Chapter 205: Section 205: I am not Zhenjin

At the brink of defeat, Jia Sha caught a glimmer of spiritual insight in his mind and spotted Zi Di’s vulnerability, allowing Zhenjin to finally see the true intent of Zi Di.

“To think that a lethal viper has been lurking by my side!”

“You damned woman, to think you would try to harm me!”

Zhenjin was overwhelmed with shock and rage as he drew his Silver Lightning and moved to assassinate Zi Di.

At that critical moment, Jia Sha cried out and spared Zi Di’s life.

“My Divine Power is insufficient,” he said. “On my own, I cannot seize control. But my spirit has been entwined with Zi Di’s spiritual power. Her spirit has gained the Tower Spirit’s recognition, and I am working hard to adjust my own spirit, posing as hers. Only in this way can I regain control over the teleportation rights and more.”

“Of course, it would be best if Miss Zi Di would comply willingly.”

Zi Di was defiant and unyielding. Jia Sha’s face contorted with a brutal grimace as he hissed, “Torture her, torture her relentlessly!”

Zhenjin kicked Zi Di over with a foot.

His thin sword, Silver Lightning, struck again and again, thereafter piercing through Zi Di’s hands and feet.

Intense pain caused Zi Di to convulse throughout; blood flowed, quickly pooling into a bright red puddle.

Skilled in martial techniques, Zhenjin was exceptionally adept at the art of torture. He had a considerable understanding of the human body, subjecting Zi Di to extreme pain without causing her death.

Zi Di, disrupted by the severe pain, was no match for Jia Sha in their mental battle and was repeatedly defeated.

Zhenjin continued to torment the girl before him, wishing he could flay her and extract her muscles.

“How dare you make a fool of me, deceive me!”

“Who do you think you are? A merchant’s daughter. Marrying me was your great fortune, your incredible opportunity!”

“And you dared to fall in love with a substitute and abandon me?!”

“Ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha! As expected, scum is still scum, the lower class cannot rise above their station.”

Zhenjin roared continuously.

Zi Di was too weak to open her eyes.

But she was still breathing.

“Beg for mercy, beg for it!”

“Just beg me once, and I will stab you one less time, ha-ha-ha!”

However, Zi Di had no intention of surrendering from the beginning to the end.

Even though she was too weak to resist and could only be slaughtered at will, even though she had become a bloodied figure of misery beyond recognition, she remained silent throughout, without a hint of compromise or pleading for mercy.

This made Zhenjin angrier and caused Jia Sha to feel a certain unease.

“What’s going on?”

Although the priest was swiftly seizing control, he still felt a spirit within Zi Di, hidden in a corner, resisting stubbornly.

The cruelty of Zhenjin’s torturing methods sent a chill through Jia Sha’s own heart.

“With such injuries, she should have passed out by now.”

“No, to be precise, she has passed out. But why?”

“Why is there still a spirit that has not collapsed, even though she is in a comatose state?”

“What is she holding on to?”

“What exactly is she holding on to? Does she believe there’s still hope?”

Unease spread within the priest’s heart as he rapidly surveyed the entire situation.

In the fourth layer of the Central Tower, he had taken control of the situation; Zhenjin and the four Guardian Knights had gathered around him, while the great enemy Zi Di, who had almost cost him his life a short while ago, had been utterly defeated.

On the third layer, lightning would strike erratically, with only the space near the Blood Core deemed safe. Zong Ge, Cang Xu, and others, following a reminder from Zi Di, were huddling around the Blood Core, afraid to move around chaotically, lest they be struck dead by lightning like the substitute.

On the second layer, the first layer, and outside the tower, were a large number of man-made magical beasts, fighting and slaughtering each other in a bloody and chaotic scene.

And far away, within the Molten Lava Battlefield, the sealed King of Flame Dragon was still far from escape.

Jia Sha couldn’t pinpoint the source of his unease.

“Could it be that success is within reach, and I’ve become afraid of losing it?”

Darkness.

A deep and profound darkness.

