Gan Changfeng was overjoyed; bringing the remnants of the Kuyue World Cluster to seek refuge in the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds seemed to be the correct choice.
If nothing else, this Young Master Ye before him was without a hint of pretension and had even gifted him healing elixirs with utmost enthusiasm the moment they met.
"Although the healing elixirs Young Master Ye gifted probably aren't precious and might not even be suitable for me, such a warm attitude finally puts my mind at ease," Gan Changfeng thought to himself.
He was a Demigod expert; the healing elixirs he required naturally had to be of the Demigod level. He didn't believe Ye Yunfei could produce Demigod-grade healing elixirs because they were simply too precious. Even he, as a Demigod expert, couldn't produce them. He had only broken through to become a Demigod not long ago.
Then, when Gan Changfeng's Soul Power perception entered the jade bottle in his hand, he froze completely, his face filled with disbelief. He discovered that this jade bottle seemed to contain nothing but Demigod-grade healing elixirs—and there were over a dozen of them!
What did it mean to gift over a dozen Demigod-grade healing elixirs in one go?
"Young Master Ye, are all these elixirs of the Demigod grade?" Gan Changfeng asked in a trembling voice.
"Yes, they suit you. Take them and use them. After refining these elixirs, your injuries should be fine," Ye Yunfei nodded, appearing utterly unperturbed.
"They really are Demigod-grade elixirs, and over a dozen of them! Young Master Ye, these Demigod elixirs are too precious! I can't accept them!" Gan Changfeng simply didn't dare to accept them. Over a dozen Demigod elixirs truly were too valuable!
"It's nothing. I have plenty more of these elixirs. If you need Initial Demigod-level elixirs in the future, you can ask me," Ye Yunfei replied flatly.
"Plenty more!" Gan Changfeng was somewhat shocked.
"Brother Gan, you should accept them. These elixirs were personally refined by Young Master Ye. While they are priceless to you, to Young Master Ye, they're nothing much," Ouyang Tao interjected from the side. Both Ouyang Tao and Kong Lao were aware that Ye Yunfei was an Alchemy Master capable of refining Demigod-grade pills.
"What? These Demigod Pills were refined by Young Master Ye? Young Master Ye can refine Demigod pills?" Upon hearing this, Gan Changfeng's expression turned to one of astonishment.
A Demigod-grade alchemist would be highly sought after by any major power in the Chaotic Void Sea. Demigod-level alchemists were exceedingly rare, and every one was a long-established master of alchemy, a veritable relic of the craft. For someone as young as Ye Yunfei to be a Demigod alchemist completely overturned Gan Changfeng's previous understanding.
"Alright, if that's the case, then I'll accept them. Young Master Ye, from now on, the forces of our Kuyue World Cluster will follow you! If Young Master Ye has any needs, you only need to issue the command," Gan Changfeng said solemnly after putting away the jade bottle.
Never mind Ye Yunfei's strength; merely his identity as a Demigod alchemist was worthy of Gan Changfeng's allegiance!
"Good, you should go heal your wounds first. Also, before you start healing, take stock of your men and see what type of healing elixirs they require. Collect that information and send it to me. I will provide them then," Ye Yunfei nodded and said.
Ye Yunfei had over a dozen clones continuously refining pills within the Phantom Tower and had already produced a vast quantity of elixirs during this period.
"Also, send out orders to collect all types of alchemy medicinal herbs. If anyone can provide their own herbs, I will prioritize refining pills for them," Ye Yunfei added after some thought.
Although Ye Yunfei still possessed a large stock of herbs on his person, with forces from several World Clusters now following him, the number of living beings requiring elixirs had become terrifyingly large. Relying solely on his personal reserves would eventually drain them dry.
"Very well, Young Master Ye. I will immediately send out orders to collect herbs right away!" Kong Lao promptly replied.
"Alright, you and your people from the Kuyue World Cluster have traveled far. You should rest and recuperate first," Ye Yunfei said to Gan Changfeng.
"Senior Ouyang, I will refine some pills. Send people to other World Clusters to sell them and purchase various alchemy herbs to bring back," Ye Yunfei said to Ouyang Tao after further consideration.
Contemplating the growing number of followers, Ye Yunfei realized he must begin finding ways to earn resources; otherwise, he would exhaust his reserves. Being an alchemist was a profession that easily earned resources, so he decided to utilize his alchemical skills to generate income.
"Understood, Young Master Ye," Ouyang Tao grasped Ye Yunfei's intention and replied immediately.
