The conversation between Lin Qian and Yuan Supreme left the others completely bewildered, unable to grasp what they were discussing. However, Lin Qian's bold declaration earlier had been heard loud and clear.
"Qian'er, are you serious?" Yun Yunyan, looking apprehensive, asked her son.
Lin Qian turned his head towards his mother and nodded earnestly. "Yes, Mother, I fully intend to do this."
Seeing Lin Qian's firm confirmation, the others were left in shock and disbelief. Even though the era of the legendary Xuan Jun Yuan Xiang had not achieved the unification of the Soul Martial Continent, how could Lin Qian possibly accomplish such a feat?
"In the past, our ancestor did not unify the continent because many of the other races did not harbor enough malice towards humanity to warrant complete eradication. Thus, he gave up expanding," Yuan Supreme said, furrowing his brow after hearing Lin Qian's plan. Clearly, he did not agree with such an approach. "But if you intend to unify the continent, do you plan to exterminate all the other races?"
"Why would unification require wiping out other races?" Lin Qian asked, puzzled, as he looked at Yuan Supreme in confusion.
"Why?" Yuan Supreme was taken aback by Lin Qian's question, then explained, "If you don't exterminate the other races, how can you unify the Soul Martial Continent and turn their territories into the lands of the Hua Xia Empire?"
"Why not make the other races part of the Hua Xia Empire, integrating them as its citizens?" Lin Qian responded instantly, without a moment's hesitation.
His words left everyone dumbfounded, staring at Lin Qian in stunned silence for a long time.
"Young Master, are you serious?" Yuan Supreme took a deep breath, astonished by Lin Qian's response.
"Both humans and other races are intelligent beings with emotions. Though different, they are all living creatures. Why should we divide ourselves so harshly by race?" Lin Qian continued, with a tone full of conviction. "For an empire to grow strong, it requires contributions from all walks of life. Look at the Hua Xia Empire—we already have many non-human citizens, such as the Blackhorn Tribe, Redhorn Tribe, Spirit Hoof Clan, and Dwarves. Even the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe is considering joining and becoming one of us."
"Regardless of race, in the Hua Xia Empire, everyone is treated equally, pursuing their own way of life and dreams."
"An empire's greatness comes from inclusivity. The Hua Xia Empire, embracing different races, will naturally grow stronger as everyone contributes their unique strengths."
"But... 'They are not of our kind, and their hearts are different.'"
"Old Yuan, do you think I'm worried about that?" Lin Qian chuckled in response to Yuan Supreme's concerns. "Besides, whether human or not, once they start living in the Hua Xia Empire, they'll never want to leave."
"Young Master, I don't understand how you can be so confident," Yuan Supreme replied, laughing and shaking his head. How could non-human races possibly refuse to leave once they've integrated into human society?
"I want to be a Hua Xia citizen! I'm not leaving! I refuse to go!" At that moment, in a coastal city of the Hua Xia Empire, a young Eight-Armed Sea Tribe child was sitting on the ground, crying and shouting stubbornly.
Nearby, a pair of Eight-Armed Sea Tribe parents looked at their child helplessly, exchanging bitter smiles. For the past half month, Zhang Di had brought his family to Wave City in the Hua Xia Empire, at the invitation of a human friend he had met during a trial in one of the empire's dungeons.
During their time in the city, the Zhang family had experienced a lifestyle like never before.
The streets were clean, with separate paths for pedestrians and soul-powered vehicles, eliminating the risk of accidents. The air seemed to carry a soothing fragrance, and the city was full of interesting food stalls selling delightful treats—businesses run by Hua Xia citizens under the empire's administration.
There were restaurants with odd categories like Hunan Cuisine and Cantonese Cuisine, offering an astonishing variety of dishes, each more delicious than the last, and many with flavors the Zhang family had never encountered before.
The entire city was filled with Spirit Gathering Arrays, providing abundant spiritual energy, and the emperor's creation—the Amusement Park—had enthralled their child beyond measure.
Public transport, known as soul-powered buses, operated on fixed routes, available for a minimal fee of soul crystals. The family even visited a supermarket, a wondrous concept where everything one needed could be found in a single store. At night, they watched the Hua Xia News Broadcast, which showcased news from across the vast southern territories.
It was the perfect life. Not only their child but Zhang Di himself found it hard to leave.
"Brother Di, didn't the Hua Xia Empire announce that any East Branch Eight-Armed Sea Tribe who wanted to become citizens could apply and take an oath of loyalty? Why don't we..." Zhang Di's wife suggested softly.
Zhang Di frowned, and their child, who had been sulking on the ground, looked up nervously at his father.
"I do have some savings. Besides, there are preferential policies for buying houses here in the city," Zhang Di finally said, seeing his child's brightening expression. "Alright, let's join the Hua Xia Empire and become Hua Xia citizens."
"Yay! Daddy's the best!" The Eight-Armed Sea Tribe child jumped up excitedly, running in circles around Zhang Di. "Now I can go to the amusement park again! And if I become a Hua Xia citizen, I can go to school here!"
Watching his overjoyed child, Zhang Di smiled and lifted him into his arms. Glancing towards the city's central palace, he felt a surge of excitement in his heart. "Becoming a Hua Xia citizen, huh..."
This scene wasn't unique to Zhang Di's family; similar situations were happening all over the empire. Many from the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe first joined the Eastern Branch, then used that status to become Hua Xia citizens.
Ultimately, during Lin Qian and Yuan Supreme's conversation, the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe had already fully integrated into the Hua Xia Empire as one of its many races.
"Once they experience diverse entertainment, taste delicious food, and enjoy a convenient life, they can't go back to their old ways," Lin Qian said confidently to Yuan Supreme. "In fact, I've just received word—the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe has formally joined the Hua Xia Empire as one of its citizens."