The hesitation on Shi Meng's face grew stronger, and he looked at Ye Guyi, preparing to plead for mercy.
However, before he could speak, Ye Guyi had already seen through his thoughts. She turned her head, her gaze sharp as a sword piercing through Shi Meng's heart. Her voice was resolute, carrying an unquestionable power:
"Do not pity Evil Soul Masters! They are the beings least deserving of pity in this world! Even the murderous Man Faced Demon Spider knows more restraint than they do! Do you know how many innocents have died by his hand? In my estimation, no less than ten! And every single one died a gruesome death!"
Her tone became increasingly impassioned, filled with deep-seated indignation: "Once one falls into the Evil Path, there is no turning back! That talk of 'dropping the butcher's knife to become a Buddha' is all bullshit! After killing so many people and having hands stained with blood, can a single phrase like 'washing one's hands of it' cancel out all sins? How can those tragically killed souls rest in peace?"
"In my view, once an Evil Soul Master, always an Evil Soul Master! There is only one end for an Evil Soul Master—death! Only then can the souls of the innocent who died in vain be consoled!" Ye Guyi's words were forceful and resonant, like the tolling of a judgment bell striking Shi Meng's heart.
Hearing this, Shi Meng's body shook slightly. He looked at the seemingly pitiful youth on the ground and then thought back to Ye Guyi's words. That bit of pity was gradually replaced by logic and lingering fear. Indeed, regardless of age, he was ultimately a murderous Evil Soul Master, an executioner with hands soaked in blood. Kindness to the enemy was not only cruelty to oneself but also a betrayal of those who had already perished!
Seeing his last hope shattered, the pleading expression on the young Evil Soul Master's face instantly transformed into extreme malice and madness.
"Damn it! Since I can't live, don't think you'll have it easy either!" he roared, his remaining body struggling to gather his final strength in an attempt to self-detonate his Soul Power and take them down with him.
"Hmph, see? Evil to the bone, their nature is hard to change." Ye Guyi snorted coldly, not surprised in the least. She no longer hesitated as the third spirit ring behind her shone brightly.
"Third Soul Skill, Holy Praise!"
An even more majestic and sacred light gathered upon the holy sword, turning into a torrent that purified everything, instantly engulfing the young Evil Soul Master.
"Repent within the Holy Light and go to Hell!"
"Aaaaaah—!"
The shrill scream came to an abrupt halt. As the light faded, the young Evil Soul Master had completely turned to ash, dissipating into the world as if he had never existed.
Ye Guyi let out a light breath, the wings on her back retracted, and the holy sword vanished as she deactivated her Martial Soul possession state. Shi Meng also breathed a sigh of relief, his rocky armor slowly receding to reveal a somewhat pale face. Having survived the disaster, he quickly stepped forward and solemnly cupped his fists toward Ye Guyi, his tone full of gratitude:
"Thank you, Young Miss, for saving my life! If you hadn't intervened in time, Shi Meng would have surely met a cruel end today. My death wouldn't matter, but I fear for the old and young at home..."
Ye Guyi waved her hand casually, interrupting Shi Meng's further words. Her tone returned to its usual state, yet still remained somewhat cold: "It was just a small effort, no need to mention it. Eradicating Evil Soul Masters is the duty of my generation. My Martial Soul is the Holy Angel, naturally the nemesis of these filthy things. Since I possess this power, it is my responsibility to clear the world of Evil Soul Masters one by one."
"Young Miss, your righteousness and noble ideals are truly admirable!" Shi Meng praised sincerely, his eyes shining with an earnest light. "Coincidentally, our Pope's great ambition is also to uproot all Evil Soul Masters from the world! If you have no urgent matters, would you do me the honor of accompanying me back to Fontaine City? Firstly, to allow me to show some hospitality and repay your kindness; secondly, I would like to introduce you to the Pope."
He paused and added even more sincerely: "With your strength, talent, and this noble spirit, I believe you will surely gain the Pope's appreciation and high regard!"
"Axis Cult?" Ye Guyi pondered for a moment and nodded. "I have indeed heard your organization's name many times on my journey. It is said that you are extremely friendly to the common people and even provide free Martial Soul Awakening for village children?"
"Exactly!" Shi Meng quickly replied, an expression of pride appearing on his face. "I was just returning from a village in the back after performing the Awakening for the children when I was unexpectedly ambushed by that Evil Soul Master... Sigh, if not for you, I would be a pile of bones by now. Even if you have no intention of joining the Axis Cult, for this life-saving grace alone, Shi Meng must repay you! I only hope you can come back with me for a short stay to see the character of our Axis Cult; that would be good as well."
Ye Guyi thought for a moment. She was traveling everywhere tracking Evil Soul Masters, and her current leads had gone cold. Furthermore, the dry rations she carried were indeed almost gone, and she needed to head to a town for supplies. It wouldn't hurt to check out this Axis Cult stronghold, which had a good reputation.
"Alright," she finally nodded, "I will go to Fontaine City with you to take a look."
Shi Meng was overjoyed upon hearing this, a sincere smile blooming on his face as he cupped his fists again: "I am immensely grateful! Young Miss, please follow me!"
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