Chapter 181: Nothing More Than a Clown

With a flash, the short man was cut down. The atmosphere inside the temple froze instantly. Shock and fear flooded the white-haired man's ashen face.

He hadn’t expected such staggering foolishness from his companion—an open threat, no less! Yet the ancient god was no less shocking, killing without hesitation. Qiyuann Sovereign was making enemies out of the Ancient God Alliance!

"You..."

Qi Yuan amusedly looked at the old man. "What? You want the God Visualization Arts too?”

The old man stared at his companion's corpse on the ground. He said resignedly, "The fault was his. He deserved to die. Nevertheless, by doing this, you have severed ties with the Ancient God Alliance. If you want to join in the future, our door will be closed."

Truth be told, the old man had genuinely hoped that Qiyuann Sovereign would enter the alliance. The evil gods were drawing nearer by the day, and the ancient gods were in decline. Even so, the latter still fought among themselves, scrambling for authority.

Gods like Qiyuann Sovereign, who were willing to launch an attack on the evil gods, were rare. The old man had always admired such figures and wished to bring them into the alliance. Within it, there were still gods who wished to do something meaningful.

"I have no interest in joining the Ancient God Alliance," Qi Yuan said calmly, lifting his gaze toward the heavens.

Far to the north, another unknown True God had just fallen.

"Five towns in Feihuang City are fully under the rule of evil gods," the old man said, offering a sincere warning. "Those five are all late-stage or perfect Violet Palace cultivators, you must be cautious."

Qi Yuan lowered his gaze. He already knew this. This world's level was high, and the so-called new gods were anything but weak. Sweeping through all five towns would indeed be troublesome.

"You should pay special attention to the evil god of Gale Wind Town," the old man added. "He is no ordinary Violet Palace."

"Is he a Violet Palace on the King's Path[1]?" Qi Yuan asked.

The old man froze, not quite understanding the question. "He has condensed half a divine aperture."

Qi Yuan grew solemn. The greatest difference between a Yin Spirit and a Violet Palace cultivator lay in divine spiritual power. With half a divine aperture formed, Sarwolf was already a demigod. He could wield true divine spiritual energy.

"So strong?" Qi Yuan muttered, surprise flickering in his eyes.

He glanced inward at his Star Golden Core, a faint sense of reassurance settling in his heart.

"Without becoming a True God, it's impossible to defeat him," the old man said bluntly.

Qi Yuan fell silent. With his Origin Divine Technique, he could easily annihilate ordinary late-stage Violet Palace cultivators. However, against someone who had condensed half a divine aperture, those abilities would be largely ineffective.

Unless he himself advanced to Violet Palace, he'd have a hard time dealing with them. He was only Level 30, still far away from Level 60. Only by summoning the Star Golden Core could he guarantee an effortless kill.

Nevertheless, Qi Yuan wanted to remain cautious. Until he fully understood the game, he wanted to avoid revealing his trump card.

"Are there any Yang Spirits among the evil gods?" Qi Yuan asked suddenly.

"Yang Spirits? You mean beings above True Gods?"

"Yes."

"During the ancient Hongtang War, one of the invading new gods was above the True God. That was how the Mortal Heart World suffered such a devastating defeat."

"What became of that being?"

The old man shook his head. "No one knows,”

Qi Yuan frowned, deep in thought. He had already learned of the Hongtang War through the chat. It was the invasion of the Mortal Heart World by the evil gods.

Gods served as generals, while Violet Palace cultivators became foot soldiers. The fighting shattered heaven and earth, and nearly ninety percent of the world's True Gods fell. It was the battle that broke the backbone of the Mortal Heart World.

The laws of heaven and earth had changed ever since. Without special treasures, even a perfect Violet Palace cultivator could no longer advance to become a True God.

"

Mm

."

Qi Yuan decided that he would refrain from summoning the Star Golden Core or Ning Tao against Sarwolf.

There was no void world here, and Yin Spirit battles took place directly in the world itself. Summoning them would draw far too much attention. Clearwater Village was still too weak. For now, he should follow the wisdom of the ancients: store grain, bide time, and delay proclaiming kingship. After all, he still had many visualization arts left unused.

