Instantly, each of them became filled with fighting spirit, and for a time, a craze for worshipping gods swept through this world.
Many people traveled vast distances to the temples to formally establish a "contract" with their chosen deity. Some voluntarily took on the task of helping their gods by resolving difficulties and encouraging more people to believe in their deity.
This world would ultimately be conquered by the followers of the gods.
Fang Mu was a transmigrator, but not an ordinary one. He was a scientist, but... because he was obsessed with exploring the mysteries of science, he had undertaken some illegal experiments in the eyes of others.
Of course, he himself did not believe his actions were wrong.
For the future development of humanity, a small sacrifice was naturally very necessary. When his research results were released, they would realize how foolish they had been.
However... before his research could succeed, a bullet pierced his not-so-hard skull.
He died! But when he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a strange world, a world he had only seen in his dreams.
When he first woke up, a kind villager found him and took him in. Later, he pretended to have amnesia and stayed in the village temporarily to observe the situation.
The world he had once tried to create now appeared before him, and more importantly, he discovered he was not dead. His body was exactly the same as before, including the scars from being scratched by experimental subjects.
This world was created for him, and he would be its creator.
Just as he was preparing to make a grand move, a group of strangers arrived at the small village where he was.
They were envoys from the temple, here to recruit followers.
Although many years ago, this world was filled with followers of the gods, ever since the gods fell into slumber, the Temple of Light and the Temple of Darkness had controlled the only statues left by the gods that allowed communication.
All items capable of communicating with the gods were monopolized by them.
Only those who were truly exceptionally gifted could enter the temple and receive the blessings of the gods, but these were too far removed from ordinary people like them.
This world was not entirely peaceful either. Opposite the temple envoys were mindless magical beasts that ravaged villages at will. The villagers had no means to protect themselves, yet the temple envoys were far from sufficient.
Although they had once yearned for power, the temple's assessments were too strict, and they believed they did not have the ability to pass them. Over time, they had retreated to their villages, praying that the magical beasts would not find them.
It was precisely because of this that the high-tech lethal weapons Fang Mu had created became so popular, easily overthrowing the temple's rule, because the temple had long strayed from the gods' original intentions.
Even though they were sent on a mission, the temple envoys still maintained an air of superiority, looking down at the subservient crowd below, a sense of pride swelling within them.
"We come by divine decree. The gods are about to descend upon the mortal realm, and we require more followers. If you are willing, you may return to the temple with us. If you believe in our god, the god will grant you the strength to fight the magical beasts."
The villagers' eyes sparkled with a thirst for life and power.
"We are willing to believe in the Dark God," the village chief said without hesitation.
At that time, Fang Mu had not yet witnessed people in this world using magic. Upon hearing their words, his first reaction was that they were a pyramid scheme, trying to trick the villagers in this remote area.
But he understood the importance of keeping a low profile. Although he planned to start developing from this village, no one would believe him until he achieved results.
So he said, "You claim to be envoys of the temple. Do you have any proof?"
The leader glanced at Fang Mu indifferently and said calmly, "We do not require proof. However, if you wish for it, A Qing, grant him his wish."
"Yes!" A man named A Qing beside him nodded, and a ball of black mist instantly surged from his hand, engulfing Fang Mu.
Fang Mu felt as if his body were being gnawed at. He struggled to open his eyes but could see nothing.
Fang Mu vaguely realized that this world was not as simple as he had imagined, with its beautiful mountains and clear waters; some people possessed powers that science could not explain.
Fang Mu licked his lips, a bloodthirsty smile appearing on his face. If he could dissect these people with special abilities, it might represent a great leap forward for science!
Fang Mu was adaptable. Knowing he could not defeat them at the moment, he cried out loudly in pain, pleading, "Esteemed envoys, this humble one was wrong. Please spare me!"
A Qing waved his hand gently, and the black mist dispersed.
Fang Mu was seen lying on the ground, his hair disheveled, cold sweat pouring from his forehead. Yet, there was not a single visible wound on his body. His face was contorted, and he appeared utterly pathetic.
"Enough! We still need to hurry to the next village! First, we will test if any of you are disrespectful to the gods. If not, someone will escort you back," the leader said impatiently, urging them on in a cold tone.
He had the villagers stand in a line, then flipped his palm, revealing a jet-black jade stone.
He chanted a few incantations, and soon, the black stone began to emit a dazzling black light that enveloped the villagers below.
Quickly, Fang Mu was repelled by the black light, followed by the second and third. About one-tenth of the people were abandoned by the black stone.
The leader expressionlessly retrieved the stone and looked coldly at the crowd. "Those covered by the black light will come with us. As for the others who are disrespectful to the gods, they will be left here to fend for themselves."
"Envoys, please give us another chance! This time, this time we will definitely pass," someone pleaded, falling to their knees.
His expression did not change in the slightest. He had seen many such situations on his journeys, but if there was no faith, there was no faith. Regardless of the reason for not believing in the great gods, he would not be soft-hearted. Not executing them was already his greatest mercy.
One of the temple envoys looked at the person who suddenly rolled in front of him with disgust. "Get away! If you dare to obstruct us again, our temple has the right to execute you directly. You, take care of yourself!"
He said coldly, "This is the decision of the gods. You are not qualified to serve them."
Fang Mu also felt a hint of regret. It would be good if he could blend in and possess their kind of power. Unfortunately, he was an atheist. He would never believe in anyone but himself. He only believed in himself.
"Esteemed envoys, may we bring our family members with us?" one person asked tremblingly.
"No!" the leader gave them an unsurprising answer, devoid of any human warmth.