Fantasy: After transmigrating, I effortlessly became a god.

Chapter 431 Distributing a token of affection

"Guardian God of War Zheng Qian has arrived! Initiate the highest ceremony to welcome the God of War!"

Du Lingwen's voice was clear and powerful, piercing through the clamor of the crowd like a clear spring pouring into boiling water, instantly silencing the entire Ce Ling Pavilion. Her voice not only conveyed respect for Zheng Qian's status but also contained deep admiration for this legendary war god.

As Du Lingwen finished speaking, the atmosphere inside the Order Pavilion instantly became solemn and dignified. Those who had been standing or sitting quickly straightened their clothes and, with a ritualistic gesture, turned in unison towards Zheng Qian, bowing deeply. Their actions revealed their boundless respect for Zheng Qian, and their sincere admiration for this war god who, on his very first day in the Youfeng Rift Valley, initiated the gate-blocking battle, breaking an eight-hundred-year record, and achieving the fastest military advancement in history.

At the same time, several soldiers in armor strode forward, carrying exquisite trays laden with delicate desserts. With light and orderly movements, they respectfully presented the trays to Zheng Qian, expressing the Starry Chess Formation's warm welcome and sincere gratitude to the God of War.

Zheng Qian nodded slightly, his gaze deep and calm: "Everyone, I am Zheng Qian. Although I have received the Guardian God of War Medal, my cultivation is still shallow. You don't need to be so polite or receive me with such high etiquette."

“Anyone who receives the War God Medal is a hero of our Ghost Wind Rift Valley and a role model for the human race. Everyone in Ghost Wind Rift Valley must learn from the War God, protect the safety of the human race, and prevent them from being invaded by the demon race.” Du Lingwen bowed to Zheng Qian and then continued, “Your visit today is the highest honor of our Starry Sky Chess Array Strategy Pavilion.”

Li Miaoran was stunned; she hadn't expected Zheng Qian to receive such high treatment. Hu Dinghuan forgot to play with his crystal skull, staring at Zheng Qian with his mouth agape, his mind blank. You Haoshen stood there somewhat at a loss, swallowing hard, thinking Zheng Qian was incredibly cool at that moment.

Zheng Qian nodded. He really hadn't expected Du Lingwen to organize such a ceremony for him. He had previously used the Wind Whisper Stone to tell Xiao Zhi and Zhao Nuo about this, hoping to get their help, but he hadn't expected it to be such a grand affair, with everyone welcoming him.

Very good, you know how to handle things.

"Sit down, everyone. Everyone is busy with their own things. Relax." Zheng Qian waved to everyone, but no one wanted to go back. They all looked at him, as if trying to etch his image into their minds.

Zheng Qian was a little embarrassed and gestured to Li Miaoran, Hu Dinghuan and You Haoshen: "Sit down, everyone, there's no need to be so reserved and polite."

Before Li Miaoran and the others could make a move, a figure suddenly rushed in through the door and bowed to Zheng Qian.

"The arrival of the God of War is the greatest honor for the Starry Chess Formation Strategy Pavilion. I am Zhao Minghang, the highest-ranking officer of the Strategy Pavilion. I apologize for not being able to greet him immediately!"

Zheng Qian wanted to laugh, but he maintained a serious expression. He recognized Zhao Minghang; he was an old acquaintance. Just a few days ago, Zhao Minghang was the deputy director of the Wise and Courageous Judgment Division, but now he was the head of the Starry Sky Chess Array Strategy Pavilion—a promotion from deputy director to director! He also hadn't expected Zhao Nuo to arrange for him to come and greet him, which greatly increased his goodwill towards Zhao Nuo.

The Radiant Legion, that's great.

"Lord Zhao, you're too kind. My purpose in coming here is to find a mission for the geniuses of the Southern Region." Zheng Qian casually stated his purpose, which was simply to take on a mission and defeat Li Miaoran and the others.

Zhao Minghang hurriedly waved to Du Lingwen and the others: "Quickly, bring out all the missions and let the God of War choose."

