The Long Song of the Tainted Stars and Ashen Bones

In this world, telling the truth gives birth to glass butterflies, while lies give rise to black thorns.

Jiang Zhuye was a vessel for all the world’s tainted energy. He was covered in blood and filth, and everyone avoided him. The chief judge of the Lantern Office wanted to use him to make medicine, while the high priest planned to dispose of him as waste.

And yet Shen Qingzhou, the supreme holy seat who stood high upon the altar, devoid of pain and emotion, clung to him like a mad dog and refused to let go.

When a green tea schemer pretended to be hurt and fell into Jiang Zhuye’s arms, begging for comfort, foul-smelling black thorns sprouted all around. Shen Qingzhou summoned a thousand-jin force from afar, crushing the schemer’s spine in an instant. “Who gave you the right to touch him?”

Under the torrential black rain, Jiang Zhuye was struck by the tainted energy as he shielded the civilians. His memories began to dissolve, and he roared as he shoved Shen Qingzhou away. “Get lost! My stench of blood will sully you!”

But Shen Qingzhou forced open his mental barrier and held him tightly, eyes red as he roared, “Even if I forget who I am, I will never forget you!”

Glass butterflies burst across the sky. At last, the whole world learned that the lofty god had long since become the devoted servant of this abyssal demon.