The Clan Leader wants to see me?
Since Zhang Nianxin referred to him as the Clan Leader, there was no need to think otherwise: it must be the leader of the whole clan, the great Clan Leader of the Eight-Armed Sea Clan, Zhang Tianxin.
However, Lin Qian was puzzled as to why Zhang Tianxin would want to see him.
Although he was powerful in combat, he had not used his full strength when clashing with Zhang Li.
As the grand Clan Leader of the vast Eight-Armed Sea Clan, what kind of geniuses had he not seen? Why bother to seek him out?
"What does the great Clan Leader of your Eight-Armed Sea Clan want with me?" Amidst his confusion, Lin Qian asked Zhang Nianxin.
Zhang Nianxin shook his head and said to Lin Qian, "The Clan Leader’s communication did not specify why he wishes to meet Your Excellency. The exact reason may only be known after you meet the Clan Leader."
Lin Qian nodded inwardly. The Eight-Armed Sea Clan was generally good-natured, so it might not be a bad idea to meet him.
If something untoward did happen, he could still retreat back into the Huaxia Empire to evade it.
"Then, I’ll trouble Clan Leader Zhang to lead the way to meet this great Clan Leader, Zhang Tianxin," Lin Qian thought and said to Zhang Nianxin.
"Your Excellency, there’s no need for me to lead the way," Zhang Nianxin replied with a light chuckle and a continuous shake of his head upon hearing Lin Qian’s words.
Lin Qian was puzzled: "Clan Leader Zhang, I don’t know where this great Clan Leader resides on Coral Island. Without you leading the way, how can I meet him?"
"Your Excellency, you’ve misunderstood," Zhang Nianxin realized his oversight and responded apologetically for not clarifying, "When our Clan Leader wishes to meet Your Excellency, of course, he will come personally."
"Your great Clan Leader wants to see me and will come here in person?" Lin Qian was surprised to hear Zhang Nianxin’s explanation.
Zhang Nianxin nodded and said to Lin Qian, "Since the Clan Leader is coming personally to meet Your Excellency, it is likely that he has a request to make. Had it been merely to admire your presence or to present you with a gift, he would have invited you to see him."
Just as Zhang Nianxin finished speaking, he turned as if sensing something and walked towards the direction of the mansion’s gates.
Shortly after, Zhang Nianxin returned with four individuals to the courtyard.
Lin Qian couldn’t help but look at the four people, among whom two were from the Eight-Armed Sea Clan and two from the Human Clan.
One of the members of the Eight-Armed Sea Clan was none other than the great Clan Leader of the Eight-Armed Sea Clan, Zhang Tianxin, and by his side was a young man from the Eight-Armed Sea Clan.
On the other side, a middle-aged man in a black robe with golden edges walked side by side with Zhang Tianxin. His eyes were bright, and he sported a small beard, exuding an extraordinary bearing. He manifested no Soul Power but walked leisurely as if on dry land, indicating his unfathomable strength.
Right next to this middle-aged man was a young man also dressed in a black robe with golden edges, full of fighting spirit as soon as he entered the courtyard, gazing intently at Lin Qian.
"My young friend Lin Qian, I’ve come uninvited and hope you’ll forgive my impertinence," the middle-aged Human Clan man said first as they approached Lin Qian.
"Our visit might be somewhat abrupt, but here’s a small gift, and I hope you won’t find it distasteful," Zhang Tianxin also said with a smile, producing a clamshell in his hand.
After opening the clamshell, Lin Qian discovered that it contained several books.
While the clamshell appeared only capable of holding a single book, upon opening it revealed a collection of twenty volumes, grouped into four categories.
Clearly, this clamshell used for storing books was also refined to have storage capabilities.
"Books?" Eyeing the contents in the clamshell, Lin Qian revealed a look of surprise and lifted his gaze towards Zhang Tianxin.
"Before coming here, I specially inquired with Little Zhang. He mentioned that our friend Lin Qian is fond of reading various books, so I thought I’d cater to your interest," Zhang Tianxin said with a light laugh, seeing the puzzled look on Lin Qian’s face.
Upon hearing this, Lin Qian had an epiphany.
At that moment, the middle-aged man at his side stepped forward, presenting a carved Red Spirit Wood gift box: "I’ve followed suit and thought to send some books as well."
Lin Qian promptly accepted the gift, and after taking it, he said, "Thank you for the gifts. It’s not proper to stand around talking here; how about we go inside and talk?"
Hearing this suggestion, Zhang Tianxin and the middle-aged man who called himself an elder looked at each other, nodded with a smile, and replied, "Indeed, let’s go inside and have a chat at leisure."
After entering the front hall, Zhang Tianxin and the middle-aged looking man sat opposite Lin Qian, with the accompanying young people seated alongside.
Of course, Lin Qian and Zhang Nianxin sat on the other side.
After some conversation, Lin Qian learned that the young member of the Eight-Armed Sea Clan was the reputed Zhang Zide.
He was only twenty-seven but already had the strength of the Life and Death Realm at the Soul Realm level.
Actually, Lin Qian had his suspicions before they entered, and now it was confirmed.
As for the middle-aged looking man who called himself an elder, he was an ally of the Human Clan, the former Sect Master of the Carefree Sect, Zhou Yian, whose current Sect Master was his chief disciple.
The young man by his side was his chief disciple’s legitimate son, Li Yunfeng, who was cultivating and learning under his tutelage.
Within the entire Human Clan’s Southern Domain, Li Yunfeng bore some renown; at just twenty-six years old, he possessed the strength of the Life and Death Realm in the Soul Realm, just like Zhang Zide.
These two were considered hot favorites for the top spot in the upcoming contests.
There’s an old saying, "No one visits a temple without a cause." They not only came to visit in person but also brought gifts as soon as they arrived. How could they possibly come without a request for help?
"Let’s not beat around the bush. You both are my seniors and have honored me with a visit, so there must be a matter you wish to discuss. Please be candid; if I am able to assist, I surely will," Lin Qian said directly without mincing words.
"Since Brother Zhang brought up the matter, you may speak," Zhou Yian gestured towards Zhang Tianxin.
Zhang Tianxin shook his head with a smile and said to Lin Qian, "Since you are so straightforward, I’ll speak plainly."
"Your strength in the Sky Breaking Realm is so formidable, undoubtedly a result of the Pill’s support, the cultivation of Cultivation Technique, and your exceptional Talent."
"But to reach your level, these three aspects must all contribute, and they must be of the highest caliber."
"The reason for our visit is to inquire whether you would be willing to sell us these Cultivation Techniques, Pills, or any insights into cultivation?"
"Please be assured, Lin Qian, if you agree to the trade, we can discuss it after the competition without affecting your ranking."
After Zhang Tianxin finished speaking, he quietly awaited Lin Qian’s response.
After listening to Zhang Tianxin, Lin Qian burst out laughing and gently shook his head, "I am sorry, but my Cultivation Technique and the Pills I use, as well as my methods of cultivation…"