Du Lingwen carried five ancient books, and the people from the twelve mission rooms carried out a table and placed all the mission books on it, totaling seventy-two books. The mission wall was constantly being updated with new missions, the lowest of which were level three missions.

"God of War, you are so busy. In the future, just let me know if you need any missions. I will sort all the missions by category and send them to you for you to choose from." Zhao Minghang bowed, showing his utmost respect.

Zheng Qian nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the rows of mission books, already having made his decision. He didn't rush to choose, but instead asked Zhao Minghang, "Lord Zhao, could you tell me which of these missions are ones that the younger generation of the Southern Region can complete and that are safe to do?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Minghang's expression hardened, clearly aware of Zheng Qian's intentions. He quickly sifted through the information in his mind before replying, "Reporting to the War God, accepting a mission requires corresponding strength and military merit. Even the most talented individuals in the Southern Region can only accept level two missions at most. However, as a holder of the Guardian War God Medal, you have an exception. There are currently over ten thousand missions in the Ghost Wind Rift Valley, but not many offer safety guarantees. However, there is one that is quite suitable. It is a level five exploration mission. Recently, a batch of grain from the three races will be transported to the Star Chess Fortress, and we need to ascertain their specific route and timing for transporting the grain."

This was Zhao Minghang's art of speaking. Although the geniuses of the Southern Region were powerful, they could only accept level-two missions according to their military merit ranking. Therefore, Li Miaoran, Hu Dinghuan, and You Haoshen were able to receive level-three missions because they had obtained privileges through their connections. By saying this, he not only made the three major forces remember their favor in building connections, but also highlighted Zheng Qian's privileges in the Youfeng Rift Valley, which were greater than the geniuses of the three major forces had imagined. Winning the competition was therefore a matter of course.

"Oh? The mission to explore the Star Chess Fortress..." Zheng Qian's lips curled into a playful smile. Exploration missions are usually level three, so why did it become level five for him? Isn't this just giving him the green light?

Du Lingwen quickly pulled out a copy from the mission book and presented it with both hands. Zheng Qian took it and read it carefully. The mission details were quite detailed, not only marking the specific locations of the Star Chess Fortress and the Starry Chess Array, but also providing possible clues, as well as mentioning the list of the demon race's grain transport teams and their strength analysis.

Star Chess Fortress is a defensive fortress of the three-race alliance, located opposite the Starry Chess Formation, and is also a trial site where battles are fought almost every day.

“Very good, this is the one.” Zheng Qian closed the mission booklet, looked at Zhao Minghang, and continued, “Lord Zhao, please make the arrangements to ensure that our team can set off smoothly. At the same time, I hope that the news of me accepting this mission can be kept secret for the time being.”

"God of War, please rest assured, we will definitely handle the task you have entrusted to us, and we will also provide troop support along your retreat route." Zhao Minghang took Du Lingwen's paper and pen and personally registered the mission information for Zheng Qian.

Li Miaoran tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear, glancing casually at the level-three quest in her hand, her eyes deep and thoughtful. Hu Dinghuan's crystal skull glowed eerily; his heart was unsettled. His own quest was also a level-three mission. You Haoshen sighed inwardly, his usual arrogance vanished, clutching his level-three quest tightly, his heart filled with bitterness.

They had lost. Seeing the way the Ce Ling Pavilion treated Zheng Qian upon his entrance, they knew they had lost. They hadn't expected the highest-ranking officer to personally greet him and even say that future missions would be sent to Zheng Qian for selection. How could they possibly compete like that?

After the mission registration was completed, Zheng Qian turned to Li Ming and pulled him over, saying, "Lord Zhao, this is Li Ming, a prodigy of the Heavenly Vein Sect and the top of the seven great geniuses of the Southern Region. Please take good care of him when you accept missions in the future!"

"Definitely, definitely! Li Ming, the spearman, is a household name!" Zhao Minghang said with a smile. He and Li Ming were old acquaintances, but he still pretended to be meeting him for the first time.

