As the words of the young member of the Swift Hidden Clan fell, a slim figure from the same clan stood up abruptly and respectfully bowed before speaking, "Young master, I am willing to lead the team to bring the head of the culprit back to you."
"Bai Lingli, you are always so proactive in solving problems for me, I truly appreciate your efforts," the young Swift Hidden Clan member said with a smile as he stepped forward and handed a white token to the other, "Since they were able to annihilate Bai Yinxin, they must be quite powerful."
"So, take ten squads with you."
"Also, it would be best if you could recover the heritage from the Light and Shadow Hall. Even though it might not help our current plan much, it's still quite valuable to our clan."
After listening to the young Swift Hidden Clan member, Bai Lingli solemnly responded, "I will definitely not disappoint your expectations, young master, and will complete your orders."
"Alright, you can all disperse now," said the young Swift Hidden Clan member, waving his hand. The thousand strong warriors that were in front of him then stood up to salute and turned to leave.
The location of the young Swift Hidden Clan member was a spacious courtyard. Although it was night, the array's luminescence above still made the space as bright as daylight.
After his subordinates had left, the young Swift Hidden Clan member did not leave but instead turned around to look at a figure that had appeared at some unknown time, bursting into laughter, "Such an ugly body you have, not only from the Fish Sea Clan but also one-armed."
"I can't help it, do you think I want this?" the figure looked down at the black blade on his remnant arm, his face showing nothing but helplessness.
At this moment, Lin Qian and his group were seated cross-legged by a campfire, entering a state of cultivation.
As for safety, of course, Zhao Long was in charge.
He didn't need to cultivate himself, as long as Lin Qian's realm increased, his strength would also correspondingly increase.
Moreover, Lin Qian's powerful Soul Consciousness was emanating outward, detecting any slight movements, and with the Reconnaissance Beast acting as his eyes and ears, there was nothing to worry about in terms of safety.
The concentration of Spiritual Energy in this Small World was extremely suitable for cultivation. The Spirit Wood generated nature's spiritual energy during the day which condensed to its peak at night, so what better time to cultivate than now?
Unbeknownst to anyone, high above in the sky, an old man's spectral figure watched Lin Qian with a grin, "What an interesting young man, managing to bring quite a few people with him and even controlling an inconspicuous Soul Beast for reconnaissance. It seems necessary for me to have a chat with him, perhaps he can be of great help," the spectral old man thought of the dire situation and shook his head in distress.
Following that thought, the spectral old man transformed into a streak of light and rushed toward Lin Qian's head, merging into it and entering his Sea of Consciousness.
Soon after, within Lin Qian's Sea of Consciousness, the spectral old man's figure floated above the vast ocean of Soul Power, his eyes wide as he looked around in astonishment.
"How can this young man possess such strong soul power in the Life and Death Body Realm?" The spectral old man's surprised expression revealed his lack of worldly experience.
Regaining his composure, the spectral old man began to search for Lin Qian's soul.
Despite Lin Qian's vast and powerful Sea of Consciousness, the spectral old man easily located his soul.
In the very center of the Sea of Consciousness, Lin Qian's soul was also sitting cross-legged, with his eyes tightly shut.
Straightening his form, the spectral old man feigned a thoughtful pose, cupping his mouth as he lightly coughed, "Ahem, young man..."
As the spectral old man's voice rang out in the Sea of Consciousness, Lin Qian's soul opened his eyes and looked towards him.
As Lin Qian's soul opened his eyes, the entire Sea of Consciousness began to surge tumultuously.
At the same time, the phantom of Xuanhuan Star suddenly emerged behind Lin Qian, with the vast national fortune of the Huaxia Empire bolstering him. It brought an enormous oppressive force that was hard to bear, charging towards the phantom elder.
The phantom elder hadn't reacted yet when his entire translucent body was already blasted out of Lin Qian's Sea of Consciousness.
Rather than being blasted out, it seemed more like the phantom elder was fleeing on his own.
When Lin Qian opened his eyes as the national fortune appeared, the phantom elder had already sensed something was amiss. As the oppressive force struck, he was already retreating frantically.
Merely being brushed by it, a torrential force surged towards him, making it seem as if he was being blasted away.
From within Lin Qian's brow, a faint glimmer of light flew out at an incredible speed, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
Originally in the midst of cultivation, Lin Qian opened his eyes in confusion, glanced around, and realized that nothing was amiss.
"Your Majesty, is there something wrong?" To avoid disturbing the cultivation of others, Zhao Long's voice rang directly in Lin Qian's mind.
Unlike transmitting messages through Soul Consciousness, Lin Qian could communicate directly in his mind with the creatures of the Huaxia Empire, which also made controlling the Imperial Army as easy as controlling his own body.
"Was there any anomaly or discovery just now? Or perhaps, did you sense an old man or anyone else's presence?" Lin Qian asked Zhao Long, puzzled.
Zhao Long shook his head and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have not detected any anomalies."
Lin Qian nodded slightly, indicating there was no need for concern, "It might have been my misperception, continue to stay alert."
After saying this, Lin Qian closed his eyes again and resumed his cultivation.
Still, Lin Qian felt something odd; he had clearly heard somebody talking inside his head, seemingly within his Sea of Consciousness.
But when his soul opened its eyes, there was nothing at all, and his Sea of Consciousness was completely silent.
"Was it really just a misperception?" Lin Qian murmured softly, then shook his head and stopped pondering it.
His soul had the protection of his Empire's national fortune, making him nearly invulnerable to anyone who might harm his soul in this world.
Just like the previous incident with Nan Xin of the Black Blood Royal Family, who tried to possess his body, it was purely a suicide mission.
While Lin Qian puzzled over this, the phantom elder in a far-off land looked towards him with a fearful expression.
"Where did this monstrous boy come from, and how can his soul be so strong? What kind of curse is that national fortune added to his soul?" the phantom elder exclaimed in terror, his soul still unsettled.
Had he not escaped quickly, he would either have been severely injured or completely shattered.
Moreover, he clearly felt that the national fortune hadn't unleashed its full power—probably only a fraction.
The phantom elder somewhat calmed his own emotions, feeling both happy and afraid.
He was happy because he knew Lin Qian could definitely help him solve the current predicament.
Because the national fortune stamped on Lin Qian's soul in his Sea of Consciousness had already made a deep impression on him, instilling fear.