Lin Ming's办事效率 was quite high. Now that he knew Young Master Zhen bore no grudge — and had even instructed him to seek out more contact with
This sent Lin Ming's fighting spirit soaring.
So, when it came to escorting this batch of slaves, Lin Ming personally took charge, leading a group of trusted subordinates to deliver the hundred and fifty Sacred Realm slaves directly to Peacock Sacred Mountain.
The matter of controlling the slaves required no great effort from Jiang Chen, nor was there any concern about them causing trouble. Setting aside the fact that they were on Peacock Sacred Mountain — where the Peacock Guards could suppress them at any moment — even without the Peacock Guards, the life and death of each slave rested entirely in their master's hands. Each slave had a Spiritual Sense Jade Slip held by their owner.
Once the owner crushed the jade slip, the seal embedded within the slave's spiritual sense would activate, directly shattering their spiritual consciousness and killing them on the spot.
Under these circumstances, there was no possibility of any slave causing problems. Unless they had grown tired of living.
Moreover, with the Spiritual Sense Jade Slips in the owner's hands, a single casual probe would make it abundantly clear if any malicious intent lurked within them.
So, once one became a slave, no matter how powerful or proud one had been before, one could only resign to fate and obey without question.
The slightest defiance of the master's will, and a single thought from the master could end the slave's life.
Jiang Chen was, of course, not such a tyrannical person. He had purchased these slaves, but he had no intention of keeping them in bondage forever.
In truth, Jiang Chen didn't like ordering slaves around. It wasn't some grand principle about the equality of all beings — he simply understood how difficult it was for a martial artist to cultivate this far, and that being reduced to slavery was a fate more cruel than death.
So, when these slaves arrived at the Young Master's Manor, the first thing Jiang Chen did was gather them all together and say: "I don't know what circumstances led any of you to become slaves. I spent money to buy you, not to keep you in servitude forever. My Young Master's Manor has only just been established, and I need capable hands. I hope that each of you will perform your duties with diligence and faithfulness. One day, I will restore your freedom and grant you a new life. Of this, you need have no doubt. Moreover, that deadline will not exceed one hundred years."
These words brought a flicker of normal human expression to faces otherwise stamped with numbness.
Having been reduced to slavery, each of them had become like human tools — one could scarcely see any joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness on their faces. All that remained was a trembling, fearful obedience.
Now, upon hearing Young Master Zhen's promise, a glimmer of questioning appeared in each slave's eyes.
Clearly, Jiang Chen's promise left them half-believing, half-doubting.
They naturally knew who their buyer was — the Young Master of Peacock Sacred Mountain, the most celebrated genius in Glazed Tile King City in recent years.
In truth, during the journey here, their hearts had been anxious. No one knew what awaited them at Peacock Sacred Mountain.
Even though Young Master Zhen's reputation in Glazed Tile King City was excellent, who could say whether, in private, he was a man of uncontrollable cruelty? Who could say whether he might take out his frustrations on slaves on a whim?
In many powerful households and aristocratic families, the status of slaves was wretched. At best, they were used as training dummies or sparring targets.
At worst, they served as punching bags. The slightest grievance outside, and one would come home and beat a couple of slaves to vent.
In the Upper Eight Regions, untold numbers of slaves were beaten to death by their masters every day.
Slaves had no human rights whatsoever. The death of a slave was no different from the death of a dog — no one would inquire, no one would investigate.
Everyone knew that a slave was merely a commodity.
So, when they heard Jiang Chen's words, for a moment they could hardly believe it. Jiang Chen's attitude was completely, utterly different from how anyone else treated slaves.
"Perhaps some of you think I'm putting on an act. Perhaps you think I'm trying to deceive you. But consider — what could any of you possibly have that's worth deceiving you over?"
Jiang Chen's tone was calm, and he did not mince words.
"I make these promises not to ingratiate myself with anyone. I want you to understand that in my hands, only I can command your fate. Only I can grant you a new life."
"Some of you may have a thousand and one questions swirling in your minds. This Young Master will say only this: it is not easy for any martial artist to cultivate to this level. A fate of slavery, with no chance of ever rising again — that is more cruel than death. And I do not wish to be so cruel. So, I will give you freedom. I will give you hope of a new life. But you must also prove that you deserve this chance. If you merely go through the motions here, if you fail to show me sincere effort that earns my trust — then I'm sorry, but you are slaves, and you will remain slaves for life. There will be no chance to rise above it."
Jiang Chen's words could not have been clearer.