The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

Yuan Wuji, the old ancestor who once single-handedly expanded Sheng Tian Sect, now lay like a discarded item at Zhao Wei's feet, left for him to deal with as he saw fit.

Lin Qian then turned his gaze to Sheng Tian Sect's current sect leader, Zhang Dingyun. After just a few glances, he waved his hand dismissively. "Drag Zhang Dingyun away and execute him."

Lin Qian's command left everyone momentarily stunned, including Zhang Dingyun himself.

"Wait! Don't you want to know where Sheng Tian Sect's treasure vault is or anything else?" Zhang Dingyun hurriedly pleaded.

"Not interested."

"Don't you want to know the secrets of the ancient relic?"

"I already know," Lin Qian replied, his tone growing impatient as he looked at Zhang Dingyun. "Can you just stop talking? It's annoying. You're about to die—could you please leave this world quietly? I'm already being kind by not torturing you, yet you still don't know when to quit."

After saying this, Lin Qian quickly waved his hand, signaling two captains to drag Zhang Dingyun away.

Hearing Lin Qian's order, the two high-ranking soldiers stepped forward, grabbed Zhang Dingyun, covered his mouth, and restrained his struggles as they took him away.

Following that, Lin Qian pointed to eight of the twelve Supreme Elders from Sheng Tian Sect and ordered their executions as well.

After Zhang Dingyun's plea, Lin Qian ensured that the soldiers gagged the condemned to prevent them from speaking further.

As for Yuan Wuji, his cultivation had already been abolished, rendering him a powerless husk.

Lin Qian also agreed to Zhao Wei's request to take Yuan Wuji back to the Initial State to be publicly executed there.

The onlookers were left stunned by Lin Qian's decisiveness.

His approach was so clean and swift—capturing them alive without any interrogation or attempts to extract further value, simply executing them without a word.

The reason Lin Qian had captured them alive was to confirm their identities and ensure they weren't using body doubles or other tricks.

Among the twelve Supreme Elders, the eight who were executed had histories of despicable and disgraceful behavior. The remaining four, however, were deemed worthy of recruitment and spared.

At that moment, Yuan Wuji, bound and beaten, stared at Lin Qian and spoke slowly, his voice hollow. "Who… who are you really?"

His mental state had utterly collapsed.

He, Yuan Wuji, had once been the pride of Linhai Prefecture, a name that resonated far and wide. Yet now, he found himself in this pitiful state.

Lin Qian glanced at the bloodied, broken old man and responded casually, "Lin Qian. You should know that name."

With that, Lin Qian turned and walked away, leaving Yuan Wuji with nothing but the sight of his retreating figure.

From this moment on, Linhai Prefecture was fully incorporated into the Huaxia Empire, becoming one of its territories.

As for Yuan Wuji, the so-called strongest in Linhai Prefecture, he was pitifully taken to the Initial State, where he was ultimately torn apart by the furious human clans.

Compared to him, his disciple Zhang Dingyun was fortunate enough to have a peaceful death.

In his "kindness," Lin Qian even arranged a grave for Yuan Wuji and Zhang Dingyun, complete with a tombstone detailing their heinous deeds for all to see.

However, it seemed people weren't particularly respectful—spitting on their graves, urinating on them, and even dancing on them.

This was Lin Qian's final gift to them: infamy that would last for generations.

As per the previous agreement, Lin Qian handed over Sheng Tian Sect's territory and the Xiu Ling Mountain Range to Wanxiang Sect, making it their new mountain gate.

He also returned the territory of Shenjian Sect to Mei Yuexia.

The remaining territories of Ba Dao Sect, Huichun Sect, Cuihuo Sect, and the former lands of Wanxiang Sect were all absorbed into the Huaxia Empire.

After securing control, Lin Qian formally announced the existence of the Huaxia Empire in Linhai Prefecture and enacted imperial laws.

Those with a history of wicked behavior were dealt with, prisons were expanded, and the former practice of exile to Prison Island was abolished.

Those who submitted became citizens of the Huaxia Empire, managed jointly by Lin Qian's appointed officials and former local leaders, with the Imperial Army stationed to protect them.

Meanwhile, the former Wanxiang Mountain Range, now renamed the Gate of the Initial State, was fully transformed.

People from the Initial State began visiting Linhai Prefecture as tourists, while the citizens of Linhai Prefecture, now part of the Huaxia Empire, ventured to the Initial State out of curiosity.

Time passed, and two and a half months later, the day of Lin Qian's departure to meet the Octopus Sea Tribe had arrived.

At the heart of the Gate of the Initial State stood the Huaxia Palace, where Lin Qian currently resided.

The palace was vast, housing not only Lin Qian but also Wei Wushuang, Gao Benli, and many others close to Lin Qian, including Lei Qian and his grandfather Lei Heng, as well as the families of Ye Xin and Bai Zun.

Naturally, Ye Xin herself lived there too.

"Xin'er, aren't you coming with me?" In the palace's courtyard, Lin Qian and Ye Xin sat by a pool, gazing at the moonlit sky.

Ye Xin gently shook her head. "Linhai Prefecture has only just stabilized, and there's still much to manage. After you leave, someone needs to stay behind to oversee everything and keep the Empire running smoothly."

She smiled softly. "Although it may sound arrogant, I believe I'm the best person for the job right now."

Seeing Ye Xin's resolve, Lin Qian could only nod helplessly. "It's a shame. This trip could be a good experience for you."

"There's nothing to regret. If I can ensure that you don't have any worries, that makes me happy enough," Ye Xin replied, resting her head gently on Lin Qian's shoulder.

Hearing her words, Lin Qian sighed softly and put his arm around her, holding her close. The two sat in silence, simply enjoying each other's company.

Three days later, Lin Qian bid farewell to Ye Xin. Though there was a hint of reluctance, neither of them indulged in unnecessary sentimentality.

After all, with the help of tactical mirrors, they could still see and chat with each other.

Aboard a specially designed warship, Lin Qian set off with Zhang Qi, heading back to the underwater city of the Octopus Sea Tribe.

Soon after, the warship, equipped with special modifications, broke through the water's surface and sped westward.

The warship was divided into sections—some filled with seawater where the Octopus Sea Tribe swam freely, and others kept dry for Lin Qian to move around comfortably.

Standing in his section, Lin Qian gazed at the rapidly shrinking landmass of Linhai Prefecture, feeling a mix of emotions.

This place had been his homeland, where he grew up. Leaving it now stirred some feelings within him.

"I hope this journey doesn't take too long," Lin Qian murmured to himself as he watched Linhai Prefecture fade from view before turning and heading into his quarters.