After a beastly roar, the young boy’s consciousness began to gather bit by bit.

“Where?”

“What place is this?”

“Where am I?”

As the boy’s senses grew clearer, he started to question.

The boundless darkness enveloped him, silent and without any response.

The boy’s hope dwindled as he inspected himself, but could not see his own being.

The confusion within him grew ever more.

“So, who am I?”

“Who am I?”

Accompanying this doubt, a scene suddenly attacked the boy’s mind.

By the river in the jungle.

A girl with purple eyes, full of urgency, said, “You are Zhenjin, you are Baron Zhenjin. My heavens, sir, have you forgotten your own identity?”

“Zhenjin, am I Zhenjin? Why can I not remember anything?”

The girl replied, “Sir, we encountered a shipwreck a few days ago. The storm was fierce, the ship broke apart, and the survivors drifted to this island…”

…

By the night’s campfire.

Zi Di considered her words carefully before responding, “Lord Zhenjin, I actually don’t know much about you.”

“But based on the rumors, you don’t favor the company of women and prefer solitude. Even when faced with major events, you don’t easily reveal your emotions of joy or anger.”

“Most of your time is spent in austere cultivation at the Holy Temple, with a serious demeanor, silent and reticent. Yet your clothing, food, shelter, and every move you make are elegant and composed, displaying a noble’s grace.”

“Although you have few friends, you are willing to help others, especially defending the weak and aiding the poor. Therefore, Lord, your reputation among the lower classes has always been very good.”

“Furthermore, Lord, your sudden intervention and successful entry into the competition for the White Sand City Lordship seemed to surprise the other Holy Temple Knights greatly.”

…

In the stifling cave,

The Holy Temple Knight’s charge unto death!

After the fierce fight, the Monkey-tailed Brown Bear died, leaving the young knight collapsed on the ground.

“Hehehe…” He looked at the giant bear carcass, emitting a weak laughter until his breath faded.

…

In the Spider Forest, Huang Zao cried for help.

The young man and young woman discussed, “What you said is not wrong. But you’ve forgotten the most important point.”

Zi Di quickly restrained her smile and earnestly lowered her head, “Please enlighten me, Lord.”

“I am a Holy Temple Knight, the knight of knights. Assisting the weak and saving lives is my creed! Even in times of peril, I would never abandon my comrades.” The young man’s resounding words echoed through the quiet forest.

For a moment, Zi Di stared at the young man, puzzled, then broke into a smile, “Lord, I understand now.”

…

Cang Xu took Lan Zao and Huang Zao to join willingly.

Zhenjin looked around at everyone, standing as straight as a spear, his calm voice clearly reaching every ear.

“The radiance of the Holy Temple covers every inch of land. The Empire’s flag protects every citizen of the Empire. Follow me, and I will lead you to survival.”

“Yes, Lord!” Everyone responded in unison, kneeling on the ground.

…

Lan Zao sincerely exclaimed, “Master, your strength is truly formidable!”

“Lord Zhenjin, your talent astonishes everyone. Your courage and achievements will surely be widely acclaimed.” Cang Xu also said.

…

“Lord, with you here, there is nothing to fear! You are a knight, a Holy Temple Knight! This time, it was you who saved us.” Bai Ya shouted excitedly, breaking the silence.

“Master, my brother and I will follow you to the death, no matter when or where, no matter if the sky falls or the earth crumbles.” Lan Zao also expressed his loyalty.

…

“True to the Hundred Needle Bloodline! When it comes to precision, the Hundred Needle Bloodline is easily among the top five on the Holy Bright Continent. Lord Zhenjin, you are the hope of the Hundred Needle Family, and you will surely bring glory back to the entire family.”

…

The exploration team was running out of food, hanging by a thread.

Only a successful hunt of the Flying Squirrel group promised a glimmer of hope.

Before the battle.

The young man shouted aloud, “Today, if we defeat them, they will be our food. If we fail, we will be their food.”

“I, Zhenjin, as a Holy Temple Knight and the sole heir of the Hundred Needle Family, will stand with you. I will lead you through hardships, across dangers, to reap victory. Follow me, let us grasp glory!”

