The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

Lin Qian's words left Lei Qian speechless, unable to respond immediately. Upon reflection, he realized Lin Qian was right—after almost being killed yesterday, coming today to pledge allegiance as a subordinate did seem absurd to anyone who heard it. However, sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.

Yesterday's defeat had been crushing, forcing Lei Qian to realize that he wasn't as remarkable as he had once believed. There were plenty of people with greater talent, making his former pride seem laughable.

Moreover, Lin Qian's words had struck a chord with him. What was the point of lording over fellow disciples within Wansheng Sect? True strength was in standing up to those from outside, like the disciples of Victory Sect who had killed his parents.

Lei Qian realized that his priority now was to strengthen himself, and he thought of Lin Qian. By following someone as strong as Lin Qian, he might learn and grow in ways he couldn't on his own. Lin Qian's decisive victory over him was enough to earn his respect.

As Lin Qian looked at the resolute expression on Lei Qian's face, he understood. People who are prideful and self-satisfied can react in two ways when faced with defeat. Some become twisted and vengeful, while others become humble and seek to improve themselves.

Lei Qian clearly fell into the latter category.

"You want to follow me and learn under me. But what about the disciples who have been following you?" Lin Qian asked as he poured another cup of tea.

Seeing this, Lei Qian took a few steps back cautiously. "I'll pass the leadership of Thunderbolt Society to you, Boss."

Lin Qian was surprised. "You're already calling me Boss? But let me make one thing clear: I'm not interested in running some group like Thunderbolt Society. If you want to train with me, that's fine."

Suddenly, Lin Qian's expression turned serious as he stared at Lei Qian. In an instant, Lei Qian felt as if a mountain was pressing down on him. The emperor's aura emanating from Lin Qian made Lei Qian's face pale.

"But if I find out you're trying to play games with me, I won't hesitate to kill you," Lin Qian said, his tone icy and filled with murderous intent. Lei Qian involuntarily shivered.

Lin Qian, having spent time on the prison island with no cultivation, had stained his hands with blood many times to survive. His methods had always been ruthless.

Lei Qian took a deep breath and solemnly replied, "I understand now. I just want to follow you, improve myself, and leave my past behind. I have no interest in gathering people to lord over them anymore."

After a moment of silence, Lin Qian poured another cup of tea and handed it to Lei Qian. "Training with me will be tough. Are you up for it?"

"Yes!" Lei Qian accepted the cup and, with a determined expression, downed the tea in one gulp.

Immediately, his face twisted in discomfort; the tea was bitter and astringent. But Lei Qian forced it down without a word, swallowing hard.

That evening, Lei Heng was shocked to see his grandson Lei Qian return home. "Qian'er, what happened to you?"

Lei Qian, covered in injuries, soaked in sweat as if he had been pulled out of the water, looked pale and weak. "Nothing, just training with Lin Qian," he said with a bitter smile. "I had no idea his training regimen was so intense."

Lei Heng was stunned. His grandson had always been diligent in his training, which had pleased him greatly. But after just one day of training with Lin Qian, Lei Qian was saying the intensity was terrifying. This left Lei Heng astonished.

"He doesn't rest at all during training," Lei Qian explained as his grandfather helped him toward his quarters. "From morning until night, except for breaks to eat and use the restroom, he trains non-stop."

"Not even a moment of rest?" Lei Heng was genuinely shocked. Everyone has limited energy, and overtraining could lead to disastrous consequences. How could Lin Qian not get tired?

Neither Lei Heng nor Lei Qian realized that Lin Qian's dual souls, the result of being reborn, granted him seemingly limitless energy.

"He's a monster. Losing to such a freak is nothing to be ashamed of," Lei Qian muttered as he was helped to his room by his grandfather.

Meanwhile, the "monster" Lei Qian referred to had already finished dinner with his master and returned to his quarters to continue his training.

In his room, a wooden tub filled with a deep red liquid was ready. It was time for another session in the Nirvana Flame Bath.

The message Zhuge Ming had sent him yesterday was about pushing the limits of the Nine Rounds of Nirvana. Normally, after completing the nine rounds, a Soul Warrior would have reached their limit. At that point, the Soul Force in the Dantian would be solidified and unable to scatter to stimulate the Soul Weapon further. Using external force might even damage the Dantian.

This was usually when a Soul Warrior would attempt to break through to the next realm, the Nirvana Realm. However, according to Zhuge Ming's research, Lin Qian's situation was unique. His dual souls, born of two lifetimes, and his unparalleled physical strength suggested that he might be able to push beyond the conventional limits of the Nine Rounds of Nirvana.

Lin Qian had discussed this possibility extensively with Zhuge Ming upon returning to the Hua Xia Empire. Now it was time to put the plan to the test.

Stripping off his clothes, Lin Qian, just as he had before, stepped into the wooden tub, allowing the Nirvana Flame Bath to engulf his body. The searing, intense medicinal power surged through him like molten lava, pushing him toward this unprecedented feat.

In the Hua Xia Empire, within the grand hall where the flow of energy through Lin Qian's Dantian was monitored, Zhuge Ming stood at the forefront of thirty thousand elite scholars from the Ministry of Works, all ready for action.

This was a critical moment for their emperor, Lin Qian, and they could not afford any mistakes. Their expressions were solemn and focused.

As the data on the thousands of tactical screens began to fluctuate, Zhuge Ming raised his voice, "For the Emperor!"