The people freed from slavery ran to their new king as fast as they could to greet and thank him.They all bowed and knelt before him, their gratitude overflowing. "We are indebted to you, Your Majesty. We were enslaved because of our ancestors. [sob.. sob..] With your arrival, we dare to hope for a better future for our children."Jian Zhi gently told them to rise and stand on their feet. "I understand your situation and your eagerness to repay this debt. You can do that simply by living a life that follows the law and avoids wrongdoing. The medical branch and food will arrive soon. Once they are here, I will call for you all. Go and rest now, and clean yourselves." Jian Zhi offered them a warm smile. They were moved to tears by the concern of their new king, having known only the tyrant's whip and unjustified anger for so long.New clothes were distributed to them. The nobles were stripped of their positions and enslaved to work in the very mines and forges they had profited from. Tiě Tú had one arm cut off and was chained for the rest of his life.

  In the afternoon, Mei Lin arrived with Scribe Wén, the medical branch, and food from the mountain farm. The people of Blackrock Vale and Scribe Huī Yǐng were left speechless by the massive size of the vegetables and fruits. "Your Majesty, when you proposed trading food for iron ore, is this what you meant? That potato is bigger than my head! And is that rice? Why are the grains the size of cherries? How is this possible? Is it some kind of magic?" Scribe Huī Yǐng was amazed by the resources and abilities his new king possessed, and a profound relief filled his face and eyes after so many long years.Jian Zhi replied, "These resources come from Devil's Mountain in the Divine Land of Justice. There is no magic behind them. From now on, you may travel to the mainland to gather food to feed the people here."After explaining the origin of the gigantic food, rations were distributed evenly to every family in the district. Xiǎo Shí (小石) ran up to Jian Zhi. "Y-Your Majesty, th-thank you so much! We can finally fill our bellies without worry. I want to become like you and fight against evil!"Jian Zhi let out a warm laugh at the boy's pure innocence. "You can become like me, but first you must grow up and learn in school.""School? What is that, Your Majesty?" Xiǎo Shí asked. Jian Zhi then announced to the crowd, "Schools will be opened for everyone. All will receive a basic education. Those who wish to study further may join the medical or alchemic branches of our country. Your district has been freed from the tyrant's rule. New rules will now be announced."Scribe Wén stepped forward as Jian Zhi nodded to him. He unrolled the scroll and began to proclaim the new name of the district, along with the laws of The Divine Land of Justice.

  "Dawn light Vale (曙光谷 - Shǔguāng Gǔ)"

  The Royal Decree of The Divine Land of Justice

  By the Authority of Jian Zhi, The Crimson General, First King of the Divine Land of Justice (正义神州 - Zhèngyì Shénzhōu)

  Hear now the foundational laws of our land, decreed to establish a realm of purity, justice, and righteousness, immune to the corruption of the past.

  Article I: The Pillars of a Righteous Society The following are henceforth strictly prohibited throughout the kingdom and its territories:

  1. The Consumption and Trade of Alcohol.

  2. Gambling in all its forms

  3. The operation of Brothels and the practice of Prostitution

  4. The Act of Theft.

  5. The practice of Slavery and Indentured Servitude. All people are born free

  6. Usury: The charging of excessive interest on loans is forbidden. Commerce must be just.

  Article II: The Sanctity of the Family and Person. To protect the family, the core of a strong society, and the safety of our people:

  1. Adultery by married individuals and the Trafficking of women and children are deemed capital offenses. The punishment for these crimes is public beheading

  2. Chastity and modesty are to be upheld by all.

  3. Honor thy father and mother: Respect for one's parents and elders is a sacred duty.

  Article III: The Duties of the PeopleTo maintain a clean and enlightened kingdom:

  1. Every citizen shall keep their body, home, and surroundings clean

  2. Education is a right and a duty. All children, regardless of their origin, are eligible to study. All people are equal under the law and shall be treated with fairness and justice

  3. Community Service: Every able-bodied citizen shall contribute five days per season to public works for the benefit of the kingdom.

  Article IV: The Administration of Justice

  1. Rule of Law: No one is above the law, from the lowest citizen to the highest official

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  2. Fair Testimony: The testimony of two just witnesses of good character is required for capital convictions

  3. Punishment: All punishments shall be proportionate to the crime. The aim is justice, not cruelty.

  Article V: Economic and Social Order

  1. Charity: Those with surplus wealth are obliged to support the poor, the orphaned, and the widowed

  2. Property Rights: The property of every citizen is inviolable. It cannot be seized without just cause and fair compensation

  3. Honest Trade: All commerce must be conducted with honest weights and measures. Fraud is a severe crime.

  These laws are the bedrock upon which our Divine Land of Justice is built. They are decreed for your protection, your dignity, and your prosperity. Abide by them, and you will contribute to a kingdom that is strong, pure, and blessed.

  Let this decree be heard in every corner of our land.

