The Eternal Sin

Sun Jian looked at the plain-looking youth before him, a hint of surprise appearing in his expression.

He had expected Jiang Chen to be a weakling begging for justice, but instead was met with a brilliant strategist who understood the pulse of sect politics better than many inner disciples.

’Such clarity... to think a Qi Condensation junior, one without the guidance of a powerful father like mine, could analyze the pressure points of a Foundation Establishment clan and the Enforcement Hall with such meticulousness. It is hard to believe a person like this exists. What a talent.’ Sun Jian sighed inwardly.

Once he acknowledged Jiang Chen’s ability, temptation took root. The logic in Jiang Chen’s words was flawless. If handled correctly, this matter could become a quiet blade pressed against the Meng family’s throat, forcing them to yield resources without open conflict.

Especially since enduring the heavy financial losses from repairing and managing the plantation had nearly forced Sun Jian to abandon any hope of competing in the upcoming auction. But now, with this opportunity placed before him, that bleak outlook began to shift.

What once seemed unattainable could now be somewhat within reach.

At the same time, this minor incident could be turned into an opportunity to build a favorable relationship with the Enforcement Hall. If he managed that as well, even his father would be forced to look at him in a different light. Perhaps then, he could leverage this achievement to request his father’s support in acquiring something from the auction house.

’He is tempted.’ Jiang Chen watched the subtle shifts in Sun Jian’s expression.

He knew the greed was taking root. With a final, decisive movement, Jiang Chen handed the recording disk to the female attendant, who presented it to Sun Jian.

Sun Jian glanced at it.

In that instant, the last thread of hesitation snapped.

The recording was the ultimate lever. It was the chain that would bind the Meng family to Sun Jian’s will.

He stood up from the platform, and beneath his feet, wisps of golden flame materialized to form a set of ethereal steps. He walked down toward Jiang Chen.

But as he stepped down, the cool air within the hall was replaced by a scorching, suffocating pressure that turned the atmosphere into a furnace.

Without warning, golden fire erupted.

It coiled around Jiang Chen like living dragons, binding his limbs in an instant. The space around him warped violently, heat pressing in from all directions as though the world itself sought to crush him.

Before Jiang Chen could even blink, a hand wreathed in flickering, solar-gold flames lunged forward, seizing his throat with the strength of a hot iron vice.

The heat was instantaneous. Jiang Chen felt the moisture leave his skin as the golden Qi began to sear his robes.

Behind him, Meng Kai let out a pathetic whimper and collapsed, unable to withstand the sheer killing intent radiating from the Foundation Establishment expert.

Sun Jian’s eyes were no longer those of a refined gentleman, but two burning pits of molten gold, staring right into Jiang Chen’s soul.

"You have a clever tongue, Junior Brother," Sun Jian said softly, yet his voice carried a terrifying weight. "But don’t you think all of this would have been more appropriate if you had actually died tonight?"

The flames around his fingers intensified, turning a brilliant, blinding white that caused the air to hiss.

"I could simply take this disk and present it to the Elders as the tragic murder of my loyal subordinate. I would have even more reason to seek ’justice’ then, wouldn’t I?" Sun Jian continued, his tone calm, almost contemplative.

The pressure on Jiang Chen’s windpipe increased until his face turned a dark, bruised purple. The searing heat began to blister his neck, and his meridians groaned under the weight of Sun Jian’s aura. He was a tenth-layer ant in the grasp of a titan.

The situation had turned into a nightmare.

Yet, despite the agonizing heat and the shadow of death looming over him, Jiang Chen’s dark eyes remained fixed on Sun Jian’s.

He forced a breath through clenched teeth and said in a strained voice, "Naturally... that’s true. If I were dead, that would be more appropriate for you."

Sun Jian’s eyes sharpened into needles, searching for a single tremor of fear or a plea for mercy. But all he found was the same calm indifference that had marked the youth since he entered the hall.

The silence in the room became so heavy it was deafening, broken only by the crackle of the solar flames.

Then, the heat vanished.

Sun Jian released his grip, the golden fire retreating into his palms as if it had never existed. Jiang Chen staggered slightly and coughed a few times, dragging air back into his lungs before his breathing evened out, though his expression remained vigilant.

Sun Jian took a step back, staring at him with a strange look in his eyes. "You... knew, didn’t you?"

"Knew what?" Jiang Chen replied flatly, voice devoid of emotion.

"That I wouldn’t kill you," Sun Jian said, his voice low, but thick with certainty.

Jiang Chen met his gaze fearlessly and said, "If it were any other arrogant inner sect disciple, I would not have bothered offering such an opportunity. But Senior Brother, you are not unjust toward those who are loyal to you. If you were that kind of person, you would have killed me and the others after our mission at the plantation to silence us. But you did not. Instead, you rewarded us. That was enough for me to place my faith in your character. And besides..."

Jiang Chen paused briefly.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. "I am far more valuable to you alive than dead in a box, don’t you think, Senior Brother Sun Jian?"

Hearing this, Sun Jian was silent for a moment before throwing his head back and laughing.

"Good! Good!" he said, stepping forward and patting Jiang Chen’s shoulder with force. "Junior Brother Jiang, I have not misjudged you. This sect has rules, and those who dare to strike at my people must learn the price of their arrogance. I will seek the justice you deserve."

"This junior is grateful for Senior Brother’s protection." Jiang Chen bowed his head in a show of deep gratitude.

But as his face was hidden from view, he snickered inwardly, his heart as cold as the dark side of the moon.

’Justice? What a fine word.’