195: Belief

It is incredibly foolish to place one's hopes and beliefs in other creatures.

If their object of worship hadn't been Lin Tianwei, their faith would have crumbled countless times a day.

However, looking at the exaggerated banners, Lin Tianwei was somewhat displeased.

These people weren't working properly, only doing meaningless things like this.

Didn't they know that his main purpose in recruiting them was to save trouble?

Vision Field activated!

Instantly, everything within the entire farm's range was seen by Lin Tianwei.

Yet, he found that these laborers were not slacking off.

Instead, they were diligently working.

After a great battle, it was the best time to tally the gains.

Especially after winning such an epic battle, the corpses of the Hellfire Ants alone would keep them busy for half a day.

Under Ouro's command, everyone who could still move began to work.

They worked hard on one thing: expanding the farm's territory!

In fact, the Hellfire Ants' attack was a great boon for the farm.

On their way to attack the farm, they also cleared all obstacles for it.

This resulted in countless cleared wasteland appearing out of nowhere around the farm.

With just a little processing, it would become prime land, perfect for inclusion within the farm's boundaries.

Especially the mountains of Hellfire Ants, they were an extremely valuable treasure.

Although their flesh contained Poison and was unsuitable for human and livestock consumption, it was the best fertilizer.

It was the best fertilizer for planting Awakened Plants.

And the Hellfire Ants' extremely strong Carapace was also a treasure, capable of being made into excellent materials.

After a little research and optimization, its strength could even be increased several times over.

Especially its blood-red color, it looked incredibly cool and was loved by everyone.

Unfortunately, most of the people who could come to the farm were ordinary people.

There were too few researchers, which was a bit of a waste of these materials.

However, everyone believed that these materials, left on the farm, would eventually have their day to shine.

Abundant food naturally attracted the covetous gaze of enemies.

These Hellfire Ants were instantly killed, leaving behind countless corpses imbued with powerful energy.

And these corpses were the best food for countless Awakened Beasts.

Naturally, this attracted the covetous gaze of the surrounding Awakened Beasts.

Although deterred by Lin Tianwei's intimidation, they dared not approach for now.

But looking at their extremely greedy eyes, it was only a matter of time before they made a move.

The combat power within the farm was mainly guarding the outer perimeter of the farm, fending off these reckless Awakened Beasts.

If these Hellfire Ants were all their spoils of war, they naturally wouldn't begrudge some being stolen by these Awakened Beasts.

But the situation was different now.

These Hellfire Ants were all Lin Tianwei's spoils of war.

Lin Tianwei's authority was not to be challenged.

They would never allow any creature to take Lin Tianwei's spoils of war.

Not even an ant's leg!

Seeing this, Lin Tianwei couldn't help but chuckle.

When did his spoils of war need others to guard them for him?

With Tigers Might activated, Lin Tianwei's aura permeated the entire farm.

The invisible pressure made the ill-intentioned Awakened Beasts not even dare to breathe heavily.

They looked at Lin Tianwei's direction with suspicion and uncertainty.

This feeling meant that the incredibly terrifying existence had returned.

He had actually set his sights on that existence's prey; he truly wouldn't know how he died.

However, before they could escape, they heard a tiger's roar with extremely strong penetrating power: "Roar~~~~~~~~~"

From far to near.

It was like a clap of thunder, instantly exploding in their ears.

Without hesitation.

These seemingly powerful Awakened Beasts only wished their parents had given them a few more legs, and they began to flee madly.

Although they coveted these Hellfire Ants, they also didn't want to become corpses like the Hellfire Ants.

Flee?

This was their only choice... Compared to the panic of these Awakened Beasts.

Every creature on the farm, after hearing this tiger's roar, felt a sense of peace.

Because they knew that this tiger's roar meant their king... Lin Tianwei had returned!

Ouro was even more excited and said, "I knew it, I knew Lord Tiger King couldn't have been killed by that broken wooden stump."

"He is the only true god in the world, the only true god who can eternally protect us!"

As he spoke, Ouro directly knelt down.

He expressed his reverence for Lin Tianwei in this simplest way.

Under normal circumstances, Barioss would have scoffed at Ouro's superstitious behavior.

In his heart, Lin Tianwei was always just a slightly more powerful Awakened Beast.

If he could, he might even grow into such a powerful Awakened creature.

However, this idea was terribly shaken after Lin Tianwei instantly killed millions of Hellfire Ants.

His heart trembled even more.

It was as if his most steadfast belief had been shattered by Lin Tianwei's world-destroying strike.