…

In the desert, the young man charged ahead, leading everyone to break through the lizard swarm.

“I said I wouldn’t abandon anyone,” Zhenjin stated emphatically, “and Bai Ya will not be an exception!”

“Lord!!” Bai Ya, in dire straits, felt a surge of emotion upon seeing Zhenjin coming to his rescue, his eyes filled with gratitude, admiration, and reverence.

Taking Bai Ya along, Zhenjin turned back into the fray and successfully regrouped with the others.

“Let’s leave this place with me.” Zhenjin spoke calmly, leading the charge once more.

“Yes, Lord!” The group echoed in unison, their morale skyrocketing.

…

Having escaped the scorpion swarm, the young man returned to the desert with just four people remaining.

“I once said that I would do my utmost to save everyone and would not give up on anyone. That is my promise and my responsibility.” The young man said to Zi Di and Cang Xu.

“Lord, your noble character makes even the brightest stars in the night sky dim in comparison!” Cang Xu sincerely extolled, “You are the epitome among Holy Temple Knights.”

…

Upon awakening in the Oasis, Bai Ya’s eyes reddened, and hot tears fell as he choked up, “Lord Zhenjin, I know it was you who carried me all the way. You, a lofty Holy Temple Knight, risked your life for me, a humble nobody. And you even gave me your precious water, I was told all this by Lord Zi Di and Scholar Cang Xu.”

“Assisting the weak and saving the altruistic is the creed of the Holy Temple Knights.” The young man smiled.

…

“Lord Zhenjin, you truly are remarkable! So young, yet you’ve mastered the power of the spirit. Compared to the Windslash Sword Saint, you possess an even better bloodline. Among the Holy Temple Knights, you surely are the most unique. To meet you, to follow you, is my honor!” Bai Ya sincerely exclaimed.

Cang Xu laughed heartily and affirmed, “Lord Zhenjin’s talent is exceptional, definitely promising a brighter future than the Windslash Sword Saint. But what I admire the most is your character, Lord Zhenjin. With you, the Hundred Needle Family can surely rise again.”

…

Upon first encountering Zong Ge, they confronted each other.

The young man instantly gripped the hilt of his sword, his brows furrowed, his complexion stern, his gaze as piercing as ice, and he rebuked, “Zong Ge, watch your words! You dare to disparage the divine! I carry the gaze of the Holy Emperor, a blessing from the deities. Divine Arts are a divine gift, not a show for proving one’s identity. Apologize now, right away! Or you will face the wrath of a Holy Temple Knight!”

…

“Let’s go, back to the camp together.” The young man took the initiative to invite Zong Ge and the others.

“We’re all in the same boat; we’re all survivors of this shipwreck.”

“We come from many places; we have differences in status, but here, we are all victims stranded on an island seeking to escape.”

“Our goal is the same. We should stand united, and any suspicion, indifference, disdain, and opposition will make it harder for us to work together and decrease our chance of escape.”

“I am Lord Zhenjin of the Holy Temple Knights. Here, I promise all of you that I will treat everyone fairly and justly, regardless of where he comes from, his race, or his bloodline. I will also punish criminals severely, deal with the real culprits, and ensure that evil does not go unpunished. I will do my utmost, lead from the front, and guide us all in seeking hope for salvation!”

…

After the defense battle at the camp, the young knight pursued the fleeing Demon Beast Army alongside Zong Ge, Sanda, and Lan Zao.

Half-Beast was taken aback by the young knight’s form and after a long pause, spoke with a tone that mixed strangeness, helplessness, and a hint of anger, “Hey, Zhenjin, could you be… a Divine Favored Knight?”

“Divine Favored Knight?” The young knight raised his handsome eyebrows, “Am I a Divine Favored Knight? Do I count as one? I’m not quite sure myself.”

…

In the small valley, the young knight’s group finally joined with the main force.

