Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey! Chapter 1773 - 412: Six Heavenly List Experts Clash; Chen 94 Strikes the Unity Bell

Chen Jie gasped for breath, lingering exhaustion slowly receding. The 'Chang Chun Skill' coursed through him, diligently restoring his vitality.

Suddenly, a rustling sound broke the quiet outside the Ming King Hall.

Alertness surged through Chen Jie. He rose, testing his limbs, finding he could move without impediment. He then turned his gaze towards the entrance.

As expected, figures soon materialized in the doorway.

Two young women led the procession, accompanied by individuals of varying stature.

Chen Jie identified them instantly – members of the Zoroastrian Sect.

At the forefront were Han Ling’er, Han Shantong’s daughter, and Liu Caidie, Liu Futong’s granddaughter.

Following them were Elders Chen Long, Monkey, and Mei Tu, with Du Xiong being escorted at the very rear.

As the group entered, Liu Caidie’s eyes fell upon Chen Jie's disheveled state and the severely damaged hall, its grand doors dislodged.

She inquired swiftly, "Brother Chen, are you unharmed?"

Chen Jie offered a slight shake of his head. "I am well."

"Where is the mad monk?" Liu Caidie asked, a flicker of curiosity in her voice. Chen Jie replied, "Did you not encounter him on your way here?"

Liu Caidie shook her head. "No, we proceeded with the utmost caution, concealed within the foliage, and did not see the mad monk."

Chen Jie glanced at the others; they too confirmed their lack of encounter with the mad monk.

A frown creased Chen Jie’s brow. "That fellow possesses remarkable luck."

He mused that if the Demon Slayer Monk had escaped and stumbled upon Liu Caidie’s party, his current weakened state would have been dire. However, their paths having not crossed, it seemed fate had yet to decree his end.

As these thoughts occupied him, Han Ling’er scanned the surroundings with evident concern. "Brother Chen, where is my brother?"

"Indeed, where is Prince Ming?" Following Han Ling’er's question, Liu Caidie echoed the sentiment. Chen Jie gestured towards a tunnel. "Inside."

Without hesitation, Han Ling’er clasped her fists and, with Liu Caidie beside her, hurried into the tunnel.

Only the three elders and Du Xiong remained outside.

Chen Jie addressed the elders. "Have the disciples from the Six Great Sects already departed the mountain?"

The three elders affirmed, "Yes, they have descended the mountain, as have the adherents of the Divine Dragon Sect."

Chen Jie expressed his surprise. "Why have they left as well? Were they not here to aid the Little Ming King?"

The elders explained, "You provided assistance in rescuing the Little Ming King, thus fulfilling their objective. Furthermore, despite historical connections between the Divine Dragon Sect and our Zoroastrian Sect, their divergence is long past, and they will not involve themselves in subsequent affairs."

Chen Jie offered no further comment. The internal dynamics between the two sects held little interest for him, and he had no intention of meddling. After a brief exchange, he turned to the elders. "Proceed inside and ascertain when the Little Ming King intends to emerge. Master Yushan requested we ring the Unity Bell; let us not tarry."

Mei Tu let out a slight smirk. "Heh, there’s no need to wait for him. The Little Ming King likely lacks the courage to show himself."

Chen Long and Monkey’s expressions conveyed their agreement, assuming the Little Ming King was thoroughly intimidated.

Du Xiong seized the opportunity to mock. "His followers fight for him, yet he remains in hiding. How can such a ruler achieve success? I truly cannot comprehend your insistence on defending him and proposing him as the leader of the Holy Sect."

Du Xiong’s words found resonance with Chen Long and the others. However, Chen Long retorted sharply, "How dare you! Du Xiong, you are a prisoner, yet you presume to speak with such insolence. Do you not fear for your life?"

Du Xiong responded defiantly, "If death is my fate, so be it. As a man born into this world, what is there to fear in death? But to demand my allegiance to Han Lin’er, such a coward – simply execute me to spare me from uttering further displeasing words!"

Monkey's brow furrowed. "Your father was a traitor, yet you live by the Venerable's grace. How can you be so selective? Do you believe the Venerable lacks the resolve to kill you?"

Du Xiong burst into laughter. "Kill me, and then what? Do you genuinely believe I fear death?"

"What I, Du Xiong, dread in this life is dying without the dignity of a true man!"

Chen Jie listened, his gaze settling on Du Xiong. "Then enlighten me, what constitutes the mark of a true man?"

Du Xiong was taken aback, momentarily silenced.

Chen Jie declared, "A true man enters this world to wield a sword and carve out unmatched achievements. A true man must possess his own dignity; neither riches nor status can sway him, poverty cannot move him, and force will never compel him. A true man must serve his country and his people, earning renown through righteousness and integrity. Tell me, how many of these virtues have you embodied?"

Du Xiong heard Chen Jie's words, gazed at him, and responded, "I will not yield to force!"

Chen Jie let out a soft laugh and stated, "If you were truly unmoved by force, you would not be standing here now; you would have perished in battle within the Ruins. The very fact that you were apprehended and brought to this place signifies that you did not relinquish your will to survive. Is this not a form of surrender in itself?"

Upon hearing these pointed remarks, Du Xiong lapsed into silence.

Chen Jie continued, "Do not harbor defiance. Firstly, a true man is born to wield a sword and achieve unparalleled feats. What accomplishments can you claim? Your entire existence has been meticulously orchestrated by your father; you have always been but a tool. Have you ever truly lived for yourself?"

"I..."

Du Xiong was momentarily stunned, his gaze fixed on Chen Jie. He then fell silent. Chen Jie pressed on, "Furthermore, a true man is such that wealth and rank cannot corrupt him, poverty cannot move him, and force cannot bend him. Concerning wealth and rank, they cannot corrupt you. Consider this: the moment you gain even a slight advantage, you feel an overwhelming sense of invincibility. As for poverty not moving you. Have you ever pursued a dream with unwavering resolve, despite facing relentless adversity?"