The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

When Zhang Nianxin mentioned bringing Lin Qian as external support, Lin Qian was utterly confused. Why would they need him as external support for their main clan? Could something have happened?

Seeing the puzzled expression on Lin Qian's face, Zhang Nianxin quickly explained the situation in detail.

It turned out that this Eight-Armed Sea Tribe's main clan assembly was vastly different from previous ones—it was a grand event for the entire South Sea Domain.

The main reason for this difference was that, unlike previous assemblies which only involved sea tribes from the South Sea Domain, this time, human forces from the Southern Domain would also be participating.

The Southern Domain was a region in the southern part of the human territories. Although Linhai Prefecture was part of the Southern Domain, it was extremely remote and relatively weak in power.

In Linhai Prefecture, a life-and-death realm expert was considered the pinnacle of strength, but in the broader Southern Domain, such a level was insignificant.

There were thousands of small places like Linhai Prefecture in the Southern Domain, not to mention the more powerful prefectures.

The sea domain where the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe resided was also part of the larger South Sea Domain, making them neighbors with the Southern Domain.

"I suppose Emperor Lin is aware that in ancient times, the South Sea Domain wasn't actually a sea but land?" Zhang Nianxin asked. However, Lin Qian shook his head, indicating that he wasn't familiar with this history.

Perhaps Zhuge Ming had learned about it through his research into ancient texts, but unless Lin Qian specifically inquired, such details weren't something Zhuge Ming would report.

"Since Emperor Lin isn't familiar, let me explain it in detail," Zhang Nianxin said, surprised that Lin Qian didn't know about this. He then began to explain the situation.

"In ancient times, the Soul Martial Continent suddenly faced an invasion by beings from beyond the domain. Many of the continent's races surrendered to these invaders and helped them in their conquest of the native races."

"The Black Blood Tribe, the Dwarf Ghost Tribe, and the Giant Ghost Tribe were among those who surrendered to the invaders and attacked human territories."

"Of course, the tribes that surrendered weren't limited to those three, and the forces attacking the humans weren't just them."

"But the war during the ancient era was incredibly brutal, and many human forces were wiped out during that time. What is now the South Sea Domain was once land, but it was sunk during the war, forming the sea we have today."

"Because of this, many ancient human relics lie within the South Sea Domain, which we sea tribes have discovered and from which we've gained considerable benefits."

"If we find relics that are useful to us, we keep them. If the relics are specifically for human use, we trade them with the humans, benefiting both sides."

Lin Qian nodded, now understanding that the trade between the humans and sea tribes involved items from ancient human relics found in the South Sea Domain.

"But what does this have to do with you asking me to be your external support?" Lin Qian asked, still not quite seeing the connection.

After taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Zhang Nianxin continued his explanation. "Emperor Lin, you may not know this, but the reason our main clan's assembly was called early this time is that a large and ancient human relic was discovered."

According to Zhang Nianxin, this ancient human relic appeared to be a training ground for disciples based on its size and the descriptions found on the relic's outer stele. The wealth within this relic was likely immense.

However, the array protecting the relic was also formidable, far beyond the sea tribes' ability to break.

After extensive research by the array masters of the South Sea Domain, they concluded that only humans could activate the relic and enter it. However, since the South Sea Domain was now the sea tribes' territory, they weren't willing to give up such a treasure to the humans. On the other hand, the humans couldn't simply take the relic for themselves with the sea tribes guarding it.

"Therefore, the sea tribes of the South Sea Domain and the humans of the Southern Domain reached an agreement to explore the relic together," Zhang Nianxin explained before turning to Lin Qian. "And that brings us to why we need your help, Emperor Lin."

"Oh? By all rights, this ancient relic should be a grand event for the major sea tribes and top human forces in the Southern Domain. What does it have to do with me?" Lin Qian asked, still puzzled.

"Emperor Lin, you see, according to the agreement, each sea tribe must find a human force to collaborate with. For example, our Eight-Armed Sea Tribe's main clan has their own human partners, but the branches like ours have a limited number of spots and must find their own human collaborators."

"Our branch of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe is only allowed to send two young participants—one from our tribe and one from the human side. Since we have chosen to collaborate with you, Emperor Lin, we would like to invite you as our external support to attend this assembly."

Lin Qian finally understood.

The sea tribes in the South Sea Domain had discovered a massive relic, but only young humans could unlock its secrets. To prevent the humans from monopolizing the relic, the sea tribes decided to form teams with them.

Lin Qian considered this opportunity carefully.

"If Emperor Lin refuses, then our branch will be excluded from this assembly, and our spot will be given to another branch," Zhang Nianxin urged. "Emperor Lin, since this is a human relic, whatever you find inside will surely be of great benefit to you."

Lin Qian nodded thoughtfully. Zhang Nianxin's reasoning made sense. If this was indeed a relic left by their human ancestors, it might contain valuable texts similar to those found in the treasury of Dangyuan Sect.

Such knowledge could greatly advance the Hua Xia Empire's research.

Moreover, the other treasures within the relic, while valuable, weren't Lin Qian's main concern. The opportunity to explore the relic and test his strength against other talents was also appealing.

Given Zhang Nianxin's description, it was likely that many powerful human and sea tribe geniuses would gather at the relic. Lin Qian was eager to see how he measured up against them.

"Chief Zhang, I accept your invitation!" Lin Qian declared.