Chapter 476
Salus was horrified and immediately started the engine to flee the scene. But for some reason, the wheels kept turning without moving the car.
She leaned out of the car window and saw that a rock had risen from the ground, lifting the land vehicle up.
"Mister Zhongli, this child just now, for a fleeting moment, harbored murderous intent towards you."
The Confessors Leader cursed inwardly, knowing there was no way to get away with it any longer, and immediately prepared to fight to the death.
"Cover me!"
Salus instantly understood, drawing his weapon with one hand and opening the car door with the other, preparing to get out and buy time.
If the leader could use his Originium Arts, the two might still have a chance to live. If he couldn't, they would both perish here. In order for the Confessors to continue, she was even prepared to give her life.
"Your soul will become the bridge."
"Your soul will become a cradle."
"Your soul will leave this body."
Shi Lei, equipped with a built-in translator, could understand the ancient Sarkaz language. Upon hearing the chant, he unleashed a barrage of Rock Spear. The Jade Shield Wall that had been protecting the vehicle was instantly dismantled.
The Sarkaz have many branches and many strange and unusual abilities. Only a fool would let him complete the incantation after hearing the word "soul."
Interrupting spellcasting is mandatory.
Both the Confessors Leader and Salus were mortals, and in an instant, they were riddled with pincushions by the sharp Rock Spear. Blood flowed from their pierced skulls, and they died on the spot.
Shi Lei wouldn't go looking for trouble and let the Confessors finish chanting and unleash his full power. If he sensed any danger, he would not hesitate to nip it in the bud.
The Confessors Leader couldn't even struggle; his hundreds-of-years-old soul within him was completely extinguished.
Adhering to his fine tradition of caution, Shi Lei finished off the two men with his Rock Spear. Only after confirming they were truly dead did he carefully scan the land vehicle with his Psychic Power.
To everyone's surprise, a human silhouette was detected in the vehicle's trunk. The creature possessed the Sarkaz's signature Blackhorn, but was now lifeless.
"There's a Sarkaz body in the trunk."
Theresia was slightly taken aback by what she heard, and a sense of foreboding suddenly rose in her heart. She quickly went to the back of the land vehicle, opened the trunk, and saw a coffin.
The coffin was nailed shut with Steel Nails, Shi Lei casually made a Rock Constructs screwdriver to pry it open.
Theresia tremblingly pushed open the coffin and saw the person she least wanted to see at that moment.
Theresis.
He lay naked in the coffin, a fist-sized hole cut into his intestines. His blood had been drained, and his body looked extremely emaciated.
In an instant, Theresia felt as if she had been struck by lightning. She felt dizzy and almost fell. Amiya sensed the strong emotional turmoil and rushed forward to help her up.
"How are you?"
"I... I'm fine."
Although she had known all along that Theresis would not have a good ending, she still couldn't accept it when she saw it with her own eyes.
"But how dare they?"
Admittedly, in the eyes of the people of Victoria, Theresis was a tyrant who invaded the capital. But in the eyes of most Sarkaz, he was a national hero, a hope who led his Tribe Members out of darkness and into a future.
Theresia's eyes were filled with sorrow, for she felt that too many innocent people had died in this protracted war. Like all the Demon King before her, Theresis had fallen on the path of violence and destruction.
Will those who resist fate ultimately be judged by it?
Theresia, like him, supported the war in Londinium, but their motivations differed.
Theresis believed that war was for expansion. Territory meant resources, and resources meant a better life. She, on the other hand, believed war was solely for peace.
It was because of this inability to reach a consensus that Theresis usurped power and established her own regime. Her actions were perceived as passive and weak.
But as it turned out, this path also failed.
Like a curse from Demon King, it desperately tries to change its doomed fate, but ultimately it is all in vain.
Theresia's sadness was not because of the sacrifice of her blood brother, but because of a humanitarian concern. She expressed deep remembrance for the passing of her comrade who had fought alongside her for the future of the Sarkaz.
Amiya didn't know how to comfort her, so she hesitantly reached out and patted Theresia's shoulder.
Shi Lei wasn't familiar with Theresis, and had never even met her before, so naturally he didn't feel sorry for her.
If the Sarkaz are to be incorporated into the government in the future, the leader who initiated this unjust war must not be spared.
He could either handle it himself or hand it over to the Dukes of Victoria; the outcome would be the same anyway.
Seeing that Theresia was still immersed in grief, Shi Lei could completely understand, but he still reminded her:
"The Duke's Army are coming."