This shattering reached its peak when Lin Tianwei annihilated all the Hellfire Ants.

Barioss experienced serious self-doubt and asked himself:

"Could such a powerful strike really be caused by an ordinary creature?"

"Is it really possible for creatures on Blue Star to do such a thing?"

Barioss, whose worldview had been greatly impacted, even became incoherent in his speech.

He had even begun to accept Ouro's abstruse rhetoric, which he used to deceive people.

Believing that Lin Tianwei was an existence like a god.

However, this belief had just been born when it was shattered.

Because at that time, Lin Tianwei had already encountered the Giant Treant.

He was directly trampled and crushed by a single foot, disappearing without a trace.

Barioss's 'violated' worldview only slightly recovered.

He muttered to himself thankfully, "Sure enough, he was just an ordinary Awakened Beast."

"To call him a god, it would be better to call the 400-meter-tall Giant Treant a god."

"At least its power is more like an omnipotent god!"

However, he immediately became worried again.

Lin Tianwei's death also meant that this farm, which had come into being because of Lin Tianwei, was about to perish.

Without powerful strength, they simply couldn't protect this place.

At that time, possessing the abundant resources of the farm would be their greatest sin.

This was the principle of 'possessing a treasure makes one guilty'.

Thinking of this, Barioss said, "We should find a solution immediately."

"The destruction of the farm will be a disaster, a disaster that will affect all of us."

"If we prepare early, perhaps we can still have a glimmer of hope."

Although he scoffed at Lin Tianwei's pretense of being a god, Barioss still valued his companions on the farm very much.

Under the deliberate management of Ouro and others.

Barioss had already come to regard them as very important people in his life.

He had no idea that Barioss's seemingly reasonable suggestion was ignored by Ouro.

Or rather, it was responded to in a way he could never have imagined.

Ouro merely said, "We really should do something."

"Do something for Lord Tiger King, who has always protected us."

"I believe He must be very disappointed in us today."

"Mere ants actually needed Lord Tiger King to personally intervene; this is truly our shame."

"We really are a bit useless."

"But it doesn't matter, as long as we convey our feelings to Lord Tiger King."

"Everyone, get to work, put up banners, and write our feelings on them."

"Wishing Lord Tiger King a triumphant return."

Barioss's eyes widened, and he looked at Ouro in disbelief, exclaiming, "Are you crazy?"

"I know Lord Tiger King's death has hit you hard, but precisely at times like this, you need to be calm."

"As the second-in-command of the farm, this is also what you should do."

"In this critical moment of survival, lead everyone down a broad and prosperous path."

Ouro looked at Barioss noncommittally and said, "I'm not crazy."

"Right now, I am even more clear-headed than at any other time before."

"I understand what I need to do, what I should do!"

After speaking, Ouro directly rallied the farm laborers.

They began to follow his plan, putting up various exaggerated banners around the farm.

He's crazy.

This must be crazy!

Barioss looked at Ouro in disbelief, only to find that his actions actually received the support of the vast majority of people.

Soon, countless people followed Ouro's lead.

To hang the so-called banners.

Barioss felt that his worldview had suffered a devastating blow, even more severe than seeing the strength Lin Tianwei had displayed before.

As a powerful Esper, his body actually trembled.

Just then, he heard Legisamon's voice, saying, "Is it hard to understand?"

"That's how fanatics are."

"I was once a loyal believer in God, a devout priest skilled in God's doctrines."

"I've seen too many people like this."

Barioss, whose feelings were validated, finally felt much better.

At least there was someone standing by his side, maintaining normal thoughts like himself.

Thinking of this, he said with much approval, "It is indeed very difficult to understand."

"Perhaps this is the difference between fanatics and ordinary people."

"I really struggle to understand why they would place their hopes and beliefs in a wild beast."

"Since you also understand my thoughts, then it's much easier to handle."

"With your powerful combat strength, combined with my teleportation, perhaps we can do something."

"To change all this completely unreasonable situation before us."

However, Barioss immediately realized that Legisamon wasn't listening to him at all.

Instead, he strode towards the crowd who were hanging banners.

Barioss was stunned and asked loudly, "What are you going to do?"

Legisamon smiled slightly, revealing his white teeth, and said, "Didn't I just tell you the answer?"

"That's how fanatics are."

"And coincidentally, I happen to be a fanatic too."

After saying this, Legisamon leaped directly, rushing to the front of the crowd.

He wouldn't miss such a perfect opportunity to show his loyalty.

