Several years later.
In the Azure Spirit Realm, within a temporarily constructed council hall.
Liu Yuan sat high in the seat of honor, his gaze sweeping over the several dozen figures standing below.
These people were all elites he had selected from among the newly surrendered cultivators.
At their head stood three Realm Lords at the early Hunyuan Taiji stage.
Because they had pledged allegiance late and had contributed little, they had only received some Origin fragments last time. Thus, they had not remained in seclusion for long and were the first batch to emerge.
At this moment, the three Realm Lords looked at Liu Yuan with excited faces, their eyes filled with anticipation.
Behind them stood more than forty cultivators at the peak of the Sage realm.
"Everyone."
Liu Yuan spoke. His voice was not loud, yet it clearly spread through the entire hall.
"I trust you have all learned of the treasures bestowed by Senior, as well as Cang Yu and the others entering seclusion."
"We know," Gu Chen, the leading Realm Lord, hurriedly replied with a bow.
"Our strength is meager, and we would not dare hope for Senior's generous rewards. We only wish to do our humble part for Senior!"
"Well said."
Liu Yuan nodded, highly satisfied with Gu Chen's attitude.
He rose to his feet and walked before the crowd.
"I'm sure you have all seen Senior's generosity."
"As long as you carry out your duties diligently and remain loyal to Senior, you will receive no less than what Cang Yu and the others receive in the future."
Liu Yuan first painted them a rosy picture, successfully stirring everyone's enthusiasm.
Seeing their flushed, excited faces, he abruptly changed his tone.
"However, let me make the ugly truth clear first."
"Now that the ten great Dao