Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 1324: Chapter 1323: Aika’s Views on Tax Evasion (No Idea How Many Parts There’ll Be)

Regarding Aika’s proposal, Fang Zheng was completely speechless, while Nie Xiaoqian was endlessly grateful. In fact, from Nie Xiaoqian’s perspective, this was not a punishment at all. It should be known that she had witnessed Fang Zheng’s power firsthand, and an immortal with such power must hold a very high position. If she could serve as a slave or servant by his side, it would be like ascending to heaven in one step!

In fact, this sort of thing is quite common in mythological tales.

For example, a certain fairy wreaking havoc, and then an immortal descends to subdue them as a disciple or the like. Modern people might see this as enslavement, but for yokai and evil spirits of that era, it was no less than a heavenly ascension! After all, most of them naturally became sentient beings, and they lacked a proper understanding of how to continue their refinement. They could only follow their own ideas on how to become stronger.

But this kind of self-cultivation is akin to closing the door and making a cart, researching advanced math alone in a room, versus learning under the guidance of a prominent mathematician. Anyone who isn’t a fool knows the latter will definitely be more beneficial. Although you may have more demands and tasks, like being summoned back and forth like a mule, you’ll surely learn faster than by figuring it out yourself!

Consider Nie Xiaoqian’s situation: going to the Underworld will result in suffering, even if she isn’t thrown into the eighteenth layer of Hell. Ultimately, enduring reincarnation, she wouldn’t know what kind of person she might become due to her sins in this life, possibly ending up worse. Whereas, following Fang Zheng, she could achieve immortal ascension... it’s like becoming a temporary worker in a government enterprise!

Of course, a temporary worker can be dismissed, but it’s still better than those who can’t get in at all, right?

And if she does well, there might be a chance to become permanent.

After dealing with the old locust tree, Fang Zheng set his sights on the Old Demon of Black Mountain, and Nie Xiaoqian naturally became one of the guides, taking them towards the Black Mountain behind. As for Ning Caichen, he didn’t continue the adventure like in stories. After much contemplation, he chose to bid farewell and leave. As a scholar, he understood the principle of not standing under a crumbling wall. Clearly, Fang Zheng and his party intended to confront a super formidable great demon, and for a scholar without the strength to truss a chicken, tagging along for the fun could cost him his life.

As for the debt collection... there’s no way that’s happening; saving one’s own life is more important, isn’t it?

Ning Caichen might be naive, but he’s not foolish to the core. After saying goodbye to Fang Zheng and others, he hurriedly descended the mountain with his back basket.

Meanwhile, Fang Zheng and his companions followed Nie Xiaoqian, advancing towards the mountain ahead.

After making the decision, Aika no longer spoke, but walked at the back of the group with a thoughtful smile, occasionally looking this way and that. Fortunately, Lin Yueru and Zhao Ling’er were entirely focused on the impending meeting with the great demon and didn’t notice her.

”What are you thinking about?”

Seeing Aika’s ghostly eyes shifting around beside him, Fang Zheng knew she was up to something. Sure enough, Aika nodded and softly began to speak.

”I finally understand your point, Father.”

”Hm?”

”Things like good and evil are meaningless when you’re alone. They only have significance when everyone is together, right?”

”Mm... That’s roughly the gist.”

Hearing what Aika said, Fang Zheng nodded, just like Robinson stranded on an island; no one cares about robbery or theft, or whether he’s decorous or not. Even if he shouts nonsense outside all day, so what?

Who cares? No one.

Morality, ethics, and laws are only meaningful during human communication and interaction. These are the cornerstones maintaining social exchange and order. Without these, humanity’s foundation of communal living would crumble. Thus, whether it’s good and evil or the law, it holds true.

Only within a community does the distinction of ”yours” and ”mine” arise, leading to a series of rules and norms. Even prohibiting harm to others is only enforceable among a group of communicable people.

Otherwise, telling the forest’s tigers or wild boars ”no killing” goes unheard.

The issue with Sajou Aika is that her world has always contained only herself, so she doesn’t need to care about the law, much less morality or good and evil.

But others will care.

”What if I kill Ning Caichen in front of everyone?”

Aika’s hands were clasped behind her back as she bounced like she was dancing, looking inquisitively at Fang Zheng, who shrugged.

”Ling’er and Lin Yue are inherently kind-hearted; they will definitely stop you.”

”But they can’t beat me, right?”

Aika was very confident in her strength. Indeed, Zhao Ling’er and Lin Yueru combined couldn’t match her.

”Of course, but they would be angry.”

”For someone they met only once? Aren’t we... friends or something?”

”They don’t want you to become a bad person.”

”A bad person?”

Hearing this, Aika blinked.

”I just killed a stranger and I’m called a bad person?”

”Interpersonal communication works that way.”

Fang Zheng didn’t say anything more but just reached out and patted Aika’s head. Aika squinted her eyes, once again showing an intrigued expression, looking at Zhao Ling’er and Lin Yueru walking ahead of her, thinking up something unknown.

”Right up ahead, Celestial Immortal.”

As she spoke, Nie Xiaoqian led everyone to the Old Demon of Black Mountain’s lair. Looking out, the mountain ahead was pitch black, ominous clouds blanketed the sky, a menacing shadow hung over it, with spots of green ghostly fire visible on the mountain and a massive, dark cave.

”Be careful, Celestial Immortal.”

By now, Nie Xiaoqian was quite addicted to her role as a guide.

”The Old Demon of Black Mountain has gathered plenty of yokai in the cave, each one is extremely evil and vicious, even we dare not enter recklessly...”

”If that’s the case, it makes things easier.”

Hearing Nie Xiaoqian’s words, Fang Zheng nodded, and then he gripped the pitch black greatsword in his hand, striding towards the cave.

Next, Fang Zheng raised the pitch black greatsword high and with force, swung it toward the cave before him!

The greatsword traced an arc through the air and struck the ground, and a deep rumbling sound echoed from beneath. Immediately, from that spot where the pitch black greatsword touched the ground, a massive fissure suddenly appeared, rapidly spreading into the cave.

In the next moment, scorching flames shot up from the crack, splitting the entire mountain in two!!