Standing on the sublevel stairs, Lan Zao announced loudly, “Let all listen keenly! Standing before you is my master–Lord Zhenjin. He is the sole heir of the Hundred Needle Family, the noble Divine Favored Knight of the Holy Temple, and destined to be the future City Lord of White Sand City on the Wilderness Continent!”

The young knight proclaimed, “Whether across mountains or oceans, through marshes or islands, my master’s Holy Light shines upon everything. The Empire’s banner will always flutter in the wind, standing tall and unyielding!”

“There is nothing that can stop my progress. I shall attain glory, and by following me, glory shall also be shared with you.”

“From this moment on, I am in charge here.”

“Does anyone object?”

…

During the construction of the new ship, the small valley suffered continuous attacks from the Demon Beast Army.

The young knight spoke with a rising tone, “There is a place for everyone on this ship, and no one will be left behind.”

“In other words, we are all in the same boat.”

“I know there are differences among us.”

“Differences of status, lineage, appearance, personalities.”

“But these differences should not be the reason for us to doubt, oppose each other, or engage in internal strife. We should unite closely, as only in this way can we maximize our chances of escape.”

“We are all… one of us!”

As expected, his impromptu speech won the cheers of the crowd.

…

The stunning blow to Bai Ya struck the young knight deeply.

In the passage, Zi Di threw herself into Zhenjin’s arms.

“My lord!” She wrapped her arms around Zhenjin’s waist, hugging the young knight tightly, “Lord Zhenjin, you are definitely qualified, no, an excellent leader. You are a Knight, my… Knight, please don’t doubt yourself.”

…

As the valley collapsed, new ships became unseaworthy, the earth split open during an earthquake, and swiftly formed new rivers.

“Just now, the Holy Emperor conveyed a revelation to me!” Zhenjin pointed at the river.

The crowd was stunned again.

“Could it be that this river was created by the Holy Emperor?”

“No wonder not a single one of us perished.”

“The will of the gods is inscrutable!”

“Divine Favored Knight…” Cang Xu gave a deep bow to Zhenjin, full of admiration, “This might just be the path of your heroism. My Lord Zhenjin!”

Almost everyone present felt a tingle on their scalp.

They felt as though they were witnessing history!

This would be the epic of a hero!

…

In the darkness, the young knight’s consciousness nearly took shape.

“So, I am Zhenjin.”

“I am a noble, a Knight, a hero!”

Suddenly, the young knight’s consciousness became violently confused again.

After killing the Monkey-tailed Brown Bear, he recuperated in the cave, his near-death experience leading him to pray and confess to the Holy Emperor, begging for mercy.

There was no response.

The exploration team was short of food, and hunting the Flying Squirrel ‘swarm was too risky. The young knight felt lost and helpless, praying to the Holy Emperor.

There was no response.

While hunting the Flying Squirrel swarm, the young knight silently prayed before the battle.

There was no response.

Stranded in the desert, the young knight prayed helplessly to the Holy Emperor.

There was no response.

After rescuing Lan Zao in the Oasis, the young knight fell into self-doubt and prayed for help to the gods.

There was no response.

During the defense battle at the camp, the young knight deliberately prayed loudly, deceiving his companions.

Because the gods still did not respond.

The secret of his Beastification was almost exposed, the young knight prayed.

Doubting himself, swayed by the power of the Blood Core, the young knight prayed.

As the valley collapsed, his companions turned into beasts, trapped in a dire situation, the young knight prayed.

There was no response.

There was no response.

There was no response!

In the Spider Forest.

“What in the world is this?!” His hands mutated, and he killed the Blade Spider leader.

When hunting the Flying Squirrel group.

His arms bulged, and with a thrust of his dagger, he killed the Black Iron Flying Squirrel boss, “How could there be a blood-red Demon Crystal in my heart?!”

In a volcanic landscape.

He killed the gun scorpion leader, crushing the rest of the scorpions, “I’ve grown a shell. And a tail. Right, I can actually control the Demon Crystal now!!”

Outside a small valley.

He slaughtered an entire Demon Beast Army on his own, the young knight fully transformed into a monster, brimming with triumph, “Hahaha, even if more Demon Beast Armies come, what can they do to me?”

