As the four elders of the human race in the ancient forest world, they held high positions and wielded great power. In this world, their words were law, and their decisions were final among the human race.
However, in front of Lin Qian, none of them put on airs. They didn't resort to any underhanded tactics or rely on their seniority. Instead, they chose to lower their heads and set aside their dignity for the sake of the entire human race in the ancient forest world.
Their goal was simple: to ensure a better future for their people.
On their way here, they had seen a hunting team outside the gathering place. The team consisted of members from all four races, just like other teams from different gathering places. At first glance, it didn't seem any different. But upon closer inspection, they noticed a significant change.
In the past, within teams from other gathering places, humans were only assigned two roles.
The first role was to act as cannon fodder, drawing the attention of soul beasts. If they were lucky, they might survive. If not, they could only die bravely.
The second role was to assist from the sidelines, helping the other three races in battle. But their contribution was often limited to causing minor distractions, and even then, a single mistake could lead to their death.
In every outing, humans would suffer the most casualties, and there were always fatalities. Yet, the humans continued to step forward, knowing that only by doing so could they prove to the other three races that they weren't a burden.
But this time, they clearly saw that the humans in this team were the main attackers, with the other three races assisting them.
Moreover, the strength of these humans far surpassed that of the other three races—a reality the four elders had never dared to imagine before.
Seeing firsthand the changes in Lin Qian's gathering place only strengthened their resolve. They believed that only Lin Qian could save the entire human race in the ancient forest world.
Lin Qian was their hope!
Creak...
The sound of the courtyard gate opening broke the silence, and a gentle force lifted the four elders to their feet. Slowly, they straightened up and looked ahead.
Standing before them was a young man in white robes, smiling warmly at them.
"Gentlemen, I am Lin Qian, Emperor of the Hua Xia Empire in the world above," Lin Qian introduced himself, acknowledging the four elders and showing them respect in return.
The four elders stared at Lin Qian in amazement. With their level of cultivation, they could see through a person's physical state and gauge their age.
By focusing their soul sense on their eyes, the elders could clearly see the vitality in Lin Qian's body, with a faint white aura mingling with the crimson energy around him.
This faint white aura represented Lin Qian's true age, revealing the youthful vitality in his bones.
"He's only twenty-six years old, yet he's already so terrifyingly powerful!" The four elders exchanged wry smiles, acknowledging that this young man was indeed a rare genius.
"Since I already know why you've come, why don't we discuss the details inside?" Lin Qian suggested, gesturing for them to enter.
The four elders nodded and followed Lin Qian into the courtyard. Wang Gang did not accompany them; instead, he left to handle other matters.
Upon entering the floating courtyard, the elders noticed a stone table with dishes and five neatly arranged jade cups.
"Please, have a seat," Lin Qian invited them to sit down as he approached the table.
The four elders didn't hesitate and sat down. Out of habit, they glanced at the jade cups, noticing that they contained a sinister-looking blackish-purple liquid...
Except for the one in front of Lin Qian!
After taking his seat, Lin Qian asked, "You've come here today because you want to restore the balance between your strength and your cultivation levels, correct?"
However, the elders simultaneously shook their heads. Wang Qiongxing spoke first, "Emperor Lin, we have come to ask you to save the entire human race of the ancient forest world. We don't want our people to die in vain—we want them to die fighting with their true strength!"
After the elders had spoken, Lin Qian let out a cold laugh. "Anyone can say pretty words. If you want my help, you'll need to show some sincerity. I helped this gathering place by having them test my potion."
He then pointed to the four jade cups in front of them. "These cups contain a new poison recently developed by the Hua Xia Empire. I need someone to test it. If you're lucky, you might survive. If not, well..."
As he spoke, Lin Qian used his soul force to lift a drop of the liquid from one of the cups and flicked it toward a nearby spirit tree.
In the blink of an eye, the four elders watched as the tree withered and died instantly.
This single demonstration was enough to prove that the liquid in the cups was indeed highly toxic.
A gentle breeze carried the yellowed leaves across the courtyard, but none of them could approach Lin Qian and the elders.
"Emperor Lin, if we drink this poison and cooperate with your research, what happens if we die and you break your promise?" Wang Qiongxing asked, his face grave as he looked at Lin Qian.
Lin Qian smiled in response. "I'm not the type to deceive you. Whether or not the human race of the ancient forest world can be saved depends on your sincerity."
He continued, "Whether you're willing or not, that's up to you. But what obligation do I have to save the human race in this world?"
Lin Qian tapped the stone table lightly with his finger, his gaze fixed on the four elders. "The choice is yours."
After saying this, Lin Qian remained silent, waiting for the elders to make their decision.
To his surprise, all four elders simultaneously raised their cups and downed the liquid in one gulp, slamming the cups down on the table.
The elders stared at Lin Qian, and Fu Deqing chuckled softly, "Emperor Lin, I hope you won't go back on your word!"
After that, the elders closed their eyes, awaiting death.
They had already instructed the other elders from the three races to avenge them if Lin Qian reneged on his promise. Given their deep bonds, the other elders would surely see it through.
For the elders, Lin Qian's request was reasonable. After all, someone capable of creating such miraculous potions must be an unconventional alchemist. Asking strong individuals like them to serve as test subjects was within reason.
As they closed their eyes, they felt something cool pressed against their bodies. However, they couldn't dwell on it, as the potent effects of the potion began to surge through them.
They were ready to fight for survival, hoping that they might withstand the poison and live.
What they didn't know was that Lin Qian had already covered his mouth to stifle his laughter, his shoulders shaking with amusement.
The four elders of the ancient forest world had no idea that what they had just consumed wasn't poison at all—it was a stronger version of the refining potion.