Hearing that they had to give up half of their fortunes, everyone was somewhat terrified. They clearly understood that when Chen Yuan spoke of wealth, he didnāt mean mundane things like gold and silver.
He meant resources that could aid cultivation.
They had accumulated quite a bit of this, but... they were really reluctant to part with it. No wonder Tian Wenjing had previously said that if Chen Yuan came, they would face calamity.
His words were true after all.
"What, are all of you going to deny this favor to your prince?"
Seeing the troubled expressions of the crowd, who remained silent, Chen Yuan directly asked.
"No... no, but... isnāt half a bit too much? Could the Prince show some leniency? This way, we could also give an explanation to our sect."
Someone whispered.
"Yes, Prince."
"Please show mercy, Prince...."
"As for me, I have no problem with it, but Iām afraid the warriors under my command would not be willing. Besides, all of you are respectable figures. Are you unwilling to help me in reshaping the world?
Or do you think Iām unworthy?"
"No... no, itās not that, Prince. Of course, you are worthy."
"Then itās settled. Iāll give you three days to gather the resources. If the time comes and the resources are not delivered, I will personally send someone to collect them.
Oh, and does anyone have any objections? If you think Iām wrong, feel free to speak up.... Haha, Iām always open to wise counsel."
Chen Yuan chuckled.
"Your Highness, I...."
"Boom!"
Before the person could finish speaking, Zhu Huai killed him with a single palm strike, standing by expressionless.
Chen Yuan remained unfazed, chuckling softly:
"Continue, continue...."
"Hiss!"
Seeing Zhu Huai kill someone at the slightest disagreement, the crowd was terrified, instinctively stepping back, not daring to get close to Zhu Huai, fearing he might strike again.
"The Prince is right, these soldiers have traveled a long way to help our South State eliminate the scourge of East Mountain Valley. As people of South State, itās only right that we show our gratitude.
We are willing to reward the army for the Prince."
"Yes, indeed..."
The crowdās attitude shifted once more, nodding in agreement.
"Good, then you can all leave now."
Chen Yuan nodded.
The crowd hurriedly expressed their gratitude, then swiftly left East Mountain Valley, turning into streams of light and fleeing away as if using all their strength, fearing that if they delayed, Chen Yuan would change his mind.
"Prince, do you really intend to let them go? They may become a hidden threat...." Zhu Huai hesitated for a moment and said in a low voice.
"Zhu Huai."
"Iām here."
"Youāve exterminated quite a few domains, havenāt you understood yet? These forces have roots. Sometimes, if you donāt exhaust their foundations, merely killing them would result in many losses."
"Uh... I understand."
"Also, since Iāve made a move on South State, itās exactly the time to let them spread the word for me, so I can quickly gain control of the situation in South State."
"Youāre wise, Prince."
"Once their value is exhausted, I will eliminate those among them who are disobedient."
"Isnāt that a bit inappropriate? After all, Prince, you personally promised them. If it gets out, Iām afraid it might tarnish your reputation."
"Hmph, all I asked was for them to bring out resources, but they instead want to reward the army for me. Is this world theirs or mine?"
Zhu Huaiās eyes brightened, quickly saying:
"Youāre wise, Prince!"
"Alright, letās go inside. Itās almost over...."
Chen Yuan smiled faintly and walked slowly into East Mountain Valley.
...
...
The conflict within East Mountain Valley ended quickly, from start to finish, it took only about a quarter of an hour before almost all the disciples of East Mountain Valley were slain.
Though these people were considered elite, they were not opponents for Chen Yuanās tens of thousands of troops. Once the formation was set, even a Yang Transformation True Master would fall.
This was also the main reason Chen Yuan cultivated his troops. Compared to the elusive breakthrough of Yang Transformation True Masters, these armies were easier to recruit and control.
They could not only charge into battle but also guard the cities and maintain order.
The advantage of human numbers is always valuable.
Moreover, the strength of an army is not static. If Chen Yuan were to upgrade their equipment to the highest level, the lowest among them would step into the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Once a massive battle formation is formed, only immortals could challenge it, even those in the top ten of the Heavenly List would be a match.
Such figures are extremely rare, and have been cultivating for hundreds of years, where could one find an army as quickly?
After wiping out most of the living forces in East Mountain Valley, some soldiers were transporting corpses, while others were finishing off the bodies, letting all the blood drain.
Another group was split into two, with one part of the army searching for the hidden resources of East Mountain Valley, while the Jinyi Guards were engaged in other tasks.
When Chen Yuan walked into East Mountain Valley, there were only a few disciples left, one of whom was Wu Ying, the former woman of Chen Peilu.
She was kneeling on the ground, pleading for Chen Peiluās forgiveness, tearfully explaining that she was forced by Tian Wuantong and had to submit to him to prevent him from targeting Chen Peilu.
Now, finally seeing the clouds part and the moonās light shine, she saw hope.
"What do you think, Prince?"
Zhu Huai looked at Chen Peilu, who hesitated to act, with growing disdain in his eyes. If it were him, he would have had that woman dismembered long ago.
"She is not a pitiable woman."
Chen Yuan smiled slightly, observing around, as soldiers were already moving the bodies and the Jinyi Guards had everything ready, he then slowly approached.
"Peilu...."
"Prince."
Upon hearing this voice, Chen Peilu swiftly turned and kneeled on one knee, quickly saluting.
"Greetings... greetings, Prince...."
The woman who had been bowing down before hurriedly knelt on the ground with trembling body when she saw this dreadful man approaching, yet Chen Yuan noticed that she occasionally lifted her head, smiling at him.
It seemed... she was trying to seduce...
"So, youāre Wu Ying?"
"Answering the Prince, that is indeed me."
Wu Ying quickly raised her head, perfectly displaying her visage to Chen Yuan, showing a pitiful expression, while internally imagining that Chen Yuan admired her looks.
She had heard that this Prince Yan was fond of married women....
If she could advance in position....
But she was dreaming, Chen Yuan did not spare her another look. After confirming her identity, he retracted his gaze and continued asking:
"What are you hesitating for?"
"I... I...."
"Didnāt I bring you into East Mountain Valley to seek revenge?"
"I, I understand now."
Originally hesitating, Chen Peilu realized the intent in Chen Yuanās words and quickly extinguished the thought of pleading for mercy. Looking at Wu Ying, he raised his palm.
Wu Yingās face turned pale, as she fearfully pleaded:
"Spare me, Prince, spare me. I am willing to serve you in the future. I beg you...."
Chen Yuan glanced at Chen Peilu.
He caught on immediately, quickly waving his hand, a strong burst of Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy hit Wu Yingās body, and she was slain, collapsing on the ground, eyes full of despair.
"Phew...."
Chen Peilu exhaled a long, turbid breath, as if releasing some burden, he kneeled on one knee before Chen Yuan, solemnly stating:
"Thank you, Prince, for giving me the chance for revenge. In the future, I will repay you with my life, this vow, unchanging for life!"
Chen Yuan chuckled, motioning for Chen Peilu to stand up, then walked to him, gently patting his shoulder, saying:
"No, I should be the one thanking you, for helping me set up this situation."
Chen Peilu froze for a moment, incredulously looking up:
"Prince, what do you mean by that?"
"I wanted to kill Nangong Lie but couldnāt, thinking Iād have to fight head-on. I didnāt expect it would be through your hand that we drew him in."
"Prince, I... I donāt understand what you mean."
"Hehe...."
Chen Yuan chuckled, leaning close to his ear, whispering:
"Youāll understand soon!"
...