The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

"Hahaha, they're selling us five warships for ten million top-grade soul crystals!" At that moment, Zhang Nianyi suddenly burst into laughter, raising five of his arms and waving them excitedly.

Zhang Nianxin, who had been feeling down, was stunned for a moment, then quickly realized what was happening. He kicked his younger brother, saying, "You're getting old, yet you're still messing with your big brother like that! You scared me!"

Zhang Nianyi chuckled, explaining, "I'm just really happy! This Emperor Lin of the Hua Xia Empire is truly a generous person."

He then carefully recounted the entire story to his older brother.

After listening, Zhang Nianxin was equally surprised that the Emperor of the Hua Xia Empire was so young. However, he was also genuinely grateful. "Indeed, this Emperor Lin not only helped us by slaying the one who disturbed our sacred grounds but is also so generous. There are very few humans like him."

"Three days from now, I will go in person to show our respect." Saying this, Zhang Nianxin waved his hand, instructing his brother, "Third Brother, prepare copies of all our clan's manuscripts and send them to this Emperor Lin."

"Understood," Zhang Nianyi replied, nodding before heading out of the hall.

But as he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned back to Zhang Nianxin with a concerned look. "Brother, you mean all the manuscripts, even the secret techniques...?"

"This upcoming clan gathering is of utmost importance, as you well know, Third Brother. In comparison, what do those secret techniques matter? Besides, he is a human and cannot cultivate them."

"The warship he's selling us is on par with the best-class Yunzhou of the human race, but it's only priced at ten million top-grade soul crystals."

"Moreover, this is a warship, and from what I can judge, it is even better than the Yunzhou. Ten million is just the asking price. Initially, I thought he would raise the price, but instead, he's giving us such a huge favor."

"Ten million top-grade soul crystals, for five warships!"

Understanding his older brother's reasoning, Zhang Nianyi nodded and left to carry out the instructions.

That same day, Lin Qian aboard the warship learned that Zhang Nianyi had returned with all the manuscripts.

"I didn't expect the clan leader Zhang Nianxin to trust me so much. I'm truly flattered," Lin Qian remarked when he saw the vast collection of manuscripts Zhang Nianyi had brought, along with Zhang Nianxin's words of gratitude.

Zhang Nianyi explained, "Emperor Lin, you may not be aware, but this is all tied to our clan's upcoming gathering."

He then provided Lin Qian with a detailed account of the situation.

After hearing the explanation, Lin Qian understood. "So, that Blackblood Clan member, Lu Shangda, really caused you significant trouble."

"This is why we were so overjoyed when Emperor Lin agreed to sell us the warships," Zhang Nianyi added.

Lin Qian nodded, then addressed him, "Elder Zhang, in three days, you can come to collect your warships. I believe you won't be disappointed."

"Very well, we'll look forward to it," Zhang Nianyi responded, though he was still puzzled about why they had to wait three days. He assumed that perhaps the warships were not stored here and needed to be brought from elsewhere, which would take some time.

The three days passed quickly. Far out over the ocean, a lone warship hovered in the air.

On the deck of that warship stood Lin Qian and Ye Xin, surrounded by soldiers who all radiated the aura of the Life-Death Realm.

For this transaction with the sea tribe, Lin Qian had kept the involvement of others from Wanxiang Sect to a minimum.

"Xiao Qian, am I dreaming?" Ye Xin tugged at Lin Qian's sleeve, still in disbelief at the sight of the soldiers around them.

These were Life-Death Realm experts, yet they were merely the lowest-ranked soldiers under Lin Qian's command, a concept she struggled to grasp.

Now she understood why Lin Qian had so confidently declined the sea tribe's help and showed no concern about the Sheng Tian Sect's situation.

Just the tens of thousands of Life-Death Realm soldiers aboard this warship could easily level the entire Linhai Province without breaking a sweat.

"But Xiao Qian, the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe is a very honorable people. Is it really necessary to do this?" Ye Xin asked, once she had calmed down enough to take in her surroundings.

"While the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe is grateful to us now for solving a big problem and owing us a favor," Lin Qian began, "it's important to establish mutual respect, especially in terms of strength."

"To form a strong alliance, both sides need to recognize each other's power."

Ye Xin nodded, understanding Lin Qian's reasoning.

Lin Qian aimed to earn the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe's respect, not just their gratitude.

Only by demonstrating the Hua Xia Empire's formidable strength could they lay the foundation for future cooperation. Without that, the sea tribe might simply remember him as a young emperor who sold them warships at a bargain price, nothing more.

At that moment, a violent whirlpool formed below the warship, and a crystalline platform emerged from the sea.

The azure crystal gleamed in the sunlight, with the carved waves on its surface looking almost lifelike.

Standing atop the platform was Zhang Nianyi, accompanied by an elder of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe who bore a strong resemblance to him.

Behind them stood tens of thousands of sea warriors, standing on water spouts as if they were solid ground.

"That must be the clan leader, Elder Zhang," Lin Qian said as he stood at the front of the warship, cupping his hands in greeting.

With a wave of his sleeve, the thirty thousand Life-Death Realm soldiers aboard the warship shouted in unison, "Greetings, Clan Leader Zhang!"

"Emperor Lin," Zhang Nianxin replied with all eight arms clasped in respect, nodding with a smile.

Behind him, the tens of thousands of sea warriors followed suit, calling out, "Greetings, Emperor Lin!"

Ye Xin noticed the surprise and respect in the eyes of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe warriors, just as Lin Qian had predicted.

"Emperor Lin, today is the day of our agreement to purchase the warships, but I don't see any warships around," Zhang Nianxin said, glancing around in confusion.

Lin Qian smiled softly and suddenly spread his arms wide. The air beside the warship shimmered with a white light, revealing the outlines of massive warships.

As the light faded, five colossal warships were fully unveiled.

Seeing these warships, Zhang Nianxin and the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe warriors gasped in shock, their faces reflecting utter disbelief.