Running Away? That's Not My Style!

"Something the matter?" Qi Yuan looked at Great Venerable Lishan. With a wave of his broad hand, Great Venerable Lishan instantly stripped the dark, burly man and the elder of the Ancestral Land of their five senses. Just as he was about to do the same to the remaining Ancient Gods to block their perception, he heard Qi Yuan speak up. "They are already my subjects. You may speak openly." After using the Lost Glowstick, Qi Yuan had returned from the past to the present. Only a little over four hours had passed in the present. Upon his return, those Ancient Gods had all resolved, just like Ancient God Wangsong, to become Qi Yuan's subjects forever. Unlike before, there was no longer any time limit. Qi Yuan's eight Mythological-grade God Visualization Arts were simply too astonishing. After a brief discussion, they had decided to follow him permanently. Great Venerable Lishan glanced at these Ancient Gods. The bewilderment in his mind lasted only for a fleeting instant before he turned his gaze back to Qi Yuan. "Origin Celestial Venerable, you have visualized eight Mythological-grade God Visualization Arts. This matter is of paramount importance; under no circumstances should your identity be revealed. "Otherwise, the evil gods will surely dispatch mighty experts to intercept and kill you!" "Understood." Qi Yuan's expression remained calm. He understood this principle very well. Nor was he particularly concerned. When playing a game, villain bosses lining up to deliver themselves to their deaths was standard procedure. "Qingshui Village is situated in the fallen zone. Returning now will be fraught with grave peril. "In the fallen zone, we Ancient Gods cannot aid you. "If an evil god makes a move against you, you will have to fight entirely alone!" Great Venerable Lishan tried his best to lay out the full gravity of Qi Yuan's predicament. "Fight alone? I'm used to it. "Besides, I wouldn't really consider it fighting alone right now. Look behind me—I have so many villagers supporting me, and every single one of them has a bright future ahead of them," Qi Yuan answered softly. Back on the Wangyue Continent, he had fought alone from the very start. Fortunately, he had always had Jin Li to chat with, and later on, Xiao Jia had stood by his side in battle. When he held the line all by himself at Dijue—that had been truly fighting alone. In video games, wasn't soloing bosses completely normal? Great Venerable Lishan fell silent for a moment. These eight villagers possessing Mythological-grade God Visualization Arts certainly had bright futures, but the same could hardly be said for the rest. Existing within the fallen zone had already sealed the cruelty of their future. After a slight hesitation, he continued, "Celestial Venerable, you were able to visualize eight Mythological-grade God Visualization Arts. Your importance surpasses even that of the Child of Destiny. "Has Origin Celestial Venerable ever heard of the Mythological Plan?" "No." "During the Hongtang Great War, the Mortal Heart Realm mobilized everything it had. "Two-thirds of the Ancient Gods perished in battle, and every single Mythological figure fell. "Yet even as the Mythological figures met their end, they still left behind a glimmer of survival for our world—a Seed of the World." At this point, Great Venerable Lishan's voice grew thick with sorrow. He had fought in the Hongtang Great War himself. In such a tragic war, True Gods fell every day. Purple Mansion cultivators could not even be considered cannon fodder on that battlefield. "Mm." Qi Yuan nodded. Just a few hours ago, he had witnessed the Hongtang Great War with his own eyes, watched the Heavenly Pillar break, and seen the Holy Mother of Inedia stand alone to hold off the projection of the Yang God incarnation until she perished. "Even in its absolute prime, the Mortal Heart Realm was unable to halt the evil gods. "Much less now. Therefore, our only recourse is to use the Mythological Plan to foster several Mythological-grade powerhouses. "Then, those few will act in haste to tear open a breach at the Mortal Heart Realm's dimensional passage and escort the seed of hope out of the Mortal Heart Realm! "Originally, the chances of the Mythological Plan succeeding were less than five percent. "However, with you—so long as you join—the success rate will skyrocket to thirty percent! "When the time comes, us old bones will lay down our lives to send you, a few select youths, and the seed of hope out of the Mortal Heart Realm together!" Great Venerable Lishan held nothing