Qin Wuxiang would've been better off had he not said that last sentence, for as soon as it left his mouth, he saw two demons simultaneously exhibit an expression of sorrow amid the moonlight.
Especially that child-like "Star Zha Demon," which wore an appearance brimming with tears.
Rubbing energetically against Qin Wuxiang's wrist, it sobbed without uttering a word.
Though those tears transformed back into demonic essence and returned to its body, the scene still evoked much sympathy.
Tao Qian watched silently from within the crowd, thinking to himself:
"Those two pure little demons surely know the art of survival. Knowing they have fallen into Qin Wuxiang's hands, and unable to escape or betray me due to the 'Corpse Evil Brain God Elixir,' they start to act pitifully to coax Qin Wuxiang into breaking the spell first."
"Unfortunately, I cannot strike at them now. Although it'd be easy to use my Divine Thought to control the Brain God Pill and kill the two demons, at such a moment, even the slightest fluctuation might be perceived by Qin Wuxiang; a suicidal move indeed."
"No matter, let's see if this Mysterious Saint can break the Control Demon Technique I developed combining the Exotic Fire Elixir Scroll and the Evil Sect's methods."
As Tao Qian thought this,
Qin Wuxiang had already begun his move on the field. His fingertips suddenly emitted an extremely dazzling, sharp light, lightly touching the Star Zha Demon.
At the same time, he seemed to be playing with his opponent's mind, or perhaps flaunting his skill:
"The summoning technique of the Secret Demon Sect is indeed intricate, especially the 'Soul-locking Spell' used to control demons."
"If your master were at the same level of cultivation as I am, I wouldn't be able to break it."
"However, from what these wastes tell me, your master is just a little demon cultivator of the Qi Refining Realm, maybe talented, but now that you've fallen into my hands..."
Qin Wuxiang didn't finish his sentence before his fingertip touched the Star Zha Demon first.
However, the feedback he received was not that the demon curse had been resolved, but rather the painful howling of the green-clothed child.
When this awkward scene unfolded, whether it was the crowd of cultivators, the Demon Suppression Army, or the bystanders forced to watch, anyone with a bit of sense simply lowered their heads.
It was clear to everyone that this significant figure had failed in breaking the spell.
Those previous statements could certainly be categorized as boasting.
Although this Saint Child, bathed in moonlight, appeared as an immortal among men, refined and aloof, untouched by worldly matters, unlike those violent, voracious cultivators,
In such times, who could say for sure?
Even the Beautiful Corpse, that female demon, had dared to call herself a Bodhisattva.
This Moon Palace-like Divine being might also be a great demon masquerading under a cloak of hypocrisy.
At least everyone understood one fact: the lives of everyone present were now in his hands.
Qin Wuxiang paid no mind to the thoughts of these ants; he merely frowned and poked the Substitute Demon again.
The Substitute Demon, entwined around the Ancient Mirror like a snake, dared not howl, but instead, its face continually changed into one of pain, looking quite miserable.
"It seems your master did not use the Secret Demon Sect's Control Demon Technique but instead employed a new technique I haven't seen before."
"Hmm, there's a trace of the Evil Sect, and another, more terrifying aura."
"Interesting, truly interesting."
"Taking you two back will also count as acquiring two little playthings."
Musing to himself, the Saint then inexplicably produced a small jade bottle engraved with bizarre runes on its surface, and, like kneading dough, he squeezed the two demon heads directly into a ball and with a 'gulp' sound, stuffed them into the bottle.
Immediately, Tao Qian felt he had lost contact with the two demons.
Before Tao Qian could ponder further, everyone heard another sigh.
When he sighed, everyone, including Tao Qian, felt a wave of melancholy and regret surge in.
Although at that moment, no one could clearly see Qin Wuxiang's face,
Strangely, everyone knew that the Saint was now looking awkwardly ahead at Mei Pass, at the many commoners and quite a few cultivators present.
He even didn't hide his thoughts, simply saying:
"To kill or not to kill?"
"Xiao Meiniang has fled, and though it's the fault of my useless subordinates, I feel a temptation to slaughter you all to vent my anger."
"Although doing so would cost me a lot, entangle me in numerous karmic consequences, and be troublesome to shift."
"Truly a dilemma, do any of you have an opinion? I'm all ears."
These words penetrated the ears of many, driving countless to nearly madness.
Now, everyone understood.
This Saint, like a Moon Palace Divine being, was undoubtedly genuine.
But at the same time, he had indeed not regarded anyone present as "people," despite there being a large number of civilians, many loose cultivators, and even some sect disciples like those of the Daughter Palace.
To him, they probably still appeared as slightly troublesome ants on the roadside.
His only concern was the slight trouble he would have to deal with after killing this group of ants.
Just as everyone's hearts were about to stop, nearly driven mad,
Another sigh emanated from within the moonlight.
"Forget it, Xiao Meiniang has reached Guanyin Temple; the real trouble is yet to come."
"To kill you all—then I'd have to shift the cost, resolve the karma, truly a waste of time."
"Besides, one of my masters once cautioned me, saying 'the people are like water, and the ruler like a boat; water can carry the boat but can also overturn it.' Though I've always found it to be nonsense, it's sometimes fun to act it out."
With these words, everyone's spirits were suddenly relieved.
Including those Transcend Mortality Cultivators and the Demon Suppression Army, everyone assumed that today the Saint Child might show mercy and pardon their faults.