Watching Lin Yuan's figure vanish before his eyes, Jia Xing Tian's pupils contracted sharply, and a chill instantly crept into his heart.
"A residual image? Not good."
In the next moment, he instinctively erupted with Dou Qi while simultaneously spreading out his perception to locate Lin Yuan's position.
At the same time, he unfurled his wings, preparing to take to the sky and widen the distance between them.
However, just then, a faint sound of thunder echoed through the surroundings.
A slender hand wrapped in fierce force suddenly appeared behind him, effortlessly piercing through the hastily gathered Dou Qi protecting his body and lightly resting upon his neck.
The instant that slightly cool palm touched him, Jia Xing Tian's body froze completely.
The expression on his aged face solidified into one of shock.
"This level of strength is rather disappointing, Jia Xing Tian."
A calm voice carrying a trace of disappointment sounded from behind him.
The sharp force gathered in the hand resting on his neck flickered ominously.
At this moment, all Lin Yuan had to do was release the force in his palm, and Jia Xing Tian would die instantly.
"H-How is this possible?"
Jia Xing Tian was horrified.
"Even facing a true Dou Ancestor shouldn't result in such a one-sided situation..."
Stimulated by the faint killing intent emanating from behind him, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
He did not even dare to tremble.
He could clearly sense the powerful force swirling within Lin Yuan's palm.
If that force erupted now, his inadequate defenses would be shattered instantly, and he would die on the spot.
"Y-Your Excellency... p-please show mercy. Whatever you need, whatever demands you have, I will do my utmost to fulfill them."
Jia Xing Tian swallowed hard as he spoke with a trembling voice.
Lin Yuan looked coldly at the Jia Ma Empire's guardian, whose life now rested in his hands.
At the same time, he gained an even clearer understanding of his own strength.
At present, relying solely on his cultivation as a Six-Star Dou Emperor and the profundity of his High Earth-Class cultivation technique, the quality and quantity of his Dou Qi were already no weaker than those of an ordinary peak Dou Emperor.
The Azure Flame Dou Qi further enhanced both the quality and explosive power of his Dou Qi.
Combined with the techniques of the Revolving Character Formula and Using the Soul to Guide Qi, his speed in gathering power and releasing Dou Skills far surpassed that of ordinary experts of the same level.
Added to that were his mastery of numerous Dou Skills and his formidable physique.
As things stood, even without any special state, Lin Yuan was already an opponent whom no one below the Dou Ancestor realm could easily challenge.
"Without realizing it, I've already become this strong."
"Then..."
Lin Yuan chuckled softly.
He casually removed his hand from Jia Xing Tian's neck and dispersed the force gathered in his palm.
The moment the threat of death vanished, Jia Xing Tian instinctively fled hundreds of meters away.
However, after hearing Lin Yuan's indifferent voice transmission.
"Today's matter is not yet finished."
he forcibly suppressed the terror in his heart and returned. He had witnessed the speed Lin Yuan displayed during his battle against Protector Sun.
If Lin Yuan truly intended to kill him, escape was impossible.
Looking at the indifferent young man before him, Jia Xing Tian recalled Hai Bodong's warning:
"No matter what happens, remember three words know your place."
At once, he understood the attitude he needed to adopt.
Taking a deep breath, he bowed respectfully.
"Your Excellency, please give your orders. I and the Jia Ma Imperial Family will not refuse."
Lin Yuan nodded slightly.
He appreciated people who knew when to submit.
However Jia Xing Tian still has too many schemes in his heart. He needs a bit more education.
Besides, occasionally crushing weaker opponents isn't a bad feeling.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Lin Yuan said calmly,
"Jia Xing Tian, as I said before, demonstrate your strength."
"Show me your value."
"Whether the Jia Ma Imperial Family continues to exist depends entirely upon your performance today."
"This time, I'll give you the opportunity."
"Come. Attack."
Hearing those words, Jia Xing Tian's eyes sharpened.
"Then excuse my offense."
A vast and pure yellow Dou Qi surged forth and gathered between his palms.
A desolate aura spread from his hands.
"Thick Earth Origin Palm!"
"An Earth-Class Low-Level earth-attributed Dou Skill?"
"Not bad."
Boom!
Half an Hour Later
Mitel Family Back Mountain.
Boom!
A heavy explosion resounded through the sky.
A figure clad in coarse robes plummeted from above and crashed into the ground, kicking up a massive cloud of dust.
Moments later, a streak of azure light descended nearby.
After dispersing the azure flame wings behind him, Lin Yuan calmly looked toward the dust cloud.
With a wave of his sleeve, a perfectly measured gust of wind swept through the area.
The dust dispersed instantly.
Jia Xing Tian's figure was revealed lying within a large crater.
His face was pale, and it was obvious he no longer possessed the strength to resist.