back from Qi Yuan. Behind Qi Yuan, the villagers and Ancient Gods were deeply shaken by what they heard, while a profound sorrow welled up in their hearts. The strength of the Mortal Heart Realm was still far too insignificant compared to the evil gods. Listening to this, Qi Yuan's expression remained tranquil. "Oh, so that's how it is." Qi Yuan's reaction caught Great Venerable Lishan somewhat off guard. In a heavy tone, he said, "I implore Celestial Venerable to join our Mythological Plan and preserve some sparks of hope for the Mortal Heart Realm! "Once the Mythological Plan is set in motion, Celestial Venerable will also be able to depart the Mortal Heart Realm and enjoy boundless freedom!" It could be said that Great Venerable Lishan's proposal was thoroughly sincere. He was considering Qi Yuan's well-being in every possible aspect. In the end, he was even offering the opportunity to leave the Mortal Heart Realm to Qi Yuan. Any other peerless talent would have likely agreed to Great Venerable Lishan's plea at this moment, cooperating with the Mythological Plan and leaving with the world's hopes. Qi Yuan, however, was Qi Yuan after all. He gave a flat refusal. "Running away isn't my style. If I don't finish the quest, how am I supposed to level up?" He had gone through immense hardship to get into this game; asking him to flee from it now had to be a joke, right? Qi Yuan's words left Great Venerable Lishan stunned. The Ancient Gods behind Qi Yuan were also astonished, but a surge of profound admiration welled up within them. On the surface, Qi Yuan acted playfully and behaved erratically. Yet when it came to matters of such magnitude, he exhibited fearless courage. "The existence above True God in the Heavenly Pillar—I'm definitely going to kill him!" A fierce murderous intent flashed through Qi Yuan's eyes. He had simply traveled through space-time to watch a movie, yet that projection of the Yang God's incarnation had droned on and on, calling him a little bug and even trying to attack him! It was just like Sadako crawling out of a TV screen, noticing a viewer in the audience, and shrieking non-stop while flailing her claws. Given Qi Yuan's personality, he would definitely settle this score. Furthermore, the Holy Mother of Inedia had treated him to fish and served as his free tour guide. Though Qi Yuan had never voiced it, he kept that kindness etched in his heart. Great Sage Blood Sun—he would slay him without fail. If he couldn't kill him right away, he would formulate a plan. A meticulous, brilliant plan would drastically increase his chances of accomplishing whatever he set out to do. He brazenly proclaimed his intent to slay a Yang God. This declaration completely stunned everyone present. If anyone else had said such a thing, they might have taken it as a joke. Yet the person speaking was Origin Celestial Venerable. The Origin Celestial Venerable who had wrought countless miracles within the Ancestral Land and visualized eight Mythological-grade God Visualization Arts. When a peerless prodigy of his caliber spoke like this, it was definitely no empty boast, but rather a solemn oath. At this moment, the villagers behind Qi Yuan chimed in one after another, their resolve united like an iron fortress! "I, Old Zhu, am willing to serve as the vanguard and sweep away all obstacles for my Lord!" "This humble old servant, Yulei, is willing to run at your beck and call!" "I, Chen Xifan, know how to do more than just cook!" "Shi Chongshan's life belongs to my Lord! Whatever my Lord commands, this one shall execute!" Seeing this, Ancient God Wangsong felt a deep surge of emotion, his fighting spirit soaring. "I attained godhood from a pine tree and possess the unyielding backbone of nature. Why should I fear an existence above True God?" These subjects spoke with absolute ease, as though they were not facing an unimaginably terrifying entity beyond the realm of True Gods. Great Venerable Lishan and the other two Great Venerables looked at Qi Yuan and listened to the declarations of the villagers. They had never expected an answer like this. They had considered that Qi Yuan might refuse, but never imagined he would do so for such a reason. "Does Celestial Venerable truly... intend to choose this path?" Great Venerable Lishan looked visibly moved. Within the Mortal Heart Realm, there were Ancient Gods who supported the Mythological Plan, and those who did not. Those opposing Ancient Gods held thoughts similar to Qi Yuan's. They wished to perish together with the Mortal Heart Realm, fighting until their deaths