Lin Qian had no idea about the young Swift Shadow Clan member's eagerness to kill him. Sitting on the imperial carriage, he simply felt it was a pity.
"So many Swift Shadow Clan members, gone without giving me any valuable information. What a waste of my potion!" Lin Qian muttered to himself, shaking off the thought.
Now, his attention shifted to other buildings, particularly one he identified as a human settlement after observing its structure. However, the carriage came to a halt after just half a cup of tea's time.
"Over in that direction, we leave the forested area and enter a water region. There's a building deep under the sea, which I believe to be the Sea Clan's resting place based on our previous experiences. We should check it out," Lin Qian suggested, pointing eastward.
Hearing this, Zhang Zidè, Zhang Qi, and Zhang Wénxuān all lit up with excitement.
"Lin Qian, do you think there could be a Sea Clan relic there?" Zhang Zidè asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
It was clear that his old habit of treasure hunting had taken over again. Without waiting for further discussion, he thanked Lin Qian, transformed into a stream of rushing water, and hurried eastward, disappearing from view in an instant.
Zhang Qi, finally processing the situation, bowed to Lin Qian. "Lin Qian, we'll go take a look as well."
"Go ahead. Right now, it seems there are no others there, so it's a good time to collect everything before anyone else from the Sea Clan discovers it," Lin Qian advised with a nod.
Zhang Qi chuckled, trusting Lin Qian completely. He didn't understand how Lin Qian could know so much about distant locations without being there, but he believed in him.
With that, Zhang Qi and Zhang Wénxuān set off after Zhang Zidè, hoping to catch up before he made too much noise and attracted unwanted attention.
After the three left, only Lin Qian, Ye Xin, Zhao Long, and Li Yúnfēng remained on the carriage.
"Now, let's head to the ancient human structure and see what we can find there," Lin Qian said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
The previous exploration of the Swift Shadow Clan's fortress had been fruitful, especially with the acquisition of their relic. This relic, connected to their natural abilities, would significantly benefit the development of the Swift Soldiers in his empire.
Although the research would initially improve only the lower-tier skills within the technology tree, such foundational enhancements were crucial. Each small advancement laid the groundwork for greater developments.
Ye Xin nodded, equally eager. "I'm curious to see what kind of place the human geniuses of the ancient era resided in during their trials."
Li Yúnfēng, however, yawned, indifferent to the idea of exploring another resting place. The absence of danger in the Swift Shadow Clan's fortress had left him uninterested. What thrilled him was the prospect of perilous trials, not mundane treasure hunts.
Seeing Li Yúnfēng's disinterest, Lin Qian chuckled mischievously. "Don't worry, Li Yúnfēng. Unlike the Sea Clan's site, our human relic isn't so peaceful."
"Not peaceful?" Li Yúnfēng immediately perked up, springing from his seat.
Ye Xin laughed at his reaction, then looked at Lin Qian with curiosity. "Qian, do you know what's happening at the human relic?"
Lin Qian nodded. Through his scouting beasts, he had a clear view of the situation at the human site. Many people had gathered there, but a standoff had ensued, with none willing to give way.
Among them, Lin Qian had even spotted members of the Qin Dynasty.
"Something odd is happening," Zhūgě Míng's voice echoed in Lin Qian's mind. "It seems other Sea Clan members have also discovered the Sea Clan fortress and are heading there."
This report caught Lin Qian off guard. He had just assured Zhang Zidè that no one else was there, but now it appeared the situation had changed.
Still, Lin Qian understood that circumstances could shift rapidly within an hour. He dismissed the thought and focused on his current objective.
"Young man, if I were you, I'd avoid getting involved in this mess and call your friends back," an unfamiliar voice suddenly interrupted from behind.
Startled, Lin Qian whirled around to see an elderly figure with a faint, ethereal form hovering near the carriage, smiling warmly.
Despite the elder's kind appearance, Lin Qian's expression darkened. His soul was powerful, and he prided himself on sensing even the stealthiest foes, like the Swift Shadow Clan. Yet, this elder had appeared without him noticing.
"Who dares to play tricks in front of His Majesty?" Zhao Long roared, leaping to Lin Qian's side, ready to strike.
The elder chuckled and introduced himself. "I am Yuán Xiáng, known as Xuán Jūn."
At these words, Lin Qian and the others were stunned, their faces filled with disbelief.
"You're the Xuán Jūn who named the Soul Martial Continent?"