If given the opportunity, it was entirely possible that Chen Zhixian could have developed Cloud Emerge Town into Cloud Emerge City, even establishing a thriving influence in the surrounding regions. However, with the sweeping onset of this natural disaster, all such ambitions were reduced to ashes.
Between ambition and the lives of the people, he ultimately chose the people.
Secretly, Mao Sui nodded to himself, gaining a favorable impression of Chen Zhixian.
Whatever else could be said, if Cloudrise Town were to join Great Yi, there was no doubt that he would retain his position as lord of the city. As for what he might gain or lose from it—that would depend on his own perspective.
"What paradise? If Lord Mao hadn't come, I fear Cloud Emerge Town would have become a living hell in just a few days. Absolutely tragic."
Chen Zhixian shook his head with a bitter smile as he looked at Mao Sui, inwardly shaken. From Mao Sui alone, he could sense an unfathomable presence—his cultivation and combat strength were without question superior to his own.
Don't be fooled into thinking that a civil official must be weak in strength.
Underestimating someone like that was just asking for a slap in the face.
As a heir of the School of Diplomacy, Mao Sui cultivated the Art of Strategic Persuasion (纵横术). His strength was formidable. In a one-on-one fight, no one in Cloud Emerge Town could match him.
Even among the troops Mao brought from Great Yi, few would be his equal.
Silently, he marveled at the profound foundations of the Great Yi Dynasty—truly staggering. He had no doubt that if they wished to, this army of ten thousand could erase Cloud Emerge Town without the slightest resistance.
"No need to worry. As fellow human forces, my Great Yi Dynasty would never stand idly by and watch others of our race starve or freeze to death. The King, in his benevolence, upon hearing of the surrounding human settlements suffering from disaster, immediately ordered the distribution of our grain reserves for relief."
Mao Sui smiled as he spoke, his tone calm and clear.
"His Majesty has stated many times in court: in this Eternal World, our human race is weak, slaughtered, stricken with endless disasters. If we can help, then we must help. Whether or not they are citizens of Great Yi, they are still human, still our brothers and sisters. If we have the power to help and choose not to—then who will?"
"King Yi is truly compassionate."
Chen Zhixian's expression turned solemn as he clasped his hands and gave a respectful bow in the direction of Great Yi.
Having served as an official, he deeply understood the pressure and difficulty of managing relief in times of natural disaster. Forget aiding outsiders—just feeding one's own people required a desperate scramble for resources and supplies.
It was just like ancient aristocratic families hoarding mountains of grain even during famines. Even if the grain rotted, they would not part with it for the sake of the people.
All the more so now, in the Eternal World, where no one knew how long this disaster would last. Food was life itself. If it were him, he wouldn't give it away so easily either.
Such generosity and compassion deserved the respect of all humanity.
"King Yi is truly merciful!!"
"Yes! The King is a savior! If only I could become a citizen of Great Yi. I'd gladly trade ten years of my life for it!"
"Why can't Cloud Emerge Town join Great Yi? If we could, wouldn't we become its citizens too?"
The townspeople, visibly moved, began murmuring among themselves, hearts stirred. The idea of becoming subjects of Great Yi took root in their minds—and once planted, it was irreversible.
It grew stronger by the second.
The more they heard, the more they yearned for it.
Chen Zhixian's expression changed slightly, but he could only let out a bitter sigh. It was human nature to seek peace and security. How could one resist or deceive the will of the people?
In Mao Sui's heart, a knowing smile appeared.
This was precisely the outcome he desired—and exactly what Great Yi wanted to see.
With the hearts of the people leaning toward Great Yi, those in power would have no choice but to comply. This was an open scheme, a sunlit strategy—one so blatant, yet irresistible. Even if you saw through it, you still had to follow along.
"Please, let the envoy enter the town. Allow us to offer some hospitality."
Chen Zhixian spoke up.
"No need. The people come first. Besides, I'm not just here for Cloudrise Town. There are other towns in need of aid. The sooner we distribute supplies here, the sooner I can reach others."
Mao Sui replied with a gentle smile.
