief and they shared glances amongst each other as if saying so.

One was Tianjing Fawang, the other was the Spirit King Bodhisattva, and they were both prestigious figures with reputations that preceded them. Would they really change their minds just because of what Vigilante A had said?

They watched the pair of powerful Buddhist monks intently, taking notice of their every move.

Tianjing Fawang’s eyebrows briefly furrowed in response to what Vigilante A had said before he relaxed. Vigilante A’s statement just proved that no matter what happened after today, he would still take full responsibility until the end.

With the Venerable Dragon God’s potential and reputation, even if the demon baby really did descend into being a demon after it was born, he would still be able to subdue it in time. If that were the case, Tianjing Fawang himself did not need to be the bad guy in the situation too.

He glanced at Spirit King Bodhisattva, who nodded his head slowly.

Only then did Tianjing Fawang speak, “Since we have your words of guarantee, then this matter is settled. Here is an artifact that is capable of subduing Demonic Energy, which we will be giving to the female benefactor. I hope that you will be careful from now on and if anything were to happen, do remember to notify us and the great hero in time.”

As he spoke, he passed a white jade to Tian Zhu.

Tian Zhu did not decline the gift as she knew that the Buddhist sect had developed various artifacts to be used specifically against demons.

As they watched the scene unfold before their eyes, what shocked everyone watching was that the two great figures had actually changed their minds at the same time after hearing a few short statements from the Venerable Dragon God. He actually held so much influence!!

They finally realized that the great hero they had witnessed catching petty thieves in the markets all around was actually capable of shocking everyone at any time despite seeming simple and unpretentious…

Watching this whole scene unfold filled Fang Ning with a deep sense of pride.

This situation seemed to be irreconcilable and full of conflict at first, yet after a few impactful statements, everything had been resolved. Of course, it was obvious that it was because of Vigilante A’s impressive reputation!

If I, Vigilante A, was not created by the heavens, then everything would be as dull as a long night.

If it was not because of Fang Ning, only the story of Tianjing Fawang subduing a demon and subduing Tian Zhu would be written today.

The System suddenly spoke up, “Huh, why didn’t Spirit King Bodhisattva present a gift? I thought he would be giving a gift too.”

Fang Ning, who had been drowning in his pride, was interrupted and he immediately jeered, “Sir System, you’re much too biased. The Spirit King Bodhisattva isn’t the Dragon King of the East Sea ¹ , where would he find so many treasures to give?”

The System came to a sudden realization and said, “Oh, that’s how it is. After I had obtained the Demonic Realm for him, he had merely said that he would thank me properly in the future and had given me no proper reward.

“I’ve waited several weeks, yet I don’t see his ‘proper thanks’ at all. Turns out he’s actually bankrupt, and can only provide me a reward after returning to power.”

Fang Ning praised, “Hmm, you’ve guessed correctly this time, Sir System. The Spirit King Bodhisattva doesn’t go back on his word. The longer he drags it out, the bigger your reward will be.”

The System replied, “I’ll choose to believe your words, Mr. Rich Boss.”

Right as Tian Zhu was about to express her gratitude towards Vigilante A, Tianjing Fawang mused, “Female benefactor, demons and humans are inherently differently, so I suggest not to be associated so closely with humans. I think why the Demonic Energy possessed your fetus might be related to this matter.”

Her heart fell and yet she nodded her head meekly, “Thank you for the reminder, great monk.”

She then turned towards Vigilante A and said, “Zhu-er couldn’t possibly repay Brother Dragon for his efforts this time. Do you remember the bonus Great Azure Clinic gives out at the end of each year? Would it be okay if you accepted it as a payment for subduing demons?”

Vigilante A nodded his head and said, “Of course.”

The System mused, “Huh, you have some tricks up your sleeve too, Host. I didn’t waste my time coming here.”

Fang Ning was used to this; being touched or whatever was nothing in front of this idiot.