Two days later, Ye Yunfei handed dozens of spatial rings filled with pills refined by his over a dozen clones to Ouyang Tao. He tasked Ouyang Tao to quietly leave the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds for the Chaotic Void Sea with over a dozen Heavenly Immortals from the Qianfang World Cluster and a group of Gold Immortals to sell the pills in other World Clusters. Ouyang Tao excelled at social interaction, handled affairs flexibly, and possessed a sharp mind, so Ye Yunfei felt assured sending him out to sell pills.
"I can now proficiently refine Low-Grade Demigod Pills and can barely refine Mid-Grade Demigod Pills. However, my proficiency in refining Mid-Grade pills is still insufficient; neither the quality nor the pill yield rate is up to standard yet. So, I must properly improve my alchemy skills," Ye Yunfei said to himself.
Consequently, Ye Yunfei had one of his Soul Bodies begin contemplating the alchemy furnace obtained from the Void Secret Realm. This furnace contained the Alchemy Legacy left behind by a Deity-level Alchemy Master. Although Ye Yunfei had contemplated it many times, he knew he was far from comprehending it thoroughly. If he truly grasped the legacy of a Deity, his current level would certainly not be the limit.
In the following period, Ye Yunfei continued cultivating to enhance his strength.
"Young Master Ye, I also have a close friend. He is the Patriarch of a major clan in the Luoye World Cluster. Not long ago, the Luoye World Cluster was invaded by Monster Capital forces. My friend led his clan's forces, along with forces from other major powers within the Luoye World Cluster, and fled. They are currently wandering the Chaotic Void Sea, with nowhere to settle. The Monster Capital has issued a statement demanding all escaped beings from the Luoye World Cluster return to serve as slaves for the Monster Capital, or they will have no place to stand in the entire Chaotic Void Sea.
"In my younger days when I ventured out, I became friends and traveled alongside him for a period. Our friendship is quite solid. Young Master Ye, my friend entrusted me to ask if you could possibly grant them sanctuary?"
On this day, Kong Lao suddenly appeared before one of Ye Yunfei's clones and spoke.
During this time, Ye Yunfei's true body had been secluded in cultivation within the Phantom Tower. Everyone who needed to report matters would come to Ye Yunfei's clones. Whatever the clone learned, Ye Yunfei's true body would also know synchronously.
"Oh, is that so?" Ye Yunfei, upon hearing this, felt somewhat speechless. Having just taken in the people of the Kuyue World Cluster, he hadn't expected forces from another World Cluster would also seek his refuge.
"Young Master Ye, although my friendship with that friend is good, if you feel it's inappropriate, I will immediately decline him," Kong Lao, seeing Ye Yunfei pondering without replying, assumed Ye Yunfei felt troubled and immediately offered.
Hun Lao sent a voice transmission to Ye Yunfei: "Since so many World Cluster forces are seeking to take refuge with you, I think you can take this chance to strengthen your own forces. You have offended many major powers. Although your strength is formidable, going against so many powerful factions alone is easy to end up at a disadvantage. Having a large contingent would make things much easier."
"That makes sense. I actually have similar thoughts," Ye Yunfei nodded after hearing Hun Lao's words.
"Elder Kong, do you trust your friend?" Ye Yunfei asked.
"I trust him. After all, we adventured together for a considerable period in the past, experiencing various life-and-death crises together, making us true comrades forged in battle. I understand his character very well. He is trustworthy," Kong Lao nodded in confirmation.
"Good. Since that's the case, tell him to come," Ye Yunfei nodded.
Regarding Kong Lao, Ye Yunfei had a reasonable understanding and trust. Kong Lao was a steady and solid individual. As his Heart Force energy level increased, Ye Yunfei's ability to read people also grew stronger; often, he could perceive the inner thoughts of others. Particularly those beings whose strength was inferior to his found it difficult to conceal their inner thoughts before him.
"Excellent! Thank you, Young Master Ye! I will notify him right away!" Seeing Ye Yunfei's agreement, Kong Lao was overjoyed and spoke immediately. He knew that seeking refuge with Ye Yunfei was definitely an excellent choice for his friend.
Three days later.
Forces from the Luoye World Cluster arrived at the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds. Kong Lao's friend was an old man of ordinary stature, a Full Heavenly Immortal at the Four-Pillar True Immortal Realm.
Ye Yunfei sensed his energy aura and found that this old man wasn't far from having a chance to break through to become a Demigod.
"I pay my respects to Young Master Ye. I am Cheng Zhi from the Luoye World Cluster. Pursued by Monster Capital forces, I have come specifically to seek refuge with you. I earnestly hope you will grant us sanctuary!" The old man arrived before Ye Yunfei and spoke respectfully.
"No need for formalities. Since you are Elder Kong's friend, you are one of our own. Elder Kong, settle the people from the Luoye World Cluster," Ye Yunfei nodded and spoke amiably.
Seeing Ye Yunfei's friendly attitude, Cheng Zhi breathed a sigh of relief.
