The main hall of LinJian Sect fell into complete silence.
Moments ago, the First Elder had mocked Lin Shuan for being merely a Six-Star Meridian Tracer.
Now, that same elder stood frozen in place.
His face had turned pale.
Cold sweat trickled down his forehead.
An invisible spiritual pressure enveloped his entire body, pressing against his consciousness like an immense mountain descending from the heavens.
He couldn't move.
He couldn't even raise a finger.
Yet Lin Shuan hadn't left his seat.
The young man merely looked at him calmly, as though suppressing a Four-Star Form Shaper required no effort whatsoever.
The other three elders stared at Lin Shuan in disbelief.
Third Stage of the Consciousness Realm!
They had initially assumed that Lin Mo's acknowledgment of Lin Shuan as the Lin Clan's new Clan Head was merely an act of respect toward the surviving heir of an influential family.
But now, they understood.
This young man was anything but ordinary.
A Six-Star Meridian Tracer possessing spiritual power equivalent to the Third Stage of the Consciousness Realm was already a phenomenon that defied common sense.
However, the most frightening question had yet to be answered.
If his spiritual power alone could suppress a Form Shaper, what kind of strength did his actual combat ability conceal?
The elders exchanged glances.
A terrifying possibility emerged in their minds.
The Third Stage of the Consciousness Realm was comparable to an Immortal Seed in terms of spiritual power.
Did that mean Lin Shuan possessed the combat strength of an Immortal Seed cultivator?
Nobody could answer that question with certainty.
But the possibility alone was enough to make their hearts tremble.
If Lin Shuan truly possessed such combat ability, then this young man could stand against an Immortal Seed expert despite remaining at the Meridian Tracer Realm.
And if he could do that—
Wasn't he practically a force comparable to LinJian Sect itself?
The thought made the elders' expressions change immediately.
The First Elder, who had previously looked down upon Lin Shuan, hurriedly withdrew his earlier arrogance.
His lips curved into an apologetic smile.
"Clan Head Lin, please forgive this old man's earlier discourtesy."
He cupped his fists.
"This old man merely wished to witness your extraordinary spiritual power. I never intended to question your qualifications."
The Second Elder immediately followed.
"Indeed! Clan Head Lin possesses such astonishing talent at such a young age. It is truly an honor for LinJian Sect to welcome someone like you."
The Third Elder and Fourth Elder nodded repeatedly.
Their earlier hostility had disappeared as though it had never existed.
Lin Mo watched them with an amused expression.
These old fellows certainly know how to change their attitude.
A moment ago, they had been questioning Lin Shuan's qualifications.
Now, they were practically competing to flatter him.
However, Lin Shuan didn't seem particularly interested in their sudden enthusiasm.
He withdrew his spiritual pressure.
The suffocating atmosphere disappeared.
The First Elder finally managed to breathe normally again.
Only then did Lin Shuan speak.
"Elders, please take your seats."
He gestured toward the chairs arranged throughout the hall.
"Since we have gathered here, there is no need to stand."
His tone was polite, neither arrogant nor submissive.
The elders immediately obeyed.
Lin Shuan returned to his seat at the center.
Lin Mo sat to his right, while the First Elder of the Lin Clan took a seat nearby.
The four elders of LinJian Sect occupied the opposite side.
Han Qing Li sat beside Lin Shuan, accompanied by Han Lei Jun and Tai Gu Chen.
The remaining members of LinJian Sect and the surviving Lin Clan gathered behind them.
For a moment, Lin Shuan surveyed the assembled figures.
These people represented the beginning of something that had not existed yesterday.
A clan that had nearly been exterminated.
A newly established sect struggling to establish itself.
And a group of powerful survivors who had lost their homeland.
Their circumstances were different.
Their histories were different.
Yet they all stood at a similar crossroads.
They needed strength.
They needed protection.
And, sooner or later, they would need to confront the forces threatening their future.
