Checks and Balances

In an unknown land, a million yin spirits broke free of their restraints. Their faces were twisted with ferocity, their hatred surging to the heavens.

Amid the spreading resentment, the plain-clothed figure stood still. His calm face showed little change.

His unyielding, proud bones had finally brought both knees to the ground. Throughout his life, the Marquis of Knowing Fate's hands had been stained with blood—enemies, but innocents as well.

In the battle to send off the gods, several million living beings of the Divine Continent had been buried. There was no excuse to evade responsibility, no matter what the purpose had been.

No one had the right to seize another's life without permission. Not gods, and not the Marquis of Knowing Fate either.

"Sorry."

The belated apology came as the Marquis of Knowing Fate bowed low. Dust stained his plain robes and his black hair.

That single apology had come twenty years too late. Among the millions of resentful spirits, several who had been kind in life let the resentment around them dissipate and chose forgiveness. Yet far more vengeful spirits remained, their hatred undiminished and their resentment soaring into the sky.

"Marquis of Knowing Fate, blood debts can only be repaid in blood. You deserve ten thousand deaths!"

Old men, women, and children with savage faces stood wrapped in yin energy. Sustained by a single breath of resentment, they had hated for twenty years—how could they forgive so easily?

"The Marquis of Knowing Fate's road has not yet come to an end. Before then, no one may take my life."

The Nianqing Blade plunged into the ground, its violet aura vast and mighty. Ning Chen rose to his feet and looked at the resentful spirits filling the sky. Calmly, he said, "If the Ghost Maiden awakens one day,