Chapter 9: An Enchanted Speech, Zhang Niujiao's Euphoric Trance

In an instant, Zhang Niujiao, the leader of a faction within the Yellow Turbans, felt an immense crisis. If this continued, wouldn't Wang Yan disband his troops with just steamed buns? How could he face the Great Teacher? His hard-earned position and status would be lost entirely.

"Do not pick up any more buns or eat the white porridge. Disobey, and you will be executed!" Zhang Niujiao's fierce reputation commanded great fear within his army. Upon hearing this, the soldiers immediately fell silent.

While Zhang Niujiao was still anxious, Wang Yan smiled at him. "Zhang Niujiao, don't you desire power, status, and wealth? Why fight and risk your life under Zhang Jiao?" "I will give you an elixir. Consume it, and all your desires will come true!" "Elixir, come!"

Wang Yan waved his hand once more, and a jade-like pill appeared above Zhang Niujiao's head. Zhang Niujiao instinctively caught the falling elixir, astounded. The pill was smooth and calm, emitting a faint glow. With Wang Yan's mystical aura, Zhang Niujiao felt it contained a mysterious power.

He looked up at Wang Yan, his eyes filled with doubt and confusion. Wang Yan's gentle gaze reassured him, "A prodigal who turns back is more precious than gold." Internally, Wang Yan urged, "Swallow it, don't hesitate, just take it!"

Zhang Niujiao glanced at the pill, then at Zhou Cang nearby. It was rumored that Zhou Cang gained his extraordinary strength from Wang Yan's enlightenment, enabling him to chase down a horse on foot. If even ordinary soldiers could receive buns and porridge from the Immortal Master, it would only be fitting for him, Zhang Niujiao, to receive a special blessing.

After a moment of internal struggle, Zhang Niujiao excitedly swallowed the pill. The elixir slid down his throat, spreading a warm current through his body, filling him with a strange energy. He closed his eyes, feeling euphoric. The world around him transformed into a fantastical, vibrant realm. Zhang Niujiao's expression grew dreamy, his demeanor enchanted.

Wang Yan watched Zhang Niujiao's emotional points gradually increase. [Emotion points +5] [Emotion points +6] … The drug seemed to work slowly. He needed to enhance its effect with his speech.

"Zhang Niujiao, have you ever dreamed of immense power?" "I, Wang Yan, can grant you that!" Upon hearing Wang Yan's words, Zhang Niujiao's mind was filled with visions. He saw himself clad in armor, wielding a long sword, leading thousands of troops to victory, and becoming a celebrated hero. [Emotion points +21]

"Zhang Niujiao, have you ever dreamed of unparalleled beauty?" "I, Wang Yan, can grant you that too!" Immediately, the scene shifted. Zhang Niujiao found himself in a palace-like paradise, surrounded by a subtle fragrance, feeling at peace. In front of him, she appeared countless beauties dressed in elegant garments, graceful and charming. Zhang Niujiao's expression turned lecherous and dazed. [Emotion points +52]

"Zhang Niujiao, have you ever dreamed of supreme authority?" "I, Wang Yan, can grant you that as well!" Zhang Niujiao straightened his back, adopting a regal posture, for he saw himself wearing an imperial robe, seated on a throne, revered by officials and soldiers. [Emotion points +199]

Wang Yan was taken aback; the emotion points were skyrocketing! Zhang Niujiao must have reached the pinnacle of bliss! Indeed, Zhang Niujiao, lost in his fantasies, became wildly ecstatic, muttering to himself: "Ha ha ha!" "I, Zhang Niujiao, have succeeded!" His long-desired dreams were being realized vividly in his mind. "After today's coronation, this vast world will bear the surname Zhang! Ministers, rise!" "Consorts, don't leave. I, no, We will pamper you." "Eh? Zhang Jiao!" Zhang Niujiao seemed to have stumbled upon an amusing scene. "Ha ha ha, the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao, who once wouldn't even look at me, now grovels at my feet!"

Wang Yan: "...." There was no need to guide him further; Zhang Niujiao was entertaining himself. He had become self-sufficient in his illusions. [Emotion points +399] [Emotion points +499] [Death Follower +1]

Whoa. Beyond followers, there were death followers? How many emotion points could one person generate? The elixir's potency, enhanced by his speech, had an astonishing effect. Moments ago, Zhang Niujiao had been mocking him, but now he was Wang Yan's death follower. Unfortunately, such a murderous follower wasn't needed.

At this moment, everyone is stunned by Zhang Niujiao's bizarre monologue and actions, while he remains oblivious and lost in his fantasies. Everyone looked at Wang Yan with awe and fear. "Immortal Master's spell has exposed our leader's deepest desires!" "This is terrifying!"

Seeing Zhang Niujiao completely ensnared, Wang Yan decided it was time to end it. "Zhang Niujiao, you have committed countless atrocities. Will you not repent now?" "Otherwise, I will not spare you!"

Wang Yan's voice, imbued with a magical quality, penetrated Zhang Niujiao's euphoria, reaching his very soul. As Wang Yan spoke, Zhang Niujiao's visions began to change. Endless memories surfaced, showing the heinous acts he had committed. The faces of those he had killed, innocent lives including the elderly, children, and abused women, vividly appeared before him. Corpses, blood, screams. The gruesome scenes overwhelmed Zhang Niujiao with guilt, causing him unprecedented pain and remorse. He clutched his head, moaning in agony, desperate to escape these memories. "No, everything I did was because of this damned world!" "I just wanted to overthrow it all!"

Wang Yan's eyes bore into him, delivering a spiritual interrogation. "Have you not awakened yet?" "Zhang Niujiao, your bloodlust was merely to satisfy your ambitions for power and wealth!" "Have you ever felt the pain and sorrow of the innocent lives lost because of you?"

Zhang Niujiao felt as if a sharp blade pierced his heart, tears streaming down his face. Experiencing the grief of losing loved ones and the torment of inhumane treatment, the intensely real emotions induced by Wang Yan's words made Zhang Niujiao taste his own medicine. "No... stop talking..." Zhang Niujiao croaked, his body trembling uncontrollably. Wang Yan coldly said, "With such heinous crimes, will you not end your life?"

Under the drug's continued influence, the immense pain led Zhang Niujiao into an abyss of darkness. The prolonged mental torment broke the burly man. He drew his long knife, placing it against his neck. At this moment, an inexplicable courage surged within him. Perhaps death was his only escape. "Leader, what are you doing?" The Yellow Turban soldiers were utterly shocked.

Zhang Niujiao gave a relieved smile, then swiftly slashed, his blood spraying, staining his clothes red. His body fell heavily to the ground...