within its borders. "It's not that I want to choose this path—they're the ones forcing my hand!" The moment Qi Yuan said it, he suddenly felt deeply immersed in his role. It felt just as though the evil gods were hounding him at every turn. He felt like a matrilocal son-in-law enduring endless humiliation while pouring washing water for his mother-in-law's feet. Hearing this, Great Venerable Lishan sighed inwardly. He knew he could not dissuade Qi Yuan. "Once Celestial Venerable returns to Qingshui Village, you must keep a low profile in all matters. It will not be too late to reveal your edge after the eight of them have grown to full maturity." Remembering Great Venerable Shenlei's remark that Origin Celestial Venerable was extremely rash, Great Venerable Lishan could not help but urge caution. "Thank you for the reminder. Rest assured, I am very measured in how I conduct myself. "If something has no plan behind it, I won't do it. "I have always been extremely cautious and low-key; I'm never reckless. "Even if I run into major events, I advance step by step, drafting a comprehensive plan first," Qi Yuan stated earnestly. He was by no means an impulsive hothead. He pursued thoroughness in everything he did, and his plans were always impeccable. Behind him, the villagers wore peculiar expressions upon hearing this. Ancient God Wangsong also breathed a sigh of relief. Only by following such a Guardian Deity could they have hope and a bright future. Great Venerable Lishan, on the other hand, felt a pang of doubt. Could what Great Venerable Shenlei said have been false? Hadn't Great Venerable Shenlei claimed that Origin Celestial Venerable was remarkably reckless? Looking at Qi Yuan's demeanor, he truly appeared cautious and prudent; it didn't seem feigned at all. "May you take good care of yourself." Great Venerable Lishan could only offer these parting words. However, recalling something, he added with a somber tone, "Great Venerable Shenlei once entrusted me to look after you." "Entrusted?" Qi Yuan asked in surprise. That wasn't a word to be used lightly. "He was the one who informed me of your visit to the Ancestral Land. "He entrusted me with watching over you and bringing you into the Mythological Plan so that your future might have an extra glimmer of survival," Great Venerable Lishan said with emotion. "Where is that old codger Shenlei right now?" Qi Yuan asked hastily. "He... went looking for Zhang Feng," Great Venerable Lishan sighed. "His injuries are severe; he doesn't have much longer to live." Hearing this, Qi Yuan immediately understood the entire sequence of events. He knitted his brows. "Why are the old codgers in this world all so stubborn?" With a broad wave of his hand, all the villagers and Ancient Gods promptly followed him. Everyone stepped into the teleportation formation. Qi Yuan remained silent, his gaze cool and composed. Zhu Zhuangshi grew somewhat anxious. "That old fellow beat me up and then ran off, did he?" He still vividly remembered how Great Venerable Shenlei had humiliated him back then. Time flew by. Qi Yuan and his entourage emerged from the teleportation formation and landed back in Qingshui Village. Qi Yuan tapped his foot lightly against the ground. At once, a petite young woman twirled as she emerged from beneath the earth. The girl who surfaced was none other than the current Land God maid, Xiaoxue. "Where is Great Venerable Shenlei?" Qi Yuan asked. The maid Xiaoxue hastily replied, "Great Venerable Shenlei... departed last night." She immediately recounted yesterday's events to Qi Yuan. "Great Venerable Shenlei told me to give this to you before he left." Maid Xiaoxue handed a storage bag to Qi Yuan. Inside this storage bag was Great Venerable Shenlei's entire personal stash. Qi Yuan cast a casual glance over it, took the storage bag, and said, "Zhang Feng... Cai Country, isn't it?" Zhang Feng was an Ancient God of Cai Country. He was the brother-in-law of the True God Qi Yuan had slain in Feiwu City. Zhang Feng had defected to the evil gods, becoming the son-in-law of an evil god Great Venerable. The downfall of Jiang Country, where Venerable Tianbao resided, had also been orchestrated by Zhang Feng. "It seems I'll have to move my plans forward." A glint of murderous intent surfaced in Qi Yuan's eyes. Hearing this, the younger twin sister grew anxious. "Lord, if we strike at a neighboring country's evil god right now, it will definitely alert the evil gods!" The rest of the Ancient Gods shared the exact same thought. At present, Qingshui Village had just reaped immense