She stared at Theresis's corpse, sighed with complex emotions, then stood up, bowed to Shi Lei, and made a request:
"Mister Zhongli, I have a favor to ask. If conditions permit, could I please send him back to Kazdel for burial? This is not the Sarkaz's homeland."
When Shi Lei handles matters concerning outsiders, he prioritizes legal principles and reason, without incorporating personal feelings or sentiments.
"I'm sorry, I can't guarantee that. If the Duke have no objections, there shouldn't be any problem."
"Thank you."
His willingness to take in 30,000 City Defense Army was already a great favor to Sarkaz. Theresia knew this and dared not ask for more; if it didn't work out, she would have to give up.
Three minutes later, countless land vehicles and high-speed warships converged on this spot. They were all very cautious, maintaining a safe distance of 100 meters from Shi Lei and his companions.
Only officers and soldiers came this time; the Dukes, like cowards, only dared to operate remotely.
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PS: Based on reader feedback, the behavior and words of Theresia in Chapter 543 have been revised.
Chapter 551 Daring Not to Act Rashly (4K)
The orders received by the various Duke' armies were to drop everything and immediately proceed to the vicinity of the falling debris, retrieving any items back to their Defense Zone at all costs. If they encountered resistance from other Duke's Army, they were to engage in direct combat and seize the loot.
This was the first thing in Terra History to break through Star Pod and reach the ground; its value is extraordinary.
When they arrived at the scene, they found only a few people standing in the field. There were many potato cakes and other rough processed materials on the ground, as well as a wrecked land vehicle that had been punctured by something and had countless holes in it.
Unable to make a decision, the leading officer could only surround the scene from a distance of about 100 meters. He immediately contacted his Duke to inquire about the next course of action.
Upon learning that what had landed were people, the Duke were greatly shocked. They repeatedly confirmed with their officers and ultimately ordered their troops to remain in place. As long as the other Duke's armies did not approach, the situation would remain unchanged.
The Dukes decided to come in person to make contact, repeatedly instructing the officers to restrain themselves from accepting the gifts and not to act rashly.
Shi Lei remained where he was, knowing that in addition to the Victoria Soldiers, an even larger crowd was gathering. The terrain here was open and flat, so he figured he might as well get things done here.
Ten minutes later, a commotion broke out among the Victoria Soldiers on the outskirts. A Sarkaz force of over 30,000 men was surging in like a tide.
The group learned from W that the thing that fell from the sky was likely their future City Lord, Shi Lei.
The Sarkaz figured that since he could return from such a distant place, the Her Highness the Empress must be there too.
With Theresis now missing, their only remaining Spiritual Leader is Theresia. Therefore, all the Sarkaz who haven't escaped or left the group head towards the direction of the falling object.
Fortunately, all their weapons were confiscated when they entered the Self-Rescue Army camp. Had they arrived armed, a firefight with the soldiers on site would have been inevitable.
Faced with Sarkaz force several times larger than their own, the officer readily ordered his soldiers to make way.
These unarmed Demon Race are just moving human targets. Once the Duke's high-speed warships arrive, they can all be wiped out in one fell swoop. If they are scattered outside, it will be inconvenient to annihilate them on a large scale.
"Make way, all of you make way."
They knew these soldiers had ill intentions, but they still went in without hesitation. Just as they knew Sarkaz's fate was fraught with hardship, yet they still had to strive for it.
The leading Sarkaz Representative, upon seeing Theresia's figure in the distance, was overcome with emotion and tears streamed down his face. He wiped away his tears, knelt down on one knee before her, and said:
"Your Her Highness the Empress, Theresis's whereabouts are currently unknown, and we urgently need your intervention to take charge."
Theresia did not respond directly, but instead looked sadly at the trunk of the lander.
Upon seeing this, the Sarkaz Representative seemed to realize something. Unsure, he got up to investigate. Sure enough, he found Theresis's body in the open coffin, and was utterly shocked.
"Your Her Highness the Empress, who did this?"
"The Confessors has already been executed. And I am not qualified to take charge now. Mister Zhongli has agreed to formally incorporate you into his ranks. From now on, you are no longer Sarkaz, but members of Liyue City. The specific selection process will be up to him."
Although the Sarkaz Representative knew this was the best option, he still felt very regretful.
"Your His Highness..."
"Alright."
Theresia spoke first, interrupting the other person. Shi Lei was nearby and could hear what they were talking about.
If you say something carelessly and upset him, it would be a huge loss. At that point, Sarkaz would not only lose a Demon King, but also potentially a brighter future.
"Have all the representatives from your tribes arrived? Summon them all; I have important matters to discuss."
"Yes, I'll go and inform them right away."
