The sheer number of scouting beasts around left Ye Xin feeling overwhelmed. Even though she had seen firsthand just how powerful the Hua Xia Empire was, witnessing this scene still sent shivers down her spine.
The various scouting beasts—birds flying in all directions, small animals scurrying into the forest or climbing trees, and tiny insects crawling into cracks—disappeared from their sight as if they had never been there.
Ye Xin could imagine that with such a vast number of scouting beasts observing the surroundings, Lin Qian would soon have this small world almost entirely mapped out.
She thought about the terrifying empire that backed Lin Qian, with countless scholars analyzing data and reporting it all to their emperor.
"Others come to this relic seeking benefits and to hone themselves, but for Xiao Qian..." Ye Xin mused, turning to look at Lin Qian, "his goal is to take over this entire small world!"
After seeing the scouting beasts disperse, Lin Qian felt assured that the Tian Gong Department would continually feed him valuable information through these scouts.
Originally, Lin Qian had planned to deploy the Swift Soldiers for reconnaissance, but he decided against it to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Even though Lin Qian's cultivation was at the Breakthrough Realm, he knew that while he might be able to fight some of the top geniuses in this trial, defeating them would not be easy.
This realization—that he was not yet absolutely superior—left Lin Qian feeling uneasy, and he resolved to break through to the Life and Death Realm as quickly as possible within this small world.
"Zhao Long, you don't need to return to Hua Xia Empire just yet. Stay by my side; I'll need your strength this time," Lin Qian instructed.
Zhao Long quickly bowed his head respectfully and responded, "Your Majesty has given the order, and Zhao Long will do his utmost."
"Let's go meet up with the others. There's strength in numbers," Lin Qian said as he extended his right hand toward Ye Xin.
Ye Xin gently nodded, placing her delicate hand in his warm palm, which Lin Qian grasped tightly.
In the next moment, a luxurious golden carriage appeared in mid-air, drawn by nine Flame Hoof Warhorses.
Lin Qian, holding Ye Xin's hand, leaped onto the carriage, while Zhao Long took the reins, guiding the nine fiery steeds.
The Flame Hoof Warhorses neighed, their flaming hooves treading through the air, leaving a trail of fire behind them as they pulled the carriage forward at high speed.
At the same time, a protective barrier appeared around the carriage, shielding them from the rushing wind, allowing Lin Qian and Ye Xin to comfortably enjoy the scenery of the small world.
This carriage wasn't even the grandest of its kind. There were larger ones pulled by nine dragons, but Lin Qian couldn't summon them due to their overwhelming strength. And other war beasts couldn't pull the grandest carriage either.
So, he settled for this one, which was still quite impressive with its nine Flame Hoof Warhorses.
As the carriage sped by, several other geniuses in the small world looked up at the fiery trail in the sky.
Some frowned, thinking Lin Qian was being too ostentatious, while others were indifferent, believing their own rides to be equally magnificent.
Under Zhao Long's skilled handling, the Flame Hoof Warhorses pulled the carriage smoothly, allowing Ye Xin to relax and lean against Lin Qian, drifting into a sweet sleep.
The earlier battle with the four female attendants had taken a toll on her, mentally and physically. A good sleep was the best way for her to recover.
Before long, the carriage arrived at the designated meeting spot, but the others had not yet arrived.
According to the tactical map, the others were still some distance away, advancing at a steady pace, which suggested they hadn't encountered any trouble. They should arrive soon.
The carriage landed lightly and steadily on the ground, and the nine Flame Hoof Warhorses quietly stood still, not making a sound.
Lin Qian didn't wake Ye Xin, letting her sleep peacefully. He remained in the same position, hoping she would be comfortable as she rested.
Zhao Long stepped away from the front of the carriage, standing guard nearby, vigilantly watching the surroundings for any potential threats.
If anyone dared to disturb his emperor or interrupt the empress's rest, Zhao Long would not hesitate to strike them down and make them regret it.
Time passed, and Lin Qian watched the sunset in the distance, accompanied by Ye Xin's steady breathing.
At that moment, his heart was filled with tranquility. He glanced at his fiancée, and a smile of pure happiness spread across his face.
Lin Qian thought back to his previous life, where he had been an orphan, lonely, and friendless, with no one who liked him.
Even after inheriting great wealth after his parents' accident, he still felt empty and isolated. He poured his emotions into gaming, where even the cold, emotionless characters brought him some comfort.
This was why he had always wished that the units of the Hua Xia Empire in the game could come to life and speak to him, rather than just reciting pre-programmed lines.
But now, Lin Qian was no longer alone.
In this life, he had loving parents, a partner who truly cared for him, a master who looked after him, and friends he could rely on.
Most importantly, he had the Hua Xia Empire—a real, living empire, not just something made of data!
"Xiao Qian, you look so happy," Ye Xin's soft voice broke his reverie. She had woken up and was smiling at him.
Lin Qian nodded, his smile still present, but tears welled up in his eyes. "Yes, I am... very happy."
Ye Xin gently squeezed Lin Qian's hand, saying nothing more.
Though Lin Qian was crying, Ye Xin could sense that he wasn't sad. When he looked at her, she felt as if he was relying on her for something.
She enjoyed the feeling of being someone Lin Qian could rely on. It reminded her of when they were children and she had stood up for him when he was bullied.
Unconsciously, their energy intertwined, and their aura began to surge.
Boom!
The entire carriage shook from their rising power. Zhao Long, who had been keeping watch, turned around and saw Lin Qian and Ye Xin sitting cross-legged, facing each other, their hands clasped together.
After a brief moment of surprise, Zhao Long quickly grasped what was happening. He gripped his white Taillong Spear tightly, his soul energy surging as he prepared to deal with any situation that might arise.