263,

Everything is within calculation.

"Is it necessary to wait until noon?"

"Of course... not! Any time can be considered noon. It's just to impress these villagers."

The Water Sect priest whispered to Forcia beside him, and at that moment, a roar echoed.

"What... what?!"

Everyone froze, not only did the shouts of the villagers stop, but their gaze shifted to the man on the pyre.

An ordinary boy, with ordinary black hair and a body without any special abilities.

That boy, who appeared to be nothing to fear at a glance, was now daring to look at me with anger?! That must be what he's thinking.

Cyclone pondered this and simulated the opponent's thoughts.

And with his shout just now, he successfully quieted the chaotic scene on the pyre.

No matter how much he tried to defend himself, it would be meaningless if no one listened.

That's why Cyclone shouted loudly, using a simple and forceful method to draw all the attention to himself.

But this shout alone couldn't change anything. For the villagers who already had fixed thinking, this shout could at most be seen as a desperate struggle.

It's not enough. Cyclone needs to bet even bigger.

To change the villagers' way of thinking, there needs to be a motive that will make them change, such as doubt.

"Ha... hahaha... hahaha..."

In a soft voice, Cyclone didn't burst into laughter. Since the attention was already on him, he used Tiny's voice first to arouse everyone's curiosity.

"He's... laughing?"

The villagers' whispered doubt reached Cyclone's ears. Previously, Cyclone only pretended to laugh, but this time he actually laughed a little.

Even if one misstep could bring death, Cyclone still chose to maintain a smile.

I won't give up... Mom... there are still things I want to do...

"Hahaha!! Hahahaha!!!!"

In response to the villagers' reactions, Cyclone laughed heartily.

For those on the verge of death, Cyclone's laughter truly scared them and brought about a question in their minds.

Why is this man still able to laugh?

Guided by his words, Cyclone gradually directed the villagers' thoughts to his own pace.

"Hahaha~ Who would've thought, huh? Who would've thought that I, injured for a moment, would push this money-grubbing priest to the edge of death?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Money-grubbing?"

"Injured?"

Many questions surged forth, but the Water Sect priest already noticed the problem and immediately responded.

"Look, everyone! This demon, even in the face of death, remains unrepentant! He's still trying to deceive you all with his wicked tongue!!"

With a loud shout, accompanied by a gesture, one of the guards threw a torch onto the pile of firewood at Cyclone's feet.

Soon, the dry firewood started to burn slowly.

The execution had begun, but...

It's not over yet, it's just fire! As long as I'm not burned to death today, I can still continue speaking!

Smoke started to rise from below, but Cyclone maintained his smile.

Time is running out, life and death are hanging by a thread, and Cyclone's time and opportunities are extremely limited.

One sentence! What should I say to reverse this situation?

Time seemed to slow down, and everything seen and heard gradually slowed down.

The world seems to slow down as it turns.

"Burn him alive!"

No!

"You damn demon!!"

No!

"How dare you lay a hand on Forcia!? You're dead..."

That's it!!

Sparks flutter in the wind, black smoke spreads across the sky.

Cyclone bursts into laughter and says,

"Yeah! I never expected these villagers to be deceived by that whore Forcia. Talking about purity and angels? Hahaha! It's ridiculous! Hahaha!!"

A cabbage flies and hits Cyclone's left cheek.

But there's no stopping, giving up would only lead to death.

"Poor thing! Poor thing! The slut can't escape. She must be wearing nothing right now, being manipulated by that money-grubbing priest!"

In that instant, Forcia takes a step back.

...

And in that same instant, Cyclone sees an opportunity.

***