Jiang Ding carefully examined the bodies and souls of more than twenty thousand Immortal Sect Citizens. They had been sealed away for a long time, but none had died. Some even showed signs of having their lifespans forcibly extended with rare treasures from the outside world.
Longevity treasures suitable for Foundation Establishment and Golden Core cultivators were not too difficult for a ruler of an entire world to obtain.
Combined with Spirit Transformation-level sealing methods, which had slowed the passage of their lifespans, the citizens were still in reasonably good health.
"You two aren't half bad..."
Jiang Ding sounded delighted.
This was the happiest he had been since setting out on this campaign.
But that by no means wiped the slate clean.
He had no taste for being abused. The Immortal Sect Citizens had been beaten and driven to despair before being offered hope; he was hardly going to turn around and thank those responsible.
"Heavenly Lord..."
The sight stirred something in many cultivators from the lesser worlds.
An invincible commander, an invincible Heavenly Lord, had shown genuine delight at finding a group of Golden Core and Foundation Establishment cultivators safe and sound.
They could not help yearning for the status of an "Immortal Sect Citizen."
Even if that dream seemed as unreachable as the moon in a mirror or flowers reflected in water.
"Open your souls, both of you."
Jiang Ding's smile vanished abruptly. His voice was mild.
There was no threat in his words; they sounded like casual conversation. Yet an inexplicable chill ran through the two Heavenly Lords from the lesser worlds.
They did not dare delay. They immediately opened their souls, allowing an alien divine sense to enter and leaf through every piece of information within as though turning the pages of a book.
A faint