"You may go," Qi Yuan said, sparing the old man.

He had always been clear-cut about grudges. This old man had not wronged him, hence he could go. He wasn't some unhinged maniac who slaughtered entire families at the slightest provocation].

The old man departed.

Over the next few days, Clearwater Village became exceptionally busy. More and more plague victims arrived. Fortunately, under Little Xue's leadership, the Earth Gods worked tirelessly, and the situation gradually stabilized.

Three days later, Qi Yuan was in the temple, continuing to compile the Qi Yuan Scripture. Out of nowhere, he heard the quiet sobs of a girl.

He opened his eyes and looked toward the nearby Little Xue, puzzled. "What's wrong? Did someone bully you?"

Little Xue's eyes were red. Seeing Qi Yuan, she hurriedly wiped them and forced a smile. "No, I was just thinking about my parents."

Qi Yuan gave her a restrained look. "Oh? Is that so?”

"It's fine, Godfather. I'll keep her company," Qi Qi said quickly.

She took Little Xue by the hand and led her away from the temple.

Once they were far enough, Little Xue finally broke down, her eyes reddened.

"Miss, I'm sorry I couldn't hold it in. The people of Goldstone Town... It’s too tragic."

The memory of Goldstone Town filled her eyes with grief. To trace the source of the plague, she had secretly gone there herself. What she saw was nothing short of hell.

When she had first traveled to Clearwater Village, she had passed through Goldstone Town. It had been a peaceful, ordinary place.

Now, corpses lay scattered in the streets, uncollected. Doors were shut tight, with households waiting quietly for death. It was a town reduced to a living inferno.

"Godfather has only just risen," Qi Qi said softly, deep worry in her eyes. "We don't have the manpower to save Goldstone Town."

The plague there was unmistakably man-made. Obviously, the evil gods were behind it.

As powerful as Clearwater Village was, they weren't strong enough to collide head-on with the remaining five towns. Qi Qi was afraid that Little Xue would reveal what had happened in Goldstone Town, needlessly burdening her godfather with worry. This was not the time for Clearwater Village to raise arms. They required time to grow.

"Miss, I understand. I won't tell the lord about this," Little Xue said softly.

Inside the divine temple, Qi Yuan suddenly opened his eyes. "How much evil god spiritual energy do I have now?"

***

At the same time, in Goldstone Town, five new gods gathered together.

Sarwolf grinned satisfiedly as he surveyed the miserable scene before him. He was thoroughly pleased with his handiwork.

"Brother Sarwolf's methods are truly impressive," said a new god in yellow robes, his tone dripping with flattery. "Once Venerable Taiyi descends, you'll surely be richly rewarded. Who knows, perhaps you will soar in one step and become a True God!"

Beside him, a slender woman with flaming crimson lips said, "I've heard Clearwater Village has a way to cure the plague. Brother Sarwolf, how do you plan to respond? When will we slaughter our way over?"

"Tao An, all you ever think about is killing." An old man chuckled. "Brother Sarwolf tolerates Clearwater Village simply because it's inconvenient to deal with those village gods right now."

Having condensed half a divine aperture, Sarwolf stood apart from these late-stage Violet Palaces. He also didn't lack new god followers. Unfortunately, with the village gods still present, he couldn't yet bring those followers over. Hence why he had allowed Clearwater Village to act so freely.

The other new gods understood his intentions well. That was why none of them had moved against Qi Yuan. It was a matter of giving Sarwolf face.

"Let him be arrogant for a while longer. Once Brother Sarwolf makes his move, Clearwater Village will be wiped out in an instant!"

"Funerals, suona horns, banquets... What a clown."

"With that kind of nerve, he might actually dare to attack us."

"

Hah

. We haven't even lifted a finger, and he already considers himself as a True God?"

Their words were filled with mockery. Sarwolf merely smiled, saying nothing.

After a moment, as if recalling something, he said, "Don't forget tomorrow evening's Child Banquet."

"With Brother Sarwolf's invitation, how could we miss it?"

"Of course we'll go."

"It's been far too long since we last enjoyed such delicacies."

