Chapter 341: Deadly

In the watery forests at the border between Liújiāng Prefecture and Shùnshuǐ Prefecture, Lin Qian was walking alongside Zhao Zhili and Yú Wǎnyù as they headed towards their team's base.

Along the way, through conversations with the two, Lin Qian gained a clear understanding of the current situation. The three factions—Triple Extremes Temple, Xiaoyao Sect, and Blood Spirit Valley—were engaged in a covert skirmish against the soldiers of the Qin Dynasty.

The younger generation disciples of the three factions were divided into small squads, scattered throughout the watery forests of these two prefectures, clashing with Qin Dynasty soldiers who were similarly organized into small squads.

Hearing that the disciples from these factions were all young, Lin Qian speculated that the three factions were using this opportunity to temper their younger disciples. Through the blood and tears of battle, the next generation of disciples would be able to grow quickly.

Additionally, Lin Qian learned from their conversations that the leaders of the younger generation were none other than Fang Ziqian, Li Yunfeng, and Yang Tianhao.

"I heard that the three senior brothers have already fought against the Qin Dynasty's talents and won decisively, forcing the enemy to flee in panic. However, the enemy later received reinforcements, leading to the current stalemate," Zhao Zhili said as they walked, his eyes filled with admiration and respect.

It was clear that Fang Ziqian, Li Yunfeng, and Yang Tianhao were his idols, senior brothers whom he revered and aspired to emulate.

As for his own identity, Lin Qian had already prepared a cover story.

"Hua Xia Empire, you say?" In a forested area near the riverbank, about twenty people had gathered. This was Zhao Zhili and Yú Wǎnyù's team, and the one who questioned Lin Qian with a wary gaze was their team leader, Yú Wànlǐ.

Seeing his younger sister, Yú Wǎnyù, return covered in blood, Yú Wànlǐ was deeply concerned. However, noticing the closeness between her and Zhao Zhili, a smile appeared on his rough face.

He had long been aware of his sister's feelings for Zhao Zhili, and Zhao Zhili was already the brother-in-law he had chosen. Now that the two had finally broken through the barrier between them, Yú Wànlǐ was pleased.

However, his expression soured when he saw that they had brought Lin Qian back with them.

Bringing back a stranger in this dangerous environment meant Yú Wànlǐ had to be extremely cautious.

"Yes, I am from the Hua Xia Empire, here to offer assistance," Lin Qian nodded at the towering man in front of him. He glanced at Yú Wànlǐ's rough features and then at Yú Wǎnyù, curious if these two were truly siblings.

After a long, intense stare at Lin Qian, Yú Wànlǐ finally shook his head. "I'm sorry, even though you saved my sister and Zhao, I can't allow you to join our team."

"Who knows if this isn't a ploy by the other side? That scarred man was clearly scum, but maybe the Qin Dynasty is using scum like him as pawns to earn our trust."

"Moreover, the conflict with the Qin Dynasty may have started because of the Hua Xia Empire, but how could a small, insignificant country be the real reason for our three factions' war with the Qin Dynasty? The truth is, we need more territory to grow stronger. We don't need your help, so please leave."

As he spoke, Yú Wànlǐ handed Lin Qian a storage bag containing soul crystals and pills, a token of gratitude for saving his sister.

"Brother!"

"Brother Yú!"

Both Zhao Zhili and Yú Wǎnyù exclaimed anxiously. They didn't believe Lin Qian was a spy sent by the Qin Dynasty.

"No more discussion; my mind is made up," Yú Wànlǐ said firmly. He clasped his hands in respect to Lin Qian. "If I have wronged you, I hope you can understand my position. I can't afford to lose these brothers and sisters under my care."

Lin Qian nodded slightly and said, "I understand your concerns. Joining your team isn't necessary; I have my own team."

Crackling...

As Lin Qian finished speaking, a flash of purple lightning suddenly shot out from the forest, moving so quickly that Yú Wànlǐ and the others couldn't react. A young man appeared by Lin Qian's side in an instant.

"Boss, sorry I'm late!" the young man, Lei Qian, said apologetically to Lin Qian.

"I told you there was no need to rush. Were you worried I'd be upset? Are you my sister-in-law or something?" Another man, lazily tossing a jade token in his hand, emerged unhurriedly from the trees. He raised an eyebrow at Lin Qian. "Little brother, am I right?"

"..." Lin Qian looked at his troublemaking senior brother and was left speechless. When he had returned from Sifang Prefecture, Gaǒ Běnlì had immediately asked him for food.

There hadn't been the slightest trace of concern for his junior brother's well-being, and in frustration, Lin Qian had almost kicked him away.

To Lin Qian's surprise, however, Gaǒ Běnlì had withstood the kick.

In the days since their return, both Gaǒ Běnlì and Lei Qian had made remarkable progress. Thanks to the custom cultivation techniques Lin Qian had given them, along with the potions and the transformed spiritual energy environment in Línhǎi Province, they had both reached the Life and Death Realm!

One surprising thing Lin Qian discovered upon returning to Línhǎi Province was that his master, Wei Wúshuāng, had left. He had departed while Lin Qian was on his way to the Southern Gathering.

Along with him had gone Yè Xīn's master, Wei Qīngqīng. The siblings had left quietly.

Of course, it wasn't entirely without notice. They had left a message behind.

"We're heading to the Central Region for training."

It was simple and clear, leaving Lin Qian and Yè Xīn with no doubt about their master's intentions and destination.

In hindsight, Lin Qian could understand. Línhǎi Province was ultimately a small place, no longer suitable for his masters to stay.

Especially for Wei Wúshuāng, who had fully recovered from his poison and had no more concerns for his disciple, who had grown far stronger than expected.

So, after discussing it with his sister, Wei Wúshuāng and his sister decided to leave the young couple to their own devices and ventured off to the Central Region themselves.

Moreover, Wei Wúshuāng had one more thought in mind: his disciple would inevitably step into the Central Region one day, so he could go ahead and pave the way, making the journey a little easier for him in the future.

For this trip, Lin Qian had only brought Lei Qian and Gaǒ Běnlì with him, leaving Yè Xīn behind in Línhǎi Province to oversee communications with the Eastern Branch of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe.

The Qin Dynasty's alliance with the sea tribes primarily involved the main tribe, overlooking a significant factor.

The Qin Dynasty may have noticed this issue, but they didn't consider it worth their attention. However, in Lin Qian's eyes, it was a golden opportunity.

The territory of the Eastern Branch extended close to the Qin Dynasty's borders.