130 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?
### Chapter 130: Bronze Blood Only the familiars of the Demon God Pillars and high-level tainted creatures possess intelligence. These creatures, created from the taint of the Demon God Pillars, shouldn't even have pain receptors or the wisdom of sentient beings, making them incapable of fear or of engaging in behaviors like fleeing. Mirexia observed the magical puppet fleeing in the distance, a trace of seriousness crossing her delicate features. Every year, nations and the church send personnel to cleanse the taint of the Demon God Pillars. Though these efforts yield minimal results, the pollution continues to decrease annually, so much so that within a few generations, it should be completely eradicated. In comparison to the Demon God Pillars, humanity is incredibly weak. The pollution left by the Demon God Pillars on the Terrillis continent alone takes over a century to barely clean up. But could the creatures in the Russemere contaminated zones evolve intelligence over time? If that's true, it poses a significant issue. The sooner humanity is aware of such information, the better. Originally, Mirexia had confined her activities to this very area, as instructed by the academy for the top Carrileman Academy students, urging them not to venture into regions with higher pollution levels. However, with this unexpected event, Mirexia, driven by her strong sense of responsibility, couldn't ignore it either officially or personally. She swung her giant sword in a sweeping motion, killing the surrounding creatures, and then chased after the fleeing magical puppet. The tall and graceful young woman raced through the sunset, the blood-red, dimming light staining her flowing golden hair. Unexpectedly, the puppet moved swiftly. Mirexia initially didn't intend to alarm it, but as soon as she slightly slowed down, it nearly eluded her. She had no choice but to increase her speed, pursuing the puppet, her feet clad in warm white stockings and brown loafers pounding the ground rhythmically, propelling her forward. During the chase, Mirexia sensed something was amiss, but she didn't dwell on it. Whether the puppet was special or this was a trap, she needed to uncover the truth for the sake of the southern continent and humanity. Soon, she halted her pursuit, finding nothing ahead but the glaring afterglow of the setting sun. Just moments ago, as she was about to catch up to the puppet and could see its face, it vanished. It was as if it disappeared into the ground, right before her eyes. Mirexia approached the spot where the puppet disappeared, her gaze lowering to the soil there, indistinguishable from its surroundings, her brow furrowing. The puppet vanished here, as if melting into the ground. What does this mean? Is this because humanity hasn't fully understood these creatures, or is it an elaborate trap? The latter seems unlikely due to its absurdity. Russemere is vast, with the Carrileman Academy's training locations shifting annually, making it impossible for outsiders to predict and ambush students here. Moreover, the area is patrolled by nuns and priests from the Dawn Church, along with Carrileman instructors. Mirexia also holds an emergency token from the academy. Because this is a danger zone, susceptible to enemy ambushes or plots, the Carrileman Academy takes extensive measures to protect its students. Who would dare target Carrileman's students here, unafraid of provoking the entire teaching staff? Considering all these factors, Mirexia chased with confidence. No cultist or vile criminal would dare attack here, let alone overcome her. As a top student of Carrileman Academy, Mirexia could easily escape a full-fledged military assault unscathed. Now, the notion of an intelligent magical puppet seems nonexistent. Mirexia couldn't quite discern her feelings—whether relieved or appalled at the audacity of those targeting her. Wielding her giant sword, she struck fiercely, the air currents slicing a tree in half. "Boom boom!" As the giant tree collapsed, dark figures leaped out like aphids leaving their host. Draped in peculiar black robes, the inhabitants bore ghastly, twisted faces on their fronts and backs, adorned with numerous tiny compound eyes, creating an eerie sight. "We've been waiting for your arrival, Princess Peono," the hooded figure intoned, voice full of modulation. His cloak differed, more purple than those surrounding him. "Forgive us for this inelegant meeting in private, as your guardians refuse to engage in dialogue—they only wield swords against us. Thus, I've drawn you here to converse undisturbed." "Alone? This is what you call alone?" Mirexia's proud gaze swept over the cloaked figures encircling her. More robed figures closed in, sealing her in. "It's a necessity, Princess Peono. This is to ensure you're willing to have a peaceful conversation with us. We can't afford misunderstandings. Everything aligns with our Master's will, which no one can defy," the purple-cloaked figure declared grandiosely. "Who's your Master?" Mirexia coldly inquired. "Why, it's the one of ultimate authority, our benevolent and magnanimous Supreme Being, the god of Alchemy and Truth, the purifier of the Sinful World, Eurnes!" Upon speaking the name, all present robed figures knelt, chanting, "Praise Master Eurnes!" "The Blasphemous Demon God Eurnes? You belong to the Bronze Blood?" Mirexia's graceful brows were tight, watching these fanatical devotees. "Indeed, we serve truth and are loyal vassals of the world's purifier, Bronze Blood!" "You all are the vile, unpardonable cultists, guilty beyond measure?" While Mirexia's expression remained impassive, her grip on her sword tightened. "How unfortunate, Princess Peono. I hoped someone as enlightened as you might understand us, making our negotiation smoother." The purple-cloaked figure shook his head. "What unpardonable sin? This world, since its creation, has wallowed in iniquity. Humanity is born sinful. Our Master Eurnes, unwilling to watch such filth, graces the world with purification, offering everyone a chance for redemption and bestowing his power generously upon humanity. Without our Master, this corrupt world