Chapter 235: A Frightening Display

As the soft light flickered at the entrance of the small world, two figures emerged.

Everyone looked closely and saw that it was Zhang Zhan from the North Branch Clan and Zhang Ziqi from the South Branch Clan.

The sight of the two emerging one after the other made many eyes light up.

It was clear that these two had grown much stronger than they were five months ago. Both of them were now at the peak of the Life and Death Realm, Force Stage, just one step away from the Soul Stage. Their strength had improved significantly, making them valuable assets for the upcoming journey to the Ancient Human Ruins.

"Haha, not bad at all!" Zhang Keran beamed with satisfaction as he looked at Zhang Zhan. He even threw a smug glance at Zhang Ziyi. "Some people don't even realize they've been duped. Their descendants probably wasted five months of precious time for nothing."

Zhang Keran's taunts made Zhang Ziyi's face turn an ugly shade of green.

Nearby, Zhang Nianxin realized why Zhang Ziyi had expressed concerns earlier. It was obvious that Zhang Keran's words had unsettled him, causing his current worries.

However, Zhang Nianxin had unwavering faith in Lin Qian. Since Lin Qian had promised to enhance their abilities, he would certainly deliver.

After all, Zhang Qi's current strength was entirely thanks to Lin Qian, which gave Zhang Nianxin great confidence in him.

With that in mind, Zhang Nianxin looked toward the entrance of the small world, his eyes filled with anticipation.

At that moment, Zhang Ziqi had returned to the South Branch Clan, where the clan leader nodded in approval.

Seeing this, Zhang Ziyi grew increasingly anxious.

Zhang Zhan and Zhang Ziqi had achieved remarkable improvements after just five months of training in the small world, aided by its dense spiritual energy.

Although the progress could also be attributed to the elixirs earned from the tournament points, the results were undeniable.

Now, Zhang Ziyi's only thought was whether his granddaughter had indeed been held back by Lin Qian. Had she made minimal progress during these five months?

Zhang Keran's smug expression and Zhang Xinhai's approving look only added to Zhang Ziyi's frustration, making him more convinced that his concerns might be valid.

As he stewed in worry, the soft light at the entrance of the small world flickered once more, and another figure emerged.

Long hair cascading over his shoulders, a handsome face half-covered by a peculiar soul artifact, and a pristine white robe that remained unaffected by the water's flow.

The young man who appeared was none other than Lin Qian.

Beside him, dressed in her starry white gown, Ye Xin walked hand in hand with Lin Qian, stepping out of the light.

The two looked like a celestial couple, chatting and laughing as they descended the steps from the portal.

As they emerged, Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian's eyes both narrowed, focusing on Ye Xin.

Her cultivation level had clearly advanced to the Soaring Stage of the Shattered Void Realm during these five months.

While her progress wasn't as spectacular as Lin Qian's rapid ascent of four stages, it was still impressive—especially considering that not everyone could be as monstrous as Lin Qian.

As for Lin Qian himself, although his aura remained at the Soaring Stage, Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian, with their sharp senses, could see how terrifyingly stable his aura had become.

When Lin Qian had first broken through four stages in quick succession, his aura had been somewhat unstable, not fully reflective of his new cultivation level.

That method of rapid advancement came with drawbacks, primarily in the form of instability that limited his potential power.

However, after five months of solidifying his foundation, the benefits of that rapid breakthrough became apparent. Lin Qian's physical strength had grown to an astonishing level.

Additionally, with his cultivation now firmly established, the strength of his soul power had also increased significantly, something Zhang Tianxin and Zhou Yian could easily discern.

Not long after Lin Qian and Ye Xin emerged, Zhang Zide, Li Yunfeng, Zhang Qi, and Zhang Wenshuan followed suit.

Unlike before, the four of them were now clad in white robes, resembling Lin Qian and Ye Xin in style.

Li Yunfeng's robe was embroidered with gold trim, while the clothing of Zhang Zide, Zhang Qi, and Zhang Wenshuan featured blue patterns, reflecting their connection to the Eight-Armed Sea Clan.

It was also evident to everyone present that their robes were no ordinary attire but high-grade soul artifacts.

"This…" Everyone was stunned, staring in disbelief at the four emerging figures.

"Zide, you…" Zhang Tianxin was momentarily speechless as he looked at his grandson.

Not only him—Zhou Yian's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Li Yunfeng, as if he were in a dream.

Even Zhang Ziyi, standing next to Zhang Nianxin, was astonished. "Wenshuan, your cultivation level!"

Indeed, all four who followed Lin Qian had advanced by one minor realm.

Zhang Zide and Li Yunfeng had ascended from the Soul Stage of the Life and Death Realm to the Heart Stage.

Zhang Qi and Zhang Wenshuan had progressed from the Force Stage to the Soul Stage.

This was the Life and Death Realm—a single minor realm advancement was an incredibly difficult feat.

Under normal circumstances, it would take even the most talented individuals at least two to three years to achieve such progress.

Four to five years wouldn't be surprising either.

But five months? Who would have thought it possible?

The South Branch Clan leader, Zhang Xinhai, was stunned, while Zhang Keran from the North Branch Clan was seething with jealousy.

"How could they advance by an entire minor realm? This is impossible!" Zhang Keran growled, his face burning with humiliation.

Earlier, he had confidently declared that Zhang Wenshuan would waste five precious months with little to no progress.

But now? She had advanced by a full minor realm—a metaphorical slap in his face.

"Well, do you think those two million manuscripts were worth it now?" Zhang Nianxin asked with a smile, seeing the joy on Zhang Ziyi's face.

"Worth it, absolutely worth it." Zhang Ziyi nodded enthusiastically, all his previous worries forgotten.

"It's more than worth it! Grandpa, you should compensate Lin Qian generously," Zhang Wenshuan chimed in, tugging at Zhang Ziyi's sleeve.

Zhang Ziyi looked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean by 'more than worth it'? Those two million manuscripts are about equal to your advancement by one minor realm."