1103 - I Became a Villainess and Was Pestered by Beautiful Girls
### Chapter 1103: You Understand the Greater Good In the Sacred Spell Land, a Yin-Yang Sealing Array encompassed the entire realm. Within this domain of annihilative power, Tang Xin lost her perception of time. She had no idea how long had passed outside; she only felt a persistent barrier between herself and the demonic blade. When she had touched a sword of similar destructive energy before, she could clearly discern the different attributes despite their shared annihilative power. To assert her existence, she felt she must obtain the demonic blade. The agony of her body and mind had become a familiar sensation. Even though they were continuously destroyed and reformed, her resolve remained unshaken. “Are you truly willing to bear the burden...?” A voice seemed to ask her from within her consciousness. “What burden?” she retorted, but received no answer. Suddenly, an energy distinct from annihilation swept her conscious into its embrace. ... Once again, she found herself in the Sacred Spell Land, yet this was another time. A group had set up a sealing monument, activating a massive array to trap the demonic blade and sword anew. They lingered, reluctant to depart. “The sword and demonic blade are finally sealed again,” one person sighed in relief, “At least we don’t have to worry about the world ending for now.” “Yet we've merely delayed the inevitable,” another shook their head, “There will be a next time. The sword and demonic blade will surface again someday.” “Yes...” They all understood it clearly. No seal was absolute. Despite any attempts to prevent their existence from being known, they would inevitably be discovered. Those who would find them could potentially be stronger and more terrifying. At such a time, how would the myriad worlds cope? “We can’t stop others from wielding the sword and the demonic blade,” someone suggested, “But maybe we can impose certain limitations upon them?” “Are you suggesting... filtering who can use them? How would we even accomplish that?” “I don't know, but given their immense power, there might be some inherent ‘spirit’ even if they're not sentient.” After discussion, most agreed to attempt communication with the demonic blade. Yet, it remained silent like a lifeless object. “Could it be that they only respond to destruction and death?” Driven by despair, one leapt into the black void. At last, the blade reacted. “So it requires a life sacrifice for communication?” The method had been discovered, albeit cruel. To those seeking atonement, death was nothing to fear. “Please grant us a sliver of hope...” ... In front of Tang Xin, ephemeral spirits gathered, coalescing into the form of a woman amidst the haze. “Who are you?” Tang Xin inquired. “Those who willingly devoted themselves to the demonic blade,” the entity responded, “Their lives have ended, leaving only lingering obsessions attached to the blade.” “Was it you calling me just now?” she asked again, “What do you want from me?” “We want you to bear our hope...” The obsessions exhaled, speaking earnestly. “Your hope?” “You must have realized how concentrating too much power in one individual's hands can be perilous for our people,” the spirit explained, “Distributing it among all is the right path, our hope.” Overly centralized power, like that of a demonic sorceress, had grown beyond any control. If she decided the destruction of her own people, calamity would follow. Reflecting on the ancient wars where the sword and demonic blade were unearthed, it only escalated the threats to the world. “Disperse it among the masses,” Tang Xin considered for a moment, “How can it be shared with everyone?” “By eradicating the dominant threats and imposing ‘limits’ on new life.” The spirit answered slowly and deliberately. “Is the restriction on mid-realm ascension related to you?” Tang Xin remembered a senior of the Heavenly Race mentioning such restrictions had only appeared in recent times, not always there. “I thought it was a divine decision, but it seems it was more self-derived.” “Only by curbing the concentration of power can our world develop more beautifully,” the entity admitted. “The restriction on ascension is insufficient; we must do better.” “Why haven’t you acted then?” These individuals could potentially destabilize the world's power foundation. Why not simply restrain all cultivation above basic levels? That would prevent any world-threatening figures from emerging. “Impossible,” she replied. “Our connection with the demonic blade is limited. But you, you might be able to achieve it with your capabilities!” “Isn’t your wish to create a beautiful, happy world? If you’re willing, we will support you wholeheartedly!” Though just an obsession, her eyes and emotions were sincere. -Enduring ‘spirits’ preserved through destructive power bore no falsehood, as any insincerity would become a vulnerability. Facing the hopeful expression before her, Tang Xin finally spoke. “But there’s one issue... If I rid the world of all powerhouses, what about myself? Wouldn’t I become the strongest then?” “With every great undertaking, there are sacrifices...” They answered candidly. Clearly, even notable ministers were not meant to survive, as living allowed a risk of unseen threats. “You understand the greater good,” the spirit continued, “To dedicate yourself to the world you love, it’s worthwhile.” “The greater good...” This time, Tang Xin fell into prolonged silence. Between herself and the demonic blade, this obsession was likely the barrier. Countless ‘powerful beings’ had willingly sacrificed to form a protective veil for the world. Perhaps they were right. Concentrating power among few posed a risk to the people. “Sorry,” at last, she gently shook her head. “I can’t.” “Why? Are you afraid of sacrifice?” The spirit questioned her with piercing eyes. “Yes,” Tang Xin responded firmly, “Of course I’m afraid. I don’t want to die. If I can avoid it, why should I choose death?” “Yet you often face danger selflessly...” “That’s because I want to protect someone,” Tang Xin replied, meeting the spirit’s gaze, “I care about the people, not just the world.” “If you seek to have me remove those I cherish, I’m sorry, I cannot do it.”