The Path to Sainthood from Fairy Tail

"...If you have a broad enough mind, you will know that all of humanity in the world is actually a community. The fates of people are intertwined, but your position makes it impossible for you to see the threads of fate."

Gerd asked in bewilderment, "The threads of fate? But we are nobles, and there is a natural class difference between us and ordinary people. How could they affect us?"

Li Xuan then asked, "So, if you had no people left in your territory, what would you do?"

After a moment's thought, Gerd replied, "Then let's import them from elsewhere. Population is important, but it's not like we can't get it from other places. As long as we're willing to pay the price, we can restore the population quickly!"

Li Xuan smiled and continued, "What if everyone else suffers heavy casualties, and you can't buy any from anywhere else?"

"Can you nobles, high and mighty, still enjoy this enviable comfort without the support of ordinary people below?"

Gerd was speechless for a moment, and finally he lowered his head helplessly and said, "Without them, the noble class would indeed exist in name only. Unless those lower-ranking nobles are demoted to commoners and made to take over the labor of ordinary people."

"That's right, this is the most basic connection between people. Even between nobles and slaves, there are threads of fate."

Although Gerd was reluctant to admit that he had any relationship with the slaves, from Li Xuan's perspective, such a relationship was real.

Even if he is unwilling to admit it, he cannot ignore the facts.

Later, Li Xuan used this example to convey the concept of universal harmony to Gerd, combining it with the doctrines of the Holy Church.

"...In short, our Holy Church's wish is for people living on this land to stand up and live together in a harmonious environment."

Gerd quickly waved his hand, "Stop, stop, stop!"

You've said so much, but I feel like I can't find the main point.

"Oh, I've gotten into the habit of spouting grand principles lately, and I'm finding it a bit hard to control myself. Anyway, these people can't die yet, at least not without purpose."

Gerd asked, "So, they can be effective by joining the convict army? But is that effective?"

"Yes. What are the benefits like for your convict soldier duties?"

Gerd thought for a moment and replied, "So-so. Their treatment is only half that of the regular army, and their weapons and armor are all outdated."

"That's fine. Let's go check on these convict reserve soldiers."

"No, I already said the Criminal Army has been wiped out. Whether this organization will even be retained is questionable. Can you please stop being so willful? Besides, I haven't agreed yet..."

Under the army's suppression, the leader and his gang didn't even have a chance to resist and were completely taken prisoner.

Even the most fierce young man with a buzz cut knew he was no match for these elite soldiers and obediently surrendered.

Before long, the leader and his men were tied up.

They sat on the ground, back to back, silently watching the soldiers around them.

Just as the leader began to recall where he had gone wrong, Li Xuan walked through the wall of soldiers and stood in front of him.

The eldest brother didn't look up until his shadow blocked his view.

He smiled bitterly and said, "I lost, but I didn't lose to you, I didn't lose to the nobles, I lost to my own greed!"

Li Xuan shook his head, nonchalantly saying, "I think you've missed the point. How you got caught and how you failed isn't important. Because even if you escape this time, I have 100 ways to bring you to justice."

The leader stared intently at Li Xuan, "What exactly do you want to do?"

"It's nothing, I just want you to apologize to the victims."

"Tsk! Another one of those self-righteous fools. I never thought I'd end up like this. Come on! Take my life as an apology for the weaklings you speak of."

Li Xuan smiled. "Want to die? It's not that simple."

"What else do you want to do? Torture us?"

The leader originally thought that the sunny young man in front of him was the kind of passionate youth who couldn't tolerate any wrongdoing and would take a ruthless approach to evil.

I never expected him to refuse even a quick death; he's a demon!

Seeing his leader's face gradually turn pale, Li Xuan directly stated his thoughts: "Don't be nervous or afraid. Although your sins are heinous, even being torn to pieces is not a pity."

"But what can I do? I'm a good person."

"It is a sin to watch a life go to waste."

"So I gave you a chance to live, which is to be my dogs."

The eldest brother looked at Li Xuan strangely. He had indeed heard that some nobles had strange hobbies, but he never expected that he would actually encounter one.

"Impossible! Although I lost, my integrity and dignity remain! I will never become your dog just to save my life! That will never happen!"

Those who were tied to the boss all turned to look at him; they hadn't known each other for long, and were at most colleagues.

Seeing their leader's performance today, their respect for him grew spontaneously.

After all, they have truly lost their freedom now. They have done so many bad things and have been caught. It seems that they have no other way out but to bow their heads.

Li Xuan looked at his boss, whose gaze was firm, and burst out laughing.

"It seems you're quite averse to being a dog. In that case, why don't you join the army?"

With a wave of his hand, Li Xuan decided the fate of these people.

The eldest brother smiled bitterly, never expecting that after so long, he would still have to return to the army.

But upon closer reflection, it's not entirely unacceptable; at least it's much better than being someone else's dog.

Although military training is tough, at least you can eat your fill, and when there's no fighting, your life isn't in danger.

If you pay attention to the location of the supervising team during the battle, you might be able to escape successfully again.

Since I've already deserted once, it's not so hard to accept a second time.

Thinking this way, the eldest brother actually felt much more relaxed.

Just as the eldest brother was about to accept his fate, the crew-cut youth suddenly struggled: "No, I don't want to be a soldier, I want to go home!"

Just as Li Xuan was about to leave, he noticed what was happening behind him and stopped in his tracks.

He approached the crew-cut youth with a displeased expression and said coldly, "What are you talking about?"

The young man with the buzz cut showed no fear and replied straight out, "I don't want to go back to the army. I've already been to the battlefield. Now I want to go home!"

"What right do you have to go home?"

"Based on my valiant fighting on the battlefield..."

"Based on this? So many people died on the battlefield, their bodies weren't even intact, let alone able to go home. And you think you can go home with just a few words? Dream on!"

The young man with a buzz cut had bulging veins and a flushed face.

"what!!!"