The Shepherd wasn't lying. Tianjiang had always been peaceful, even idyllic. If not for the Black Sea Hell and the Heavenly Fiends wreaking havoc, Tianjiang would still be isolated from the world, uninterested in worldly affairs.
He, the Shepherd, wouldn't have been in his slumber all this time. He disdained all schemes and conspiracies.
Of course, without such events, the Shepherd wouldn't be who he is now. It's just the way things are.
Du Wu Yu and Bian Xi Jun were curious upon hearing this, wondering why the ancient war happened.
However, they should return to Tianjiang first.
Everyone boarded the Wind Riding Isle, and Du Wu Yu steered it towards Tianjiang.
Tianjiang, Tianjiang. This return, would it be a new joy or the start of fate?
He would do better this time, he wouldn't repeat his mistakes. Absolutely not.
Countless Tianjiang divine beasts and spirit beasts waited, all silently looking towards the ruler of Tianjiang, the Shepherd.
“Greetings, Shepherd.”
“Greetings, Shepherd.”
Countless voices arose, each carrying their heartfelt feelings and aspirations. This was their duty.
“Rise, everyone. I, the Shepherd, will never disappoint you again. Tianjiang will always be Tianjiang’s.”
The Shepherd looked at the people of Tianjiang, speaking with determination.
Fa Tian Hong, Yu Zhi Yi, and Shi Fang She were all happy. Tianjiang belonged to Tianjiang, and foreign invasion was unacceptable. This was the bottom line.
“Shepherd, we believe that under your leadership, Tianjiang will become even better and more peaceful.”
“Exactly. With you, we are not afraid.”
Everyone expressed their thoughts, demonstrating their loyalty.
The Shepherd knew they were loyal and said with a smile, “This time, I have gained two powerful warriors who have joined Tianjiang. This strengthens Tianjiang’s defenses. It’s my honor. They are Du Wu Yu of the Wind Riding Isle and Bian Xi Jun. Welcome everyone.”
All races welcomed them warmly. Those invited by the Shepherd were naturally people he trusted.
Du Wu Yu and Bian Xi Jun were filled with emotion as they witnessed this.
The Shepherd, seeing the joy of the people, became serious: “Everyone, although Tianjiang favors peace, the ancient three-realm war made me realize one truth: whether we fight or not is not up to us. There are those with malicious intent who will drag us into war. Without sufficient defense, we’ll fall prey to their calculations.”
His face grew more serious as he continued: “Everyone, I hope you can choose a group of valiant warriors to form a Tianjiang defense force, instead of fighting individually. That would leave us vulnerable to the enemy, which is not what I or anyone else wants.”
Fa Tian Hong immediately nodded, “Shepherd, you’re right. If it weren’t for the three-realm war, Tianjiang wouldn’t be lacking in strength, but rather, lacking in a united army. That’s why we gave the enemy an opening, leading to your exile to the Bitter Sea. It’s the fault of all Tianjiang races.”
Even Yu Zhi Yi agreed. Despite advocating for peace, he had experienced firsthand the consequences of not having a defensive army. Without unity, how could they defeat a well-prepared enemy?
“Shepherd, you are right. Although we favor peace, we can’t lack the strength to defend it. Once is enough. We don’t need another lesson.”
The Shepherd was delighted. He turned to Bai Shou Liu Xian, “Father-in-law, let your Peacock clan return. We need greater unity to better defend Tianjiang. Tianjiang doesn’t seek to invade anyone, but we absolutely won’t allow anyone to invade Tianjiang.”
Bai Shou Liu Xian bowed, “Yes, Shepherd. I’ll immediately order the Peacock clan to return and join the Tianjiang army.”
The words brought a surge of excitement to the various races of Tianjiang.
A stronger Tianjiang meant greater security, a feeling of relief and genuine joy.
Du Wu Yu and Bian Xi Jun watched silently. Though they didn’t know the details of the past, it was clear why everyone was so united.
“What about the Tianjiang Three Evils?”
“Reporting to the Shepherd, they remain imprisoned in the Soul Reversal Cage. Shepherd, you asked about them, this...”
Yu Zhi Yi was worried. If the Shepherd showed mercy and released them, wouldn’t it give the Tianjiang Evils another chance to rise?
The Shepherd’s face turned cold, “They have committed too many sins. I was unwilling to kill them before, but subsequent events have taught me a lesson: dangerous elements must be eliminated in their infancy. No threat can exist in Tianjiang.”
Yu Zhi Yi and the others were stunned, confused. “We don’t understand what you mean, Shepherd.”
The Shepherd spoke with even more coldness, “Since it’s like this, we will use them to raise the flag. It will help my heart truly grow.”
The various Tianjiang tribes were stunned at first, but then cheered in unison. The cheers were deafening.
Du Wu Yu and Bian Xi Jun were confused. What was going on?
Bai Shou Liu Xian whispered an explanation to them about the origin of the Tianjiang Evils. He also told them why the Shepherd used the Evils to establish his authority. It was the best way to show his resolve.
“The Shepherd truly deserves his title. It seems he’s changed. This return is different.”
As the leaders of the three races, they naturally knew how kind and benevolent the Shepherd was. Even towards the Tianjiang Evils, he only imprisoned them.
Now, finally, he spoke of using them as sacrifices to raise the flag, clearly revealing his intentions.
“Let’s go to the Soul Reversal Cage. I, the Shepherd, will keep my word.”
Everyone followed silently, wanting to see the Evils sacrificed. They were the ones who brought misery to the Tianjiang races. It was best to eliminate them.
Bai Shou Liu Xian and the others remained silent, but the anticipation in their eyes was clear. It was the will of the people.
“Shepherd, is this really okay?”
Bian Xi Jun spoke to Bai Shou Liu Xian with worry.
“Bian Xi Jun, what I told you before was only part of the story. They have done too much evil. Countless Tianjiang lives were lost at their hands. If you were in Tianjiang back then, you would know how much fear the races had, specifically of the Evils.”
Bai Shou Liu Xian whispered, “The Tianjiang Evils spent their lives killing the races of Tianjiang for amusement. They were bloodthirsty, cunning, deceitful, and vicious. They would sacrifice anything for survival, even their own comrades.”
He was telling the truth about the Evils. Otherwise, why did so many Tianjiang people despise them? It was clear from the facts. He spoke very seriously.
Du Wu Yu and Bian Xi Jun finally understood the Tianjiang Evils. They were truly a cruel race. No wonder the Shepherd used them to raise the flag, and the various races cheered. It was the result of the suffering inflicted by the Evils.
This wasn’t a trivial matter, but a major event for the Tianjiang races. As long as it could effectively remove the psychological barrier, it was worth it.
Tianjiang would be better, this was the wish of everyone. Today, it was merely the Shepherd fulfilling a long-overdue promise.