rewards from the Ancestral Land. This was precisely the time to keep a low profile, digest the resources, and build up strength. Marching aggressively into Cai Country to target a True God would expose their identities. This was the fallen zone; they would surely face a coordinated siege by the evil gods. At this moment, the elder twin sister spoke up in a solemn voice, "Why should this matter require the Lord to act in person? I will head to Cai Country myself and bring Great Venerable Shenlei back!" "Sister!" Hearing this, the younger sister panicked. How could she not understand her sister's thoughts? Her sister feared exposing Qingshui Village to the evil gods' scrutiny, so she planned to head to Cai Country alone to rescue Great Venerable Shenlei. Of course, she knew that in all likelihood, Great Venerable Shenlei had already perished by now. Her sister going there would be nothing short of suicide. Or rather, her sister intended to sacrifice herself to give Qi Yuan closure, thereby extinguishing his desire to go in person. "Lord Deity, I am willing to go in my sister's stead!" the younger twin sister pleaded anxiously. Qi Yuan looked at the twin sisters, a smile surfacing in his eyes. "Do you truly take me for a brainless brute? "Isn't Zhang Feng the strongest enemy in these parts? "His divine spiritual power is quite valuable. "If that old codger Shenlei steals the kill, it would be a total waste. "Today, I am merely bringing a matter originally outside of my schedule into my current plan." Their exchange through divine sense transmissions took place in a mere instant. However, Qi Yuan's words clearly failed to persuade them. The faces of the Ancient Gods were practically stamped with the words 'please don't go.' Nevertheless, out of consideration for Qi Yuan's dignity, none of them spoke out. Qi Yuan couldn't help but grouse inwardly that this batch of NPCs was remarkably difficult to fool. "Enough nonsense, and I can't be bothered to explain. "I am the boss, so listen to me! "Point our swords at Cai Country and execute Zhang Feng!" Qi Yuan issued a direct command. Seeing this, none of the Ancient Gods raised any further objections. "Let's go!" The party of over twenty people transformed into streaks of radiant light and flew toward Cai Country. Along the way, Wang Wenqi joined the ranks, setting off toward Cai Country together with them. Wang Wenqi's great-grandfather, Venerable Tianbao, had once been good friends with Zhang Feng, only to be led to his death by him. How could Wang Wenqi ever forget such a blood feud? The fact that Jiang Country was now riddled with devastation was inseparable from Zhang Feng's treachery. This time, Qi Yuan and the others made no attempt at concealment, streaking straight toward Cai Country. In the past, Qi Yuan would take his time marching along. This time, he flew straight ahead, caring nothing about alerting the New Gods. Instantly, countless shouts of alarm erupted along the route. "What vile scoundrels dare intrude upon my..." Those evil gods stationed in the various cities detected Ancient Gods brazenly passing by ahead of time through defensive warning arrays. They immediately unleashed formidable auras to intercept them. The ones barreling forward without restraint were none other than Qi Yuan and his group. "Kill them!" Qi Yuan commanded directly. Instantly, the elder twin sister lashed out, a streak of divine radiance flashing through the sky. Seeing this, the evil god stationed in the city showed profound terror in his eyes. "How can there be so many of them?!" He could not comprehend it. This was the fallen zone! Yet here were over twenty Ancient Gods swaggering openly across the skies. This was virtually suicidal. One had to understand that not far from this area lay an evil god encampment. Within these encampments, large or small, at least a hundred New Gods lay dormant. Unlike New Gods like himself who were stationed to assimilate local territories, those New Gods possessed genuinely formidable combat power. Such flagrant behavior would undoubtedly alert the evil god encampment. Precisely because of this, all Ancient Gods in the fallen zone refrained from moving about brazenly to avoid detection. In less than fifteen minutes, evil gods from the encampment would surely deploy to hunt down this band of Ancient Gods. Of course, he would not live to see that. He felt utter indignity and agonizing regret. Why had he rushed out to intercept them without even figuring out what was going on? The elder twin sister's rudimentary Divine Domain unfolded. The evil god