Lin Mo broke the silence.
"Clan Head, now that everyone has gathered, may I ask what arrangements you have in mind?"
His expression became serious.
"The Lin Clan has formally appointed you as its leader. However, LinJian Sect also has its own rules and responsibilities."
He paused briefly.
"We would like to hear your proposal."
Lin Shuan nodded.
"Very well."
His eyes gradually became colder.
"Everyone here knows what happened to the Lin Clan."
Nobody interrupted.
"My clan once stood at the western border of the Da Cang Empire. My father, Lin Zhen Hai, led our people through countless difficulties. We possessed a long history, skilled craftsmen, and a reputation that extended beyond Myriad Frost City."
His fingers tightened slightly around the armrest.
"But Yu Long Sect destroyed our home."
The atmosphere became heavy.
"Most of our clansmen died. Those who survived were forced to hide for nearly three years."
His voice remained steady.
"At present, only twenty-eight members of the Lin Clan remain alive."
Even the elders who had been flattering him moments earlier fell silent.
Twenty-eight.
Such a number was pitiful for a clan that had once possessed considerable influence.
Lin Shuan continued.
"We cannot afford to fight Yu Long Sect recklessly. Our surviving members need a place where they can cultivate, recover, and rebuild their strength."
His gaze moved toward Lin Mo.
"At the same time, I understand that LinJian Sect is still in its early stages. It was established only a few years ago, and its foundation is not yet strong enough to withstand every threat."
Lin Mo nodded thoughtfully.
That was true.
LinJian Sect had potential, but potential alone could not protect a sect from powerful enemies.
Lin Shuan leaned forward slightly.
"Therefore, why shouldn't we establish an alliance that benefits both sides?"
The elders exchanged glances.
An alliance?
Lin Shuan elaborated.
"The Lin Clan needs protection. LinJian Sect needs resources and opportunities to strengthen its foundation."
He raised one finger.
"The Lin Clan possesses skilled swordsmiths. Our weapons have long been known throughout the Tian Yuan Continent."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"If LinJian Sect is willing to cooperate with us, the Lin Clan can supply weapons in exchange for protection and other mutually agreed benefits."
The hall immediately fell silent.
Then—
the expressions of the elders changed.
Weapons.
Not ordinary weapons.
Weapons forged by the Lin Clan.
Throughout the Tian Yuan Continent, the Lin Clan had been renowned for its swordsmithing traditions. Its finest weapons could reach Heaven Grade, and its craftsmen possessed techniques that many other forces had spent generations trying to acquire.
For LinJian Sect, such an arrangement would be an enormous advantage.
A steady supply of high-quality weapons would strengthen its disciples, increase its commercial influence, and create a reliable source of income.
More importantly, the arrangement would allow LinJian Sect to protect the Lin Clan without immediately declaring war against Yu Long Sect.
The First Elder stroked his beard.
"Clan Head Lin, your proposal is certainly attractive."
The Second Elder nodded.
"Indeed. If the Lin Clan resumes producing its weapons, the commercial benefits could be considerable."
However, the First Elder soon frowned.
"There is one matter we must consider."
Everyone turned toward him.
"The Lin Clan has maintained a close commercial relationship with Sword River Sect for many years."
Lin Shuan remained silent.
The elder continued.
"Sword River Sect was among the few forces that attempted to locate the surviving members of your clan after the destruction of Myriad Frost City."
He paused.
"Would it not be more appropriate for the Lin Clan to seek protection from them instead?"
The question was reasonable.
Sword River Sect had been a longstanding commercial partner of the Lin Clan.
Its people had also searched for the survivors after the disaster.
Why would Lin Shuan choose LinJian Sect instead?
Lin Shuan did not answer immediately.
He understood the concern.
"Sword River Sect has indeed treated the Lin Clan as a valuable commercial partner," he said. "And I have not forgotten what they did for our survivors."
