The specially crafted cloudship carried Lin Qian and Ye Xin as it sped toward the Western Continent.
The Chaos Sea, while infamous, didn't seem particularly remarkable. Everywhere they passed was filled with bloodshed, as though the only thing that existed in this region was endless killing and violence.
However, in Ye Xin's eyes, the diverse scenery of the islands in the Chaos Sea was quite captivating.
"Once the Chaos Sea is incorporated into the Empire's territory, it could be developed into a series of island resorts. It would undoubtedly be a huge revenue generator," Lin Qian mused as he stood by the edge of the cloudship, gazing down at the scattered islands below. "This would stimulate domestic spending while also enriching entertainment options for our citizens."
"Exploring the Southern Region is fun, but after a while, it might lose its novelty. The underground and underwater worlds are the only places with any lasting intrigue."
As Lin Qian looked down, he pondered how to develop the Chaos Sea in the future. Whether they could conquer this territory was not even a consideration in his mind.
It was laughable to think there was any land that the Hua Xia Empire couldn't conquer.
Uninterested in the Chaos Sea, Lin Qian and Ye Xin sped up, flying toward the Western Continent.
"Xiao Qian, once we enter the Western Continent, should we hide our tracks?" Ye Xin asked softly as they approached their destination.
"No need. Once we enter, we'll follow the intel provided by the Mu Ling Clan and head directly to their underground world to find the relic where the three elders are hiding," Lin Qian replied calmly as he looked ahead.
Ye Xin chuckled at his nonchalant response, glancing at him with amusement. "Won't that be a bit too bold? After all, the Western Continent is filled with non-human races."
"They don't warrant the Hua Xia Empire's Emperor and Empress hiding or sneaking around. If they dare make a move, we'll just crush them. Do you think they can stop us?" Lin Qian smiled at Ye Xin. "If anything, I'm hoping we can take this chance to secretly claim some of the Western Continent's lands."
"If they can harass our borders, why can't we strike back?"
Ye Xin sighed and spread her hands in exasperation. "Honestly, Xiao Qian, you're such a battle maniac."
"Not my fault. I'd love to talk things out, but in this world, strength is what truly matters." Lin Qian shrugged innocently at Ye Xin's teasing.
"Xiao Qian, look over there! Is that land?" Ye Xin pointed out as the vast expanse of land came into view on the horizon. In an instant, the sprawling continent appeared before them.
From the appearance of the land, the Western Continent didn't seem all that different from the Eastern Continent. The trees and vegetation were slightly distinct but shared similarities in how they grew.
The air was thick with spiritual energy, much richer compared to the Chaos Sea. The fragrance of fresh earth and plants mingled with the spirit-rich atmosphere.
Their small, specially crafted cloudship shot forward like an arrow, cutting through the sky and swiftly reaching the heart of the Western Continent.
Both Lin Qian and Ye Xin leapt from the cloudship just before it vanished into Lin Qian's storage space, leaving them free-falling. As they approached the ground, they slowed their descent, gently landing on solid ground.
They found themselves in a mountain valley, with a large cave ahead that radiated intense spatial energy fluctuations.
The cave wasn't just any random location—it was the entrance to the underground world where the Mu Ling Clan once lived.
The spatial fluctuations were much more stable compared to those Lin Qian had encountered when he ventured into the subterranean world of the ancient forest state.
According to Mu Houd's descriptions, there were many such caves leading to various underground worlds throughout the Western Continent. The races living here were divided into higher and lower classes. The Mu Ling Clan was considered a lower class and was only permitted to live underground, while the higher-class races lived on the surface.
The race pursuing the three elders was the Windswift Clan, as revealed by Mu Houd. This clan possessed the unique ability to manipulate wind, turning it into sharp blades to attack their enemies.
This race's natural talents made them formidable in combat. Their soul power had wind attributes, granting them incredible speed and agility in battle.
The wind not only acted as a weapon but also provided them with defense.
The Windswift Clan had once enslaved the Mu Ling Clan, driving them from the underground world and forcing them to flee to the Eastern Continent, where they eventually sought refuge in the Hua Xia Empire.
"Your Majesty, the Heavenly Craft Division has detected the location of a Golden Dragon communication talisman. It hasn't moved and appears to be in perfect condition," came a report from Zhuge Ming to Lin Qian's mind. "We believe that due to your presence here, we've been able to pinpoint the exact location of the talisman."
Lin Qian nodded to himself, confirming an important point. The Hua Xia Empire of Fantasy's influence was based on two factors: his personal location and the areas covered by the Hua Xia Realm Array and its mobile units.
Without these, the Empire's influence would be greatly diminished.
For example, while the Heavenly Craft Division couldn't detect the exact location of the communication talisman from the Eastern Continent, Lin Qian's arrival here allowed them to accurately track it.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Suddenly, the sound of air being sliced filled the valley as several figures emerged from all directions.
These individuals had green hair, frail bodies, and pale skin etched with green markings. Their soul power stirred, and the sound of howling wind echoed around them.
"Another pair of humans. They must be connected to those other three," one of the leaders muttered, and without needing any further explanation, Lin Qian and Ye Xin knew these were members of the Windswift Clan.
The leader of the Windswift Clan signaled to his subordinates, pointing at Lin Qian and Ye Xin. "Just a couple of weak humans. Kill the man and capture the woman for questioning. We can have some fun with her afterward."
"Yes, boss," the other Windswift members responded, their eyes narrowing as they leered at Ye Xin.