The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

The Southern Sea Region is vast, nurturing countless sea beasts and housing millions of sea tribes of various sizes. However, only around a hundred sea tribes have the qualifications to participate in exploring the Ancient Human Relic. According to the rules, each sea tribe must have a human ally.

This means that the upcoming exploration of the Ancient Human Relic will involve two hundred forces—both sea tribes and human clans.

In ancient times, a great war caused the land to collapse, forming the Southern Sea Region. The sea tribes' relics are actually few, with most relics being remnants of ancient land-based civilizations.

This particular Ancient Human Relic was discovered by chance and turned out to be a small-world relic. However, the entrance to the relic was severely damaged in the past war.

After successfully uncovering the relic, experts from various factions realized that while the entrance could be stabilized, it had limitations. Soul martial artists above the Life and Death Realm could cause the damaged portal to collapse if they entered. Therefore, only those at or below the Life and Death Realm could explore the relic.

Because of this, the major factions decided that, since the damaged portal had such restrictions, it would be better to let the younger generation enter the relic. Not only would they gain valuable experience, but they could also reap significant benefits from the relic.

The exploration of the Ancient Human Relic thus became a grand event for the geniuses of the Southern Sea Region and certain factions from the Southern Continent, known as the "Southern Gathering."

At this moment, Lin Qian and his companions were on their way to the Southern Gathering.

The specially crafted warship of the Eastern Branch was too conspicuous, so they instead traveled on Zhang Tianxin's mount—the Sea Soul Beast, Fierce King Whale!

As the name suggests, this sea beast resembles a giant whale but is even larger. Its body is covered in a sturdy exoskeleton-like bone armor, which significantly enhances its defense.

Atop the Fierce King Whale's head, the exoskeleton forms a crown-like structure, giving the beast its name.

On the flat surface of the whale's crown, a grand palace was built, showcasing a standard sea tribe style with materials like sea-blue crystal. The surface of the crown was also inscribed with array patterns, forming a protective barrier around the palace, shielding it from the rushing water as the whale swam.

Over the past few days, Zhang Zide, Li Yunfeng, Zhang Qi, and Zhang Wenxuan had been in excellent spirits. Thanks to their earnings from the Treasure Betting Event, Lin Qian had given each of them five billion top-grade soul crystals!

As for Ye Xin, there was no need to share—she could ask Lin Qian for whatever she needed.

Five billion! Although it was less than what Lin Qian had earned, they had contributed little to the event. To receive such a substantial amount of soul crystals without much effort, they had no complaints.

Their affection for Lin Qian deepened, seeing him as someone truly loyal and generous. Lin Qian knew that even without sharing the wealth, they wouldn't have blamed him. But seeing them so happy, Lin Qian felt satisfied.

During their time together, they had formed strong friendships, and Lin Qian had come to understand their character—they were people worth befriending.

Having made such a significant profit, why not share the wealth and happiness with them? It's easy to say, "share the wealth," but doing it is much harder.

Lin Qian believed that with everyone in such high spirits, they would perform better in the Ancient Human Relic and trust each other more, leading to smoother cooperation.

When people are happy, everything seems to go more smoothly.

Part of the palace on the whale's head had been modified to be water-free, as it wasn't just Lin Qian and Ye Xin, the human members, on board; there were also several people from the Xiaoyao Sect.

The Eastern Branch was relatively close to the Ancient Human Relic, but it still took two months to travel there.

Now, more than a month had passed.

In Lin Qian's residence within the palace, he sat cross-legged on the bed, meditating. Across from him, Ye Xin also sat cross-legged, deep in cultivation.

Thanks to the connection with the Huaxia Empire, Lin Qian could channel the world's spiritual energy into his body, making the surrounding energy more abundant. Cultivating near him was far more effective than usual.

Of course, Lin Qian reserved this advantage for his wife.

Suddenly, Lin Qian opened his eyes and glanced at Ye Xin, who was still immersed in her cultivation. Not wanting to disturb her, he gathered his soul energy, and a golden system interface appeared before him, displaying a new report.

The research on soul orbs had succeeded!

Soul orbs were a unique item Lin Qian had found during the Treasure Betting Event. Zhuge Ming had been particularly excited when he saw them, recognizing them as something he had long been interested in based on ancient texts.

Soul orbs could store soul power and be controlled through one's consciousness. When embedded in a soul weapon, they enhanced the user's control over the weapon.

Zhuge Ming had envisioned soul orbs as a critical component of the puppet body plan. By injecting a portion of their soul power into the soul orb, the Huaxia Empire's generals could control their puppet bodies.

Although the Huaxia Empire laced soul orbs, Zhuge Ming had finally managed to obtain one.

The successful research into soul orbs brought promising news.

"Xin'er…" Lin Qian retracted his soul power and gently called out to his fiancée.

Ye Xin's eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes, retreating from her cultivation state. She looked at Lin Qian, confused as to why he had called her.

"Didn't you always want to see the real Huaxia Empire?" Lin Qian asked with a smile, seeing her puzzled expression.

Ye Xin gasped, covering her mouth. "Xiao Qian, does that mean…?"

Lin Qian turned his hand over, revealing a dark gray, round orb in his palm, and nodded. "Now, you can witness it with your own eyes."