In the skies above the two-state water forest, several figures were engaged in fierce combat, while below, numerous onlookers gathered, all craning their necks to watch the battle in the air.
It had been a year since Lin Qian last visited the two-state water forest. During this time, the relentless clashes between the young disciples of the Qin Dynasty and the three major forces had never ceased.
In the sky, the five fighters from the three major forces included Fang Ziqian, Li Yunfeng, Yang Tianhao, Lei Qian, and Gao Benli from the Huaxia Empire. Despite their combined strength, they faced a single opponent who remained calm and composed, even under their coordinated assault.
"Is this all the strength you have? How disappointing," the lone opponent sneered after effortlessly repelling the five attackers. He shook his head in dismay, his tone filled with contempt.
The five who had been knocked back looked grimly at the man. This figure, with long hair casually tied behind his head and clad in a golden robe, radiated an oppressive aura. If Lin Qian had been present, he would have immediately noticed the striking resemblance this man bore to Qin Feiyu.
The man wielded a fully weaponized soul weapon in the form of a long sword, clearly indicating that his martial soul was also a sword. However, unlike the others, his soul weapon was not just a simple blade; it was an intricately designed golden sword with fine patterns and the character "Qin" engraved on the hilt.
This was Qin Yunyu, the Crown Prince of the Qin Dynasty, a cultivator at the Awakening Realm!
In the world of humans, reaching the Awakening Realm meant that one's soul weapon would take on a complete form, perfectly aligning with the wielder's style. For Qin Yunyu, his martial prowess was unmatched, and he had taken command of the battlefield.
For the past year, the situation in the two-state water forest had generally favored the three major forces, until a month ago, when everything changed.
The Qin Emperor returned!
Rumor had it that the current Qin Emperor and his father, the former Emperor, had ventured into a mysterious relic in the Central Region in search of great opportunities. Now, the two most powerful figures of the Qin Dynasty had returned.
With the Emperor's return, Crown Prince Qin Yunyu left the capital and headed to the two-state water forest, bringing with him a group of young and powerful followers. His arrival drastically shifted the balance of power, as he and his followers bolstered the morale of the Qin Dynasty's forces and turned the tide of the conflict.
The outcome of the battle between Qin Yunyu and the five from the three major forces was critical. Everyone understood that once the victor was determined, it would signal the start of full-scale war between the Qin Dynasty and the three major sects.
Upon his return, the Qin Emperor had made a bold declaration: In the past, he had tolerated the rise of the three major sects, considering them beneficial allies. However, if they continued to challenge the Qin Dynasty's authority, he would have no qualms about eradicating them and annexing their territories to bring their misguided subjects under proper rule.
As for the Huaxia Empire, the Emperor had only mentioned it in passing: "A backwater realm. Those who aid in its conquest shall be rewarded."
This single remark sparked interest in the surrounding states, which began eyeing Linhai Province with intent. Although Linhai Province was small, it bordered five other states, including Fengzhou and Lianshan Province.
In the grand hall of the Qingfeng Sect in Fengzhou, Sect Master Feng Huabin sat in his seat of authority, listening to the incessant recommendations from the elders below, a headache forming as he did.
"Now is the perfect time to strike against Linhai Province. That newly established force, the Huaxia Empire, is weak and vulnerable. We should seize this opportunity."
"By attacking now, we can secure the friendship and rewards of the Qin Dynasty. Why is the Sect Master hesitating?"
Feng Huabin wasn't alone in his troubles. Jia Gong, too, faced similar pressures from his own sect elders, and even from Crown Prince Qin Yunyu's followers, who urged them to act quickly.
The rewards for attacking the Huaxia Empire had been promised by Qin Yunyu himself. His followers were eager to eliminate the Huaxia Empire, hoping to gain favor with the Crown Prince, who could then boast of their victory to the Emperor.
"Actually, I've already agreed to join the Huaxia Empire," Jia Gong's words stunned the entire hall into silence, as the elders stared at him in disbelief.
They couldn't understand why their usually wise and decisive Sect Master would make such a foolish decision.
"Sect Master, why would you act so recklessly? What does the Huaxia Empire have to offer?"
"A young ruler leading a fledgling empire, arrogant enough to call himself an Emperor—why would you, our Sect Master, submit to such a brat?"
The hall erupted into chaos as the elders voiced their outrage. Feng Huabin and Jia Gong, however, had lost their patience. Feng Huabin unleashed his soul power with a shout: "Silence!"
The oppressive force of his aura silenced the hall, as the elders looked at their Sect Master with a mix of fear and awe. They realized that Feng Huabin's power had grown significantly.
"You have no idea how terrifying the Huaxia Empire truly is!" Jia Gong roared, smashing a nearby table into dust. "Do you think I'm foolish? Do you think Feng and I would make such a decision lightly? Why do you think we haven't moved against them or sought favor with the Qin Dynasty?"
"I'll tell you why: Qizhou, Tiaoshunzhou, and Nanyingzhou are finished. Just wait and see."
The elders, both in the Qingfeng Sect and the Eagle Mountain Sect, refused to believe it. They even threatened to leave the sect if their leaders insisted on following through with this decision.
"If that's your choice, then leave!" Feng Huabin and Jia Gong's response was resolute. If their elders refused to heed their warnings, they were free to abandon the sect.
And so, one-third of the elders and a large portion of disciples left both sects, heading to the other three provinces. They were eager to join the forces planning to attack Linhai Province, convinced that this would secure their future.
"Fools! They're marching to their deaths!" Feng Huabin shouted furiously as he watched the deserters leave. He turned to the remaining elders and said coldly, "Do you know why the Huaxia Empire is so terrifying?"
The elders shook their heads in confusion.
"Today, I can tell you. The Huaxia Empire's army in Linhai Province numbers fifty million. Every single one of them is at the Life and Death Realm. Fifty million Life and Death Realm soldiers—do you understand?"
As the elders' faces turned pale, Feng Huabin sneered, "Now do you see why Qizhou, Tiaoshunzhou, and Nanyingzhou are doomed?"