wouldn't deserve existence. And you sinners, instead of gratitude, label our Master a false god! This tainted world is beyond salvation!" "Opposing our Master means opposing your sin. Regardless, our Master is generous and forgiving, still willing to offer you a chance for redemption," the purple-cloaked figure declared with a hint of mania. "Princess Peono, you're known to distinguish right from wrong. Could it be you're just as ignorant as those who defy our Master? If so, our Master's sacred purification will inevitably reach you." "What do you want with me?" Mirexia never intended to interact with these cultists; there was no room for negotiation. However, she was curious why they sought her out. These individuals, corrupted to an irredeemable extent, spouted nonsensical logic devoid of reason. There is no hope of reasoning with them—their humanity is lost. They must be eradicated on sight. This lesson, steeped in blood and tears, teaches not to show cultists any mercy nor believe in their redemption. Trusting they could change invites catastrophe. Throughout the history of the Camellia Kingdom, numerous tragedies have been caused by cultists, claiming countless lives. For Mirexia, the word "cultist" represents an absolute boundary. If anyone is involved with cultists or dark gods, she has the obligation to eliminate them, no matter who they might be. Otherwise, her subjects would be at risk. Letting these extreme villains go harms the innocent, forcing many kind-hearted people to bear the brunt of the consequences. Bearing the weight of so many lives, Mirexia cannot afford to be lenient. Thus, from the very start, Mirexia never intended to waste words on these depraved beings. Her only relationship with them is one of life and death. "Don't be anxious, Princess Peono. We've come to negotiate. Our master, Eurnes, is kind and forgiving. Even if you are entangled in sin, straying irretrievably, he would not harm you unless absolutely necessary," the purple-robed man chuckled. He then spread his arms, "As rulers of this world, you're at fault for not restraining your subjects, allowing them to attack the generous purifier of the world. This is your greatest sin! Thus, your guilt is heavier than that of the common flock! The purification awaiting you will cause your souls unbearable pain! However..." "Our master is merciful. If you agree to cooperate and persuade your stubbornly opposing king father, your sins would be greatly diminished. Instead of elimination, you'd face purification." "I thought you might have something interesting to say, but clearly it's futile to expect anything from beasts like you," Mirexia's eyes were cold. "It's unfortunate, Princess Peono. You appear as obstinate as your sin-laden father!" "It seems we must resort to our own methods to make you aware of your royal family's culpability." "Everything follows the will of our master, Eurnes, and you sinners cannot resist!" "Loyal followers of our master, cleanse this filthy world! By the command of Eurnes, capture the sinful royal, Princess Mirexia of Camellia!" At the purple-robed man's order, the black robes drew serpent-handled scimitars from their waists. Mirexia swung her gigantic sword, the sheer wind from her strike sending the black-clad figures sprawling. "Your sins will consume you. Everyone, cast punitive flames of purification upon the sinner!" The purple-robed man pulled out an alchemical potion, hurling it towards Mirexia. The other black robes followed suit, retrieving orange-red concoctions from their chests and throwing them at her. A fiery explosion engulfed the area as the potions struck, igniting the surroundings into an inferno. They were flame potions! Mirexia deftly dodged around with her sword as the fire engulfed her vicinity. "Stop, don't harm the Princess of Camellia. Our master, Eurnes, requires her purification. Capture her, deliver her to our master, and she will be transformed into a loyal servant!" The purple-robed man shouted, leading with a paralyzing green potion clutched in his hand. Mirexia glanced disdainfully at the members of Bronze Blood. Though cornered on a mere patch of earth, she could eliminate them in an instant. Having tested their strength, she roughly gauged the cultists' capabilities. Next was the killing stroke. Though the purple-robed leader seemed on par with Mirexia, they weren't truly equal. Knowing his level, Mirexia was confident she could dispatch him in three moves. With her Four-Star Dragon Eye talent, enhancing her magic was challenging, but even a higher-ranked cultist couldn't match her Advanced Spirit level. Plus, her Sacred Blood and high compatibility with the Dragon Eye meant ten more like him couldn't rival her. Mirexia opened her eyes, the azure depths exuding an innate, fearsome authority. **Wrath of the Golden Dragon Eyes** Except for the purple-robed leader, all the black-clad figures were paralyzed, seeing only immense, terrifying lantern-like lights. On closer inspection, they were the bloodshot eyes of a dragon. Even the purple-robed individual wasn't spared, his heart seized with intense fright, his thoughts swirling with the urge to flee. With all her adversaries immobilized, lightning surged along Mirexia's sword. Scarlet thundering wrapped around the blade, emitting a dragon's lament, ready to sweep over the black-clad cultists. The crimson lightning had undergone a qualitative transformation, a divine indication of extraordinary electricity affinity. **Thunderous Devour** Under heaven's thundering roar, the Bronze Blood minions were like feeble straw before a storm. Yet, just as the scarlet lightning was about to unleash, Mirexia felt her strength drained. Before understanding, she misfired, lost her power midair, and plummeted to the ground. What is happening!? Mirexia struggled to rise, activating her Dragon Eye once more, but exhaustion overwhelmed her again, bringing her back down. "Save your efforts, Princess. Your Dragon Eye and draconic blood are suppressed by our master's alchemical powers," the purple-robed man leisurely approached, holding an unusual magic stone. "This is the result of defying our master." 2025/04/21/22/05 『Bookmark for seamless reading』