Chapter 276: Willing to Serve the Venerable One!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Vigilante A, the Venerable Dragon G.o.d, the Eastern Pharos, had shone his light all around the world.
The media all around the world had their flashes trained on him as well.
The news of the Venerable Dragon G.o.d’s recruitment of the first batch of Upper Realm clans who descended physically had spread with the speed of light to every corner of Earth, garnering a huge following.
Whitestone people’s existence was not a secret. Contrary to that, they had already gone viral online.
In an effort to allow the inhabitants of Earth to accommodate the alien clans, the Truth Department did not hide them from normal citizens.
If the citizens of Earth could not even accept honest, harmless Upper Realm clans like them, the Truth Department should be prepared.
Fang Ning, however, was too lazy to care about these.
The Whitestone people’s unique appearance and forthright personality had already become popular memes online.
Aside from the two major organizations, many famous corporate leaders had their eyes on these newcomers’ pa.s.sion and unique honest attribute in the past two weeks.
At the very least, if they were taught to look after the accounting books, it would mean the corporations no longer need to worry about being cheated. After all, not even family members could be completely trustworthy with money.
However, when they offered high prices and attractive conditions in an effort to get them to switch over, the unsophisticated Whitestone people would only say, “I’ll do whatever my leader says.”
They would look for their leader, s.h.i.+ Gan.
s.h.i.+ Gan would then ask them the three questions, “Can you lead by example and be honest to your friends, your partner, and the society?”
Some people shook their heads while others guaranteed without hesitation.
In the end, they were all sent away politely by s.h.i.+ Gan. They were trying to employ, not pick a fight, so the headhunters could only return empty-handed. In their disappointment, they vented online.
“What a bunch of idiots, this is a job with an annual income of more than a million!”
“That’s right, but alas, they only wanted to be a farmer. Even if it is vitality crops, the average annual income is just around five hundred thousand! That’s because there weren’t enough cultivators in the world yet. In the future when the cultivators multiplied, their income would be the same as a senior engineer.”
“You people are too cheap, the annual income we offered was more than one billion! Even then, they didn’t agree to it. These stoneheads are so rigid they didn’t know how to think outside the box.”
“That’s right. Just a bunch of people with old farmer’s mindset. Earth is a consumerist society where liars thrive. They can’t even blend in, how would they build a trust-based world? That’s just a tall tale. I guess it’s best that they aren’t blending in, otherwise, if they were targeted by rival companies, the companies they work for would be finished.”
“Hmph, I think they’re going to be popular for a brief amount of time. As soon as people realized how troublesome they are, no one would want them.”
“Who can fulfill those three conditions? It’s something absolutely no one could achieve. I think they’re just looking for an excuse to turn people away because they have social anxiety. They just want to stay in their small land and eat dirt, ’cause they’re stone people…”
The entire world was ridiculing and mocking these honest people who did not seem to have a big dream.
When Vigilante A finally appeared at the encampment of the Whitestone people, journalists nearby took pictures and posted them online. Forum threads immediately exploded.
“Grab your popcorns, the famous Eastern Pharos is going to try to recruit the Whitestone people!”
“Heheh, it was said that Vigilante A has always been an honorable man and just reeks justice, let’s see if he will also lie to the Whitestone people…”
“How could he not? At least, I don’t believe that he was completely honest when he was facing those wicked demons.”
“That’s right, I’m guessing he would also return empty-handed.”
“Hah, what good does his might do if he doesn’t have honesty? Those stone people wanted to align with truthful people, it’s not a tournament to find a husband.”
“If he couldn’t recruit the Whitestone people, it would only mean he’s not a real hero as well, that he was just a fameseeker like all the other people.”
A huge number of people immediately reprimanded these people who make baseless a.s.sumptions. However, the more attention they receive, the more spirited they get.
Some of them even went from the initial sarcastic comments to full-blown defamation.
Some people were impressed by him, some envy him, and some others hated him.
Most of his haters were small-time criminals who had been arrested and thrown into prison by Vigilante A.
