The war-weary and impoverished people urgently needed hope. Zhang Jiao's Taiping Dao could deeply root itself in people's hearts because it provided spiritual support for those struggling at the bottom. Hope was the primary force that kept people alive. While steamed buns and porridge were precious, the most valuable thing was confidence in life!
As the main force entered Zhen Ding City, Wang Yan retook the stage to deliver his speech.
"Fellow villagers, I am Wang Yan, the Great Yan Master you've heard of!"
"Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, wars have not ceased, homes have been destroyed, families have been torn apart. This has brought us great suffering but also made us understand the importance of unity!"
"Today, I stand here not just to celebrate our victory over the Yellow Turbans but to join hands with you in rebuilding our homes!"
"I believe that one day, children will safely read in schools, and the elderly will spend their twilight years in peace!"
"I believe that one day, everyone here will have fields to plow, clothes to wear, and food to eat!"
"I believe that peace will return to the entire world one day!"
As Wang Yan's speech progressed, the people's emotions were stirred. Smiles appeared on their faces, and their eyes shone with hope for the future. Every word from Wang Yan was like a seed planted in their hearts, taking root and blooming into flowers of hope.
"The Great Yan Master is here to save us!"
"With the Immortal Master's protection, we will surely have good days ahead!"
In the crowd, Zhao Yun was also profoundly moved by Wang Yan's speech. He marveled at Wang Yan's eloquence and charisma and admired his commitment to the ordinary people.
"My lord is truly extraordinary. His words seem to ignite strength in people's hearts."
Meanwhile, Wang Yan felt the influx of emotional values from all directions.
[Emotion Value +99]
[Emotion Value +99]
[Emotion Value +99]
[Believer +1]
[Believer +1]
[Believer +1]
.....
[Congratulations to the host, the emotion value has exceeded 500,000, rewarding a mysterious draw for 200,000 emotion points]
Wang Yan was excited. Unknowingly, he had accumulated so many emotional points! A mysterious system lottery? But it's pretty expensive! This could be 200,000 steamed buns, enough to feed an army of 10,000 for two months.
Draw!
Quality comes at a price. With a thought, Wang Yan triggered the lottery. A flash of light appeared, and a spinning golden compass materialized in his mind, each section representing different items: legendary weapons like the Xuanyuan Sword, Overlord Spear, and Leigong Wengjin Hammer; legendary mounts like Wuzhui, Hulei Leopard, and Daoli…
Wang Yan's eyes gleamed with excitement, and his heartbeat quickened.
Ding.
[Deducted 200,000 emotion points]
[Congratulations to the host, you have obtained a Gene Evolution Elixir, significantly enhancing personal combat ability and sensory perception without side effects]
[Congratulations to the host, you have obtained a Magnetic Field Shielding Device, effective within a 20-mile radius]
Gene Evolution Elixir? Wang Yan was stunned. Such an item? A futuristic gene serum used for injecting super soldiers? This was perfect for boosting his shortcomings. Worth it!
But what was the point of a magnetic field shielding device? It was a defensive item in the primitive Three Kingdoms era, with no mobile phones to shield. Useless, absurd.
Eager to test the gene elixir, Wang Yan returned to his carriage. He wanted to see its power.
Inside the carriage, Ren Hongchang watched curiously as Wang Yan injected himself.
"Master, what is that?"
"A divine potion."
As the elixir coursed through Wang Yan's body, a warm current spread throughout. His blood circulation increased, muscles grew visibly, and bones cracked audibly.
Thump, thump. He could hear Ren Hongchang's heartbeat, previously invisible, becoming transparent. Even the sounds outside the carriage grew distinct. Testing his enhanced hearing, Wang Yan looked out and saw a group of people glaring at his carriage from afar.
Suddenly, he heard their distinct conversation.
"Leader, that Wang Yan is weak, only skilled in tricks. Otherwise, he would have personally led the charge today. Reliable sources say he traveled from Guangzong to Zhen Ding by carriage, proving he isn't a warrior."
"Good, tonight when the county magistrate hosts a banquet for Wang Yan, it's the best time to act. If we kill him, we'll solve the Great Teacher's major problem and avenge Sun Qing and Sun Ji!"
Wang Yan was startled. Zhang Jiao's assassins? Conspiracy? He was being targeted. The leader wasn't a strong warrior but a county official with an unremarkable black mole near his eye.
"Enhanced vision, too."
The leader, Zhang Wu, was the county captain of Zhen Ding, a devoted Taiping Dao believer. Today, he planned to collaborate with the Yellow Turban soldiers outside to capture Zhen Ding, but Wang Yan foiled his plans.
Realizing the broad infiltration of Taiping Dao, Wang Yan understood the danger they posed.
"Zhang Jiao, why must you be so bent on my destruction?"
Previously worried about personal safety, Wang Yan now felt reassured by the gene elixir's enhancement. Not only could he protect himself, but he could also lead charges.
Memorizing the faces of the assassins, Wang Yan exuded a chilling killing intent, lowered the curtain, and coldly snorted.
Sensing his shift from a gentle scholar to a fierce warrior, Ren Hongchang, like a startled rabbit, nervously asked, "Master, what's wrong? I'm scared."
Wang Yan smiled, reassuringly holding her hands. "Don't be afraid; tonight, I might get a bit intense."
Ren Hongchang was confused. "What?"
"I've gained unmatched strength!"
To test his newfound strength, Wang Yan gently lifted Ren Hongchang. She felt as light as a feather, as if weightless.
"This girl weighs at least 80 pounds; why do I feel no weight?"
"Let me try one hand."
Ren Hongchang became a human dumbbell, lifted repeatedly by Wang Yan.
"Ah!"
"Ah!"
Ren Hongchang's exclamations were quickly silenced by her hand, fearing others might hear. Her heart raced.
"What is he doing? Put me down."
Wang Yan set her down, staring at his hands in amazement.
"This feels incredible!"
Ren Hongchang, bewildered, thought, "What did he mean by 'a bit intense'? Does he plan something tonight? He's been using his power frequently and might be exhausted. Is tonight when I repay his kindness?"