The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

After hearing Lu Shangda's description, Zhang Dingyun's thoughts were in turmoil.

He couldn't believe that Wei Wushuang was still alive. When Wei Wushuang's funeral took place, Zhang Dingyun had secretly gone to investigate, concealing his identity. After all, as the renowned Battle Emperor, Wei Wushuang's funeral attracted many people to pay their respects.

Even though Shengtian Sect and Wanxiang Sect were enemies, Zhang Dingyun still had to maintain appearances. So, he disguised himself as an elder and attended the funeral.

He distinctly remembered confirming that the deceased was indeed Wei Wushuang. The body was there, devoid of any life force, and it didn't seem like a ruse.

However, given what Lu Shangda had said, Zhang Dingyun was forced to believe that Wei Wushuang might have faked his death using some unknown method.

But what really caught Zhang Dingyun's attention was Lu Shangda's description of Lin Qian.

A soul force that could suppress death energy and five massive flying ships that resembled floating cities—it was beyond his imagination.

Zhang Dingyun also owned a cloud boat, but compared to the colossal ships Lu Shangda described, his vessel was insignificant.

Greed flickered in Zhang Dingyun's eyes. If he could somehow seize those five enormous cloud ships, they would be an unimaginable fortune.

Noticing Zhang Dingyun's thoughts, Lu Shangda sneered, "Unless you agree to my terms, there's no way you'll ever get your hands on those high-grade ships."

Lu Shangda's words made Zhang Dingyun hesitate, unable to make a quick decision.

"If I agree to your terms and you suddenly go back on your word, leaving me high and dry, what then? I'd have no one to turn to and would be left with nothing but regret," Zhang Dingyun said, frowning after some consideration.

Lu Shangda understood Zhang Dingyun's concerns. "Of course, that won't happen. You want those exquisite ships, and so do I. We share the same goal, so I'm committed to working with you."

"Let me think about it a bit more," Zhang Dingyun replied, still hesitant to give a definitive answer.

Seeing this, Lu Shangda laughed coldly, "I know what you're trying to do. You're just angling for more benefits. But don't forget, you've still got that old man in your sect, the one who even I find formidable. With him around, do you really think I would dare go back on my word?"

Zhang Dingyun's eyes flashed with a strange light as he heard this. "How did you know about that?"

"When I first arrived at Shengtian Sect, that old fellow already used his soul sense to probe me. I just didn't mention it," Lu Shangda said, raising three fingers toward Zhang Dingyun. "Five ships. You take three, I take two. How about that?"

After struggling with the decision for a moment, Zhang Dingyun finally nodded, as if he had made a difficult choice. "Very well, I accept your terms."

Seeing Zhang Dingyun agree, Lu Shangda smiled. "Trust me, I'll help Shengtian Sect dominate all of Linhai Prefecture."

Zhang Dingyun also smiled in response. "Then I'll be relying on you, Senior."

As Zhang Dingyun and Lu Shangda, the Blackblood Tribe's emissary, engaged in lively discussions within Shengtian Sect, the leaders of Wanxiang Sect were also gathering aboard the five warships to discuss their future.

"Thanks to Lin Qian's five colossal warships, we've secured a safe place for now. But our Wanxiang Sect can't rely on a disciple's personal assets forever," Qin Wushuang said from his seat of honor, addressing the gathered elders.

Wei Wushuang sat silently beside his junior brother, not interfering with the sect's decisions but offering his opinions when necessary.

After Qin Wushuang spoke, the elders remained silent for a while, pondering the situation.

Finally, Lei Heng, Lei Qian's grandfather, was the first to suggest relocating and rebuilding Wanxiang Sect.

The other elders quickly agreed, recognizing the wisdom in finding a new location.

However, the debate soon became heated over where to establish the new Wanxiang Sect.

Most of Linhai Prefecture had already been divided among the various sects and factions. The original Wanxiang Sect's territory had the best conditions, and other locations were lacking in comparison.

After much discussion, the elders couldn't settle on a suitable site. Each option had its drawbacks.

Some locations offered abundant spiritual energy but were too exposed, making them difficult to defend. Other areas were more secure but lacked sufficient spiritual resources.

There were a few places that met both criteria, but they were too small to accommodate the needs of Wanxiang Sect.

Suddenly, a young voice broke the silence in the spacious room. "I think the Xiuling Mountains would be a perfect location for our new sect."

Everyone turned to see that the speaker was none other than Lin Qian.

"Lin Qian, how did you get in here?" Qin Wushuang asked curiously. "I thought I sealed this space. No one should be able to enter."

"Uncle, please don't joke around. These warships are mine. No matter how you seal this space, it won't stop me. At most, it'll keep the other disciples out, but I'm an exception," Lin Qian replied with a grin.

"While disciples usually don't have a say in sect affairs, Lin Qian's case is special. After all, our sect is now reliant on his personal resources," Lei Heng said with a hearty laugh, gesturing for Lin Qian to sit beside him. "Come, sit by me."

"Indeed, I must admit, these warships are so comfortable that I don't even want to leave," another elder chimed in.

"And the food in the dining hall is quite a treat," added another elder.

"Ah, you're right. Especially that herbal tea called Huaxia Wang Duobao, it's delightful," another elder remarked.

Hearing the elders tease him, Lin Qian chuckled and pleaded for mercy. "Please, elders, stop teasing me."

The room filled with laughter as the elders enjoyed the moment.

"Enough with the jokes, Lin Qian. The Xiuling Mountains belong to Shengtian Sect. How could we possibly establish our new sect there? Are you just messing with us?" Qin Wushuang asked, amused by Lin Qian's suggestion.

"Is that so?" Lin Qian replied with a sly smile. "In that case, once we destroy Shengtian Sect, won't the Xiuling Mountains be the perfect place for Wanxiang Sect?"