The ancient gods present were puzzled.

└In the past? When was that?

└Did Qiyuann Sovereign lead the Northern Lands battle?

└So it's actually true!

└What a pity about Venerable Tianbao, he didn't live to see this day... Haa.

└I heard the enemy base camp fled outright. That's immensely satisfying!

"Immensely satisfying" was an understatement. For countless years, the Mortal Heart World had been at the mercy of the evil gods. So much had happened in a single day, without the slightest warning.

The group chat erupted. Perhaps this was the only way for them to vent even a sliver of their excitement.

└Almighty Qiyuann Sovereign!

└Qiyuann Sovereign, live for eternity!

└Qiyuann Sovereign is like a god from heaven!

└What's going on? Did Qiyuann Sovereign visualize another Legendary-tier?

At that moment, Qi Yuan thought of something and asked in the group.

Qiyuann Sovereign: We've known each other for a while. Want some benefits?

Venerable Heilong: What benefits?

Venerable Shenmiao: Qiyuann Sovereign saved the Mortal Heart World. Even if you made me live on air, I'd accept!

Venerable Bai Xi: Seconded

Bai Xi still remembered when Qiyuann Sovereign first appeared in the group. He was shy, calling others "big shots." Now, Qiyuann Sovereign was the big shot. Through his master, Lishan, he had learned that everything that happened in the Northern Lands was true.

Qiyuann Sovereign had led the entire Clearwater Village and even nearby towns to smash the enemy base camp to pieces. It was simply unimaginable. Could it be that his village was filled with nothing but a heaven-defying prodigy?

Qiyuann Sovereign: Come to Feiwu City in the Lin Empire and become my people. Once we meet, I will lead you all to fight against the evil gods.

The game wasn't over yet. The Yang Spirit within the Heavenly Pillar was still devouring the Heavenly Dao at will. Hence, Qi Yuan was quietly amassing his strength. Said Yang Spirit had already reached the end of her path, while he still had plenty of room to grow.

└Your people?

Venerable Shengmiao: I will volunteer first!

└Forget becoming your subject, I will even die for you!

After all, Sovereign Qi Yuan had done a tremendous service for the Mortal Heart World. Such a debt could never be repaid, not even across lifetimes.

Venerable Bai Xi: I am willing too!

Even Bai Xi’s master had become Qi Yuan’s citizen. He had no reason to hesitate.

Dong Jianghe was rendered speechless by the excitement in the group chat. He was the Young Celestial Emperor who had visualized a Mythic! How could he allow himself to become someone else’s citizen?

Qiyuann Sovereign: I've got a form here. I'll send you the required info. If you want to join me, fill it out and I'll give you some benefits.

Qi Yuan casually went about his business like a rich tycoon throwing money. After all, he made it far too easily. If he had struggled for every coin, he probably wouldn't be so generous.

Soon, the ancient gods sent over their personal information without reservation.

Dong Jianghe's eyes widened. "These people, do they have no spine? As the proud Young Celestial Emperor, I won't stoop to their level. Qiyuann Sovereign should personally invite me. I'll decline once or twice then accept."

Qiyuann Sovereign: Anyone else? If not, I'm logging off. If you join later, there won't be any perks.

Dong Jianghe's eyes widened. He's leaving without inviting me?!

He panicked and scrambled to send a message.

Dong Jianghe: Wait! Qiyuann Sovereign, I haven't filled it in yet!

Such opportunities had to be seized first. Besides, everyone else had joined him, with some even starting to call him “godfather.” If he joined too, it wouldn't be that embarrassing, right?

***

The massacre went on. The fall of the evil gods’ base camp had been swift, but tracking down the remaining evil gods proved slower. They were scattered across the land, which only worsened once they learned the main army had fled. The Clearwater Village army had hunted them down for three full days. Even so, they still hadn’t been wiped out entirely.

Atop a high mountain, Yulei stood, exuding a profound and unfathomable aura. His hair was now fully white. Shen Tu followed at his side, cold and chilling. Anyone who looked at him felt an inexplicable fear.

Zhu Zhuangshi sat atop Big Black Dog, flashing a wide grin. "Stupid mutt. Know who's the boss now?"

The dog whimpered softly, not daring to talk back. At that moment, several Second Step ancient gods appeared. When they saw Yulei and the others, their eyes were filled with respect.

An ancient god said carefully, his gaze full of admiration, "My lords, Lin Li and the other two evil gods are hiding in the mountains ahead. A banquet has already been prepared in the city. Once you've killed them, we can all enjoy the feast."

"Mm. You may withdraw. Leave this to us," Yulei replied calmly.

They bowed and took their leave, whispering among themselves.

"So this is the Clearwater Village Army. As expected of the direct line of Qiyuann Sovereign. Every one of them is extraordinary."

"A village where everyone has become a god. What kind of blessed land is that?"

"Qiyuann Sovereign is quite the character. He even issued a 'No Kill-Stealing Order.’ All evil gods are to be killed by his people."

"Well, with our limited strength, it's not like we could compete with the evil gods anyway."

"Let's just prepare the banquets the way he likes."

"I can handle that."

After they left, Yulei sighed softly. "Back then, even a Violet Palace realm cultivator made us tremble. Now, those evil gods tremble at the sight of us."

"All of this is thanks to our lord," Shen Tu said reverently.

Even Zhu Zhuangshi's expression shifted, pride flickering across his face. "Who would've thought a fat lump like me could one day become a heartthrob?"

Over the past few days, he had rampaged across the battlefield, cutting down foes in every direction. Wherever he went, ancient gods cast lingering glances at him, eyes bright with admiration. Some even flirted openly. It was something he had never dared imagine before. Those lofty goddesses, who once seemed untouchable, had become more eager to please than the dog at his feet.

"Old Zhu, how's the task progressing?" Yulei asked.

Zhu Zhuangshi frowned. "Three evil gods are dead. We've made some headway. The assimilation method is ingenious."

They had captured several evil gods alive and interrogated them about their assimilation method, then began conducting experiments. [1]

When evil gods descended and took control of a territory, they could slowly assimilate the inhabitants, turning them into obedient puppets. The task Yulei had assigned Zhu Zhuangshi was to unravel that secret.

Yulei sighed. "Let's hope we crack it soon, those who've been assimilated deserve to be freed."

Over a million citizens had been transformed into mindless thralls. Enter one of those cities, and all one would see was decay and desolation.

Shen Tu's gaze darkened. "We must keep the next three evil gods alive. Continue the interrogation and research. We must crack the assimilation art, and..."

He didn’t have to finish his words, for the three of them already understood.

1. I interpret this assimilation art as a technique used by the evil gods to convert people into extensions of their own will. An individual would slowly lose their autonomous will and become puppets within the evil god's control. In practical terms, it would allow the evil god to expand his powerbase through absorbing spiritual energy and perhaps stabilize his control over territory. ☜