As the words of the young Swift-Hidden Clan member fell, a slender Swift-Hidden Clan warrior stood up, respectfully bowing to the young man and said, "Young Master, I am willing to lead the team and bring the culprit's head back to you as an offering."
"White Lingli, you are always so eager to help me solve problems. I truly appreciate your dedication." The young Swift-Hidden Clan member smiled as he walked forward, handing over a white token. "Since the enemy was able to annihilate Bai Yinxin's team, their strength likely isn't weak. So, take ten squads with you."
"And while you're at it, retrieve the legacy within the Hall of Shadows. Although it may not directly help with our current plan, it's still valuable to our Swift-Hidden Clan."
Hearing the young master's words, White Lingli solemnly replied, "I will not disappoint your expectations, young master. I will complete your instructions."
"Alright, you may all leave now." The young Swift-Hidden Clan member waved his hand, and the thousand warriors before him rose, bowed respectfully, and departed.
The young Swift-Hidden Clan member stood in a spacious courtyard, and although it was nighttime, the formations above illuminated the space as bright as day.
After his subordinates left, the young Swift-Hidden Clan member did not leave. Instead, he turned and smiled at a figure that had appeared without him noticing. "This body of yours is truly ugly. Being from the Fish Sea Clan is bad enough, but you're also one-armed."
"Nothing I can do about it. You think I like it this way?" The figure glanced at the single black blade remaining on his arm, his expression helpless as he endured the young man's mockery.
Meanwhile, outside the architectural complex, Lin Qian and the others sat cross-legged around the bonfire, deep in cultivation.
As for security, Zhao Long was responsible.
Zhao Long didn't need to cultivate; as long as Lin Qian's realm advanced, his own strength would increase accordingly.
Moreover, Lin Qian's powerful soul consciousness spread outward, detecting any disturbances, aided by the scout beasts serving as his eyes and ears. There was no need to worry about safety.
The spiritual energy in this small world was exceptionally abundant, making it an ideal place for cultivation. The spiritual energy produced by the spirit trees during the day peaked at night. If they didn't cultivate now, when would they?
Unbeknownst to anyone, a faint, translucent old man hovered in the high sky, watching Lin Qian below with a smile.
"What an interesting young man. He managed to bring in so many people and is even controlling inconspicuous soul beasts for scouting. It seems I need to have a chat with him. He might be able to help with the current mess." The translucent old man sighed as he thought about the dire situation, shaking his head in frustration.
The old man then turned into a streak of light and shot towards Lin Qian's head, entering his sea of consciousness.
Shortly after, within Lin Qian's sea of consciousness, the translucent old man hovered over the vast ocean of soul power, dumbfounded as he gazed around.
"What is going on with this kid? How can someone at the Life and Death Realm have such powerful soul energy?" The old man widened his eyes, looking around in astonishment, as if he'd never seen anything like it.
Gathering his thoughts, the old man began searching for Lin Qian's soul.
Despite the overwhelming strength of Lin Qian's sea of consciousness, the old man easily located his soul.
In the center of the vast sea, Lin Qian's soul sat cross-legged, eyes closed in deep meditation.
Adjusting his posture, the translucent old man coughed into his fist, pretending to be profound. "Ahem, young man..."
As the old man's voice echoed through the sea of consciousness, Lin Qian's soul slowly opened its eyes, turning to face him.
The moment Lin Qian's soul opened its eyes, the entire sea of consciousness roiled, waves surging violently.
At the same time, a shadowy image of the Fantasy Star appeared behind Lin Qian, and the vast fortune of the Hua Xia Empire enveloped him, sending an overwhelming pressure crashing towards the old man.
Boom! Before the old man could react, his translucent body was already being blasted out of Lin Qian's sea of consciousness.
To say he was blasted out isn't entirely accurate—it was more that the old man fled in terror.
The moment Lin Qian opened his eyes and the imperial fortune emerged, the old man realized something was wrong. As the oppressive force descended, he frantically retreated.
Merely brushing against it, the old man felt a tremendous force surge through him, making it look as though he had been violently expelled.
A tiny glimmer of light shot out from Lin Qian's forehead, moving at incredible speed. In the blink of an eye, it disappeared into the distance.
Awakening from his meditation, Lin Qian opened his eyes, a puzzled expression on his face. He looked around, but found nothing unusual.
"Your Majesty, is there something wrong?" Zhao Long's voice echoed directly in Lin Qian's mind, careful not to disturb the others' cultivation.
Thanks to their unique connection, Lin Qian and the inhabitants of Hua Xia Empire could communicate telepathically, making it as effortless as controlling his own body.
"Did you notice anything strange just now? Or sense the presence of an old man or any unfamiliar aura?" Lin Qian asked Zhao Long, still feeling uneasy.
Zhao Long shook his head and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I detected no abnormalities."
Lin Qian nodded slightly, signaling that there was no need to worry. "Maybe it was just my imagination. Keep up your guard."
After that, Lin Qian closed his eyes again and resumed his cultivation.
Still, Lin Qian couldn't shake the odd feeling. He could have sworn he'd heard someone speaking in his mind, as if they were in his sea of consciousness.
But when he opened his soul's eyes, there was nothing—just eerie silence.
"Was it really just an illusion?" Lin Qian muttered softly to himself, shaking his head and deciding not to dwell on it.
With the Hua Xia Empire's fortune protecting his soul, Lin Qian was confident that no one in the world could harm it.
Just like when the Blackblood Royal Clan's Nan Xin tried to possess him—she was simply courting death.
While Lin Qian remained puzzled, far away, the translucent old man gazed in his direction with lingering fear.
"Where did this monstrous kid come from? How can his soul be so strong? And what on earth is that fortune protecting his soul!" the old man exclaimed in terror, still shaken.
Had he not escaped quickly enough, he would have been seriously injured, or worse, his soul could have been obliterated.
And he could clearly tell that the fortune hadn't even unleashed its full power—only a fraction of it.
As the old man gradually calmed his nerves, he felt a mix of joy and fear.
He was pleased that Lin Qian could undoubtedly help resolve the current crisis.
But that same imperial fortune etched itself into the old man's heart, making him tremble with fear.