Up in the air, Lin Qian's subordinates from the Hua Xia Empire were still suspended, and at the same time, Yuan Supreme, who had been stationed elsewhere, suddenly appeared in the courtyard without anyone noticing how he arrived.
"Astonishing, truly remarkable," Yuan Supreme remarked as he gazed at the assembled Generals and Beast Generals in the sky, a look of surprise in his eyes, especially at the Beast Generals.
"You all, establish defensive camps in the four cardinal directions—east, south, west, and north—and protect the Heavenly Crafts Division and the Flame Crafts Division as they complete the setup for the defense Soul Cannons," Lin Qian commanded from mid-air, directing his subordinates.
Since he couldn't publicly retract them into the Hua Xia Empire, he decided to put them to work instead.
Who knew if the Yun family might go mad and suddenly attack Yongquan Prefecture? It was best to prepare the defenses in advance.
"At your command, Your Majesty!" All members of the Hua Xia Empire knelt on one knee in mid-air and shouted in unison, their voices echoing with immense power.
Immediately afterward, the group split into four teams, dispersing to establish the defensive camps based on the layout of the surrounding city.
"Young Master, your Hua Xia Empire's subordinates are truly extraordinary," Yuan Supreme approached Lin Qian after landing in the courtyard, his tone filled with admiration.
"Young Master…"
Both Lin Di and Yun Yunyan were shaken to their cores when they saw Yuan Supreme. Before they could even bow in respect, they saw him walking directly toward their son, addressing him with such a title.
"It's true… the Yuan Family really has acknowledged Qian'er as the Young Master," Lin Di and Yun Yunyan thought, dizzy with shock. The revelation was so overwhelming that they struggled to process it.
"Oh? Old Yuan, what makes you say that?" Lin Qian asked, curious about Yuan Supreme's praise.
Yuan Supreme watched the direction where the Generals and Beast Generals had left for a long moment before turning back to Lin Qian. "Their foundations are nearly flawless. Despite their different auras, they are able to harmonize seamlessly. What's even more astonishing is that their Soul Power attributes are identical. This allows these distinct warriors to work together in a way that unleashes unimaginable power."
"And more importantly, their life force seems intimately connected to yours, Young Master." As Yuan Supreme spoke, a gleam of insight flashed in his eyes. "It's complementary, with clear hierarchy but also complete unity, allowing them to double their effectiveness. This kind of bond is something any leader of a major force would dream of having."
"However, achieving such unity is incredibly difficult. It requires absolute loyalty and trust from your subordinates..."
At this point, Yuan Supreme's expression froze, and his eyes widened in fear as he stared at Lin Qian.
"Old Yuan, have you realized it?" Lin Qian asked calmly, recognizing that Yuan Supreme had noticed the truth.
What Yuan Supreme had discovered was the effect of Imperial Sovereign Aura, Lin Qian's innate ability that influenced anyone who pledged loyalty to him. Once someone decided to follow Lin Qian, this aura would subtly but irrevocably solidify their devotion, without them even realizing it.
It was difficult for anyone affected to notice.
However, Yuan Supreme had sensed it. He realized that, contrary to his usual self, he had become far more inclined to patiently explain things whenever Lin Qian asked.
Yuan Supreme was a revered figure, the kind of person even the strongest of humanity would address as an elder. Though he had been instructed by the ancient Yuan Xian to acknowledge Lin Qian as Young Master, such a powerful individual would naturally feel some discomfort or hesitation in fully accepting a subordinate role.
But strangely enough…
"I feel so at ease serving the Young Master," Yuan Supreme suddenly chuckled, shaking his head.
From beginning to end, there had been no discomfort in his heart regarding his role as Lin Qian's subordinate. On the contrary, it felt as though he had always been meant to follow Lin Qian, as though he was born for this.
If there was any difference, it was that Lin Qian treated him with the utmost respect.
Lin Qian knew very well that the foundation of his success wasn't his exceptional talent or the might of the Hua Xia Empire—it was the power of his Imperial Sovereign Aura.
This ability was what allowed the Hua Xia Empire to remain so united. Anyone who pledged loyalty to him would never betray him, a power that every ruler in the world dreamed of having.
The power of Absolute Loyalty.
"Is this some kind of special gift?" Yuan Supreme asked, his curiosity piqued.
Lin Qian nodded slightly. "Yes, it's a unique ability, like a Martial Soul."
"I had been worried that the other members of the Yuan Family might not fully accept you as the Young Master, but now I see that there's nothing to worry about." Yuan Supreme let out a sigh of relief, his expression softening. "Although, I suspect the process might still be a bit troublesome."
"I will make them truly acknowledge me as their master, with my own strength," Lin Qian responded confidently. "I intend to relieve the Yuan Family of the burden of being humanity's guardians. It's not fair that every Yuan family member is born with the responsibility of protecting the entire human race. This is a task that should be shared by all of humanity."
Yuan Supreme stared at Lin Qian, stunned. Even someone like him needed a moment to process what Lin Qian had just said.
These were words he had never heard before.
As Lin Qian had said, every member of the Yuan Family was born with the knowledge of their duty: to defend humanity, to guard the borders of the human realm, to battle against the foreign races that constantly threatened their lands, to shed their blood for the safety of their people, and to die in the process of defending them.
From the moment they were born, each member of the Yuan Family dedicated themselves to relentless training—not just in martial arts, but also in tactics, strategy, and knowledge of the foreign races and the lands beyond the borders.
There was no time to rest, because they were the Guardians.
Indeed, the burden was too heavy!
It was their ancestral command, a weight the Yuan family had been carrying for generations, a burden that even the honor of Yuan Xian couldn't alleviate.
"It seems Yuan Xian was wrong," Lin Qian said quietly, looking at Yuan Supreme.
Yuan Supreme sighed deeply, meeting Lin Qian's gaze. "But if the Yuan Family lays down this burden, won't it be too much for the Hua Xia Empire to bear alone?"
"You misunderstand me, Old Yuan. I'm not suggesting that the Hua Xia Empire should replace the Yuan Family as the protectors of humanity." Lin Qian waved his hand dismissively, explaining.
Yuan Supreme froze. He had assumed Lin Qian's plan was to have the Hua Xia Empire take over the Yuan Family's role. But had he misunderstood?
Could it be…
Yuan Supreme's eyes widened, and he gasped as realization dawned on him. "Young Master, you're not saying…"
"That's right. If the entire Soul Martial Continent becomes the territory of the Hua Xia Empire, then wouldn't that solve everything?" Lin Qian suddenly declared, his eyes gleaming with a golden light. "After all, the Soul Martial Continent is constantly embroiled in endless conflict. Why not let me end it all?"