Cultivating with Bragging System-Chapter 493 - 250: Saint·Deceiving Great Emperor·Show Off! (5400 words)_3
The more brutal the Pureblood Demon Race becomes, the faster this seed grows.
Countless historical lessons tell us that when a race is oppressed, its inner desire for freedom and equality is at its strongest.
"I need to plant more seeds. I can’t put all my eggs in one basket," Wang Xiu mused before turning and slowly vanishing at the end of the street.
...
「Crimson Moon City」
Within a secluded residence in the stronghold of the Jiao Demon Race.
"You dare talk back to the clan elders? Don’t you know your place? Beat him! Beat him hard!"
A young Jiao Demon Race teenager, his upper body bare, was pinned to the ground and severely whipped.
Blood splattered everywhere.
The teenager’s eyes looked as if they would split open from rage, his body twisting in agony. Yet, he was tough, biting his lip without making a sound.
An unknown amount of time passed before the punishment ended.
The teenager lay in a pool of his own blood, trembling as he pulled a bloodstained storybook from his bosom.
If one day I achieve my lofty aspirations, I will even dare to scorn the Demon Emperor as less than a man! Jiao Guang, Jiao Cheng, you have sealed your fate! the teenager, Jiao Hai, gritted his teeth and thought.
Just then, a gentle light suddenly appeared before his eyes.
A benevolent figure materialized, looking at him and whispering, "Hiss... It’s actually the exceedingly rare Yin-Yang Divine Demon Body!"
Jiao Hai: "..."
...
Similar scenes occurred in many cities across Demon Sea Island.
No one knew that within just a few days, several frustrated young men and women had encountered overwhelming, destiny-changing fortunes.
...
「Three Origins City. Territory of the Earth Magic Elephant Clan.」
Late at night, Xiang Shan was reading by lamplight, flipping through the Jade Talisman Nicholas had left him.
So these storybooks... they’re actually Holy Scriptures passed down by the Demon Ancestor. Nicholas just hid their teachings within the stories in a cryptic way, and only someone with extremely high comprehension can understand... Xiang Shan became immersed in the ocean of text, growing obsessed. He felt a light in his mind continually expanding and growing brighter.
"There is no absolute truth in the world; every truth is simultaneously an absolute lie..."
"Demons do not live just for the sake of survival, but to seek something more noble to live for!"
"We are destined to die, so we must live a life worth living and love without regret!"
"Five principles for the prosperity of the Demon Race: Protect the weak, oppose the strong, innovate independently, resist oppression, and thrive democratically!"
"..."
Xiang Shan became increasingly engrossed. These texts depicted one brilliant world after another—worlds that he yearned for. At the same time, he was filled with self-reproach, feeling his past behavior had been utterly despicable and unforgivable.
Demons and evil are not synonymous! I understand now... With this moment of clarity, he stood up, left his room, and walked toward the simple dwelling where his retainers lived.
The Minotaur was reading a storybook. It was still *Fighting Fire Cangqiong*, as his salary wasn’t enough to afford anything else. He could only read up to the third volume and had already reread it dozens of times.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
The door was suddenly knocked.
The Minotaur looked up to see Xiang Shan standing at the doorway, gazing at him calmly.
WHOOSH!
The Minotaur shot to his feet, quick as lightning, and moved to kneel before Xiang Shan, "My lord—"
He was unable to kneel, as Xiang Shan stopped him.
"Reading a book?" Xiang Shan asked with a smile, his tone casual, as if making small talk.
The Minotaur swallowed hard. He knew his master well. Whenever he smiled like that, it meant a demon was about to die. His mind raced, trying to recall if he had done anything recently to displease his master.
But before he could figure it out, he saw Xiang Shan take a step back and bow deeply at a ninety-degree angle. "I’m sorry!"
The Minotaur: "!!!"
He was completely panicked, his head buzzing.
What does this mean? Is this a new way to kill someone? Bowing before the execution?
"Master, I did sneak a look at the storybook, but only before bed! It really didn’t affect my work, I swear on my life..." The Minotaur was on the verge of tears. He really didn’t want to die. He hadn’t even finished his book; he would die with regrets.
To his surprise, Xiang Shan’s next words were spoken in a calm tone. "I’ve been too strict with you. You’re demons, too. It’s normal to have your own interests, and I shouldn’t have interfered so much. From tonight on, as long as it doesn’t affect your duties, you can do as you please. Play how you want, read what you want.
"Mm... especially books. You should read more of them; they’re good for you. If you need more, I have some you can borrow. Just remember to return them!"
The Minotaur: "..."
His bell-like eyes rolled around, completely dumbfounded. He had no idea what was happening.
However, Xiang Shan had already left, wishing him goodnight before he departed.
...
My benefactor instructed me to spread his teachings, but in the current situation, I absolutely cannot do it openly. That would be courting death. The heretics rule the world now. Even if what I have is the true Demonic Path, what’s the use if no one accepts it? Besides, I’m far too weak right now. I can’t do anything overtly. Back in his room, Xiang Shan pondered deeply.
Suddenly, his gaze landed on the Jade Talisman left by Nicholas, a thoughtful look on his face.
...
「Several days later.」
A banquet was being held in Three Origins City. These banquets were common, occurring roughly every ten to fifteen days.
Most of the Demon Race’s cultivation relied on their bloodline’s natural growth. Diligent cultivators were a minority, as bloodline determined one’s upper limit. Furthermore, Demon Sea Island’s social circle was small, and every demon was considered part of their military force. They couldn’t slaughter and consume each other as they did in the Abyss Demon Realm. Of course, this only applied to demons of Pureblood rank and above. Coupled with their long lifespans, they really knew how to enjoy themselves.
Xiang Shan sat in an inconspicuous corner, surrounded by a group of Pureblood Demon scions who, like him, were not highly valued by their clans.
"Hey, want some books?" Xiang Shan asked the group discreetly.
"What books?" one asked.
"You know... *those* kinds!" Xiang Shan hinted, his eyes narrowing.
As soon as he said this, the temperature around them seemed to rise. Many keen-eared demon youths spontaneously leaned in closer. After a cautious look around, one asked, "You... you have *those* kinds of books?"
"Yes!"
"Are they authentic?"
"Honest dealings. If they’re not authentic, you can return them."
"How can I believe you? Aren’t they all out of print now?"
"I have a unique source. Believe it or not!"
The surrounding Pureblood Demons exchanged hesitant glances. Logic told them it couldn’t be true. Yet, the mere thought of those wonderful books—and the feeling of their bloodlines surging as they read—made their breathing unconsciously turn erratic.
"What’s your price? I’ll take one!"
"The price is fair, but there’s one condition. You must all guarantee that you will not reveal the source of these books, no matter what!" Xiang Shan said, his eyes narrowing.
"Fine, we promise!"
"A promise isn’t enough. You must swear..." Xiang Shan scanned the faces around him, enunciating each word. "Swear a blood oath!"