"Your immortal energy foundation is very solid, and your accumulations should be sufficient as well. You can attempt to charge towards the Demigod realm. I have some elixirs here for you. They can assist your breakthrough attempt," Ye Yunfei waved his hand, sending a jade bottle flying to land before Cheng Zhi.
"Young Master Ye, these elixirs are extremely useful to me!" Cheng Zhi first expressed thanks, then perceived the contents of the jade bottle and exclaimed in pleasant surprise on the spot. "Thank you for the great kindness in gifting these elixirs, Young Master Ye!" Cheng Zhi cried out excitedly.
With this bottle of elixirs, he had full confidence in his attempt to break through to Demigod. His foundation was exceptionally solid, and his experiences and accumulations were already sufficient; he only lacked a final catalyst. Now, this bottle of elixirs was an excellent catalyst for him!
"Young Master Ye, I will go into seclusion immediately to attempt my Demigod breakthrough!" Cheng Zhi said, unable to contain his urgency.
"Good. Brother Cheng, please follow me," Kong Lao said as he led Cheng Zhi away to settle the forces from the Luoye World Cluster.
"Brother Cheng, isn't following Young Master Ye a good choice?" Kong Lao sent a voice transmission as they departed.
"Seeking refuge with Young Master Ye is an absolutely correct decision for me!" Cheng Zhi responded excitedly.
"Haha, just wait and see. You'll grow more and more impressed with Young Master Ye!" Kong Lao laughed triumphantly.
Not long after.
At a certain location within the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, Tribulation Clouds began gathering on a massive scale. Oppressive black clouds covered the vast Chaotic Void; thick bolts of lightning danced wildly within the cloud layers.
"Cheng Zhi is starting his lightning tribulation!" Ye Yunfei's heart stirred as he looked towards that direction.
Sure enough, Cheng Zhi rushed out from his seclusion spot, standing beneath the black clouds, and began enduring the lightning tribulation.
"He will definitely succeed," Ye Yunfei sensed Cheng Zhi's aura and nodded.
Indeed, before long, Cheng Zhi successfully passed the tribulation and became a Demigod.
One of Ye Yunfei's clones arrived before Cheng Zhi to offer congratulations. Kong Lao also led a large group of Full Heavenly Immortals over to congratulate Cheng Zhi. Seeing Cheng Zhi become a Demigod, all the Full Heavenly Immortals were filled with envy.
"Young Master Ye, we now have over three hundred, nearly four hundred, Heavenly Immortals, plus two Demigods. As for Gold Immortals, we already have several thousand," Kong Lao reported to Ye Yunfei. After receiving Ye Yunfei's healing elixirs, Gan Changfeng had been in seclusion healing his injuries and had yet to emerge. Adding Gan Changfeng, Ye Yunfei now had two Demigods under his command!
"Not bad. This is already a considerably strong overall force. It's starting to feel like a formidable contingent," Hun Lao remarked with a smile.
"Elder Cheng, you've just broken through. Take some time to properly consolidate your realm. I have some elixirs suitable for Initial Demigods; they are very effective for consolidation and energy replenishment," Ye Yunfei retrieved another jade bottle and sent it before Cheng Zhi.
"These are Demigod elixirs!" Cheng Zhi sensed the bottle and discovered it contained over a dozen Demigod Pills, greatly astonishing him. Gifting over a dozen Demigod pills in one move—such extravagance!
"Accept them. Young Master Ye has plenty of Demigod Pills," Seeing Cheng Zhi hesitate to accept, Kong Lao stuffed the jade bottle into his hand with a smile.
"Thank you, Young Master Ye! From now on, Young Master Ye, just give the order, and I will follow it!" Finally persuaded by Kong Lao, Cheng Zhi accepted the elixirs, utterly thrilled.
At this very moment.
Ye Yunfei's expression suddenly turned grave, his gaze sweeping outwards beyond the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds.
"So they've finally come," Ye Yunfei's eyes turned icy.
Ye Yunfei sensed several powerful auras appearing near the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds. There were experts at the Demigod level arriving!
"Young Master Ye, something's wrong! The forces we have stationed in the Qianhai World Cluster are under attack! The enemies are very powerful!" At this moment, Kong Lao's expression changed. He retrieved a communication jade slip, sensed its contents, and his face paled drastically as he immediately reported to Ye Yunfei.
"It's likely people from those major powers have arrived. No need to worry. We'll meet soldiers with soldiers, floods with earthworks. We'll head to the Qianhai World Cluster now," Ye Yunfei's true body concluded its cultivation session, emerging from the Phantom Tower, and spoke coldly. During this period, Ye Yunfei's true body had been secluded in cultivation within the Phantom Tower, while several clones were active outside.