"What? Do you mean to say that, as a different race, they won't have ulterior motives towards humans? With the vast Southern Domain, can all humans truly accept them?" Yuan Supreme was certain Lin Qian wouldn't lie about such matters, but it was hard to believe.
Clearly, Lin Qian's words were based on fact. But was such a thing truly possible?
"The humans of the Hua Xia Empire no longer harbor any ill thoughts towards other races. When they've grown accustomed to other races living around them, there won't be any unnecessary conflict," Lin Qian said calmly in response to Yuan Supreme's question.
"In the Hua Xia Empire, there is no distinction between humans and other races. They are all Hua Xia citizens."
Lin Qian understood that without seeing it firsthand, it was hard for them to imagine the state of the Hua Xia Empire.
The Soulvision system allowed every citizen of the empire to be aware of what was happening across their vast nation on a daily basis. The Hua Xia Broadcast promoted equality among all beings, highlighting good deeds performed by people of different races. In fact, Lin Qian had already ordered the Heavenly Work Department to develop a variety show that would bring together people from various races to foster mutual understanding and harmony.
Habit is a powerful force.
Through the daily influence of Soulvision, the people of the Hua Xia Empire had fully adapted to the presence of other races. Due to the unique qualities of the Blackhorn Clan, Redhorn Clan, Spirit Hoof Clan, and Dwarves, these groups were spread across the Southern Domain, giving people everywhere a chance to interact with them and see for themselves what other races were like.
This was the Hua Xia Empire.
"In the Hua Xia Empire, the Blackhorn Clan and Redhorn Clan help train humans in soul power control and body tempering techniques. The Spirit Hoof Clan serves as couriers—though, what a courier is might need some explanation…" Lin Qian chuckled, continuing, "The Dwarves, with their extraordinary craftsmanship and talent in forging, especially weapons, are invaluable. With their assistance, many tasks are made easier."
"And now, with the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe joining, the empire can begin tapping into oceanic resources."
As Lin Qian explained, not only was Yuan Supreme astonished, but Yun Fan, Yun Rong, Lin Di, and Yun Yunyan all had expressions of awe and anticipation. They were now incredibly eager to witness firsthand what the Hua Xia Empire had become.
"Young Master, it seems the Hua Xia Empire really has a chance to unify the Soul Martial Continent," Yuan Supreme said after taking a deep breath. "In my life, I've never seen a leader of any human power who had such vision."
"It's simple—equality for all, a flourishing society, unity in diversity—that's all it is," Lin Qian said plainly.
His simple words struck Yuan Supreme like a bolt of lightning, leaving him dazed for a long time.
"It seems I've chosen to follow a remarkable master," Yuan Supreme said after a long pause, looking at Lin Qian. "So, Young Master, would it be possible for the Yuan Clan to one day join the Hua Xia Empire as well?"
"Of course. But only after I gain full recognition from the entire Yun Clan," Lin Qian replied without hesitation. "I'm sure that day isn't far off."
"I look forward to it," Yuan Supreme nodded.
"Qian'er, your grandfather is eager to see what the Hua Xia Empire is truly like," Yun Fan said with a smile, stepping forward to stand by his grandson. "But I suppose there are many troublesome matters to deal with before we can visit."
Lin Qian nodded in agreement, then suddenly remembered something, a hint of unease creeping into his expression. "Grandfather, Elder Yuan, have you ever heard of the names Wei Wushuang and Wei Qingqing in the Central Domain?"
"No, I've never heard of them. Why do you ask?"
"None that I've encountered."
Both Yun Fan and Yuan Supreme shook their heads, which caused Lin Qian's face to darken.
"Could it be that my master, along with Ye Xin, has perished in the conflict between the Jinhua Merchant Guild and Demonic Spirit Sect?" Lin Qian's heart tightened. The possibility seemed all too real.
After all, unlike Lin Qian, Wei Wushuang and Wei Qingqing wouldn't have been able to travel directly to the heart of the Central Domain through portals from the Four Directions Province. Given the fierce conflict between the Jinhua Merchant Guild and the Demonic Spirit Sect, it was highly likely they would have encountered danger. However, Lin Qian reasoned that his master's superior soul power and talent, especially after recovering from his injuries, should have enabled him to navigate around the dangers and find a safer route.
With his master's strength, it was improbable that neither Yun Fan nor Yuan Supreme had heard of him.
"I'll have to look into this thoroughly," Lin Qian thought, issuing orders to his scouts Swiftwind and Nightshadow to pay close attention to any news of Wei Wushuang and Wei Qingqing in the Central Domain.
But there was another matter on his mind, one that made him uneasy. He turned to Yun Fan with a sheepish look. "Grandfather, there's something I need to tell you, though I fear you may not like it."
"Qian'er, speak your mind. What is it?" Yun Fan asked, noticing Lin Qian's hesitation.
"Fang Shuiwen, Zhou Yian, and Yang Guixiang... I accidentally lost them," Lin Qian said awkwardly.
The courtyard fell silent.
After a long moment, Yun Fan's eyes widened. "Qian'er, you're not joking, are you? How could you lose all three of them?"
"It's complicated…" Lin Qian sighed, recounting the events in the Underground World of Ancient Spirit Province in detail.
When he finished, everyone's faces had darkened.
Yun Fan shook his head with a heavy sigh. "This isn't your fault, Qian'er. No one could have predicted such a thing."
Yuan Supreme, however, furrowed his brow, his expression troubled. "Young Master, this situation might be more dire than we thought."
"Do you know something, Elder Yuan?" Lin Qian asked urgently, sensing that Yuan Supreme might have vital information.
The elder nodded solemnly. "Young Master, you are aware of the ancient war that shattered the Underground World, splitting it into many regions."
"Based on your description, it seems that the plants you encountered were in the underground area beneath Zuo Continent."
"Zuo Continent?" Lin Qian frowned, then his eyes widened. "Don't tell me…"
"That's right. Zuo Continent is the domain of the alien races. Your three elders are now trapped beneath their underground realm."
Yuan Supreme's words caused Lin Qian's heart to sink. He vividly remembered the dimming of their life tokens.
Now, it seemed, the three elders had encountered serious trouble in the underground world of Zuo Continent.