"Lord Zhao is young and promising, a role model for us all!" Li Ming said politely, bowing as if it were his first time meeting him.

The mission acceptance process ended there. Zheng Qian bid farewell to Zhao Minghang, saying he would visit him later for tea and a chat to thank him in person. Zhao Minghang was naturally happy to accept, as he was looking forward to making another great contribution and advancing into the headquarters of the Radiant Legion and the Divine Court.

Zheng Qian booked an entire tavern in the Starry Chess Formation area, piecing together all the tables to create the appearance of a conference room. Over four hundred geniuses from the Southern Region surrounded him, waiting for him to speak. Everyone knew that Zheng Qian had won this competition.

"Fellow Daoists, hear me out! We have gathered here for this trial, solely to improve our cultivation and pursue the supreme realm of martial arts. In this process, we have supported each other, advancing and retreating together, forging an unbreakable bond. Tell me, in the face of this profound friendship, what difference does it make who sits on the throne of the alliance leader? It is merely an empty title, a symbol. What truly matters is the belief in our hearts, the deep affection that forever regards each other as family." Zheng Qian spoke calmly, without mentioning the competition.

“I’m willing to accept defeat. From now on, you are the leader of the alliance. I, You Haoshen, acknowledge that.” You Haoshen didn’t say anything more; he was willing to accept defeat.

"Zheng Qian, from this day forward you are the leader of the Iron-Blooded Conquest Alliance. This is something that Hu Dinghuan, the third prince of the Miannan Empire, has acknowledged, and he will also respect you as his grandmaster." Hu Dinghuan's face was grim. He had previously said that since Zheng Qian had won the competition, he would not only recognize Zheng Qian as the leader of the alliance, but also as a grandmaster.

"Congratulations, you're now the leader of the alliance. We'll all follow your orders." Li Miaoran smiled beautifully, offering her blessings without any other intentions.

Zheng Qian said it didn't matter who sat in the leader's position, and they couldn't take it seriously, since everyone was eyeing that position. He said that while it sounded nice, they were just listening and wouldn't take it seriously.

The events at Ce Ling Ge made them all realize that their network of connections in Youfeng Rift Valley was no match for Zheng Qian's, especially the Guardian War God Medal awarded by the Guangyao Legion. They took action to uphold the honor bestowed upon them.

In fact, the Starry Sky Medal of Wisdom and Courage awarded by the Strategic Alliance is by no means weak; it's just that the Strategy Pavilion is managed by the Radiant Legion, so its effectiveness has not been realized. Furthermore, Zheng Qian is the Honorary Deputy Chief of Staff of the Strategic Alliance, and wields considerable real power, but he simply hasn't considered using it.

"Li Ming pays his respects to the Alliance Leader!" Li Ming was even more straightforward, standing up to perform the cultivator's salute to Zheng Qian.

"Greetings, Alliance Leader!" The geniuses of the Southern Region were very sensible; they all stood up and bowed to Zheng Qian, their voices resounding through the sky.

From this day forward, Zheng Qian will be the leader of the Iron-Blooded Conquest Alliance.

"Since everyone agrees, then I, Zheng Qian, will not refuse. Fellow Daoists, please make the formalities and be seated!"

"Thank you, Alliance Leader!"

Zheng Qian didn't play the trick of repeatedly refusing and pleading with everyone before finally accepting the position in a time of crisis. What if the three major powers didn't cooperate and didn't push him to take the position? Wouldn't he be shooting himself in the foot?

Zheng Qian took a sip of tea, cleared his throat, and announced loudly, "Today, the Iron-Blooded Conquest Alliance is officially established."

"Good!" Everyone shouted. Li Miaoran and Hu Dinghuan also lowered their guard. They could tell from Ce Ling Ge's attitude towards Zheng Qian that if they wanted to make a name for themselves in Youfeng Rift Valley, they would really have to rely on Zheng Qian.

