As Lu Mi, the heartfelt retainer, raised his hand and stroked his ink-black three strands of long beard, he slightly nodded, agreeing deeply with the Commander's words but appearing hesitant, "This Battle of Great Pardon is not something ordinary monks can participate in. The cultivation level must at least start from the Human Immortal Realm, whereas Shi Chun seems to be only at the High Martial Realm, without even the qualification to register..."

He looked at Mulan Jin hesitantly and said, "Unless he takes potent medicine to forcibly uplift, but it would ruin his cultivation foundation, making future advancements difficult and also diminishing his lifespan."

The Mulan Jin, who could only be angered by his daughter, regained his elegant demeanor as a gentleman in blue, and lightly snorted, "You're overthinking. His cultivation level broke through to the Human Immortal Realm several years ago, not much later than Qingqing."

Lu Mi made a sound of surprise. It's understandable that Mulan Qingqing, with relatively top-tier cultivation resources and various spiritual pills, could progress in cultivation at an unusual speed due to her talent. But what happened with Shi Chun? He couldn't help but ask, "Can one continue cultivation even while imprisoned?"

Mulan Jin: "Perhaps it's due to Lan Qiaoyan's connections. Miao Dingyi didn't specify the details."

"Oh." Lu Mi stroked his beard and nodded again, "In this case, if we can get him out, with his ruthless and cunning abilities, he would indeed be a fitting assistance to the young lady."

Mulan Jin gazed at the clouds in the sky and pondered, "This time, the more ruthless and cunning, the better. Only hope it's like a ferocious tiger coming out of the mountain!"

In Zhixu City, within the Central Hall, Qie Shan walked in, seeing the Prison Inspection Envoy still pondering over the Star Disc and deducing the celestial evolutions. He nodded to Xu Yong, who was accompanying the Envoy, seeking some indication, unsure of the reason he was summoned.

Xu Yong pursed his lips, indicating he also didn't know.

And so, Qie Shan proceeded to pay respects to Du Huoguan, the Prison Inspection Envoy, and had to inquire himself, "The Envoy has summoned me; is there any order?"

Du Huoguan, who was observing the Star Disc with hands resting on the edge, stood up straight, flipping a gem between his fingers, seemingly casually asking, "How long has that Shi Chun been imprisoned?"

Qie Shan immediately started counting on his fingers.

Xu Yong answered on his behalf, "It's been almost twenty-one years."

Qie Shan, matching the count, nodded repeatedly, only to see Du Huoguan glance over and say, "Go to the Qi family and arrest someone."

Qie Shan was taken aback, asking, "Is this related to Shi Chun again?"

Xu Yong also appeared somewhat puzzled.

Du Huoguan: "Keeping him locked up isn't ideal. Even if we release him, there needs to be a suitable reason."

Qie Shan understood and cheerfully said, "Got it, I'll handle it right away."

But Xu Yong hesitated, asking, "Releasing a prisoner at this time, is it related to the current hot 'centennial amnesty'?"

This so-called 'centennial amnesty', also known as 'Battle of Great Pardon', is essentially a battle for land territory between the Heavenly Court and the Four Great Royal Courts.

Such contention of interests has been inherent since the founding of the new dynasty, primarily because the Heavenly Court cannot control and suppress the Four Great Royal Courts, which naturally stand in opposition, ostensibly respecting the Heavenly Court.

Whenever a new territory is discovered within the star domain, it signifies new interests emerging. Everybody has two formidable fists, and no one easily yields, leading to inevitable clashes. The outcome is merely who wins and takes it.

Later, such scenarios kept arising, continuing the fights endlessly, enduring constant losses, who could afford it?

Thus, when the five factions convened for a discussion, they came up with this 'centennial amnesty'.

In essence, competition can continue, but to preserve our strength, we shouldn't send our own people to fight. Instead, we may entice monks outside the Heavenly Court and Royal Courts to represent us with bountiful spiritual rewards.

The idea is good, but those external monks aren't naive, especially those powerful sects, possessing territory, resources, and influence, naturally having paths to serve as officials. Why risk their lives for this?

The five major forces can't be enraged by this and simply flatten all sects, not to mention many sect disciples are officials in the court, causing dissatisfaction but unmanageable.

Subsequently, the five forces shifted their attention to prisoners and wanted criminals under their command, excluding the Demon Path, ordering, "All listen; as long as you register for the war and achieve significant merit, not only will crimes be pardoned, but generous spiritual rewards will be given based on merit."

Those who don't participate under the conditions lack remorse, resulting in immediate punitive actions.

Do prisoners have a choice?

If this method continued, it would be trivial, but many things share the same logic. As the game plays on, it gradually changes flavor; no one desires perpetual loss; quietly, manipulations start occurring to increase chances of winning. Occasionally, the unlucky ones suddenly find themselves 'offending' and arrested for imprisonment.

More prisoners unexpectedly fill the jails during such times; previously dismissive petty thieves would now receive severe consequences, and whoever reported or implicated others could frighten all aristocratic children into quietly staying home.

Once listed, it's truly difficult to come out, just like Mulan Qingqing registered; even Mulan Jin couldn't easily alter it.

Of course, not only can prisoners participate in the 'Battle of Great Pardon', but those without offenses, willing to contribute their strength voluntarily, are welcome and encouraged. Anyone registering voluntarily, clean of offenses, records a merit even before the battle starts, and under the same conditions, would be prioritized for promotion.

Thus, even those without offenses often find themselves targeted and reluctantly compelled to register.

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