***

Clearwater Village. Inside the divine temple.

Qi Yuan said casually to Xu Youping, "Tell Venerable Ruo Yu that I appreciate his concern."

Xu Youping quietly sighed in relief. He had come on Ruo Yu's orders to warn Qi Yuan to keep a low profile, and to leave Clearwater Village if possible. He had expected stubborn defiance, just as the rumors described. Instead, Qi Yuan had accepted the advice without argument.

"By the way, do you know the source of the plague in Goldstone Town?" Qi Yuan asked.

Xu Youping hesitated, then answered, "It should be related to the newly descended god, Taiyi. The stronger the plague in the region, the faster his divine power recovers. These outbreaks were likely spread deliberately by the five evil gods of the towns. Qiyuann Sovereign, it would be best to pretend you never learned this."

"I see." Qi Yuan waved his hand dismissively.

Only then did Xu Youping leave the temple. The vast hall fell silent, leaving Qi Yuan alone. Before long, a small, delicate figure appeared.

Little Bride quietly leaned against Qi Yuan's shoulder.

"Little Bride," Qi Yuan asked softly. "Which god do you think I should visualize next?"

Little Bride turned toward him, as if saying, “Whatever you decide.”

Qi Yuan wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted his eyes toward the sky. The rain had stopped, yet the plague had not. It had only been half an hour since Little Xue's quiet sobbing.

His consciousness once again entered the chat group.

The plague was worsening. Relying on the Earth Gods alone clearly wasn't enough. He had to visualize another god. With the amount of evil god spiritual energy he now possessed, it should be possible.

The mood inside the chat group was lively.

Dong Jianghe: Do you guys know Young Celestial Emperor's might? I just visualized another Rare Three-star god! Honestly, I don't even know where my limits are anymore. Once my memories fully awaken, even

I

might be afraid of myself!

Venerable Shengmiao: Enough bragging, you're not even a hair on Qiyuann Sovereign.

Dong Jianghe: Qiyuann Sovereign is here? You're not about to visualize another god again, are you?

Qiyuann Sovereign: The plague in my domain has grown severe.

Dong Jianghe: Oh, that kind of god?

Dong Jianghe relaxed immediately. That meant the rank wouldn't be high. His bragging rights were safe for a few more days.

At that moment, the usually silent Venerable Heilong appeared.

Venerable Heilong: Venerable Tianbao hasn't shown up for quite some time.

└Now that you mention it... Yhat's true.

└Didn't he say last time he'd give Qiyuann Sovereign a treasure capable of breaking into True God?

└I was even thinking of acknowledging him as my godfather.

Venerable Shengmiao: Qiyuann Sovereign, some time ago, did you sense True Gods clashing to the north?

Qi Yuan immediately recalled the beam of light that had pierced the heavens.

Qiyuann Sovereign: Yes.

The group fell silent. After a moment, Venerable Heilong typed.

Venerable Heilong: Then what you saw was likely Venerable Tianbao battling an evil god... How unfortunate.

└

Haa

...

The mood in the group grew heavy.

└Farewell, Venerable Tianbao.

└Farewell.

└Qiyuann Sovereign, the northern lands have already fallen. When it's time to leave, you must leave. Venerable Tianbao likely offered you that supreme treasure because he knew he was trapped and didn't want it wasted.

└With his strength, he could have escaped if he'd wanted to.

Everyone understood the unspoken truth: Tianbao couldn't abandon his people.

Qiyuann Sovereign: If I recall correctly, didn't one of Venerable Tianbao's friends defected to the new gods, and is now in the Lu Empire? He should have met him.

└Yes, why ask?

Qiyuann Sovereign: Nothing. Just curious.

With that, Qi Yuan went into the Visualization Realm. The vast Visualization Mountain unfolded before him.

Qi Yuan gazed at the evil god spiritual energy in his hand.

Treat the plague? No. I will visualize a different god and kill those who spread it.

Many would advise him or try to stop him. But if he truly retreated, would he still be Qi Yuan?

1. Qi Yuan uses 王维 here, which I am not too familiar with. I am guessing it means a more unusual form of cultivation ☜