His expression remained calm.
"But a commercial relationship and a strategic alliance are two different things."
The elders listened carefully.
"If we approach Sword River Sect and request its full protection, it may feel obligated to confront Yu Long Sect directly."
His eyes narrowed.
"Such a confrontation would place the surviving members of my clan in immediate danger."
He continued.
"I have no intention of using the goodwill of our old allies to drag them into a war before we are prepared."
The First Elder slowly nodded.
Lin Shuan's reasoning was sound.
Sword River Sect's strength was considerable, and its relationship with the Lin Clan was genuine.
However, a direct conflict with Yu Long Sect could turn that relationship into a burden.
LinJian Sect offered a different possibility.
It could provide a place to rebuild while allowing both sides to develop their strength.
Lin Shuan added,
"If LinJian Sect is unwilling to enter into a formal alliance, we can begin with a commercial agreement. The Lin Clan will supply weapons, and LinJian Sect will provide protection according to mutually agreed terms."
He looked directly at the elders.
"I do not intend to force anyone into a decision."
The First Elder exchanged a glance with his companions.
After a brief discussion, he finally smiled.
"Clan Head Lin, your proposal is acceptable."
He stood and cupped his fists.
"From this day forward, LinJian Sect agrees to establish a commercial alliance with the Lin Clan."
The Second Elder immediately agreed.
"We shall provide protection to the Lin Clan within the limits of our capabilities, while both sides cooperate in trade and cultivation resources."
The Third and Fourth Elders also nodded.
"Agreed!"
A wave of relief spread through the hall.
The surviving Lin Clan members exchanged emotional glances.
For three years, they had lived with uncertainty.
Now, at last, they had secured a foundation upon which to rebuild their future.
Lin Shuan's expression softened slightly.
"Then the matter is settled."
However, before anyone could continue the discussion—
a calm female voice suddenly sounded.
"Lin Shuan."
Everyone turned toward Han Qing Li.
Her silver-blue eyes rested upon him.
"Our group will also join this alliance."
The hall instantly became silent.
Lin Shuan looked at her in surprise.
Then, a genuine smile appeared on his face.
"Qing Li, you mean that?"
Han Qing Li nodded.
"Yes."
Her answer was immediate.
"We have no reason to remain separate when our interests and circumstances are so closely connected."
For a brief moment, Lin Shuan felt warmth spread through his heart.
He had never expected her to make such a decision so readily.
However, the elders of LinJian Sect were completely stunned.
They had already witnessed Han Qing Li's terrifying spiritual power and the extraordinary cultivation of the people accompanying her.
But they still knew almost nothing about their origins.
Who exactly was this young woman?
And why were so many powerful cultivators willing to follow her?
The First Elder finally asked the question everyone had been holding back.
"Young Lady, may this old man ask which force you represent?"
The hall fell silent once again.
Even the surviving Lin Clan members turned toward Lin Shuan.
They, too, wanted to understand the identities of the people who had accompanied their new Clan Head.
Lin Shuan looked at Han Qing Li.
She returned his gaze calmly.
He could see that she had already made her decision.
After a moment, he turned toward the assembled elders.
"I believe everyone here has heard of Void Chaos."
The moment those words fell—
the atmosphere changed.
Void Chaos.
The name itself carried an ominous weight.
Five months earlier, the Wanling Empire had disappeared into that catastrophe.
Its cities, territories, and countless inhabitants had been swallowed by an incomprehensible disaster.
Even powerful cultivators could not discuss the event without becoming solemn.
The First Elder's expression changed.
"Clan Head Lin, are you saying—"
Lin Shuan nodded.
"Han Qing Li is the princess of the Wanling Empire."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
For several moments, nobody spoke.
The Wanling Empire's princess?
The young woman sitting beside Lin Shuan?
The one whose cultivation surpassed everyone else in the hall?
The one who had forced powerful Immortal Seed cultivators to withdraw without fighting?