They avoided the serious crimes but kept up with their petty criminal behaviors. The thuggish behavior was so deeply instilled into them, they just could not change, nor did they want to. Vigilante A’s appearance had forced them to change the lifestyle they were used to, so they took the chance to take their anger out on him.
If Vigilante A appeared in front of them, they would not have dared to even move even a little. However, on the internet where everyone seemed to be anonymous, they would do all they can to defame him.
They had forgotten their freedom to spit venom online was only because of the existence of Vigilante A.
Otherwise, the internet would have been stopped numerous times that it would not be a surprise.
China, the Truth Department.
Ren Ruofeng had received reports from all the local Special Affairs Departments. With a glance, he scoffed and ordered, “Immediately notify the local branches, as well as send a notice to all officials around the world.
“Arrest the people who are spreading lies about the Venerable One and arrange for them to undergo the strictest re-education program in the country. Let the other countries do what they will. If they have time to badmouth the Venerable One, they should know who they are actually dealing with!”
These people did not know the meaning of true power.
At this moment, in the Whitestone people’s encampment in Qiongzhou Island.
s.h.i.+ Gan made a face, seeing Vigilante A as he landed to recruit them.
“I didn’t think we were so popular. Even the true dragons from the Upper Realm came to recruit us. In the past, n.o.ble clans like the true dragons would never lay their eyes on us. If you wanted us to work for you, you could just send a servant over instead of coming yourself.”
‘What?’
Fang Ning was astonished. He had calculated all the risk and had even agreed to the System’s unequal treaty. For his honor, he had agreed to let the System take the agricultural income from the Draconic Arcane Realm.
‘And you are telling me that I only had to send someone to order them and they will come in hordes?
‘Dear G.o.ds, I have miscalculated. I lost out so much…’
The System said, “As I expected, being an honest system has its perks. Billionaire Host, you’ve tricked me so many times, so this is your karma.”
Fang Ning said dejectedly, “Ah well, it’s my loss.”
It was an error on his part. He had only consulted Zheng Dao, who specialized in communication, but had completely forgotten about Dragon Carp who was lazing about in the fish tank. If Dragon Carp had heard his intention to recruit the Whitestone people, it would have volunteered to approach them for him…
It was a shame that Zheng Dao was so used to treating Vigilante A as a personable hero, he did not think about the dragons’ status as World Defender in the Upper Realm.
s.h.i.+ Gan’s following words confirmed that point.
He seemed to have identified the curiosity in Vigilante A’s eyes and begin to explain, “Those conditions were set for the earthly beings. Their actions mostly came from a place of benefiting themselves or their organizations. The true dragons are the defender of the world. Without you, the Upper Realm have already been destroyed several times over.
“Being able to serve you is our insignificant grat.i.tude. Even though your people were always at the top and had never looked at the lower-cla.s.s clans, no honest people would overlook your contribution to the world.”
The System interrupted, “Why do I feel like he was offering to work for me for free?”
Fang Ning was moved listening to s.h.i.+ Gan’s praises to the Dragon Clan, but that feeling was cut short by the System. He commented, “Dammit, you can be so sharp when it comes to this… Stop bullying honest people. He meant that they owe it to the real dragons from the Upper Realm.
“We are not a real dragon or from the Upper Realm, and they have no reason to thank us. We have to pay them, so stop embarra.s.sing me, you’ve earned enough.”
The System said, “Yes, sir.”
Vigilante A nodded. “I am different. I have always treated people sincerely, and I fully believe everyone should be equal and should not be bullied based on the power they wield. Work for me, and I shall not treat you badly.”
s.h.i.+ Gan’s face changed. He was shocked, as everything Vigilante A said was the truth.
‘The Dragon Clan was the strongest, most powerful clan of the Upper Realm. They had always been proud of their limitless talent, purity of bloodline, invincibility, and their grand mission.
‘However, could a sincere character like Vigilante A be born after their descent? Why can he treat a person of a lower cla.s.s as his equal when the others don’t?’
He was so moved, he muttered, “Really, really, our ancestor is right. As long as we endured, there will be more and more people who align with us. If even the proud true dragons would give rise to a truthful person like you, our ideal world would definitely be realized someday…”
Vigilante A nodded and said seriously, “Don’t worry, a world like this will not be too far off. You can start with this Draconic Arcane Realm, and slowly change the world from there.”
s.h.i.+ Gan replied with a steeled stare, “I am willing to serve you.”
