Chapter 472: A Man's Pain

Chapter 472: A Man's Pain

Li Jian and Zhang Jianfang stared at their son’s condition, their hearts filled with despair and incomprehension. Beyond their anger, a sense of helplessness consumed them.

The reality was bitter: Yuan Kongye, the leader of the Snow God Sect, had done this. Yet they were reliant on the sect for survival. There was no way to seek vengeance or even demand justice.

But why? Why would the sect leader act so irrationally over a budding romance between children?

From the moment they joined the sect and learned about the "purification ritual," Li Jian had felt something was off with Yuan Kongye.

Why were young boys mutilated, while adult men were left untouched? What drove such a decision?

...

Meanwhile, in her chambers at the back of the cathedral, Yuan Kongye sat on her bed, slowly regaining her composure.

For a fleeting moment, her icy demeanor softened, replaced by a rare fragility and confusion.

She looked up at Zheng Yixian, standing before her.

“I didn’t do anything wrong, did I?” she asked.

“Those actions—those desires—are inherently sinful. All I did was guide him toward the right path.”

Zheng Yixian nodded in agreement.

Kneeling before her, he raised his head, his gaze unwavering.

“You’ve done nothing wrong. It was the boy’s fault.

“In this apocalyptic world, there is no room for love or lust. Impure relationships between men and women must be forbidden.”

Yuan Kongye sighed, her face lighting up with a radiant smile as she gently placed her pale hand on Zheng Yixian’s cheek.

“If only all men were like you,” she murmured. “Then the world wouldn’t be so tainted.”

Her cold touch made Zheng Yixian’s submissive expression deepen.

“This world will be as you desire, my Lady,” he said reverently.

Yuan Kongye withdrew her hand, her expression returning to the calm, authoritative gaze befitting the leader of the Snow God Sect.

“That boy is Li Jian’s son. Will he hold any grievances against us?”

“I will speak with him and help him understand your intentions,” Zheng Yixian assured her. “I believe he will come to see your wisdom.”

Yuan Kongye nodded, saying nothing further.

Li Jian’s abilities were valuable to the sect, and he posed no threat to them. Such individuals were ideal for cultivation and loyalty.

This incident had only occurred because Yuan Kongye had been triggered by the sight of Li Kaile and Xu Beibei.

And Xu Beibei had lied.

What she described as “just a kiss” wasn’t the full truth.

Faced with life-and-death situations, humans often succumbed to primal instincts, driven by an unconscious desire to ensure their genetic survival. In the lawless world of the apocalypse, these young lovers had pushed boundaries they barely understood. ꞦàΝốᛒƐṡ

But they had chosen the worst possible time and place—and encountered the worst possible person.

...

Li Jian and Zhang Jianfang’s hearts were heavy with grief, though they consoled themselves with the knowledge that their son was still alive.

In the harsh world of the apocalypse, the loss of that ability might not matter much. Survival took precedence over all else.

But for Li Kaile, the loss was unbearable.

When he regained consciousness and realized what had been done to him, his mind spiraled into chaos.

“Why bother living anymore?!” he screamed, thrashing and clawing at himself.

Zhang Jianfang wept, trying desperately to calm him. “We’re still a family of three. Let’s live together, survive together—please, my son.”

From the shadows, Xu Beibei watched quietly, tears streaming down her face. She didn’t dare approach.

It wasn’t that she didn’t care. She knew that her presence would only deepen Li Kaile’s wounds.

...

That afternoon, Li Jian was visited by High Priest Zheng Yixian.

Though Li Jian’s heart burned with anger, he forced himself to remain composed, greeting his guest respectfully.

“Zheng—” he began.

“Not Zheng,” the high priest interrupted with a wave of his hand. “Address me by my title.”

Li Jian quickly corrected himself. “Yes, High Priest.”

“It’s understandable,” Zheng Yixian said, his tone almost indulgent. “You’re new to the sect. Adapting takes time.”

His sharp eyes studied Li Jian’s face, noting the restrained displeasure there.

Li Jian, to his credit, didn’t lash out or demand answers. He didn’t storm off to confront Yuan Kongye or Zheng Yixian in a fit of rage. His restraint showed he understood the reality of his situation.

But Zheng Yixian also knew he needed to provide a reasonable explanation to ensure Li Jian’s continued loyalty.

“How is your son?” Zheng Yixian asked, breaking the silence.

Li Jian’s face darkened. “His physical wounds will heal, but the damage to his spirit may never mend.”

“A man who loses the essence of his manhood... how can he ever hold his head high?”

Zheng Yixian’s face twitched slightly, an uncharacteristic crack in his composure.

He responded in a softer, almost apologetic tone. “Your son’s purification was a great mercy. However, he should not have behaved inappropriately before the sect leader.”

Zheng Yixian’s voice briefly wavered, unsettling Li Jian, but it quickly returned to its usual calm, authoritative tone.

“The Snow God Sect is a vast organization. At its peak, it had over ten thousand members! Without strict governance, chaos would be inevitable.

“Romantic entanglements are the seed of disorder. While adults may exercise self-control, reckless young people act on impulse.

“In this post-apocalyptic world, where all rules have crumbled, what would happen if such impulses led to conflicts, fights, or unplanned pregnancies? It would jeopardize the entire group.”

He fixed his gaze on Li Jian.

“This is about preserving order and ensuring survival. You are an intelligent man—you must understand this.”

He added, “Your son was not singled out. The same applies to everyone.”

Li Jian remained silent for a long time before finally nodding. “The High Priest speaks with wisdom.”

Zheng Yixian studied him for a moment before continuing.

“From now on, your son will receive an additional share of rations,” he said. “And I trust this matter won’t affect your dedication to the sect.”

Li Jian nodded again. “I understand.”

Author's Note