She was a royal princess?
The elders stared at Han Qing Li.
Their eyes widened.
Her extraordinary bearing suddenly made sense.
The elegance with which she carried herself.
The natural authority in her voice.
The powerful cultivators who accompanied her.
Everything began to fit together.
But why is Lin Shuan calling the princess by her name?
Leaving such thoughts behind The First Elder immediately stood.
"Greetings, Princess Qing Li!"
The other elders hurriedly rose as well.
The surviving Lin Clan members followed.
Even Lin Mo's expression became solemn.
Although the Wanling Empire had been lost, its royal family had not simply become insignificant overnight.
The cultivation resources, knowledge, and connections accumulated by an imperial family over generations could not be measured by territory alone.
Moreover, Han Qing Li's personal strength was formidable.
If she joined the alliance, its influence would increase dramatically.
Yet Lin Shuan's next words made the elders even more astonished.
"These are her companions and protectors."
He gestured toward the assembled figures.
"Lei Yun Hua. Xue Han Yue. Xue Mei Yun. Han Xue Long. Lei Hao Tian. Yan Feng Luo. Han Lei Jun. Lei Zhan Yu. Tai Gu Chen."
One by one, the named cultivators acknowledged the assembled elders.
Four young women.
Three young men.
Three senior cultivators.
And Han Qing Li at their center.
The elders quietly assessed them.
Their cultivation.
Their bearing.
Their spiritual pressure.
Their ability to remain composed in a room filled with unfamiliar cultivators.
These were not ordinary wanderers.
They were an organized group with extraordinary potential.
The First Elder slowly sat down.
His mind was already racing.
If the Lin Clan supplied weapons, LinJian Sect provided a foundation, and Han Qing Li's group contributed its formidable strength, the alliance could become one of the most influential forces within the Da Cang Empire.
Yu Long Sect might still possess greater resources and a more established foundation.
However, the difference would no longer be as overwhelming as before.
The Second Elder whispered,
"This alliance could change everything."
The Third Elder nodded.
"Indeed."
Then—
another question emerged.
What should the alliance be called?
An alliance required more than mutual promises.
It needed a name.
A banner beneath which its members could stand together.
A symbol that would represent their shared ambitions and future.
The elders began offering suggestions.
Some proposed names associated with swords.
Others suggested names representing unity, strength, or the enduring legacy of the Lin Clan.
The discussion continued for several minutes.
Eventually, everyone's attention shifted toward Han Qing Li.
She listened to the proposals.
Then she looked at Lin Shuan.
She did not offer a name.
Instead, she waited.
The elders noticed.
Again, they wondered why this powerful princess seemed so willing to let Lin Shuan make the important decisions?
Lin Shuan noticed their gazes and gave a faint, helpless smile.
He had never considered himself particularly skilled at naming things.
The last time he had named a companion, the result had been an unusually long name that still occasionally made Tian Wuchen laugh.
Inside the pendant, the ancient dragon seemed to remember the incident.
A suppressed chuckle echoed within Lin Shuan's consciousness.
Lin Shuan's mouth twitched.
"Master, please don't start."
Tian Wuchen laughed even harder.
"Hahaha! You have demonstrated remarkable talent in cultivation, little monster. Surely naming an alliance cannot defeat you."
Lin Shuan sighed inwardly.
"Then why don't you suggest something?"
"No."
Tian Wuchen answered cheerfully.
"You must choose this one yourself."
Lin Shuan nearly rolled his eyes.
After a brief silence, he looked around the hall.
The people gathered here possessed different strengths.
Some commanded icy spiritual energy.
Others cultivated lightning-based techniques or relied upon powerful physical abilities.
Yet the image that emerged within his mind was neither a sword nor a mountain.
It was a dragon.
A dragon soaring through a frozen sky.
An existence that could endure the coldest winds and command the storms above the clouds.
