As soon as Ken's announcement about the guild spread, it immediately sparked an enthusiastic response from the players.
"Digging?! Steve boss has a guild?!!!"
"Wow, I've waited so long! I'm going to join Steve's big guy guild!!"
"Are there any requirements to join?"
"Steve's guild—what if the treatment was worse?"
"The treatment must be good, but I'm worried the membership requirements are too high…"
News of Ken's announcement quickly reached many players, and applications flooded in. Ken, looking at the guild interface, promptly closed the application function and switched it to invite-only membership.
**The first step in forming a top-tier guild is screening members.** There's no place for idlers in a high-level guild.
Suddenly, players realized they could no longer send application requests and began to argue loudly on the world channel.
"Why can't I send an application anymore?!!!"
"I think Steve's guild probably has very high entry requirements—you have to be carefully screened…"
"Would an iron sword qualify?"
Ken, who was still in the mine at the time, sent a message to Xu Yuan.
"Boss, I just posted the news. I'll let Xiaoyu and the others handle the mining for now. Can I come back to deal with this?"
At this moment, Ken had unknowingly started calling Xu Yuan "boss," and he didn't even notice. Although Xiaoyu had long since changed his name to Xu Yuan, Ken still habitually called him Steve. But now, he adjusted his tone.
"In the future, you don't need to ask me about trivial matters like this. You are a vice president now, So take care of it" Xu Yuan replied casually.
Ken saw this and smiled, then explained to the others before heading back. Since they weren't far from his home, Ken soon arrived near Xu Yuan's place.
The area around Xu Yuan's house was bustling with activity. Many nearby players—those who had long lived in the vicinity—had gathered to watch.
Seeing this, Ken quickly stepped forward.
As the players saw Ken approaching, they immediately surrounded him.
"Ken, buddy, let us join in your guild!"
"Big guy, we've been living here for ages. Can you help us join the guild too?"
"Move aside! I want to join too. I'm right next to Ken!"
Ken couldn't help but feel headache-stricken. He cleared his throat and explained, "I know everyone's been here a long time, but the guild's recruitment requirements are strict. Please don't embarrass me."
The players, understanding that the guild would be the top one in the game, asked eagerly:
"What are the requirements, boss? Tell us!"
"There has to be some standard, right?"
"Ken, just tell us what you want. We're all prepared."
Ken thought for a moment and said, "I need to discuss the specific requirements with Xu Yuan. I'll get back to you as soon as I have an answer."
The players nodded and made way for him.
Ken immediately went to find Xu Yuan.
"Boss, what should I tell these players outside? They've been here a long time," Ken asked anxiously.
Xu Yuan pondered briefly. These players weren't guaranteed top-tier quality, but their overall level was passable. Since they had already moved in and were living close by, with their boxes placed in the same neighborhood, Xu Yuan considered their situation.
Despite their modest conditions, Xu Yuan had never heard of theft or trouble. When Yue'er went out gathering materials, many of these players took the initiative to help her. They even formed a loose group—though Xu Yuan hadn't interacted much with them, they regarded him as a reliable figure.
"Even without any special benefits, they've chosen to follow me from the start," Xu Yuan thought. "I won't let them down."
Ken nodded. "So, what do we need to do with these people?"
Xu Yuan considered. "How many are there?"
"About sixty or so," Ken replied.
Xu Yuan then said, "I'll have Yue'er modify the arrangements. Each of them can be allocated a small room, which also frees up space outside. It's a small benefit for their loyalty."
Ken was surprised. "You're actually giving rooms to these players?"
Xu Yuan smiled. "A small room is a fair exchange for their loyalty. It's worth it."
When Ken heard this, he immediately understood Xu Yuan's logic. He realized that by providing small benefits to these loyal players, Xu Yuan was effectively buying their hearts—making them willing to go all out for him.
Ken stepped outside, noticing the crowd still gathered around. He grinned and announced:
"I have good news for everyone!"