As for Lin Tianwei, who was swallowed by the Giant Treant?

Although he had only briefly interacted with Lin Tianwei, he completely disbelieved such a possibility existed.

Lord Tiger King’s gaze was always calm, without the slightest ripple.

It was a composure born of having everything under control, a confidence that could command all.

To believe Lord Tiger King would be killed by a broken wooden stake was less credible than believing I was the reincarnation of Einstein.

This seemingly absurd situation before him was merely a game of cat and mouse in Lord Tiger King’s eyes.

Barioss believed Ouro thought the same, which was why he spoke with such certainty.

Incomprehensible.

Unfathomable.

Barioss’s eyes were filled with disbelief.

He realized that in the vast farm, he couldn't find a single person who shared his views.

Perhaps some people, like him, didn't believe Lord Tiger King was still alive.

They also chose not to leave.

Instead, they chose to stay with familiar people and things.

Engaging in a carnival called “The Last Madness”!

Seeing this, Barioss could no longer hold back.

The frustration in his heart was almost tangible.

Leave?

This might be the best choice.

But if he left here, where could he go?

Return to that nightmare-like city?

Thinking of this, Barioss suddenly understood those who shared his thoughts.

He decided to return to the farm and join the others in a carnival called “The Last Madness”!

Anyway, he possessed the Esper ability of Instant Teleportation.

If worst came to worst, escaping at the last moment was still a viable option.

Thinking of this, Barioss quickly ran and joined the carnival crowd.

Just as he would join the weekly celebrations... only, everything changed completely after Lin Tianwei’s triumphant return.

Perhaps it was their excessive confidence in Lin Tianwei.

Perhaps they also didn't want to confront the final despair.

The entire farm entered carnival mode, and no one paid attention to Lin Tianwei’s news anymore.

This also caused Lin Tianwei’s appearance to be very sudden, so sudden that it startled them.

Especially for Barioss, he didn't even know what state his emotions were in.

Ultimately, he let go of everything and joined Ouro’s group, becoming a so-called “fanatic.”

Piously praying to the true god in his heart.

This prayer was very short, lasting only about ten minutes.

It wasn't that Ouro and the others weren't devout enough.

It was because there was simply too much to do on the entire farm.

They knew.

Lin Tianwei disliked such superficial rituals the most.

Only by doing practical work could they gain Lin Tianwei’s favor.

Thinking of this, Ouro took the lead and stood up, saying, “Keep your faith in Lord Tiger King in your hearts.”

“Now, it’s time for us to get to work.”

The others then stood up.

Eric tentatively asked, “Should we take down these banners?”

“It seems Lord Tiger King doesn’t particularly like them.”

As for how Eric figured that out?

That was quite simple.

Because those exaggerated banners had already plummeted to the ground, swaying precariously, after Lin Tianwei’s roar.

“Foolish!”

Ouro loudly criticized without ceremony, “How do you know Lord Tiger King took down the banners because he didn’t like them?”

“If you ask me, it’s entirely because our banners were so poorly made, not even a ten-thousandth as majestic as Lord Tiger King’s divine power, that they were taken down by Lord Tiger King.”

Ouro’s words instantly silenced Eric.

Right, what right did he have to directly assume Lin Tianwei took down the banners because he didn't like them?

It was entirely possible that they hadn't done a good enough job, which caused the banners to be removed.

Thinking of this, Eric blushed and lowered his head.

He secretly thought that his awareness was not high enough and that he should learn more from Ouro.

Seeing no one refute, Ouro continued, “No intelligent being can dislike sincere praise for themselves.”

“Lord Tiger King is benevolent and never demands anything from us.”

“But this doesn’t mean we can shamelessly demand endlessly from Him, not even offering the most basic faith, some of the most simple words.”

“Banners, we must make them!”

“Not only must we make them, but we must make them big, good, and strong!”

“Conman, this is your specialty; I’ll leave this matter to you.”

Conman?

Naturally, he was referring to Legisamon.

Ever since his former profession was exposed, he had gained that nickname.

It was surprisingly fitting.

Upon receiving Ouro’s order, Legisamon’s eyes lit up, and he patted his chest, saying, “Leave it to me.”

“I’ve long said your broken banners were no good, they were simply too plain.”

“Not only can they not be considered praise, but they are an insult to Lord Tiger King.”

“If it weren’t for Lord Tiger King seeing your sincerity, with a single thought, we would all be finished!”

“But don’t worry, you still have me.”

“Trust me, I am extremely professional!”

“The banners I make will definitely be professional and good, and the rhetoric will be extremely ornate.”