His expression gradually became serious.
"Frost Dragon Alliance."
The words echoed throughout the hall.
For a moment, nobody responded.
Then—
Lin Mo's eyes brightened.
"The Frost Dragon Alliance..."
The First Elder repeated the name softly.
A dragon represented strength, authority, and the ability to rise above adversity.
Frost represented the power and resolve that had brought these people together.
Together, the words carried a powerful meaning.
An alliance that would endure the cold winds of adversity.
An alliance that would rise even when the world turned against it.
The Second Elder smiled.
"Excellent!"
The Third Elder nodded approvingly.
"The name possesses both dignity and strength."
Another elder laughed.
"Clan Head Lin truly has an extraordinary talent for naming things!"
The hall erupted into laughter.
Even Han Qing Li covered her mouth, a faint smile appearing in her eyes.
Lin Shuan could almost hear Tian Wuchen laughing inside the pendant.
"You see? I told you that you could do it."
Lin Shuan ignored him.
The elders unanimously approved the name.
From that moment onward, the alliance would be known as the Frost Dragon Alliance.
Yet the next question was even more important.
Who would lead it?
The First Elder glanced toward Lin Mo.
Lin Mo was the Sect Leader of LinJian Sect, but he also belonged to the Lin Clan.
His position made him an unsuitable choice to lead an alliance in which several independent forces would participate.
That left two obvious candidates.
Lin Shuan.
And Han Qing Li.
The elders considered both carefully.
Lin Shuan was the newly appointed Clan Head of the Lin Clan and the Young Master of LinJian Sect.
However, his cultivation realm was still low.
Han Qing Li, on the other hand, possessed astonishing strength and the bearing of an imperial princess.
She was the strongest person present.
She also possessed the experience and authority expected of someone raised within a royal household.
After a brief discussion, the First Elder stood.
"Princess Qing Li."
He cupped his fists respectfully.
"Considering your cultivation, background, and leadership qualities, we believe you would be the most suitable candidate to lead the Frost Dragon Alliance."
Several elders immediately agreed.
"Indeed!"
"Princess Qing Li would be an excellent choice."
"With her leadership, the alliance would possess both strength and prestige."
Yan Feng Luo's eyes brightened.
He glanced toward Han Qing Li with an enthusiastic smile.
However, Han Qing Li did not answer.
Instead—
she turned toward Lin Shuan.
Her blue eyes met his.
She waited.
Lin Shuan was slightly surprised.
For a moment, he simply looked at her.
Then he smiled
.
"If everyone believes Qing Li is the most suitable candidate, I have no objection."
His answer was sincere.
He knew how powerful she was.
He also knew that the alliance would benefit from her leadership.
However, Han Qing Li slowly shook her head.
"No."
Her answer stunned everyone.
The First Elder blinked.
"Princess?"
Han Qing Li rose from her seat.
Her gaze swept across the hall.
"You have misunderstood something."
Her voice remained gentle, but its clarity left no room for interruption.
"The reason we have survived until today is closely connected to Lin Shuan."
She looked toward him.
"He has repeatedly placed himself in danger while the rest of us were forced to confront circumstances beyond our control."
Her expression softened slightly.
"And now, the formation of this alliance has come about because of his decisions."
She continued.
"The Lin Clan needs protection. LinJian Sect needs resources and a stronger foundation. Our group needs a place where we can rebuild our strength and determine our future."
Her eyes returned to the elders.
"All these matters are connected to Lin Shuan."
The hall became silent.
Han Qing Li's voice grew firmer.
"His talent is extraordinary, but more importantly, he understands why these forces need one another."
She paused.
"If someone must bear the responsibility for this alliance, then I believe it should be him."
Everyone turned toward Lin Shuan.
For a moment, even Yan Feng Luo forgot to speak.
The elders exchanged stunned glances.
The most powerful cultivator in the hall had just declined leadership in favor of a Six-Star Meridian Tracer.
