When Qi Yuan first arrived in this world, he was hungry. Moreover, Clearwater Village had been so impoverished that there wasn’t anything to eat. Only by attending banquets had he filled his stomach. He didn't want anyone else to suffer the way he had, so he made sure there was always a feast.

Just then, the softness in his expression faded, and his gaze sharpened.

"I'm a lazy man, too lazy to sell you dreams. Too lazy to waste words persuading you," he said bluntly.

The ancient gods exchanged strange looks.

Dong Jianghe blinked, then sent a private transmission to Shenmiao. "He really is a bit unconventional."

Shenmiao shot back. "You mean unhinged?"

Dong Jianghe's eyes lit up mischievously. "Careful. I recorded that transmission. Hand over that chunk of Star God Bronze, or I'll send it to Qiyuann Sovereign."

Shenmiao gasped. "Trying to outplay your own?"

Truth be told, many of the ancient gods shared his sentiment. No matter what, wasn't one supposed to say a few polite diplomatic words first? Even if he weren't going to sell them a grand vision, at least sketch one out. That would have been more refined.

Qi Yuan, however, paid no attention to their reactions. He said plainly, "You came here for one reason, and I have only one requirement: become my people. If you agree, fill out the form within one incense stick's time. If you don't, finish the feast and leave."

He had no interest in explaining himself to a crowd of NPCs. Doing so in a game would only lower one’s standing.

His bluntness left the ancient gods momentarily speechless. Shouldn't there be some discussion first? Some exchange of views? Some negotiation before pledging allegiance? Being confronted so directly made some of them uncomfortable!

Whispers broke out as a result.

"This is too straightforward!"

"Shouldn't we at least discuss things first?"

"What if we become his people and he suddenly decides not to fight the evil gods?"

"I may be old, but I still have some dignity. Couldn't he at least speak to us privately?"

Many found his approach too crude and rough. In truth, those who had come north were prepared to serve him. Everyone believed only someone as brave as him had a real chance of leading them to victory.

Just then, a voice rang out. "There's no need to speculate about what Qiyuann Sovereign thinks. Look at what he's done! He attacked the evil gods and slaughtered tens of thousands of them. He is our benefactor! That alone is enough. I am willing to become his subject!"

"I am willing as well!"

One by one, the ancient gods voiced their stance. Registration forms drifted down. Many immediately filled in their details. Others clutched the forms, hesitating. Some wanted to wait and see.

Qi Yuan wasn't surprised. Even the Yin Spirits were not immune to human nature.

Soon, the completed forms were handed to Qi Qi. Roughly two-thirds of the crowd chose to join him outright. Of the remaining third, some quietly submitted their forms later in private. The rest held back or slipped away.

***

An hour later, Qi Yuan stood before the assembled crowd. The newly joined ancient gods and the villagers of Clearwater Village were present. In total, there were more than four thousand. Ninety-nine percent were Venerables, albeit there were some Violet Palaces, such as Big Black Dog.

Qi Yuan nodded. "Not bad. You’ve all got spirit, worthy of being my people."

If I gathered the same amount outside a military setting on Blue Planet, most would look drained, like gamers stumbling out of an all-night internet café, he mused.

"With such a fierce host, united as one village, how could the evil gods not fall?" he declared.

Zhu Zhuangshi and the rest of the villagers burned with excitement. They had once been starving villagers, nearly dying from hunger and cold. Now, they were gods who shook the land because of Qi Yuan.

"We are willing to die for you, Heavenly Sovereign!" Yulei declared solemnly.

The villagers of Clearwater Village, Little Stone Village, and Chenxi Village roared in unison, "We are willing to die for you!"

In that moment, they truly meant it.

Twilight and the other ancient gods felt the fervor too. Their voices joined the cry. "We are willing to die for you!"

Not for the Mortal Heart World, but for Qi Yuan.

Qi Yuan raised a hand. The thunderous shouts died instantly, replaced by complete silence. "When this is over, I hope each of you walks toward a brighter future."

In the Flowing Wind World, he had subordinates too. However, aside from a few close ones, he barely knew any of them. They did not serve him because they shared his goal, but because of power. The Mortal Heart World was different.

The headless Lingzhong said, voicing what many felt, "Heavenly Sovereign, when do we launch the counterattack?"

Qi Yuan's gaze sharpened. "Once your strength improves. After a day of rest, we will begin the final battle."

In truth, of all his plans, this one unsettled him most. Could he truly win against the two Yang Spirits? He was not fully confident.

Excitement rippled through the crowd nonetheless. After all, they had seen how Thunder, Twilight, and Fire Lotus had advanced. They did not expect to become Mythics overnight, but even gaining a powerful visualization art and advancing a step forward was hope.

Qi Yuan swept his gaze across them. "Everyone, set out."

He would use the Lost Glow Stick to visualize more gods and empower them. Besides, an ancient god could visualize more than one god. For example, Qi Yuan could visualize another thunder-related god to further empower Thunder.

Moreover, after slaughtering tens of thousands of evil gods—including four Mythics—he had nearly infinite resources. He would summon all those mighty gods in legends in one shot, perhaps even the Three Pure Ones.

After all, he had to make the best of his last opportunity.