“Although they still cannot describe even a ten-thousandth of Lord Tiger King’s divine power, they are countless times better than your crooked melons and cracked dates.”

Legisamon’s outrageous words naturally infuriated Ouro.

But he was very angry, yet he couldn't refute at all.

He could only pretend not to hear, striding forward to organize relevant personnel to begin clearing the Hellfire Ants’ corpses.

These Hellfire Ants’ corpses were all treasures.

Or rather, all Awakened Beast corpses were treasures.

Especially their strongest parts, which gathered a large amount of energy.

Whether for research or consumption, these parts were more valuable than others.

Although somewhat homogenous, these Hellfire Ants’ corpses were undoubtedly the best treasures.

As for other work? That mainly involved expanding the Thorn clone.

The Thorn clone had now become the farm’s most iconic plant.

As well as the ubiquitous Awakened Bees.

Once you saw them, it meant you had arrived at the farm’s territory.

Even a tiger must crouch, and a dragon must coil.

This was not a place where other creatures could run wild.

In other words, these Thorn clones were the foundation for expanding the farm’s territory.

Wherever the Thorn clone grew, it meant the farm’s territory expanded to that point.

Anyone who dared to object or tried to challenge the farm’s authority.

Lin Tianwei wouldn’t even need to act; the farm residents would teach them how to behave.

Logically speaking, the expansion of the farm’s territory should be very difficult.

After all, this could be considered an external invasion.

Only this time was different.

Lin Tianwei, for the first time, activated Tiger’s Might, announcing his presence to all nearby Awakened creatures.

With Lin Tianwei’s Tiger’s Might suppressing the world, those covetous Awakened creatures were naturally scared half to death and quickly fled the area.

So this time, the territory expansion work wouldn't be very difficult.

It would just take some time.

Looking at the warm and harmonious scene before him, Barioss couldn’t help but smile knowingly.

If heaven truly existed in this world, perhaps he had already found it.

Since the other party could provide him with this farm, which was like heaven on earth.

Then what did it matter if he regarded the other party as the one true god?

Thinking of this, Barioss’s gaze became firm.

—

The moment Barioss’s thoughts shifted and his will became firm, Lin Tianwei, who was tallying his gains, immediately received feedback.

A mysterious power, flowing through some unknown channel, directly poured into Lin Tianwei’s body.

“Ding, congratulations to the host for successfully absorbing mysterious energy. Mental Power +2 (1).”

“Note: The value in parentheses is the attribute value before enjoying the bonus.”

In other words, absorbing the mysterious energy actually only increased Lin Tianwei’s Mental Power by one point.

But under the effect of the Talent: Mental Strength Enhancement (Extraordinary), Lin Tianwei had the effect of doubling his Mental Power attribute.

The actual increase in Mental Power was 2.

This was not a very difficult thing to understand.

What Lin Tianwei found difficult to understand was what this so-called mysterious energy actually was.

Thinking of this, he activated his Perception, attempting to find the source of the mysterious energy through his senses.

It must be said that with the surge in Mental Power, Lin Tianwei’s combat power saw an all-round improvement.

Take the Talent Tiger’s Might, for example.

This skill, which originally required seeing Lin Tianwei’s body or sensing his aura to take effect, had now undergone a mutation.

Or rather, this was the true effect of this Talent.

Lin Tianwei, with his surging Mental Power, could emit his mental pressure and will.

And creatures that felt his mental pressure and will would be enveloped by his Tiger’s Might.

This was also why Lin Tianwei was able to encompass the entire farm within the range of his Tiger’s Might this time.

The surge in Mental Power also brought a terrifying improvement to Lin Tianwei’s Perception.

Allowing him to perceive a wider range and acquire more information through Mental Power.

This seemingly very ordinary world.

In Lin Tianwei’s Perception, with his multiple sensory methods, was terrifyingly colorful.

From macroscopic to microscopic, every object was within Lin Tianwei’s Perception range.

It’s just that some information was truly boring, and Lin Tianwei selectively filtered it out.

However, what surprised Lin Tianwei was that even with such powerful Perception, he still couldn’t find the source of the mysterious energy.

Mysterious energy, as expected, was very mysterious.

But since it was mysterious energy directed at Lin Tianwei himself, there were naturally clues to follow.

Finally, through Lin Tianwei’s unremitting efforts, coupled with the assistance of the Talent: Danger Perception (Legendary).

He finally detected the origin of the mysterious energy.

The source of this mysterious energy was actually from Barioss!