Chapter 216.2 Let Me Show You Something Good

Thunder snorted. "You really can brag, if I'd had half your skill with words when I was young, I wouldn't have struggled to find a wife! If your Golden Core is that sun, I'll eat all the shit in the Mortal Heart World!”

As his words fell, a flash of light streaked across the night sky. The Mortal Heart World was too far away for the spectacle to be as grand as in the Canglan World. Still, a larger Sun appeared beside the one Thunder had been staring at.

He froze, then trembled as he turned to Qi Yuan. "You... you're serious?" [1]

𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"Feels great!" Qi Yuan grinned. "See? I finally have a second Golden Core. I didn't lie to you!"

Thunder's mind was in chaos. Finally, he managed to squeeze the words out. "You're ruthless, kid. Forming a Star Golden Core just to make me eat shit!"

"Don't try to freeload on food and drink," Qi Yuan replied casually.

Thunder stared blankly at him, his mind still reeling. "Save the Mortal Heart World!"

He nearly dropped to his knees to hug Qi Yuan's leg.

Qi Yuan said confidently, "Relax. I'm about to clear this game, I've thought it through and made a detailed plan. I'm definitely beating it this year."

***

The atmosphere within the Ancient God Alliance was heavy and oppressive.

Wanshan's expression was particularly vile. "Qiyuann Sovereign is truly detestable. Not only did he stir up conflict, he even destroyed the evil god camps!"

Wenyang sighed, filled with regret and uncertainty about the future. "He's far too bold. Now that the marshal is enraged and has dispatched an army to sweep through the Qingheng Continent, where are we supposed to go?"

"This Qiyuann Sovereign is a complete scourge, provoking a full-scale war! I'm not worried for my own safety, I'm worried about the billions upon billions of commonfolk in the Qingheng Continent! They're innocent. They did nothing to deserve this. And now they'll be purged by the new gods. Countless lives will be lost!"

Most members echoed the condemnation of Qi Yuan, as if he were a heinous villain. Only some appeared uncomfortable, but that was understandable. The alliance had not only been founded by local gods, but also outsiders who fled for their lives.

When Feihuang City had been in danger, the members had even tried persuading the Ancient God Circle and Qi Yuan to join them. The foreign ancient gods had mostly joined for similar reasons, hence their spines were naturally soft.

They argued for over an hour without reaching any conclusion. In the end, the meeting broke up on bad terms.

Wanshan and Wenyang walked together afterward.

Wenyang's eyes were filled with concern. "Wanshan, is that connection of yours reliable?"

Wanshan thumped his chest. "Fifty years ago, I established contact with an ancient god called Fengting. He's always been loyal to the new gods. He sent word that as long as we bring people to Sunset Slope, we can join their camp. Of course, since we're latecomers, we'll need to render service. We must contribute to the Qingheng Continent’s purge."

"I'd be more worried if they didn't let us do anything," Wenyang replied, finally at ease. "I've already contacted dozens of fellow Daoists. Today, we shall head to Sunset Slope together to welcome the new god army."

Wanshan sighed, his voice desolate. "For the sake of the Mortal Heart World’s future, we must bear the infamy of traitors."

He sounded as though he had no choice.

Wenyang lamented. "That Qiyuann Sovereign is truly despicable! Who knows where he picked up those Great Yin Thunder Pearls. He acts so high and mighty, throwing his weight around. Because of him, we're forced to leave and become slaves for the new gods...

Haa

."

Leaving the Ancient God Alliance—where they had lorded over others—to serve the new gods was indeed unpleasant.

"If only we knew whether he still had more Great Yin Thunder Pearls... I would’ve wiped him and his people and offered their heads to our new lord!" Wanshan said bitterly.

"Oh, right. Another star appeared in the sky last night. Very strange."

"Perhaps some True God broke through to a higher realm."

"Too bad the Mortal Heart World has always been sealed..."

***

Sunset Slope was located at the very center of Qingheng Continent. Over the past two days, evil gods had been arriving at the camp nonstop, gathering in force.

Now, the small slope was crowded with over a thousand troops. At their head stood Great Venerable Three Flames. Red armor fully covered him, leaving only a pair of sharp, blazing eyes exposed. He stood upon a high platform, with more than thirty Great Venerables beside him.

Even in silence, the combined force exuded immense pressure, akin to a storm on the verge of breaking.

Fengting stepped forward in light armor, joy on his face. "Great Venerable Three Flames, Venerable Wanshan of the Ancient God Alliance has arrived with ninety-seven ancient gods to pledge allegiance. They are awaiting your command!"

Though his expression remained solemn, Fengting was secretly delighted. Nearly a hundred ancient gods had defected before the war had even begun. One could easily imagine how tremendous the merit was.

Amusement flickered in Three Flames' eyes. "Good. Very good."

Fengting quickly added, "It is all due to your overwhelming prestige, Great Venerable. These ancient gods dare not oppose you!"

Three Flames laughed even louder. Nearby, Wanshan, Wenyang, and the other alliance members lowered their heads in utmost humility.

"We are willing to serve as the vanguard and clear the path for Great Venerable Three Flames!" Wanshan declared.

Wenyang added, "I've long heard that you possess a divine firebird mount. I specialize in raising birds, please allow me to serve as its handler!"

The other ancient gods scrambled to flatter as well, appearing almost comical. The surrounding new gods burst into laughter, treating them like clowns.

The more he was ridiculed, the more Wanshan’s hatred turned toward Qi Yuan instead of the new gods. In his mind, all of this was Qi Yuan's fault.

Three Flames looked at the ancient gods of the alliance, his words laden with sarcasm. "

Haha

! The backbone of this world had shattered in the Hongtang War. Now, only jumping clowns remain. If they hadn't caused trouble, we would've turned a blind eye. But daring to attack our military camps? Qiyuann Sovereign is the bravest man in this realm. I admire that kind of person most. One of him is worth a hundred of you."

Saying so, a sharp gleam filled his eyes. "Unfortunately, offending the marshal warrants death."

***

Meanwhile, a thousand miles away.

Qi Yuan lay sprawled on a tree branch. Thunder stood beside him. Several ancient gods anxiously lingered nearby.

Qi Yuan lazily asked, "Is everyone here?"

1. ***E/N: Dung Eater Thunder ☜