The supplies would not be handed over to Chen Zhixian, but distributed directly to every citizen—so that the people would clearly understand: this aid came from Great Yi. It was a bold, direct display of presence and benevolence.
"Very well. In that case, please proceed to the town square."
Naturally, Chen Zhixian could not object. Many neighboring areas were in worse shape than Cloud Emerge Town. A delay of even one day could mean hundreds more starving to death.
Mao Sui's request was fair and unimpeachable.
Upon reaching the square, arrangements were quickly made. Vast amounts of grain were unloaded and stacked into impressive piles. The white grains sparkled, bringing joy just to behold.
"All citizens of Cloud Emerge Town may come forward to receive your aid. Each of you will receive 100 jin of mixed spirit rice (杂灵米), one piece of winter clothing, and assorted vegetables and beast meat."
Immediately, accompanying officials began handing out the supplies.
One hundred jin of grain was enough to last an average person two to three months—longer if rationed carefully.
And this amount was uniform for all, no matter who they were.
This was a massive distribution—enough to support Cloud Emerge Town for a long time.
"Thank you! King Yi is truly a living Buddha!"
"We're saved! Truly saved! One day, I'll repay King Yi and the Great Yi Dynasty!"
Every recipient's face lit up with genuine gratitude and joy. For the first time, they saw a glimpse of hope. The hope of survival.
Chen Zhixian could only smile bitterly.
At this point, resisting Great Yi was pointless. If their army ever arrived, the people themselves would likely rush out to welcome them with open arms.
There was no doubt about it.
The hearts of the people had already shifted—from his hands to the embrace of the Great Yi Dynasty. Public sentiment is like water: with the right channel, it can flow wherever you direct it.
And this time, he could only watch helplessly as someone dug away at his foundations.
The feeling was indescribable.
Buzz!!
Just then, a vibration came from Mao Sui's wrist.
Everyone saw the wrist-mounted communication watch (通讯腕表) glowing softly.
"That's one of the communication watches used by the Great Yi Dynasty."
Chen Zhixian recognized it immediately. It was a legendary artifact capable of instant communication across thousands of miles, even allowing video projections.
Unfortunately, such watches could only be used by Great Yi citizens, as they required a Star Network imprint linked to a personal household record. Even if you managed to obtain one, it would be useless unless registered.
He had only ever heard of them—this was his first time seeing one in action.
Curiosity flickered in his eyes.
The same curiosity lit up the faces of those nearby.
Mao Sui made no effort to hide it.
A flash of light, and through a thought command, the watch connected to another.
A voice came through clearly.
"Minister Mao, just moments ago, Gourd Town formally declared its intent to join the Great Yi Dynasty. Their letter of submission is already on the King's desk. The King has approved their request and issued official rewards. Mayor Lu Wenjun has been promoted for his meritorious submission. Gourd Town is now a city, and Lu Wenjun retains his post as City Lord. He will enjoy a Third Rank fortune blessing, receive various treasures, and be granted access to top-tier cultivation techniques. The King has also stated: any human settlement willing to join Great Yi will be warmly welcomed and generously rewarded."
The voice carried a strange magic, and naturally echoed outward.
"Excellent. The King has long said: all of humanity is one family. In chaotic times, unity is survival. With Gourd Town joining Great Yi, they can draw upon our dynasty's national fortune and be elevated to a Celestial City (仙城). One more Celestial City for Great Yi."
Mao Sui appeared genuinely pleased.
"Gourd Town has already submitted… and even received so many rewards. Not only did Lu Wenjun retain power, he became a City Lord, a Third Rank official, and gained treasures and techniques..."
Chen Zhixian gasped inwardly.
Someone had already made the move—and fast.
Still, he couldn't deny it. To Great Yi, such swift submission was a powerful gesture of goodwill—and came with the richest rewards.
The first to eat the crab always reaps the biggest benefits.
Just like offering a horse's bone for a thousand gold pieces—a statement of value that would encourage others.
"If I had been the first to submit… would I have gained even more?"
The thought flashed through his mind.
Great Yi's offer was simply too generous. Not only could one retain their authority, but they were elevated in status, bathed in national fortune.
It was hard to imagine anyone not flocking to such an offer.