They had simply transformed into another kind of form, and they ought to continue regarding themselves as 'people'.
If not, what difference would there be between them and those Storm Beasts summoned by the Primal Fury Owl?
And since they are people, then even though conditions within this Divine Realm aren't great, one should still try to create conditions for them to live as much like people as possible, to anchor this point even more solidly.
...
After watching Colonel Derek go off to busy himself with his things, Gu Hang started to ponder his own matters.
His main objective for returning to this Divine Realm was to thoroughly explore how exactly to use this new ability.
Summoning Valor Spirits was just an unexpected bonus.
After completing the upgrade and obtaining the talent ability of the True Realm essence, Gu Hang sensed that the souls of those who had died in battle were still drifting here.