They never imagined the demon clan had devised such a “coexistence pact.”
According to Si Hongyi, those who joined didn’t need to serve the demons or pledge loyalty. They only had to refrain from fighting earnestly in future wars, merely putting on a show.
From an individual’s perspective, it was an enticing deal. Joining ensured survival in a demon war, with no risk of being killed. If the demons won, signatories would receive territory to live on. If the demons lost, no one would know of their pact, allowing them to live unscathed. It was a lifeline, ensuring survival regardless of the outcome, without any effort.
But for humanity, it was catastrophic. If many immortals joined, faking battles in a demon war, the consequences would be dire.
“My heavens, our patriarch signed a pact with the demons?”
“How could this happen?”
Outside the city, the Si clan was in an uproar. Ordinary clansmen were unaware of such a secretive pact.
In midair, Deputy Palace Master Yao sneered coldly. “Absurd! What a ludicrous, pathetic, deplorable pact! And you’re not the only one? Laughable!”
Without exposing Si Hongyi, they’d never have known of this pact’s existence.
“Si Hongyi, name the other immortals who joined!” Lin Yun roared.
“I don’t know! It’s top secret. The demon spies don’t reveal names. Those who join don’t know each other. I only know others have joined, likely fewer than ten, maybe three, five, or seven. The demons are cautious to avoid leaks,” Si Hongyi said, pale-faced.
“Not telling the truth?” Lin Yun’s eyes narrowed, a killing intent rising.
“I swear it’s true! I don’t know who else joined!” Si Hongyi said desperately.
Lin Yun realised the demons wouldn’t be foolish enough to share the list of signatories. A single betrayal would expose them all.
He turned to the Tianqian Emperor. “Your Majesty, do you still wish to protect him?”
“I…” The Tianqian Emperor was speechless.
Lin Yun continued, “Betraying humanity by colluding with demons is a crime worthy of death!”
Si Hongyi’s face paled as he pleaded, “Deputy Palace Master, give me a chance! I had no intent to harm humanity. Joining the pact only meant not attacking demons, not aiding them against humans. I’d never have joined otherwise.”
“If every immortal thought like you, the demons could easily overrun our lands and slaughter our people!” Yao said, furious.
“I… I just wanted to protect my family from extinction in the war,” Si Hongyi said, trembling.
His pact ensured the demons wouldn’t target him or his family, guaranteeing their survival regardless of the war’s outcome.
“When the nest falls, no egg remains intact. You thought of your family, but what of humanity’s fate? If our race falls, how can your family survive alone?” Lin Yun said angrily.
“I…” Si Hongyi faltered.
The Tianqian Emperor spoke up. “Si Hongyi, if you atone by fighting for humanity in the war, I believe Deputy Palace Master Yao might spare you. His sin was selfishness, not attacking humans. Every immortal is vital to our race.”
“Yes, yes, I’ll atone!” Si Hongyi nodded eagerly.
“No!” Lin Yun rejected flatly.
“Lin Yun, what’s your problem?” the Tianqian Emperor said, glaring irritably.
Si Hongyi stared venomously. “Lin Yun, I may have erred, but we had no grudge. Why do you want me dead?”
Lin Yun ignored them, addressing Yao. “Deputy Palace Master, if Si Hongyi isn’t punished severely, others will join the pact, knowing exposure only means atonement, not death. Who’d fight the demons then? Only harsh punishment will deter them. You understand the stakes.”
Yao nodded gravely. Leniency would invite endless trouble.
“Si Hongyi’s collusion with demons is unforgivable. Execute him and exterminate his nine clans to warn the world,” Yao declared.
Only severe punishment could deter others from joining the pact.
“What!?” Si Hongyi trembled, face white as snow. Not only would he die, but his entire family faced annihilation.
He pulled out a teleportation talisman, activating it to flee toward the demon beast mountain range, seeking demonic protection.
“I’ll pursue!” Lin Yun’s Void Eyes glowed gold, instantly tracking Si Hongyi’s escape route. His speed, at the peak of the Triple All-Things Realm, erupted.
Though Si Hongyi’s talisman gave him a head start, Lin Yun quickly closed the gap.