  Jian Zhi

  The Crimson General

  After hearing the new rules and the new name, the people of Dawnlight Vale rejoiced and accepted them wholeheartedly. Jian Zhi instructed the medical branch to treat the people's wounds and then asked Scribe Wén to meet with him privately."Mr. Wén, dispatch the war notice to Silent Creek. This time, I am going alone. Do not tell anyone yet. It will not take a day when I am with Yǐnhún Zhě." Scribe Wén could not help but worry about his king's decision to face an army alone, but his faith in Jian Zhi was absolute. He nodded in acceptance.

  A feast of liberation began, and the people celebrated their freedom with dance and music. In the night, lit by moonlight and campfires, the sounds of laughter and song echoed everywhere.

  The next day, the war notice was dispatched. The Crimson General mounted Yǐnhún Zhě. "It is time for you to show your full speed. Let's go."

  In the magistrate's office of Silent Creek, Bái Lù was consumed by the bitter memories that had fueled her life and her burning revenge against Bái Mò. The memories of her husband and her son.

  Shí Jiān (石坚 - Unwavering Stone). Shí Jiān was a master quarryman, known throughout Silent Creek for his skill and unwavering integrity. A man of quiet strength and deep principles, he was a protector, not a fighter. His love for his family was the bedrock of his life. He was killed by Bái Mò's guards for organizing a protest against the unsafe working conditions that had already claimed lives. His death shattered the peace of Bái Lù's life and began her silent war.

  Míng Shí (明石 - Luminous Rock). Míng Shí was a bright, curious boy of ten, who inherited his father's thoughtful eyes and his mother's keen mind. He dreamed of becoming a scribe to record the true stories of the quarry people. His life was cut short when he was taken by Bái Mò's decree as a "compensation" servant after his father's death. The official story was a tragic fall, but Bái Lù believed his spirit was broken long before his body gave way.

  She cried in the empty room, hugging her husband's sword. "The day has finally come," she whispered to herself. "[sob.. sob] The day to end his exploitation and avenge your deaths."

  A knock on the door startled her. [Knock.. Knock.] She wiped her tears and opened it. Zhāng Yǒng stood there with a new scroll. "Read this immediately and act quickly," he said, before departing as swiftly as he arrived. Bái Lù opened the scroll. It read: The Crimson General is on his way to purge.

  Reading the sudden notice, she hurried to tell her loyal soldiers to stay away from the battlefield. Then, she reported to Bái Mò. "My Lord, I have received intelligence that the king of the new kingdom is coming alone. I suggest a couple of hundred soldiers are more than enough to kill a single man."

  Bái Mò thought for a moment. "A couple of hundred is overkill for one man. But to torture him properly, they are necessary. [psychotic laugh] How should I punish that punk? Should I drag him through the district? Make him eat the limestone he wanted and drink the water after I wash my feet? [hahahah]" Bái Lù gritted her teeth, enduring his psychopathic rant, and nodded. Bái Mò sent two hundred soldiers to intercept Jian Zhi.

  The Crimson General was already on his way. The soldiers waited, and soon heard the faint sound of a horse—a white, blurred image in the distance. Jian Zhi whispered to Yǐnhún Zhě, "Let's begin the Ride of the Hell's King."

  Upon hearing his words, Yǐnhún Zhě reached its top speed, moving in a non-linear path and beginning to fade from the air and the enemies' sight. "Where did the horse go? Who was that?" the soldiers asked in confusion.

  The Crimson General drew the Punisher, using Yǐnhún Zhě's speed. They moved like ghosts, slicing through the soldiers one after another. Jian Zhi unleashed The Devil's Way: Echo of Judgement. He rotated 360 degrees and slashed the air around him with the Punisher, sending waves of force through the atmosphere. The air slashes sliced the heads from every soldier within reach. They never saw their enemy, yet they all died by his hand. The invisible horse and the devil who rode it sent their souls to hell.

  Jian Zhi hurried to the magistrate's office and burst through the doors. The Crimson General stood upright on Yǐnhún Zhě in the center of the hall. The officials present stared in terror—all except Bái Lù. Jian Zhi dismounted. Everyone backed away, and Bái Mò began to shiver. "S-St-Stay there!!"

  Jian Zhi ignored him and continued his advance. Bái Mò swung his sword wildly. Jian Zhi flicked it away with his left hand. The sword skidded across the floor, landing at Bái Lù's feet. She looked at it desperately, then picked it up. Bái Mò, seeing this, thought it was his chance. "YES! TAKE THAT SWORD AND SAVE ME! COME HERE AND FIGHT HIM! YOU HAVE TO SAVE ME, I AM YOUR LORD, REMEMBER!"

  Jian Zhi delivered a powerful slap that sent Bái Mò rolling to Bái Lù's feet. She saw her opportunity and looked at The Crimson General. He gave a slight nod with his eyes, approving her revenge. Bái Lù slowly turned toward Bái Mò.

  "Hey, you bitch! Why are you pointing the sword at me? Attack him, you damn bitch!"

  Bái Lù raised the sword and began to slice him. She cut him limb from limb, swinging the sword in pure, grief-stricken madness as his blood splashed across her. She cried out loud, finally avenging her husband and son. The burden she had carried for Ten years finally left her. Then, she fainted. A mother's and a wife's deepest wish was fulfilled that day.