The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

Edible jade wasn't a rare item in the Huaxia Empire. Lin Qian handed Gao Benli over a hundred of them in various flavors before he left. After he was gone, the others grew curious and asked Lin Qian for some, eager to try them out for themselves.

Despite their excitement, there was still a bit of apprehension in the air. They worried that Lin Qian and Gao Benli might have been playing a prank on them.

The next moment, the courtyard was filled with the sound of chewing. Everyone was munching away, nodding their heads in approval as they enjoyed the taste.

"This flavor is amazing! It's a bit paler than Senior Brother Gao's, but it's sweet and refreshing. My whole head feels cool… kind of like a buzz," Li Letian said, eyes wide with excitement.

"That's called mint flavor. Don't ask me why it's called that—it just is. Enjoy it," Lin Qian said, munching on his own edible jade.

Ye Lin, intrigued, asked, "Brother Lin Qian, what about the flavor Bai Ren and I have?"

"Watermelon," Lin Qian replied.

Suddenly, Zhao Haiming let out a startled cry, staring at Ding Zhirong in shock. "Ding Zhirong, did you just… Did you get the **flavor?!"

Confused, Ding Zhirong glanced at Lin Qian, who hesitated before answering, "Durian… it's durian-flavored."

The moment the pungent scent filled the courtyard, Lin Qian's expression changed. He immediately sent a message to the Tian Gong Division, forbidding them from developing any durian-flavored items in the future.

At that moment, Lei Qian rushed into the courtyard, his voice echoing with disbelief as he shouted, "Boss, what happened? Who took a dump in the courtyard?!"

Meanwhile, deep within the Wanshang Sect, Gao Benli sat down on a chair in front of the entrance to the secret valley. Leaning back, he raised his voice, calling out, "Grandfather, your grandson has something important to discuss with you. Let me in so we can talk!"

After waiting for a while, a distant, elderly voice echoed from within the valley, like the tolling of a distant bell. "Your brothers and subordinates are being taken care of. I've sent people to find the culprits. I'm in seclusion, so don't disturb me further."

Gao Benli pursed his lips, got up from his chair, and pretended to leave. But instead of departing, he doubled back and found a hidden spot on a nearby hill overlooking the valley entrance.

"Just as Junior Brother suspected—he won't see me," Gao Benli muttered, his fists clenched in anger. "Damn those aliens for laying a hand on my grandfather."

Taking a few deep breaths to calm himself, Gao Benli closed his eyes and allowed his senses to meld with the wind, relying on the concealing properties of the skill jade he had ingested. While he couldn't detect everything within the valley, he could confirm that the entity that had once been his grandfather was still inside.

That was all he needed to know.

Back at Maoqing Mountain, Lei Qian had returned with Qin Wushuang and Lei Heng, accompanied by other elders who had presided over the life-and-death duel. These elders represented the peak power of Wanshang Sect, wielding authority over the sect.

Soon, the courtyard was filled with meditation cushions, and the elders, including Qin Wushuang and Lei Heng, took their seats. Behind them, the disciples, including Lei Qian, sat quietly, while Lin Qian faced them all.

Once the formation around Maoqing Mountain was activated, shrouding the courtyard in a protective barrier, Lin Qian stood up and bowed to the assembled elders. "I greet you, elders. I have something important to discuss with you all."

Qin Wushuang and the others sat upright, acknowledging Lin Qian's respectful gesture.

"The first matter I must address," Lin Qian began, "is that my master, War Emperor Wei Wushuang, is not dead. Over two years ago, before I entered the Ancient Relic, I discovered a method in another relic to heal my master's injuries. He is currently recovering in seclusion and should be able to return to his peak state soon."

This revelation brought visible joy to the elders, though Qin Wushuang and Lei Heng, who already knew, remained composed. The other elders, however, were visibly excited. If what Lin Qian said was true, it would drastically change the situation for Wanshang Sect.

"If War Emperor returns, the old sect leader won't be so stubborn anymore."

"Yes, with War Emperor back, there's no way Sheng Tian Sect will dare to act recklessly."

As the elders murmured among themselves, Lin Qian couldn't help but smile wryly. "Elders, please calm down and listen to what I have to say next."

Qin Wushuang, sensing the gravity in Lin Qian's tone, felt a tightness in his chest. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong.

"Over two years ago, we encountered the alien race known as the Black Blood Clan. This event revealed to us that humanity is not alone in this world. My master explained to me what kind of race the Black Blood Clan is. I believe you all understand what a Blood-Refined Corpse is."

"I have confirmed that the old sect leader, Gao Yuefei, has died and been turned into a Blood-Refined Corpse by the Black Blood Clan."

Boom!

Qin Wushuang's emotions erupted uncontrollably, unleashing a torrent of energy that whipped through the courtyard like a violent storm. His power, teetering on the edge of the Life and Death Realm, made the air around him tremble.

"Uncle-Master!" Lin Qian called out urgently.

Hearing Lin Qian's voice, Qin Wushuang slowly regained his composure, reining in his energy until the courtyard fell silent once more. Everyone closed their eyes, seemingly lost in grief, as if they were silently mourning the old sect leader's fate.