My Monster-Derived Skills Are the True Power
Chapter 7: How to Build a Team

The team was formed, but no derived skills were triggered.

Li Ye felt a bit disappointed but didn’t dwell on it. Monster-derived skills allowed Demon Hunters to utilize abilities without their demon artifacts, yet the activation conditions remained a mystery and highly random. Even the Demon Hunting Bureau hadn’t figured out the pattern.

The last person who used the soccer team badge also failed to trigger any skills.

Unity, progress, perseverance, and glory were theorized as potential triggers, but these were just expert speculations, not guaranteed truths. Perhaps the timing simply wasn’t right.

Li Ye wasn’t in a hurry.

For now, the demonic energy he distributed to the ten others meant they could bear the brunt of future battles, particularly against the monster that had entered this world ahead of him. In theory, his goal for choosing the badge was partially achieved.

Lying low isn’t the best way to hide; blending into a crowd is.

---

The cave was a scene of celebration.

The chosen ten were elated, marveling at the wonders of the demonic energy.

Some meditated to harness their power, others leapt around excitedly or practiced their techniques. A few even boasted to the rest about the transformative effects of their new abilities.

In just a few moments, they seemed entirely reborn.

By their own admission, their talents had been mediocre before. Now, thanks to the infusion of spiritual energy, they believed they could even aspire to the innate level.

To outsiders, it was nothing short of a miracle.

Those Li Ye had injured were left with complicated emotions. If only they’d held back their hostility earlier, this great fortune might have been theirs.

Time and fate—who could fight them?

Those who had avoided conflict with Li Ye now looked at him with unprecedented enthusiasm, crowding around him like stars orbiting a moon.

---

“Li Ye, is there still a chance for us?”

“Li Ye, tell us more about higher civilizations. Is a fourth-tier civilization even stronger than immortals?”

“Can everyone in the Galactic Federation use spiritual energy?”

“Can spiritual energy be cultivated?”

---

Idiots.

I haven’t lost myself to the demonic energy, but it seems all of you already have.

Scanning the frenzied crowd, a glint of ridicule flashed in Li Ye’s eyes. He raised his hand, signaling for silence.

Gradually, the cave grew quiet. All eyes turned to Li Ye, eager for him to speak.

Fan Jie and the others, standing guard by Li Ye, had already become his most loyal followers after their transformation. They would never let anything happen to their newfound “golden thigh.”

“Everyone,” Li Ye began, his voice resonating through the cave, “you’ve misunderstood something. I’m not an immortal. I’m a star bandit from an advanced civilization. To be precise, I’m not even a good person. In the Galactic Federation, I’m infamous for murder, arson, and all sorts of crimes, even destroying several low-tier civilizations. I’m ranked sixth on the Federation’s most-wanted list, so don’t expect me to save the masses…”

His gaze settled on Fan Jie and the others. “And don’t get too comfortable just yet. The spiritual energy in your bodies isn’t yours—it’s mine. I gave it to you, and I can take it back. With so many people here, I can replace you at any time.”

The words froze Fan Jie and the others in place. Having tasted the benefits of demonic energy, they couldn’t bear the thought of losing it.

Meanwhile, others in the cave looked hopeful, as if they saw an opportunity.

“Li Ye, we swore to follow you,” Fan Jie hurriedly pledged.

“So did I! If I ever betray Li Ye, may lightning strike me down,” Yu Fei added.

“Anyone who betrays Li Ye will have to answer to me,” Liu Guangsheng growled through gritted teeth.

Li Ye raised his hand again, silencing them, and continued, “Why am I a star bandit? Because I love excitement. I live for freedom and chaos.

“Though I ended up on your planet by accident, let me be clear—I’m here to rule. I couldn’t care less whether the people on this planet live or die.

“If you’re willing to follow me and work for me, I’ll reward you handsomely. We’ll split gold and silver fairly, enjoy the finest resources, and indulge in the most beautiful women. Serve me well, and once I recover, I might even take you off this rock to see the wider universe.

“But if anyone dislikes me or doesn’t want to follow a notorious star bandit, you’re free to leave now.”

His words caused a stir.

Li Ye noted the hesitation in their faces, then smirked coldly. “But if you think you can walk out of this cave alive, you’re welcome to try. I don’t like opposition, especially from ants.”

Those who had considered leaving felt their hearts clench. They looked at Li Ye with a mix of frustration and resignation, silently cursing his dramatic pauses.

Still, no one dared to move.

Good people are bound by morality and law, making them easy to deal with. But against a powerful, unreasonable villain? The average person has no recourse.

“Li Ye, you’re stronger than any immortal. Only a fool would go against you!” Liu Guangsheng proclaimed loudly. “On behalf of everyone here, I declare that from now on, we’ll follow you. Does anyone disagree?”

“No objections,” someone eager to join Li Ye shouted.

“No objections,” echoed those who disliked him but felt compelled to comply.

---

“Don’t feel left out,” Li Ye said with a smile. “I’m injured right now, and my remaining spiritual energy is limited, so I can’t help everyone yet. But if you serve me well, you’ll all receive spiritual energy eventually.

“To those injured—don’t hold a grudge. We had no personal enmity before. Work hard for me, and I’ll grant you spiritual energy to heal your wounds. No injury is beyond its power.”

His words left everyone stunned.

“Really?” one man, nursing a groin injury, asked shakily.

“Why would I lie to you ants?” Li Ye sneered. “If magic and mana can revive the dead and regrow flesh, there’s no reason spiritual energy—superior to them—can’t do the same.”

“If that’s true, Li Ye, you’ll be my savior. I’ll serve you with my life,” the injured man declared, kneeling despite the pain.

“I’m willing to follow Li Ye.”

“So am I!”

---

The atmosphere shifted as Li Ye systematically eliminated potential threats. With grand promises and calculated intimidation, he solidified his authority.

“Now that’s more like it. While I’m no saint, I never mistreat my people,” Li Ye said with a hearty laugh. “Since you’ve chosen to follow me, you must abide by my rules. We’ll act with unity and purpose. My words are law. Cross me, and there will be consequences.”

“Yes!” Fan Jie and the others replied in unison.

---

“Since the righteous world has the Heavenly Dao Alliance and the underworld has the Scarlet Flame Sect, we need a name too. Once we’ve made our mark, people will tremble at the sound of it.”

“Li Ye, what shall we call ourselves?” Liu Guangsheng asked eagerly.

Smiling, Li Ye said, “I’m playful by nature, so let’s call ourselves the ‘Fun Seekers Club.’ What do you think?”

Fun Seekers Club?

What kind of name is that?

Though many silently mocked the name, no one dared voice their disapproval.

“Excellent name,” Liu Guangsheng declared, stroking his beard. “At first glance, it seems humorous, but it hides a deeper meaning—a team that toys with the world must possess unparalleled wisdom and power. Truly impressive!”

“Old Liu, your insight is remarkable,” Li Ye said with a smile. “From now on, you’ll be the Grand Protector of the Fun Seekers Club, overseeing rewards and punishments.”

Li Ye’s choice was deliberate. Giving Liu Guangsheng a prominent role tested the group’s obedience and loyalty. In time, he would use similar tests to ensure everyone adapted to his unconventional methods.

As expected, Fan Jie and the others showed regret, wishing they’d been the ones to flatter Li Ye. Meanwhile, the rest began contemplating how best to align themselves with their new leader.