…

Under the enveloping rain at the training ground.

Qing Kui stepped over the young knight’s head, humiliating him willfully, then led a group of young knights away with strides.

“Strange, I feel very calm, as if I’m a bystander.” This humiliating memory now resurfaced in his mind, but it didn’t bring anger or hatred.

…

After battling the Monkey-tailed Brown Bear, the young knight narrowly escaped death.

Zi Di said happily, “Lord, your body has recovered very well, or more precisely, it’s astoundingly good. Such physical qualities are definitely not something someone at the Silver Level could have.”

…

Upon discovering a camp being attacked by a bat monkey group.

“Lord… this camp seems to be one I established,” Zi Di said something surprising.

“Have you been here before?” The young knight was startled.

Zi Di shook her head.

“I lead others deep into the rainforest and found you, Lord. You were unconscious and beyond waking. So, I decided to set up camp nearby, planning to provide on-the-spot treatment and heal you as soon as possible.”

As she said this, Zi Di looked back at the camp and nodded to confirm, “No mistake. I have a strong impression of this wooden hut and camp. For your safety, Lord, and for future treatment convenience, I wanted to settle here for a while, so building the hut took a lot of time, and it was made very sturdy.”

Bai Ya was astonished, “Then how did this camp get here… Ah, I know, teleportation!”

To relieve the camp, fend off the beast swarm, the young knight met with Mu Ban.

“Reporting to Lord Zhenjin, this is the Repeating Crossbow I designed.”

“What does this number eight mean?” Zhenjin pointed at the arrow case, “Your eighth work?”

Mu Ban shook his head, “No, the wood used to make the Repeating Crossbow, I found it from this camp, it’s premium quality. The number eight was already on it.”

In the underground alchemy factory.

In the square, there were large and small boxes. The large boxes were bigger than a Molten Giant Turtle, and the smallest were three meters long, two meters wide, and one meter high.

The boxes looked like they were iron-made, but they were actually ironwood.

The boxes, made of ironwood, had a coat of red paint, with various letters and numbers drawn on them. For example, Em-096, Sg-734, ID5D-VR-862, and so on.

…

Inside the Central Tower.

The young knight felt a summons.

“What is this secret call, and why?”

“Why does this Central Tower look somewhat familiar to me?”

“Could it be that I’ve been here before?”

“It’s not likely, how could I have been here?”

When he entered the third level, he discovered the second blood-red Demon Crystal.

“War Merchants have Heart Cores too!”

“Did he make this Heart Core?”

“He placed it on the third level; he must feel its value exceeds that of the Green Jade Gold Coffin, Mermaid’s Fairy Tale!”

“But why is there such a strong attraction?”

The Heart Core inside Zhenjin gave off a weird red light, flickering, as if it loudly reminded Zhenjin, “Eat it! Eat it! Quickly absorb it!!”

…

Jia Sha sighed, “Divine Artifacts shouldn’t be abused like this, they are too important. The Tower Spirit is badly wounded and will never be my match. I’m about to succeed. After the Teleportation Gate forms, we’ll send these two Divine Artifacts out first.”

The young knight flatly rejected this proposal: “No, send people first, then the Divine Artifacts!”

Jia Sha grew anxious inside and quickly yelled to the level below, “Zhenjin! Push forward with all your might. I understand your concerns, but none of that matters! Rest assured, I am here, and I will purify everything for you.”

The young knight hesitated for a moment, then clenched his teeth and charged forth.

He rushed toward the staircase of the fourth level.

“Halt!”

“Zhenjin, what do you think you are doing?”

“If you don’t stop now, you’ll bear the consequences!”

The young knight turned a deaf ear, his speed increasing more and more.

Crack, crack, crack!

A series of lightning bolts struck down, hitting the young knight, killing him on the spot.

…

In the darkness, the consciousness of the young knight suddenly stabilized.

He remembered everything.

“So, I am not Zhenjin…”

In the next moment, he slowly, very slowly opened his eyes.