And she had done so without the slightest hesitation.
Why?
Was Lin Shuan truly that exceptional?
Or did Han Qing Li know something about him that the others did not?
The questions multiplied.
Lin Shuan, however, remained silent.
His gaze had become thoughtful.
He understood that leading an alliance was not a simple matter.
It meant responsibility.
It meant making decisions that affected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of lives.
It also meant becoming a target for every force that considered the alliance a threat.
And there was another matter.
He had a feeling that his future path would eventually take him far beyond the Da Cang Empire.
He did not wish to bind himself to a position that might prevent him from moving freely.
Yet the reality was unavoidable.
He was already the Young Master of LinJian Sect.
He was now the Clan Head of the Lin Clan.
The alliance had formed largely because of his actions and the relationships he had established.
Whether he accepted the title or not, he was already standing at its center.
The First Elder slowly rose again.
"Since Princess Qing Li has declined, and considering Clan Head Lin's position within both the Lin Clan and LinJian Sect, I propose that Lin Shuan become the leader of the Frost Dragon Alliance."
Lin Mo nodded.
"I agree."
The First Elder of the Lin Clan immediately followed.
"This old man agrees as well."
One by one, the remaining elders expressed their support.
Yan Feng Luo grinned.
"Brother Lin Shuan, it looks like you cannot escape this one!"
The hall filled with soft laughter.
Han Qing Li looked at Lin Shuan.
There was no hesitation in her expression.
Only quiet confidence.
Lin Shuan finally sighed.
"Very well."
He rose from his seat.
"If everyone believes this is the most suitable arrangement, I will accept the responsibility."
His voice became firm.
"But I have one condition."
The elders immediately straightened.
"Clan Head, please speak."
Lin Shuan's gaze swept across the hall.
"The Frost Dragon Alliance will not exist merely to accumulate power. We will protect our members, develop our strength, and avoid unnecessary conflicts."
His eyes gradually became colder.
"But if anyone threatens our people..."
He paused.
"They will have to face all of us."
Silence followed.
Then—
Lin Mo rose.
"From this moment onward, Lin Shuan shall lead the Frost Dragon Alliance!"
The declaration thundered throughout the hall.
"Greetings, Alliance Leader!"
The voices of the assembled cultivators echoed together.
Han Qing Li smiled faintly.
Yan Feng Luo laughed.
The Lin Clan's surviving members lowered their heads with renewed hope.
For the first time in three years, their future no longer appeared entirely dark.
Inside the pendant, Tian Wuchen laughed heartily.
"Hahaha! Lin Shuan, if Lin Xin Jian could see you now, he would probably be astonished."
"At seventeen years old, you have already become the leader of an alliance."
Lin Shuan's expression, however, did not change.
Instead, he looked toward the night sky beyond the hall.
His thoughts had returned to the words spoken by Sha Ming before his escape.
Soon, every city in the Da Cang Empire will belong to Yu Long Sect.
Myriad Frost City had already fallen.
How many cities would follow?
And why had Yu Long Sect become bold enough to threaten the entire empire?
Was the imperial family unaware of its actions?
Was the Empire Protector unwilling to intervene?
Or was something preventing the empire from acting?
Lin Shuan's gaze grew colder.
The yu long sect was among the most powerful forces in the region, second only to its imperial family in authority and influence.
If Yu Long Sect openly seized cities throughout the empire, it would challenge the imperial order itself.
Such actions could damage the empire's standing among the surrounding great empires.
Yet Yu Long Sect appeared willing to take that risk.
There had to be a reason.
Lin Shuan slowly clenched his fist.
The celebrations continued around him.
But his thoughts had already moved beyond the hall.
The Frost Dragon Alliance had been born.
Now, he needed to determine what kind of storm it had been created to face.
And whether the Da Cang Empire would stand against that storm—
or allow it to consume everything in its path.