CHAPTER 454: CHAPTER 61: INDEPENDENTS MUTUAL AID FEDERATION (ADDITIONAL REWARDS FOR TYEON)_1

Not a single person left.

In fact, many people had a general understanding of Wen Yu’s purpose for establishing this organization before they came. However, when Wen Yu spoke the word "freedom," it undoubtedly touched everyone’s hearts. No one wants to be constrained, no one wants to be another’s weapon. Those who could come here were all undoubtedly free-spirited professionists, unwilling to be tied down. Their choice was self-evident.

Seeing this, Wen Yu gently nodded. In essence, he was a person who disliked constraints and did as he pleased. Weren’t these traits, too, a manifestation of freedom? Yet, the price of pursuing freedom was high—the most striking example being that those who seek freedom are often lonely. Few people could break free from the net woven by morality, law, and conventional societal values. Now, Wen Yu had finally found a group of like-minded individuals.

So, he made his announcement.

"I declare that starting today, the Independents Mutual Aid Federation is officially established!"

Gently raising his hand to quiet the applause from below, Wen Yu looked around at everyone and began to speak slowly.

"First, I will outline the objectives of this organization and its future direction."

As he looked at the crowd below, their gazes fixed on him, Wen Yu, for the first time, felt none of his usual restlessness or caution. Instead, an inexplicable sense of satisfaction washed over him—the satisfaction that came from others acknowledging his strength.

After briefly collecting his thoughts, Wen Yu continued, "As I just said, the purpose of establishing this organization is freedom. However, the word ’freedom’ itself is too vague, too idealistic. Therefore, freedom can only be our ultimate goal. To achieve this, we need to break down the path leading to it."

"First, let’s examine who our opponents and potential threats are."

Wen Yu gave Wang Fucai a meaningful look. The old Taoist immediately stepped forward as planned and passionately recounted to everyone present the intelligence Wen Yu possessed regarding the Dominator, the Demon Tribe, and even the military. Of course, more detailed and confidential matters could not be disclosed. Wang Fucai’s task was simply to convey the general information, and that was sufficient.

This was also one of Wen Yu’s objectives: to ensure the flow of intelligence within the organization. In truth, many of the Sequences below already knew most of what the old Taoist had said. However, there were always things they were unaware of—and Wen Yu certainly knew far more than they did.

When the old Taoist finished, Wen Yu spoke again. "The purpose of sharing this is to make it clear that the threats to our freedom come not only from the military but also from the Demon Tribe and the Dominator. Naturally, I will not compel anyone here to fight the Demon Tribe and the Dominator to the death. In fact, our organization is essentially a mutual aid group, and for now, our greatest threat remains the military."

"What Wang Fucai just shared can be considered a small welcome gift from me for joining the Independents Mutual Aid Federation."

"Now, I would like to announce the three rules of our Independents Mutual Aid Federation!"

"First: Within the Independents Mutual Aid Federation, all members are equal. There is no hierarchy."

"Second: Within the Independents Mutual Aid Federation, no one bears responsibility or obligation for another. This means that if you wish to receive help from the Independents Mutual Aid Federation, you must offer something in return—a price must be paid."

"Third: Given that the greatest current threat to the Independents Mutual Aid Federation comes from the military, should the military use coercive force to harm us or attempt to control us against our will, all members of the Independents Mutual Aid Federation must unconditionally stand against the military."

"We do not seek trouble, nor do we aim to rule this world. However, we are not afraid of it either!"

"I, Sequence Number 2, Wen Yu, hereby guarantee to all of you: if any member is persecuted or threatened by the military, I will ensure the military pays the price!"

Fundamentally, Wen Yu had established this organization to counter the threat from the military. However, once he and Tang Haofei reached an understanding, this threat essentially ceased to exist. Thus, the Independents Mutual Aid Federation was merely a name, a facade flying the banner of freedom. Wen Yu’s true goal was still to unite the Independents. But this presented a paradox: if one was to be subordinate to someone anyway, why not join the military? The military was stronger than Wen Yu and possessed more resources. If it came down to being a subordinate, an enforcer, anyone would naturally choose the strongest. This was a perfectly natural line of reasoning. In this world, no one was a fool. No one would completely submit to another person merely for so-called ’freedom,’ especially when those present were all powerful experts.

So, Wen Yu began his ploy.

He casually produced a large pile of badges engraved with a hawk and signaled Yang Hong to distribute them. Then, he explained, "This is the emblem of our Independents Mutual Aid Federation. After this meeting, I will negotiate with the military. If the military resorts to extreme measures to compel your service, you can present this badge to declare your affiliation. If the military still refuses to back down, it means they are declaring war on us. That will be the moment for us to demonstrate our strength!"

"Furthermore, regarding internal intelligence sharing, I will periodically select a location for our mutual aid federation to exchange information, items, or tools. Consider it a small, internal exchange meet."

This arrangement was beneficial to everyone; there was no reason to object.

"Also, regarding new members!"

"When a newcomer wishes to join the Independents Mutual Aid Federation, I will personally review their application. First, their strength must reach Sequence-class—it doesn’t matter if they are an actual Sequence, but they must possess that level of power. Our small group follows an elite path. Second, they will need sponsorship from three current members. Finally, I will meet with them personally."

"If members wish to seek help from one another, they can use the hawk badges to make contact. Yes, the badges you hold are essentially disguised communicators. As for the price for requesting assistance, you will decide that amongst yourselves. The Independents Mutual Aid Federation exists to provide a platform for everyone to communicate, exchange what is needed, and help one another."

It had to be said, the organization was very loosely structured. Yet, it was precisely this lack of rigidity that attracted so many powerful experts who were unwilling to join the military.

And so, the ploy began.