"You fought well this time."
Lin Yuan's indifferent voice sounded nearby.
Upon hearing those words, Jia Xing Tian immediately endured the pain throughout his body and struggled to rise.
He bowed deeply.
"I am ashamed."
"Your Excellency's strength has completely convinced me. Thank you for sparing my life five times."
"It doesn't matter."
Lin Yuan waved his hand casually.
"Killing or sparing someone is merely a matter of a single thought."
"Congratulations."
"You have proven your value."
"You have also secured the right for the Jia Ma Imperial Family to continue existing as the imperial family."
Before Jia Xing Tian could rejoice, Lin Yuan's next words chilled him to the bone.
"Since you possess value worth using, open your mind. I am going to place a restriction upon your soul."
"Of course, you may choose to resist."
"But this time, I will not show mercy. And the opportunity you fought so hard to obtain will be wasted."
With a faint smile on his face, Lin Yuan slowly walked toward him.
Jia Xing Tian's expression changed repeatedly.
However, recalling the five crushing defeats he had just suffered, his face ultimately became filled with helpless resignation.
He had fought with everything he had.
Yet he had failed to inflict even the slightest injury upon Lin Yuan.
Instead, he had been casually defeated five consecutive times.
"I never imagined that after cultivating for so many years, I wouldn't even possess the qualification to perish together with a young man."
"Ice Old Ghost so this is why you told me to know my place."
"Could it be that you also..."
He sighed inwardly.
"The Jia Ma Imperial Family's lineage cannot be severed. And I still cannot die."
Taking a deep breath, Jia Xing Tian made his decision.
His expression grew even more respectful.
Lin Yuan paid little attention to his inner turmoil. Walking steadily forward, he extended his right hand. Vast Spiritual Strength gathered at his fingertips.
"Jia Xing Tian."
"Open your mind."
"Yes."
Without hesitation, Jia Xing Tian completely lowered his mental defenses and opened his soul.
Lin Yuan nodded.
"Very good."
A moment later, he implanted an extremely intricate soul restriction into Jia Xing Tian's soul body.
After completing the process, a smile appeared in Lin Yuan's eyes.
"This is merely insurance."
"As long as you faithfully carry out your duties, it will never affect you in any way. But if thoughts of betrayal arise, I can take your life instantly."
"However, you may rest assured. I have no interest in the imperial lineage you treasure so much."
"Nor do I intend to remain in the Jia Ma Empire for long."
Hearing this, a trace of relief appeared in Jia Xing Tian's eyes.
His attitude became even more submissive.
Partly because of Lin Yuan's overwhelming strength.
Partly because of the terrifying Spiritual Strength he had sensed while the restriction was being implanted.
"Yes, I will certainly serve Your Excellency with utmost loyalty and dedication."
At this moment, he understood clearly.
From now on, both his life and the future of the Jia Ma Imperial Family rested in the hands of this young man.
Satisfied, Lin Yuan nodded.
He then retrieved a jade bottle and a handbook from his storage ring and handed them to Jia Xing Tian.
"Since I've already placed the restriction, you're considered one of my own."
"These are for you."
Jia Xing Tian accepted the items with some confusion.
Inside the jade bottle floated a milky-white medicinal pill.
The instant he saw it, an intense yearning surged from deep within his aged body.
"This is...?"
His eyes became burning hot as he looked at Lin Yuan.
"A Sixth-Grade High-Level medicinal pill—Qingming Longevity Pill."
"It can extend a person's lifespan by nearly ten years. At present, it should be the medicinal pill most suitable for you."
Lin Yuan spoke calmly.
This pill had originally been refined while he was among the Snake-People Tribe.
Its purpose had been to persuade Yun Shan to lend him ten years of his lifespan.
Unexpectedly, Yun Shan had proven remarkably cooperative.
The pill had never been used, and Yun Shan had completed everything Lin Yuan requested without issue.
When Jia Xing Tian heard the pill's effects, overwhelming joy immediately flooded his heart.
A medicinal pill capable of extending lifespan!
Even across the entire Dou Qi Continent, such pills were exceedingly rare.
Their desirability was no less than that of a Royal Extreme Pill, which could directly increase cultivation.
Unless one reached an unimaginably high level of cultivation, every cultivator would eventually face death.
At such times, a lifespan-extending medicinal pill became incomparably precious.
After all, the lifespan of a powerful expert was immensely valuable.
Moreover, if one managed to break through during those additional years, not only would their strength increase dramatically, but their lifespan would also rise accordingly.
And Jia Xing Tian happened to fit that situation perfectly.
He was already at the peak of the Dou Emperor realm.
Yet his remaining lifespan was limited.
To him, a Qingming Longevity Pill that could extend life by ten years was no less valuable than a Zong Breaking Pill.
