Chapter 2339: Link (2)

What did this show? First, he was truly thoughtful—he had compiled detailed information on every single person: name, age, family situation, strength level, time of sacrifice, body handling, and so on. If he weren't sincere, why would he do all this?

Second, he had powerful intelligence capabilities. Though this data wasn't exactly classified within each race, it wasn't something just anyone could obtain—and he had only been back in Dark Strip City for a few days.

Through this list, many saw the words "carrot and stick."

"Every list has a number in the top left corner. When you leave, claim your spatial equipment at the door by matching the number."

Ye Zhongming's attitude was as if the money being given out wasn't his own.

Many finally calmed down, looking at Ye Zhongming with a changed gaze.

Before, they had respected and feared him. Now, they were filled with admiration.

Though he wasn't a great expert, his bearing and the way he did things showed the kind of composure and thoroughness that only great figures possessed.

"Second matter: as everyone knows, things seem calm for now, but who knows what the future holds. So our priority is to strengthen ourselves. We can't become a force that rivals supermajor races overnight, but if every race improves a little, together we'll be a formidable power. United, Dark Strip City would be stronger than an ordinary mid-level race. And if we grow further, reaching the standard of an ordinary major race, then even the Huo'er Star people would have to think twice before acting against us, wouldn't they?"

He didn't mention the cause of events—but on the planet hunting ground, every race present had fought the Huo'er Star people. The fighting had been fierce, and everyone's hands were stained with the blood of supermajor race warriors.

The Huo'er Star people's hostility wasn't limited to the Star-Eye Clan—it extended to every race in Dark Strip City.

Whether it was the Star-Eye Clan, Ye Zhongming, or the other small races, they were all grasshoppers on the same rope. If the Huo'er Star people came to settle accounts, none would escape.

For now, only the Su Clan and the She Ke Star people—the "tall ones"—were holding them off. But who knew what the future held?

From Ye Zhongming's perspective, his ambitions destined him to clash with many major and supermajor races. He needed allies—loyal, brave allies. The small races of Dark Strip City had proven themselves on the planet hunting ground. That was why he was using both carrot and stick, building strong ties with them.

Ye Zhongming believed that as these ties strengthened, one day these small races would truly fall under his banner and, when necessary, unleash power that would make the entire myriad races take notice.

This was only his first step.

"The Order Leader is right."

At that moment, Duoduo stood up. He first nodded toward Ye Zhongming, then looked at the other races. "Before, we were weak insects. Forget supermajor races—even mid-level races like the Eight Heads crushed us, making us do whatever they wanted."

"Look at my population, look at my people's lives—you'll see what we've endured all these years." Duoduo's tall frame and booming voice gave his words great force.

"Did we dare resist back then? No! Not just because we lacked strength, but because we lacked courage. We had even grown accustomed to being exploited and enslaved, accepting it as our lot. We had lost the will to resist—and that, looking back, is truly terrifying."

His words struck a chord with many.

"Now? We resisted—and what happened?" Duoduo's voice rose sharply.

"I admit, we were forced into it—by the Order Leader." Duoduo laughed, then immediately turned serious. "But I thank him, because he showed me the Eight Heads aren't that terrifying, that we can go to the planet hunting ground, that even the Huo'er Star people aren't invincible. I've killed them—more than one—and even personally cut off a great expert's head!"

Duoduo's voice echoed through the hall, stirring everyone's emotions.

"I realized they aren't lofty, aren't invincible. We... can refuse to be enslaved, and even become what we once admired, looked up to, dared not dream of!"

"In this process, we've been wounded, we've lost people, we've been so close to death—but surviving, it feels like the universe is so magnificent, life can be lived like this!"

"So I can't go back. I want to keep living like this—living as myself, with purpose, with dignity! I'll follow the Order Leader, because I trust him. Because he never abandoned us in battle, and he never abandoned us after."

"That's right!"

With that, Duoduo sat down heavily and took a big swig from his own wine flask.

The other races couldn't sit still. Why had they come? Because they were closer to Ye Zhongming. Now that someone had taken the lead, they all rose to declare their support.

There was no help for it—compared to the Star-Eye Clan, Ye Zhongming gave them clearer goals and hope. The Star-Eye Clan's meetings were about guarding against and rejecting Ye Zhongming. Ye Zhongming talked about how to become strong, how to live better, how to avoid being bullied.

And he had given them a fortune.

The contrast was stark.

"Since you trust me, I'll share a few rough ideas for everyone to discuss." Ye Zhongming's voice wasn't loud, but the excited crowd immediately quieted.

"First, we must strengthen ourselves—both our Furelai levels and our equipment, potions, and supplies."

"You all know my situation. I can craft equipment, my friends can obtain higher-end gear and various devices, and the Changxu Water Race has all kinds of potions. So my idea is: if you have needs, tell me, I'll give a price, and you decide if it's fair. If it is, buy from me. If not, don't. And if there's something you urgently need, you can even take it first and pay later."

Ye Zhongming looked at the various race members still processing his words, then smiled. "How about this—I'll bring out some items first. You'll understand when you see them."