After the Sarkaz Representative left, he spread the news that Theresis had been killed by the Confessors.
A sense of grief spread like a virus through the crowd. Tens of thousands of Sarkaz bowed their heads slightly, mourning the passing of the Demon King.
The Victoria Soldiers on the perimeter noticed something amiss, but did not interfere. Their only task now was to remain there and wait for the Duke to arrive.
Moreover, judging from the appearance of these Demon Race, it must be the death of a very important figure. This is good news for them; it's a miracle they didn't laugh about it openly.
Five or six minutes later, more than thirty Sarkaz Representative came to Theresia's side.
The Doctor had mentioned the takeover two days ago, so most of them were mentally prepared.
Those Sarkaz who were unwilling to be incorporated would have secretly slipped away between the day before yesterday and yesterday.
Even the Sarkaz who were initially observing the situation followed suit and left the Self-Rescue Army's camp.
In other words, the more than 30,000 Sarkaz who remain here today did so voluntarily.
Theresis brought almost all of her elite troops with her when she arrived in Londinium. Kazdel currently not only lacking in resources but also facing a generational gap. Even if they manage to escape back, what then?
They don't even need Allied Forces of nations to attack them; those lunatics from Laterano alone could destroy their homeland.
"Since you're all here, I believe you all agree on the takeover. So, let me just say a few words..."
In front of numerous representatives, Theresia reiterated the matter of being incorporated into Liyue City. However, the specific details still needed to be decided by Shi Lei.
"Mister Zhongli, I have nothing more to say. I'll leave the rest to you."
Facing the numerous gazes from the Sarkaz, Shi Lei didn't hesitate. As the saying goes, it's best to be clear beforehand to avoid chaos later; he would clearly state his position and attitude in advance.
"There are only two requirements for settling in Liyue City. First, don't cause trouble. Second, don't provoke conflict or war. Liyue City is a beautiful home built for peace-loving people, not a holy place to absolve sins. If you have many sins to carry, it's best not to come to Liyue City. If someone comes to your door because of this in the future, deal with them as appropriate."
If you've done wrong in the past, you have to pay the price. Joining Liyue City doesn't erase past grievances.
There are also those who are single-mindedly focused on conserving their strength and waiting to increase their power before seeking revenge. Liyue City does not welcome such people, and if I discover even one of them, they will all perish.
But you can rest assured of one thing: if the Duke of Victoria wants to hold you accountable for winning the war, I will stop him out of humanitarian considerations. No one can harm you in my presence.
There are quite a lot of people here. I'll build an Outer City as a buffer zone once we reach Liyue City.
Those who perform exceptionally well in the Outer City will be allocated housing in the Inner City for free. Anyone wishing to join Liyue City in the future will need to undergo this assessment period. This is not only for your benefit but also for the benefit of the Native.
If you have no objections, let's spread the word now. Those who want to stay can come with me. Those who don't want to or feel wronged should leave the team as soon as possible. Let's part amicably; there's no need to force anyone."
The Sarkaz Representatives clasped their hands in gratitude, saying they were already very grateful to have a place to stay in such chaotic times.
"Yes, City Lord."
Seeing that they had agreed but hadn't moved, Shi Lei frowned slightly and pointed out the problem:
"What is it? Pass it down immediately. You may be representatives, but you don't represent everyone. Go and explain it clearly to your subordinates now, making sure the message is conveyed clearly. Once we leave Londinium, we'll have to go through the process all over again if we want to join Liyue City."
"Ah, yes, City Lord."
Seeing them nod repeatedly, Shi Lei waved his hand and let them return to their respective tribes. Incorporation is a matter of mutual consent; those who don't want to get involved shouldn't bother.
Just as the Sarkaz Representative went down to deliver the message, numerous high-speed warships hovered in the air above the outer perimeter.
The Victoria Soldiers made way, and the Sarkaz followed suit, allowing the Duke and his guards to approach Shi Lei.
Those present included the Duke Wellington, the Duke Windermere, the Duke Kester, the Duke of Godotington, the Duke Faf Duke Godot, the Duke Normandy, and the Iron Duke.
The combined Duke's Army account for more than 70% of the total military strength of all the Duke. It is no exaggeration to say that they represent the Duke.
In addition to his Sword Guard Duke Windermere also brought his daughter, Dephine, who first expressed her gratitude to Shi Lei.
"Mister Zhongli, thank you so much. If it weren't for your reputation, I might have died in the Decapitation Operation organized by the Blood Demon Great Lord and the Shapeshifter."
"You're welcome. I wasn't really able to help."