With the end of the war, the Crescent Empire and the White Stork Empire have now become part of the Shuowang Empire. The imprisoned humans have been released and have begun new lives within the realm of the Shuowang Empire.
Sui Liangfeng gathered these humans in the arena, standing on a tall tower overlooking the crowd. He held a microphone and, with a serious tone, announced:
"From this moment on, you are all free! Each of you can decide whether to stay or leave, and I will not interfere with your choices. If anyone chooses to join the Shuowang Empire voluntarily, the Shuowang Empire welcomes everyone!"
"Freedom... Are we truly free now..." A sobbing voice came from the crowd, the sound choked and yet sounding even more tragic.
"Waaah... Waaah~~" Soon after, the cries of children followed.
"Freedom... We're finally free..."
"Hooray~~ Long live freedom!"
Men, women, and children alike cheered and celebrated their newfound freedom.
At this moment, some people began to realize that joining the Shuowang Empire meant joining a vampire nation. They started to worry if they would be kept as livestock, drained of their blood and made into food. This concern lingered in their minds, causing them to feel fearful and uneasy.
"Is this freedom truly worth it?" confusion filled the faces of former soldiers. If they left the White Stork Empire, where could they go?
Sui Liangfeng continued, "The vampire beings led this war, and as the victors, Shuowang Empire will take possession of everything in the Ruined Land. I understand your fear of becoming vampire food, but please rest assured that vampires will never harm you. I can guarantee that."
Sui Liangfeng's reassurance eased some people's apprehension, but the doubts in their hearts remained.
"What about the vampire's food?" someone in the crowd suddenly raised a question.
"Blood donation! Of course, it's not a one-sided donation. It will be calculated according to a standard of 1.5 Belas per milliliter," Sui Liangfeng explained. "Currently, many buildings in the Shuowang Empire have been damaged, and I envision a massive reconstruction project that requires a significant amount of manpower and resources. You provide the manpower, and I will handle the resources. This is not to ask you to work for free; you will be provided with meals and wages. There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world; that's how the rules work. If you agree, you can go to the other side of the city wall to register."
Although people had many doubts, there was currently no better choice. Their fate now lay in the hands of the Shuowang Empire, unless they left and ventured into the Warcraft Forest or elsewhere.
People hurriedly rushed towards the city wall, forming queues at the registration office to sign up.
Sui Liangfeng stood atop the city wall, watching the crowd lining up below, pondering to himself: We don't actually need this many people for reconstruction. Some can go and cultivate crops, but what should the remaining people do?
Suddenly, Sui Liangfeng had a good idea, "Who among you used to be a soldier?"
"I was a scout."
"I was a military judge."
"I am a member of the Cavalry Corps," said Sui Liangfeng as more people stepped forward to volunteer. He smiled, "Are you willing to join the Shuowang Empire army?"
Everyone looked at each other in silence, without saying a word.
"You're not even willing to accept such a simple condition?" Sui Liangfeng frowned.
"Isn't joining the Shuowang Empire army like entering a tiger's den?" someone whispered.
"Heh!" Sui Liangfeng chuckled faintly, his eyes filled with disdain. "Do you all have pudding for brains? If I were you, I would definitely join the Shuowang Empire army.
First, joining the Shuowang Empire army allows you to receive vampire training and corresponding resources.
Second, after joining the Shuowang Empire army, your own strength will undoubtedly improve, greatly increasing your chances of survival. If the vampires are defeated, they will definitely abandon the two empires of Cangyue and White Stork and retreat to Shuowang Empire. What will you do then? Who will protect you? Only when the sword is in your own hands will you feel the most secure.
I am a good example. I am not a vampire, yet I am still living well. I went from being an unknown soldier to commanding the vampire army, all thanks to joining the Shuowang Empire army, where military achievements are rewarded based on the number of enemies killed."
Sui Liangfeng waved his hand, and a purple illusion descended, transforming the city walls into a vast open area.
"This is the result of my cultivation through military achievements," he said, then waved his hand again, causing the purple illusion to disappear.
Sui Liangfeng's words left everyone silent, as they carefully considered and realized the truth behind them. Moreover, he was living proof, having gone from an unknown soldier to someone with great power. Wasn't that enough to prove his words?
A veteran spoke up, "I promise to join the Shuowang Empire army. I want to follow you and fight on the battlefield!"
His words resonated, and young soldiers started coming forward one by one.
"I am willing."
"I also want to join the Shuowang Empire army!"
"Count me in."
...
Sui Liangfeng's speech was undoubtedly a success, worthy of someone who had once been a leader among the winged men. With just a few words, he ignited the soldiers' enthusiasm. After he finished speaking, many began to consider their own futures, no longer feeling lost and anxious.
"In that case, please go and register at the arena," Sui Liangfeng pointed towards the direction of the arena.
The crowd immediately rushed towards the arena, but the older soldier hesitated and asked, "May I ask for your name, sir?"
"I am Sui Liangfeng, but I prefer to be called Mayor," Sui Liangfeng smiled.
"Understood, Mayor," the soldier saluted before turning and leaving.
Sui Liangfeng watched his receding figure, his gaze flickering. He didn't deceive these humans. He only said he wasn't a vampire, he didn't say he was human. Besides, vampire rewards were indeed distributed based on military achievements. The illusion was just his innate ability, constructing it in an instant. He controlled the illusion's reality and illusion at will.
Meanwhile, back in the Crescent Empire, Ahri was systematically arranging her next tasks. Unlike Sui Liangfeng, who had experience in managing a country, Ahri was the owner of a casino and only knew that rule-breaking gamblers deserved punishment. The same applied in the Crescent Empire, where she wouldn't give these humans a chance to leave.
Ahri stood on the city wall and announced her rules, "Here, everyone must follow the rules. Anyone who dares to leave the Crescent Empire without permission will have their legs chopped off, and anyone who disobeys will have their fingers chopped off. With no fingers left, they will be taken to the square for execution, with their heads displayed at the highest point of the square. Now, let's start assigning tasks. Everyone must cooperate, or else be prepared to lose their fingers."
Every human in the Crescent Empire couldn't help but gasp. The crowd, which had been restless, immediately became calm. This fox woman before them was beautiful but ruthless, almost like a demon.
Seeing the effect she desired, Ahri nodded in satisfaction and said, "Now, let's allocate tasks. Those who have served in the military within the last ten minutes should gather in the square. Any dishonest humans will be swiftly dealt with. Reporting each other is allowed, and successful informants will receive ten thousand Bella coins and the corresponding resources of the accused."
Within ten minutes, those who had served in the military assembled in the square and registered. After the registration, each soldier was issued a corresponding qualification token.
"Now, let the identification begin." As Ahri's seductive voice fell, the soldiers began searching for the old veterans hiding among the crowd. They had all come from the same military camp and had close relationships. If someone was identified, they would surely be isolated.
At this moment, a thought flashed through Ahri's mind, a test of human nature. Let these ordinary humans report each other. While there may be a few who slip through the cracks, at least a few would be caught.
Forget it, let's not do this.
"I know there are some of you who have served in the military. In my eyes, you are nothing but cowards." Ahri raised her right fist with her thumb up, then rotated it 180 degrees, pointing it towards the group of people.