Behind him, a group of emotional Whitestone people followed suit.
They yelled loudly, “We are willing to serve you!”
This meant that even the Dragon Clan, the defender of the world, approved of their ideals.
System Notification: [The Whitestone Clan’s leader, s.h.i.+ Gan, led his whole clan to take refuge with the System. The System is currently level 45, and have a follower limit of 6 people. The System has 4 existing followers, and 2 new followers, s.h.i.+ Gan and s.h.i.+ Da. Allies of the System has increased by 250 people and backup Morality Bar increased by 50. Current Morality Bar number increased to 63+50=113 bars.]
[The leader of a major force had just become a follower. The Follower Module activated a new skill: A Just Cause Attracts Support. Effect: Raise the System’s attack. For every follower the System gain, its attack is increased by 10%.]
Fang Ning was so thrilled, he tried to trick the System. “Look, new followers. Too bad you can only have six. If you would level up five more times, you will increase your limit by one again since it increases by one for every ten levels.”
The System said, “Do we have enough experience points? Only 4.7 billion, it’s not a lot so I won’t do it now. Maybe next time.”
Fang Ning rolled his eyes. ‘After being tricked last time, this idiot had grown wiser. Ah well, the opportunity’s gone. I’ll try again next time.’
At this point, the journalists who had witnessed the whole exchange recorded it and posted it to the internet. It was as if they were competing for the most shocking t.i.tle.
“Shocking! the Venerable Dragon G.o.d Met the Whitestone People, and This Is How They Treated Him?”
“The Whole Clan Allied with the Venerable One, the Truth Is…”
“The Eastern Pharos’ Light Shone Through, His Charisma is Boundless!”
The people on the internet was in disbelief.
“Why is it so easy?”
“They clearly said there are three conditions to meet, but as soon as the true dragon arrived, they prostrated. I don’t care how honest they claim to be, I don’t believe it!”
“Me too, I’ll only believe the Venerable One, he’s the best!”
“Where are those keyboard warriors? Come out and listen to this face-slapping that is happening right now!”
“Heh, they have no idea the meaning of true power!”
Of course they have no idea, those people had already been arrested by the true power…
…
Underground somewhere.
Elder Ancestor Bai smirked coldly, he had expected that to happen.
He exhorted Nie Yuan, “You didn’t say anything, but you were not convinced when I said Vigilante A will have those Whitestone people following him in no time. Do you know why I was so sure?”
Nie Yuen was disheartened and felt as if he was. .h.i.t critically. His face was red with shame as he replied, “I dare not speculate your thoughts.”
“Haha,” Elder Ancestor Bai laughed, “You were thinking not even Vigilante A could fulfill the three conditions, but I didn’t. I knew better. In the Upper Realm, if a true dragon wanted to take a servant, everyone would try to impress them. Those Whitestone people are not an exception.
“Their ancestor had been granted grace by the dragons. It made a mistake in its early years and only managed to turn over a new leaf because of the dragons. Do you still think Vigilante A would be met with problems if he were to recruit them?
“Even a wise man make the occasional mistakes. This lesson was to teach you that the wisdom of a wise man was built upon an abundance of information. Without information, no matter how much one thinks, mistakes would occur.”
It was a huge realization for Nie Yuan. He raised his head and nodded heavily, saying, “Thank you for the lesson.”
…
In the Leader’s officer of the Truth Department’s Think Tank Group.
Ren Ruofeng read the reports and sighed as he shook his head. “I guessed the outcome, but my process was entirely wrong. I thought he would be able to pa.s.s the test of three questions, but I didn’t expect him to be standing at the finish line since the beginning… That’s the mistake I overlooked that was caused by misinformation.”
He muttered to himself and suddenly thought of something. Cold sweat broke out all over his body. He staggered up and ran home without spending a glance at his mirror.
‘I should be more truthful. Be honest to myself. I may not understand other people, but don’t I understand myself, don’t I understand her?’ He reminded himself as he left.