Obtaining such a medicinal pill means having a soul restriction placed on me isn't quite so terrible.
No wonder Ice Old Ghost had that attitude...
Thinking this, Jia Xing Tian bowed even lower.
"Many thanks—"
Just as he was about to express his gratitude, Lin Yuan raised a hand and interrupted him.
At the same time, he gestured toward the handbook in Jia Xing Tian's hands.
"There is no need for meaningless words. Read the handbook first."
Hearing this, Jia Xing Tian opened the handbook titled "Seven-Star Affiliate: Tianshu Star Affiliate Regulations" and began reading it carefully.
The more he read, the more shocked he became.
A short while later, he closed the handbook. The solemnity in his eyes had deepened considerably.
"What do you think after reading it?" Lin Yuan looked at him steadily. "Are you willing to become affiliated with me?"
Jia Xing Tian pondered for a moment before respectfully bowing.
"Thank you, Your Excellency, for granting us this opportunity. From this day onward, the Jia Ma Imperial Family will serve you with complete loyalty."
"Very good."
"From now on, you and the Jia Ma Imperial Family will become one of my Tianshu Affiliates, working alongside the Mitel Family to gather various heavenly treasures, secret arts, Dou Skills, and other resources for me."
"As for how you address me, you may call me Star Lord."
"Yes, Star Lord."
After a brief moment of thought, Jia Xing Tian said solemnly,
"Please come with me, Star Lord. I am willing to offer the century-long accumulation of the Jia Ma Imperial Family."
Through their brief interaction, Jia Xing Tian had already gained some understanding of Lin Yuan.
This was a man who cared little for conventions when pursuing his goals.
Moreover, he had not forgotten Lin Yuan's very first words. The entire reason for this meeting was because Lin Yuan had set his sights on the Imperial Family's centuries of accumulated wealth.
Since it could not be protected anyway, it was better to offer it willingly than wait for it to be taken by force.
At the very least, doing so would leave a favorable impression.
Looking at the sensible Jia Xing Tian, satisfaction appeared in Lin Yuan's eyes.
"Jia Xing Tian, you're quite good."
"You are exactly the kind of person who knows how to adapt to circumstances, and that is something I appreciate."
"Work well for me."
"I do not mistreat those who serve me."
"In the future, you will have opportunities to obtain things far beyond your expectations things that could never be found within the Jia Ma Empire."
"If you handle the tasks I assign properly, even something that people like you dream of obtaining, such as a Zong Breaking Pill, is merely a trivial matter to me."
"A Sixth-Grade Peak Pill is merely a trivial matter?"
Jia Xing Tian's eyes immediately lit up.
As expected, he is an alchemist far beyond Pill King Gu He.
Could he be a Seventh-Grade Alchemist?
This time, I may truly have encountered a great opportunity.
Thinking of this, he spoke respectfully.
"Thank you, Star Lord."
"In that case, let us proceed to the Imperial City. The Imperial Family's treasures are all stored within the treasury."
Lin Yuan tossed a healing medicinal pill toward him.
"There is no rush. Take this pill first and recover your injuries. I am also waiting for someone."
To thoroughly intimidate and subdue Jia Xing Tian, his methods earlier had indeed been somewhat forceful.
"Thank you."
Jia Xing Tian immediately swallowed the pill, sat down cross-legged, and began healing his injuries.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan turned his gaze toward the direction of the residence and waited.
Earlier, he had sent a message through the Heavenly Network to the three little girls staying there.
Qing Lin and Xiao Cai were currently experimenting with some of the abilities of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils and were having too much fun to be interested in visiting the Imperial City.
Zi Yan, however, was extremely interested.
Upon hearing there would be treasure hunting involved, she had insisted on coming along.
Before long, a small figure shot toward the back mountain from the residence like a cannonball.
The moment she spotted Lin Yuan, a mischievous smile appeared on her face.
Without slowing down in the slightest, she charged straight toward him.
"Big Brother, catch me!"
Seeing this, Lin Yuan could only smile helplessly.
"This girl really is impossible."
"She keeps copying the strange things Qing Lin tells her."
"Eight-Character Heavenly Origin Formula — Unload."
The instant Lin Yuan caught the incoming Zi Yan, whose momentum resembled that of a human cannonball, his body shifted subtly.
As Dou Qi circulated through his body, a delicate force was released.
The tremendous kinetic force behind Zi Yan's charge was smoothly redirected by that ingenious application of strength.
Crack—!
A series of crisp sounds suddenly rang out.
Centered around Lin Yuan, cracks spread through the bluestone beneath his feet like a spiderweb.
Zi Yan smacked her lips.
"Tch, why does this feel completely different from what Sister Qing Lin described?"
"She wasn't lying to me, was she?"
----
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