The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

"A change of power?"

Upon hearing Lin Qian's words, everyone nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, the situation is about to change drastically."

Shengtian Sect is already the strongest force in Linhai Prefecture, and with the backing of Ba Dao Sect and Yushou Sect, they have a significant advantage.

On the surface, the combined strength of Wanxiang Sect, Shenjian Sect, and Jinhai Sect is slightly inferior to that of Shengtian Sect, Ba Dao Sect, and Yushou Sect. However, what they don't know is that the War Emperor, Wei Wushuang, isn't actually dead. If Shengtian Sect were aware of this and realized that he has fully recovered, they would undoubtedly tread carefully.

Lin Qian had learned that when his master, War Emperor Wei Wushuang, first returned to Linhai Prefecture, his mere presence was enough to keep the entire region in check, ensuring peace and stability.

But now, the situation is far from optimistic.

Based on Lin Qian's analysis, if Linhai Prefecture has indeed colluded with the Black Blood Clan, even his master, War Emperor Wei Wushuang, might not be able to single-handedly maintain stability in the region.

His master, Wei Wushuang, is a Life and Death Realm expert, and this realm is divided into four sub-realms:

Body Realm: The first sub-realm, which involves undergoing the Body Tribulation.

The so-called Body Tribulation manifests as heart fire igniting within the heart, causing one's blood to burn and flow through the entire body, resulting in intense pain.

Surviving the Body Tribulation transforms the muscles, bones, and skin, especially the heart and blood, making them extraordinarily resilient. After the tribulation, the heart becomes incredibly tough, resistant to ordinary damage. Even if pierced by a sharp blade, it will heal within an hour unless completely destroyed.

Force Realm: The second sub-realm, involving the Force Tribulation.

This tribulation is related to soul power, as it directly affects a cultivator's strength. The Force Tribulation manifests as lightning coursing through the dantian and meridians, refining the soul power. If successful, the quality of the soul power will increase dramatically, greatly enhancing its potency.

However, failing the Force Tribulation can damage the dantian and meridians, making future cultivation more challenging.

Soul Realm: The third sub-realm, related to the Martial Soul.

When breaking through to this realm, an invisible force will temper the Martial Soul. During the Soul Tribulation, the only way to survive is by amplifying the soul power to strengthen the Martial Soul, allowing it to endure the tribulation.

At this stage, a cultivator's foundation is crucial. Those with weak foundations, such as those who only completed a single Nirvana Cycle, will struggle to survive the Soul Tribulation, even if they manage to reach the Life and Death Realm.

But for someone like Lin Qian, with twelve Nirvana Cycles under his belt, surviving the Soul Tribulation would be a breeze.

Failing the Soul Tribulation can lead to a decline in Martial Soul quality, affecting one's abilities. In severe cases, the Martial Soul may shatter entirely, leaving the cultivator crippled.

Mind Realm: The final sub-realm of the Life and Death Realm and the most challenging one.

Wei Wushuang would need to endure the Mind Tribulation when he attempts this breakthrough. The Mind Tribulation takes place within the sea of consciousness, manifesting illusions that test the cultivator's soul. If the cultivator's mental state isn't strong enough to overcome these illusions, they may become trapped forever.

Successfully breaking through the illusions will significantly enhance the soul, increasing one's comprehension and improving future cultivation.

However, if the illusions cannot be overcome, the cultivator's soul will be consumed, leading to their complete annihilation.

Despite these challenges, Lin Qian firmly believed that his master, Wei Wushuang, would succeed in overcoming the Mind Tribulation.

Having endured the torment of an incurable poison that constantly inflicted pain on his body, as well as surviving the hardships of being exiled to a remote island while awaiting death, Wei Wushuang had developed an unshakable will. Someone who had faced such adversities would undoubtedly succeed in breaking through to the Mind Realm.

"Master's breakthrough to the Life and Death Realm's Mind Realm is only a matter of time. When he reaches that stage, he will be unstoppable," Gao Benli said, trying to reassure Lin Qian, who seemed worried.

"When Master emerges from seclusion, his absolute strength will render everything else irrelevant."

Gao Benli's words left Ding Zhirong and the others astonished, and they all exclaimed in unison.

"War Emperor isn't dead?"

"Now that things have come to this, there's no need to hide it anymore," Lin Qian said as he looked at them. "My master, War Emperor Wei Wushuang, has already been cured of the poison. He's been recovering his strength all this time, and that funeral we held was a ruse."

Upon hearing Lin Qian's explanation, Ding Zhirong and the others were initially shocked but soon overjoyed.

In their hearts, War Emperor Wei Wushuang had been a symbol of hope and strength for Wanxiang Sect in recent years.

When Wanxiang Sect had been on the brink of collapse, with Shengtian Sect nearly at their doorstep, it was Wei Wushuang who returned from beyond Linhai Prefecture and single-handedly forced Shengtian Sect, Ba Dao Sect, and Yushou Sect to retreat, reclaiming the lost territories and even forcing them to cede more land to Wanxiang Sect.

When they had believed Wei Wushuang to be dead, they were filled with grief. Now, learning the truth brought them immense joy.

"Lei Qian, inform your grandfather and my uncle Qin Wushuang to gather trusted members of the sect and meet at Maoqing Mountain tonight to discuss our next steps. Make sure they are the most reliable people," Lin Qian instructed, turning to Lei Qian.

"Got it, Boss," Lei Qian nodded solemnly, quickly standing up and leaving to carry out the task.

"Senior Brother, you should go to the entrance of the secret valley and wait there. Request an audience. Given the situation, he likely won't see you, but if he tries to leave the valley, contact me immediately," Lin Qian said, turning to Gao Benli.

"Heh, even if my grandfather has become a Blood Corpse, he's still a Life and Death Realm expert. How am I supposed to keep track of him if he leaves the valley? And how do I even notify you in time? You're kidding, right?" Gao Benli replied sarcastically.

Tap tap tap.

The sound of crisp footsteps echoed as Lin Qian raised his hand, showing a half-transparent crystal plate. "There's a saying: 'Science and technology are the primary productive forces.' This advanced artifact is something you might have a hard time comprehending, Senior Brother."