had no ability to resist whatsoever; he could only watch helplessly as the divine spiritual power pierced into his body, annihilating him in an instant. A dignified evil god, an evil god who had lorded over his domain, perished simply and unceremoniously just like that. The cost of his death, however, was that Qi Yuan's group was slowed down considerably. Qi Yuan frowned. "There sure are a lot of these little bugs lining up to die." Indeed, they had already killed three such little bugs along the way. Every time they neared a city, the arrays of those evil gods' strongholds would trigger alarms. The evil gods would then leap out to intercept them. Counting this one, they had already slain three. "Lord Deity, we must strike swiftly and withdraw immediately! If we are encircled by the evil god encampment, we won't be able to escape!" the elder twin sister warned with a grave expression. The others present were equally weighed down with anxiety. Every evil god encampment was overseen by at least one Great Venerable. Coupled with over a hundred evil gods, if they were surrounded, escaping would be next to impossible. "Understood. It's just annoying how these evil gods keep blocking the road to Cai Country." Qi Yuan sorely wanted to yell at the top of his lungs: *The young lady is taking a leak, all of you get out of the damn way!* On second thought, though, they were flying faster than ordinary sound could travel. Shouting like that would be useless. Unless he used a Daoist vocal transmission. At that realization, Qi Yuan paused. Right... there was still Daoist vocal transmission. He quickly channeled his full divine spiritual power and unleashed a resounding Daoist vocal transmission. "We come to execute the traitor Zhang Feng! Whosoever stands in our way shall be slain without mercy!" With the Daoist vocal transmission clearing their path, Qi Yuan's party barreled furiously toward Cai Country. Perhaps Qi Yuan's voice had intimidated several evil gods, for none of the evil gods in the subsequent cities dared to act. After all, Zhang Feng was a True God of the Three Steps of Sky Treading. Anyone bold enough to hunt down Zhang Feng would surely be at Step Three Sky Treading as well, wouldn't they? What was the point of minor evil gods like them blocking the way? To offer up their lives? Better to wait for the True Gods from the encampment to intervene! All along the way, Qi Yuan and his group charged onward unimpeded. This time, no one stepped forward to block them. The roar declaring the execution of the traitor Zhang Feng echoed from Lin Country into Jiang Country, and then carried all the way into Cai Country. Countless New Gods were shaken, raising their heads to look at the streaks of radiant light across the firmament. Many concealed Ancient Gods also revealed expressions of profound shock. "The traitor Zhang Feng... has a righteous god finally stepped forward to execute him?" "Hahaha, godspeed to the righteous god!" Naturally, they assumed that Qi Yuan, roaring across the sky, was a formidable Ancient God driven to a dead end. An Ancient God who, knowing he had no way out, sought to take the traitor down with him before dying. Zhang Feng's defection to the evil gods had caused both Cai and Jiang Countries to fall under evil god rule. The situation in the surrounding five countries had shifted drastically as well, turning them into the evil gods' territory. Among the Ancient Gods hiding in the shadows, who didn't detest Zhang Feng? Who didn't wish to kill him? Suddenly, a vocal transmission entered Qi Yuan's ears. "Senior, beware. Evil gods from the evil god encampment are currently stationed within the capital of Cai Country." The voice came swiftly and vanished just as fast. Clearly, an Ancient God had risked immense danger to send this transmission. The moment the message was delivered, the sender disappeared completely, terrified of being detected by other New Gods. Hearing this, Qi Yuan's heart tightened. "True Gods from an evil god encampment are stationed there?" Could it be... that Great Venerable Shenlei had already fought his way into Cai Country, thereby alerting the True Gods of the evil god encampment? The other Ancient Gods heard this as well, and a chill settled over their hearts. The elder twin sister spoke up at this moment. "Lord, why don't we split into two groups? My sister and I will advance into Cai Country while you secretly withdraw." "No need," Qi Yuan said calmly. "Zhang Feng... alive, I must see the man; dead, I must see his corpse!" "Move out!" He was definitely going to Cai Country!