Zheng Qian slowly raised his arm, the movement carrying an indescribable air of authority and composure, as if the entire space froze with his gesture. Instantly, the noisy hall became eerily quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. This was the unique temperament and demeanor of a genius from the Southern Region—a high level of refinement that naturally commanded respect from everyone.

His gaze was deep as he surveyed everyone present, his voice steady and magnetic: "The establishment of the alliance is undoubtedly a momentous event worthy of our collective celebration. It is my greatest honor to have the trust and support of all of you, fellow Daoists, and to be a witness and participant in this grand occasion. Here, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you all."

Before he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted.

A gentle smile appeared on Zheng Qian's face, a smile that contained both humility and confidence. He continued, "I know all too well that the path of cultivation is long and arduous, and every resource is crucial. Therefore, although I haven't prepared any earth-shattering gifts, as the first members of the alliance, each of you holds a very important place in my heart. So, I've decided that today, I will distribute a token of my heart to each of you here, hoping it will help you all take another step forward on your cultivation journey."

As he spoke, Zheng Qian gently flicked his sleeve, and beams of dazzling light flew out from it, landing steadily in front of each person. These were ten mid-grade spirit crystals, each containing abundant spiritual power, enough to move any cultivator.

"Ten mid-grade spirit crystals for each of you. It's not much, but it's a small token of my appreciation. I hope it will be a help on your cultivation path, allowing your cultivation to rise like the rising sun." Zheng Qian's words were full of sincerity and expectation. His generosity shocked and surprised everyone present.

"My God, this is a mid-grade spirit crystal. I've never seen one before."

"Haha, country bumpkin, I've never seen one like that before."

"Ten mid-grade spirit crystals, that's four thousand low-grade spirit crystals, enough to buy three second-grade magic artifacts."

"When you go to buy it, remember to call me, I want to buy it too."

"Haha, thank you, Alliance Leader!"

At that moment, thunderous applause and cheers erupted in the hall, and everyone cast grateful and admiring glances at Zheng Qian. This generosity and magnanimity not only demonstrated Zheng Qian's strength and breadth of vision as the leader of the Iron-Blooded Conquest Alliance, but also filled everyone with boundless hope and confidence for the future of the alliance.

This is the power of money. Who wouldn't like a leader with such financial power?

"Haha, since everyone is so enthusiastic, I'm happy too. I'll give everyone ten." Zheng Qian laughed heartily, and with a wave of his sleeve, ten mid-grade spirit crystals flew out again, ten for each person.

My goodness, my God, is it really that extravagant?

"Haha, thank you, Alliance Leader! From now on, my life, Wu Xu's life, belongs to you."

"Thank you, Alliance Leader. From now on, if I, Zhao Keyu, even frown, may I be struck by lightning if you give me a word, whether it's going to be a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire."

"This leader is undoubtedly you, our beloved Leader Zheng, the God of War Zheng Qian."

The geniuses from the Southern Region were even more excited. More than half of them would never earn more than ten mid-grade spirit crystals in their entire lives, let alone twenty. They never expected Zheng Qian to casually distribute them, making it impossible for them not to wholeheartedly follow him.

If someone offered you wealth you couldn't earn in two lifetimes, and asked you to follow them and live a life of luxury, would you be willing? I'm just asking you, would you be willing?

Knowing that the tide had turned and Zheng Qian's appointment as alliance leader was irreversible, Hu Dinghuan took out the Wind-Traveling Jade Slip and handed it to Zheng Qian: "Alliance Leader, I believe you have the strength to lead the alliance to great success in the Wind Rift Valley."

Zheng Qian calmly accepted the Fengxing jade slip: "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

You Haoshen sighed inwardly. He knew that Zheng Qian had given away mid-grade spirit crystals twice, and their position as alliance leader was already widely expected. Even if Zheng Qian said he would not take the position, his fellow disciples would not agree. He then presented the Shadow Escape Talisman with both hands.

"I admire Alliance Leader Zheng's generosity."

Zheng Qian accepted the Shadow Escape Talisman as well, grinning and saying, "Don't worry, I've got everything covered."