The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

Beneath every withered tree lies a corpse, making the dense forest of dead trees the most terrifying and dangerous place in this small world.

The Dwarf Goblins and Giant Goblins dare not venture in, and neither do the humans, for it is a place where death is inevitable.

However, the Dwarf Goblins and Giant Goblins would never imagine that the humans are now residing within this very forest.

But they are not within the forest itself—they are in the air above it.

In the southern skies of the small world, a layer of dust and mist obscures the sunlight from reaching the ground below. This phenomenon is a lingering effect of the ancient battle that took place at Dangyuan Sect, which also impacted this small world.

The barren lands and withered trees are remnants of a soul technique unleashed by the Blackblood Clan's royal family, a technique that failed to be fully repelled.

The Blackblood Clan's power revolves around the transformation of life and death. However, while their abilities are formidable, they are not invincible. Their so-called life-to-death transformation is grotesquely flawed.

When life is transformed into death, the living do not simply perish; instead, they become undead. Conversely, when death is transformed into life, the dead do not truly resurrect; they become bloodthirsty corpses.

The Blackblood Clan's soul technique created this twisted cycle, draining the earth of moisture and nutrients, turning it into barren land. Spiritual trees that once produced energy now emit disorienting white fog, and the disciples of Dangyuan Sect became undead, buried beneath the roots of the withered trees.

The southern region of this small world suffered the brunt of this attack. The remaining fertile lands were likely preserved by the intervention of Dangyuan Sect's powerful cultivators, who managed to shield parts of the area from the full force of the technique.

The once lush forest of spiritual trees has now become a desolate, eerie landscape.

Onboard a warship hovering above this withered forest, Lin Qian gazed down, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Above the forest, six low-level warships of the Huaxia Empire floated, identical to the ones stationed outside the small world for the disciples of Wanxiang Sect.

Each warship housed over 100,000 humans, totaling 600,000—this was the entire population of the small world.

Upon learning this number, Lin Qian couldn't help but sigh. "The population is too small."

The human race is known for its strong reproductive abilities, ranking among the highest across various races. In Linhai Province alone, the human population easily exceeds 40 million. Yet in this small world, similar in size to Linhai Province, only a fraction of that number exists.

"Only strength can prevent us from being oppressed. This world is diverse and colorful with countless races, yet it is also full of dangers."

Standing at the forefront of the warship, Lin Qian gazed northward, deep in thought.

The humans of this small world are weak, enslaved by other races. If a more powerful race from the outside world sought to enslave humanity, what would happen then?

As a fellow human, Lin Qian couldn't stand by and do nothing in such a situation.

"I need to become stronger so that the Huaxia Empire can display greater power in this world," Lin Qian mused, staring down at his hands.

Training!

Lin Qian returned to his quarters on the warship and immersed himself in the Nirvana Flame Bath, working to raise his cultivation level.

As for the humans on the warships, Lin Qian had already made arrangements.

He had provided the tribal leaders with cultivation techniques, instructing them to train and pass down the knowledge.

The humans of this small world only knew basic soul power manipulation, severely limiting their potential.

In addition, Lin Qian gave them potions to improve their physical condition. The food provided in the warship's mess hall also helped nourish their bodies.

Lin Qian had already equipped Shi Yun and Qin Xing with weapons and armor, teaching them how to use soul weapons and other techniques. Now, it was up to them to assist their people.

Lin Qian had provided everything necessary to compensate for their lost cultivation heritage. The rest would be up to them.

Meanwhile, in the northern part of the small world, the environment contrasted sharply with the south.

In the north, the sun shone brightly, and white clouds drifted across the sky. Verdant mountain ranges stretched far and wide, with sweet mountain springs and clear streams where pebbles were visible beneath the water.

Ancient buildings, remnants of the once-great Dangyuan Sect, still stood in this northern region.

The stark difference between the north and the south was like night and day.

In the depths of the northern region, within a dark and gloomy hall, a deep purple-skinned figure with horns growing from his head roared in anger. "Worthless! Truly worthless!"

If Lin Qian were present, he would recognize this figure as identical to Nan Xin's former body—this was a member of the Blackblood Clan's royal family.

Kneeling before this Blackblood royal were two figures, trembling in fear—a massive Giant Goblin and a frail-looking Dwarf Goblin.

One was Lory, the leader of the Giant Goblins, and the other was Mo'er, the leader of the Dwarf Goblins.

"Damned fools!" The Blackblood royal gritted his teeth, his crimson soul power interwoven with black lines, surging around him.

Faintly visible chains of pure white light wrapped around his body, binding him, though they appeared only for a moment before fading as if they had never been there.

"Lord Lu, my people have tried their best but found no trace of the humans," Lory, the Giant Goblin leader, was the first to speak. "My warriors are still searching. I believe we will have results soon."

"My people are also searching diligently. We won't disappoint you, Lord Lu," Mo'er, the Dwarf Goblin leader, hastily added.

"Hurry, you must hurry!" The Blackblood royal's voice was both furious and anxious as his chest heaved with anger.

"Understood!" Lory and Mo'er quickly kowtowed in response.

"Now go! Get out of my sight and do your jobs!"

With a shout from the Blackblood royal, the two towering figures humbly bowed their heads and backed out of the hall.

Alone in the vast, empty hall, the Blackblood royal's pupils glowed with a crimson light. "Damn humans... Damn Dangyuan Sect!"

Lin Qian was unaware of the events unfolding in the north. He remained focused on his cultivation while occasionally inspecting the warships, ensuring everything was in order.

As days passed, the Dwarf Goblins and Giant Goblins continued their frantic search for the humans in the southern regions. They speculated endlessly about where the humans might have gone.

Some believed the humans had dug underground to hide.

Others speculated that the humans, realizing their impending doom, had sought death in the withered forest.

The most plausible theory was that the humans had secretly infiltrated the northern region, moving in the opposite direction.

But this seemingly credible theory was dismissed after the Dwarf Goblins and Giant Goblins searched the north and found nothing.

Little did they know that high above the withered forest, aboard massive warships, the humans were rapidly growing stronger.

Every human with soul power trained relentlessly, absorbing the newfound knowledge as if their lives depended on it. Collapsing from exhaustion was a common occurrence.

They all shared one burning thought...

Revenge!